3.5 to 4.0 stars (rating shown may vary depending on whether the site allows half star ratings).

I read the previous book in the series just before the libraries shut down due to coronavirus. I remember being irked that I couldn't request the next one in the series (this book) when I tried to do so. (Well, I could possibly have requested it, but not to any library near me.)

So . . . was it worth the wait? Yes and no. I do enjoy reading these books that are set near where I grew up even though I don't always recognize the landmarks and places that Roberts chooses to highlight. I can tell that this was written after Roberts chose to make his home here by the details he includes which are much more plentiful than some of the early books in the series. This one travels more to the west side of Cuyahoga County and even into Lorain County and so featured some areas that I am more familiar with than when it just stays downtown. I liked the details about the salt mining. I'd known we have it but didn't really realize how that had come about.

It's interesting that this book features a movie being filmed in Cleveland. I'm not sure if there really was a movie filmed in Cleveland around the time that this is set but I know several have filmed here in recent years (Captain America for one, which I know closed down a bridge near Fairview Hospital to film).

To answer my question from my review of the previous book in the series, yes, a major character did get taken out of the series. Part of this book covers Milan's reaction to that event.

Another reviewer mentioned that in later books, we do see some changes in Milan and that there are hints of that in this book. For example, we see Milan's black-and-white worldview being challenged by the new lady in his life, Connie. ( )

Still reeling from The Cleveland Local, I had trepidations about reading this one, but am happy to say, aside from the shared sorrow with main character, Milan Jacovich, it was mostly pain-free. (You can't help but get emotionally attached to the intense characters written into these books.) Milan gets nudged back into working and socializing after his time of mourning the death of his best friend. Accepting the job of, basically, a babysitter to a hot shot movie star who winds up murdered takes Milan into a cast of who-could-haves and a new lady interest. I have to admit worry when he started to get along so well with her, but Roberts has allowed Milan some R&R (Redemption & Romance) and all ends well in number #9. Of course there are a couple murders, bodily bludgeoning, and mob tie-ins.. but that's what makes this series so comfortable to read. And dang if they don't just keep getting better. I hope this new woman (Connie) sticks around. I like their rapport and her family. Snarky and savvy, Milan Jacovich is one Helluva man. ( )

An unlikable actor shooting a movie in Cleveland is murdered, and Milan Jacovich investigates. A not-particularly-compelling mystery, that serves to move things along in this series after a shocking ending to the previous book, "The Cleveland Local." However, I did like that Milan's friendly nemesis, mob boss, Victor Gaimari, had a sizable role this time around. The verbal sparring of Milan and Victor is always a highlight to me, and what made this book worth reading in my opinion. ( )