FICTION

Detroit Is Our Beat: Tales of the Four Horsemen

by Loren D. Estleman
Tyrus. May 2015. 256p. ISBN 9781440588457. $24.99; pap. ISBN 9781440588440. $16.99; ebk. ISBN 9781440588464. F
COPY ISBN
The "Four Horsemen" is the ambiguous moniker of the Detroit Racket Squad during World War II. First introduced in Estleman's novel Jitterbug, the four cops represent an era in the Motor City gripped by severe police shortages, gangsters, booze, racial tensions, and the ever snappy one-liner. The author begins this collection of eight previously published short stories and one original tale, "Kill Fee," with a stirring preface that chronicles 1940s Detroit and expertly sets the mood for the stories that follow. Readers will inevitably cheer on the Four Horsemen (while not the most charming group of fellows) as they face down everything from a suicide attempt to espionage. Standout selections include "Big Band," "The Elevator Man," and "Sitting Ducks."
VERDICT An engaging look at World War II Detroit and the men who were left to safeguard it while others fought overseas. Estleman's marvelous collection showcases his knowledge of this gutsy city, both past and present, that is guaranteed to please crime noir fans as well as history buffs. The "Recommended Sources" section at the end is a bonus that is worth a read and clearly demonstrates the author's dedication to his subject.
Reviewed by Amy Nolan, St. Joseph, MI , May 01, 2015
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