Monkey in the Middle is the 30th (!!!) Amos Walker mystery by Loren D. Estleman. Released 21st June 2021 by Macmillan on their Tor/Forge imprint, it's 192 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
Estleman has (rightly) been called a grandmaster of hardboiled detective fiction. He's phenomenally prolific as well and his representation in western and detective fiction is impressive and immense. Set in the present day, but written with a classic retro PI vibe, it's a satisfying treat for fans.
The plot revolves around several apparently disparate threads which entwine throughout the story into a satisfying climax, denouement, and resolution. Most of the books in the series can be read in any order, and this one is no exception. They're self contained, action driven, with characters who have a long and rich back-story and at this point feel like living and breathing people.
Fans of Hammett, Spillane, Chandler, and the other boys in the band will surely have Estleman on their radar already. For fans of PI and noir who are unfamiliar with him, this book and the series will be a delightful treat.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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