6. Faces of the Gone - Brad Parks

For: Adults
Minotaur Books, 2009
HC
330 pages
Rating: 4
1st in a brand new series by a debut writer.

Debut writer Brad Parks has hit the nail on the head. He's created invesigative reporter Carter Ross. Smart, articulate, funny and even compassionate....he is a delightful protagonist. Written in the first person,we easily get into Carter's head to see how he thinks, how he puts two and two together. Park has done a superb job with the supporting characters, as well, including his finicky cat, Deadline.

Four execution-style murders have taken place in Newark, the police don't seem to have a clue. But Carter Ross finds a tiny clue and keeps hunting until he gets more and more. Every now and then, in italics, we get a glimpse of the thoughts of "the director," who is the culprit. The array of interesting characters and the glimpse into a darker side of life is so well done...real. And some of it, particularly the things that happen to Carter, are really, really funny.

Apparently Brad Parks was a journalist for 20 years and just quit to become an author and stay-at-home dad. He plans more books in the series. I am certainly looking forward to them!