Little Boy Blue

Ed Dees's experience as a New York City police officer shines through on every page of this police procedural novel. It fairly crackles with realism, and features fully realized, sympathetic characters who are easy for the reader to like and pull for. I am always happy when I pick a novel off the shelf and find a writer this good, and I'll watch for more of Ed Dee's work. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good fiction. I won't go into the story line, as that's been covered well by the other reviewers. I'll just say don't miss this one!

Again the author ED DEE brings to the reader a gripping tale that illustrates hard working Detectives Ryan and Gregory investigating the death of a young cargo handler and in doing so brings to the reader an action-packed hunt for a murderer. It shows the push and pull of families testing their loyalty AND some of the betrayal COMES ALIVE. I was saddened by the killing of the young man. It is a must read for it lifts the cover into a great story that only DEE could create. The Author is brilliant in creating emotion in this fast moving story. Sensational.

If you have read either of Ed Dee's other two books, you will do what I did after reading the first one: which is to run down to the bookstore and buy the other two. "Little Boy Blue" is a fast-paced, highly entertaining novel written by an author who knows how the good guys talk and the bad guys talk and what they say to each other and about each other. The dialogue is so good you'll think you're actually eavesdropping. Read it. You'll like it.

As a detective myself, I have to applaud Mr Dee's realistic portrayal of partners Anthony Ryan and Joe Gregory. I was drawn into the interaction between them and the realism of the story. The author knows the city and writes like only a cop could. The subtle nuances cannot be faked by a "civilian author." The interaction on stakeouts, and the overall feel of the story is so authentic. I come from a family of cops and my roots are in Ireland. This book really hit home. If I had the talent, I could have written it myself.

Mr. Dee is a fine writer with an eye for detail that brings the reader into the scene. As a retired NYC police officer, he knows of what he speaks. All Mr. Dee's books bring the reader closer to his main character, Anthony Ryan and his beloved wife, Leigh. One must wonder about Ryan's partner - the "Great Gregory" and when or if he will self destruct. The closeness of these two men develops through out the three novels, 14 Peck Slip, Bronx Angel and Little Boy Blue. Ryan vacillates on and off the wagon, wife pulling him in one direction, partner - almost unwittingly - in the other. Mr. Dee gives the reader more to think about than just the case at hand. This is how life in the NYPD was 20 years ago, gritty, semi-drunken and dangerous. Descriptions of NYC bring the scenes to life even for those who have never been there. Mr. Dee's eye for detail and understanding of character development are clear in all three of his novels. He keeps the pace moving, the reader doesn't want to put the book down. I'm looking forward to Mr. Dee's next work. The nine rating is just to keep him on his toes.