Murphy, Dwyer

Petkoff’s narration elevates this tale to unforgettable heights, making it a solid recommendation for any crime fiction collection.

Murphy’s writing is smart, ruminative, and referential. His narrator knows he’s in a story that mirrors the plot of the film Chinatown, and though the mystery itself is light on twists, it’s all worth it for this lovingly rendered snapshot of an already-bygone city, with details reeking of authenticity, down to the last barstool.