Rock tours are not for the timid. When the big bands are getting out of control on the road, it's time to call in Jim McNamara. A former record company insider turned insurance investigator specializing in hardcase rockers, McNamara's always waiting backstage for the next catastrophe to occur -- whether it's a hotel fire or an OD'd groupie. So when a roadie takes a fatal swan dive off a catwalk during Shirley Slaughterhouse's already controversial tour, McNamara's on the case. But Shirley's ticked off just too many people -- including the fanatical minister who's dogging the band's every step -- for his bad luck to be accidental. There are too many guns and drugs floating around. And something's causing Shirley's strange young girlfriend to come apart at the seams. As far as Jim's concerned, this is not "only rock 'n roll" ... it's murder. And if he steps between the lead singer and a killer, McNamara may wind up the morgue's next big headline act.
Move over Agatha Christie, David Hiltbrand is in town. Where Agatha wrote of wood-paneled trains and men in tweed suits sipping tea, Hiltbrand writes of hotel rooms and stoners with tattoos getting high. The effect is the same - a murder mystery in a setting (rock and roll concert tour) that the average reader won't see. The book is fun and a quick read. I recommend it.
Killer Solo Rocks
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Hiltbrand is a quality writer with a smooth articulate flow.He is curious about the human condition. He mixes philosophy with page turning action. He is funny, I laughed out loud several times. He welcomes you into his lifestyle. Peaceful stretches are punctuated with jerks and turns.All readers will enjoy Killer Solo. You don't need to be a rock enthusiast to appreciate the kinds of characters who populate this book. Killer Solo has depth, and it entertains. I highly recommend it.I hope to see new books from Hiltbrand in the future!
An exemplary noir rock novel
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Hiltbrand reinvigorates the rock-novel genre with insider industry details, a headlong narrative pace, and a detective-hero, Jim McNamara, who's half Ross Macdonald's Lew Archer, half James Garner's Jim Rockford. McNamara, wiseguy, wise man, in-recovery wounded knight, deals with the current rock & roll world with a wryness and lack of condescension that gives the novel energy and suspense. You have to go back to Lisa Robinson's "Walk On Glass" (1982) or Elaine Jesmer's "Number One with a Bullet" (1974) for a comparable rock & roll thriller.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.