cover image Gumshoe in the Dark: A Mortimer Angel Novel

Gumshoe in the Dark: A Mortimer Angel Novel

Rob Leininger. Oceanview, $26.95 (336p) ISBN 978-1-60809-433-2

As shown in Leininger’s nifty fifth Mortimer Angel novel (after 2019’s Gumshoe Rock), the PI’s unfortunate ability to attract trouble sometimes makes him wonder if he should have remained a disgruntled IRS employee. Following a trail of scammed women while tracking down a ne’er-do-well heir to an undeserved fortune, Angel makes the mistake of doing a good deed when he stops along a desolate stretch of highway in the Nevada desert to help a young woman. Payback for being a good guy comes fast in the form of a cute blonde intent on hijacking his truck. Before the night is over, Angel is on the run with Harper Leeman, the gun-packing daughter of the state’s missing attorney general, while a mysterious man in a black pickup pursues them. If struggling to determine why Harper is a target for a hired killer isn’t enough of a problem, Angel frequently finds himself sans clothing at inopportune moments. Sharp dialogue, outrageous events, and a delightful mix of characters help make this outing a winner. Move over Stephanie Plum, Leininger’s gumshoe has joined the ranks of the diabolically entertaining. (June)