2007-11-25 The first of the Burke novels

Burke is a private investigator who is used to working on the fringes of the law. His latest client is a woman named Flood, who is trying to find a child abuser and murderer so that she can exact her revenge.

This novel really gripping, full of interesting (although mostly two-dimensional) characters and tightly plotted. Vachss' background working with youth offenders and as a lawyer for children within the legal system is clear, as the novel seems well researched and informative. It did take me a little while to get used to the slang but ultimately it was worth the effort.

Expect Kung-Fu fighting, encounters with a transvestite prostitute and pearls of wisdom from the Prophet, a highly original rollercoaster ride!