One night, Chlöe invites Kelly over to Mr. Paradiso's home so they can perform the old man's favourite routine: Doing dirty cheers by the side of the television while he watches University of Michigan football games. Suddenly, a coin flip leads to Chlöe and the old man being alone downstairs, while Kelly and Montez (an ex-con who has worked for Mr. Paradise for the past 10-years) go upstairs in the house. When two armed men invade the home and kill Chlöe and Mr. Paradise, the police are led to believe by Montez that Kelly is actually Chlöe.
Set over the span of a week, the story revolves around the investigation of Det. Delsa, an honest, friendly cop whose wife, who was also a cop, recently died. While piecing together why Montez lied to him, Delsa falls for Kelly / Chlöe, while meeting such characters as Lloyd, Mr. Paradise's house servant, and Tony Jr., the old man's son.
For Elmore Leonard fans, this enjoyable novel contains many of his trademarks: fast-paced dialogue, a colourful set of personalities, and a brilliant detective novel that makes you feel as if you have been transported down to street level to watch the cops chase down the robbers. If you are a mystery fan, or simply want to enjoy a fun read on a Sunday afternoon, then this book is well worth the read.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
