Gay private investigator Dick Hardesty sets out to find who or what killed the roving lover of an obnoxiously swishy Kyle Rholfing, and soon finds himself caught up in a string of similar deaths the police have largely ignored.
Tracking down the link that tied all the victims together leads Dick and the reader through a string of interesting characters, a new love, and a shattering resolution.
Excerpt
It was hotter than hell, the air conditioner hadn't worked since the Titanic went down, and I was in no mood for the bleached blond queen who came swishing across the room toward me after making an entrance that made me wonder whatever had become of Loretta Young. There were times when I almost wished I had a few straight clients. This was one of those times. Still, I told myself, it isn't the principle of the thing, it's the money.
I stood up and extended my hand. As I expected, the proffered appendage was limp and vaguely clammy.
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Reviews for "The 9th Man"
Reviewed by Kathryn Esplin
5/2/2004
Dorien Grey has a masterful command of the English language, a rarity these days, it seems. Other writers master plot, technique, character and action, but not all writers have Dorien's 'gift of gab.' Grey's "9th Man" IS a book that does 'grab you from the first line,' as another reviewer commented. Grey is contemporary and classic, like reading Chandler and Hammett set in the 21st Century. Frankly, I want to see more of his books.
This ‘grab you from the first line’ account when unlikable Rohlfing swishes into Hardesty’s office is an entertaining read filled with characters who are as human as those presented by Erle Stanley Gardner. The mystery slowly unravels to reveal an understandable assassin who has sound reasons for the murders he has committed.
Reviewed by
5/3/2001
Likeable characters, good story, well written book!
Highly recommended.
Would like to see a chapter available for reading here on the site.
m j hollingshead
(review for Scribesworld, BookDragon, TerryFic.)
During the 1960's a young soldier struggles with basic training, a bully sergeant and his own inner demons. A tale of struggle, redemption and survival.
‘I have to go back soon,’ says Adam one afternoon. Yes, I know he has to go back soon. He has to go back to London and to his job and his apprenticeship. He has taken the maximum number of days leave – he has taken his entire Summer holiday in the Sp
