“Greer’s engaging eighth mystery to feature black Denver bail bondsman CJ Floyd (after 2008′s Blackbird, Farewell), a prequel, reveals much that’s new about CJ’s background and character. Soon after returning to Denver from two tours of duty in Vietnam in 1971, 20-year-old CJ meets WWII vet Wiley Ames, who, like him, collects old license plates. When Ames is gunned down in an alley, Floyd vows to find his friend’s killer. Meanwhile, Floyd’s alcoholic uncle, Denver’s first black bail bondsman, takes on CJ and teaches him the business. CJ never lets go of the search for Ames’s murderer, and his slow, painstaking unraveling of the case over the years mirrors his growth as an investigator. As in Greer’s earlier books, the black Five Points neighborhood comes vibrantly alive. This is a must-read for series fans and a great introduction for others.”
Or, how about this great review from APOOO Bookclub, a site dedicated to reviews and book clubs for African American literature:
“A good mystery series needs a hero with a style of their own. I found this in CJ Floyd driving around town in his signature 1957 Chevy Bel Air, wearing an outfit that always included a Stetson, a gambler’s vest and cowboy boots. This book will take you through several years before the Ames murder is fully solved, but the secondary story lines will keep you turning the page. I enjoy mysteries, where clues are well placed and you can solve the mystery along with the characters. The characters were well-developed with colorful personalities. Uncle Ike, with his practical approach to life, was one of my favorites. The author did a wonderful job of making the location, Denver, and the time period, the 1970s, an integrated part of the storyline. I enjoyed the information about the black Five Points neighborhood, and the migration of blacks from the different parts of the country to Denver, and how they blended their old traditions with their new ones. All of these features explains why this series has many loyal fans.”
Want more? Robert Greer kicks off his book tour Oct. 21 to promote First of State, with events scheduled across the US. Pre-order your copy today! See below for his October schedule.
Thursday, October 21, 7:30 p.m.
Reading and signing
Tattered Cover Bookstore
2526 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-322-7727
Saturday, October 23, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Coffee and Crime Breakfast with Authors Series
The Mystery Lover’s Bookshop
514 Allegheny River Blvd.
Oakmont , PA 15139
(412) 828-4877
Tuesday, October 26, 5:30 p.m.
Reading and signing
Murder By the Book
1574 South Pearl Street
Denver, CO 80210
303-871-9401
Wednesday, October 27, 7 p.m.
Reading and signing
Eso Won Bookstore
4331 Degnan Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 290-1048
Thursday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Reading and signing
The Mystery Bookstore
1036 C Broxton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-209-0415
For more on author Robert Greer and a full list of his upcoming book tour events, please visit his website at Robertgreerbooks.com.
