Right to Sing the Blues

This is an entry in the established and long -running private eye series featuring "Aloysius(Alo)Nudger " an operative based in St Louis .This time around he is away from his normal stamping grounds and working a case in New Orleans . A prominent jazz musician and nightclub owner "Fat Jack McGee" hires Nudger to do some checking on a brilliant young pianist ,Wille Hollister who is showing an interest in an singer at his club ,one Ineida Mann ,who just happens to be the daughter of THE local crime boss and McGee is anxious not to run any risks of trouble It looks as if his fears are well founded as Alo uncovers the disturbing news that a woman -usually a singer -has vanished in each of the last towns that Hollister has played .Indeed, we are told explicitly that Hollister is a killer and are privy to his thoughts and how an abusive childhood has warped his feelings towards women The tale expertly winds towards its unexpected conclusion as Nudger faces threats from Ineida's father and his enforcers not to mention a corrupt policeman in that worthy's pay Nudger is a likeable protagonist -an ex cop with a nervous stomach who is constantly swallowing antacid tablets ,and a man perennially on the edge economically what with business being slow and having a rapacious ex wife to contend with . The New Orleans atmosphere is well evoked and the author's love of jazz -reflected in the taste of his compassionate and humane protagonist -comes across strongly This breaks no new ground for the private eye genre but its a treat for those who like the genre .Give it a go