Cha, Steph

Cha unflinchingly and compassionately examines issues of race, family, generational violence, and the transformative power of forgiveness in this unforgettable novel. [See Prepub Alert, 4/8/19.]

Cha unflinchingly and compassionately examines issues of race, family, generational violence, and the transformative power of forgiveness in this unforgettable novel. [See Prepub Alert, 4/8/19.]

In her private detective, Cha has created a worthy modern entrant into classic L.A. noir fiction. An excellent choice for fans of Sue Grafton—Song shares many traits with Grafton's Kinsey Millhone, including doggedness, earnestness, and pragmatism. [See Prepub Alert, 2/23/15.]

Like Chandler's The Big Sleep, the "whodunit" is really beside the point, and the work succeeds (and at times fails) because of the atmosphere it creates. Some of the relationships that are meant to be important, such as that of Song's two best friends Luke and Diego, fail to register, while Cha's examination of young women of Asian descent as objects of predatory fetishes (through the investigation of Lori and the backstory of Song's sister) are disturbing and compelling—propelling the mystery into its best moments. For fans of urban noir and of mysteries that address contemporary social issues. Cha is a promising mystery author to watch. [See Prepub Alert, 11/4/12.]