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Herman Jackson is just your average bail bondsman, trying to make a living without drawing attention to himself. He’s living in St Paul because something in Detroit makes it impossible for him to go back there, and inspires him to lead a low-profile life. One rainy day, Amy Cox brings Herman an antique violin that she wants to use as collateral on a bond for her brother Jimmy. He’s in a world of hurt right now with the police for motoring offenses. Bail is almost $20,000 – not bad for stealing some cars, vandalism, and running the odd red light or whatever. The violin is easily worth the bond. Herman bites, and the con game is on. Only it doesn’t go as planned. Amy is hit by a car, but actually killed by someone’s hands around her neck. For some reason, Herman Jackson becomes the primary suspect, at least in the eyes of one (presumably crooked) cop. So much for a low profile. People are trying to extort money from Herman. People really want the violin. Herman’s got it in his head that he’s the only one who can solve Amy Cox’s murder, which is not an easy task when the cops are after him, Gypsies with a claim on the violin are after him, and somebody else entirely seems to want him dead. So Herman’s running all over St Paul, trying to stay alive and solve the case. This is Thompson’s first book, and it’s pretty darn good. Herman Jackson is an interesting character, with more brains than it might seem at first glance. The plot was good enough that I usually didn’t have a clue what was coming next. It’s always a pleasure to see mysteries set in somewhat unexpected surroundings; St Paul usually is the poor relation to Minneapolis but not this time. We never do find out what happened in Detroit, so there’s certainly room for at least one or two more in a series just on getting the back-story in play. Herman’s occupation also gives Thompson lots of room to play in terms of plots for future books. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of trouble Herman Jackson finds himself in next.
Reviewed by P. J. Coldren, October 2007
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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