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Very fine, hard boiled urban crime novel set in the late 60's - early 70's Detroit heroin trade. Vern E. Smith was a career newspaper man for a number of periodicals, and this book grew out of one of the stories he covered. He only wrote this novel in the last 45 years, and that is a real shame, as this one has it all - double crosses, sleazy villians, and the bleak landscape that turns decent noir into great noir. Fans of David Simon, George Pelecanos, etc.... will see similarities in their work and this. Also fans of Elmore Leonard and Shane Stevens (another semi forgotten urban noir master) will find it enjoyable too.
If there is one criticism I have about it, it is the use of street names that sound similar. While it adds an air of authenticity to the writing, it may be slightly confusing for the casual reader.
4.5/5. Great cover art too.
