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This is the second in a four book series author Milton Bass wrote in the late eighties. The protagonist is Benny Freedman, part Jew, part Irish, San Diego homicide detective. He's an interesting guy who reads poetry, questions his motives at times and, when his wife dies of cancer, discovers she's left him five million dollars. When the book opens he's in Upsala, New York, talking to his banker. It appears there's a problem, because Benny has received a threatening letter which suggests the five mil he inherited belongs to some other people, and they want it back. It turns out the rival claimants are not very nice people. In fact, they appear to be part of the New York Mafia. So Benny has several things to sort out, such as where did his dead wife get the money and why does the mob think they have a claim? He also has to figure out how to stay alive. The book is set in New York and rural New Jersey. Freedman views and freely comments on his environs, his rapidly changing circumstances, the people around him and the old and new Mafia, to list just a few of his targets. At times jaundiced and cynical, Benny Freedman, for an experienced cop, is most often refreshingly tender and open. In the end, of course, Benny wins, but the way he does it and his good-humored outlook makes this well-written book well worth finding.
Reviewed by Carl Brookins, May 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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