King of Nothing

The death of old friend Rory Cairns dumps Fiddler knee deep in Japanese vultures, all of whom seem to want an old sword obtained during World War II by Rory. As Fiora tries to sell Pacific Rim, her investment firm, she and Fiddler find the separate problems merging with an ancient curse killing all in their path.Superior characterization and a carefully designed story leads to an emotional ride with Fiddler and Fiora. Each book in the series lends depth to the couple and their extended family. Benny the Ice Cream King is only a supporting character this time. This tale belongs to Fiddler, Fiora, and Kwame, their dog.

A.E. Maxwell's Fiddler mysteries rank as some of the best mysteries of the last ten years, and The King of Nothing is a great example. Fiddler's at his best under pressure, confronting the past while he wrestles with the villains of the present- in this case, a Japanese kieretsu, or corporation. A little dated in places, as no one saw Japan's economic troubles coming, but still a wrenchingly suspenseful story, as Fiddler and his lover Fiora chase the murderers of their adopted uncle in the Pacific Northwest.