As far as being a "regional mystery" with a lot of Iowa atmosphere, this book didn't work. I actually looked up Cedar Rapids and realized [b:New Improved Murder|2744126|New, Improved Murder|Ed Gorman|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg|2769804] really is set there, but setting is not the important thing here. The plot and characters, however, are both excellent as is the writing. Jack Dwyer, ex-cop, would-be actor, and private eye, gets a call from his ex-girlfriend Jane and finds her holding a recently-fired gun, in shock, saying "He's dead" -- "he" being her more recent ex, an ad copywriter. Jack's efforts to clear Jane of the murder lead him into a complicated maze of mysterious people, a fair amount of blood, and a new relationship. I had a little trouble with Jack's cavalier attitude toward head injuries (his own) but otherwise found the book very enjoyable. I'll probably try another book, one of [a:Donald Harstad|406326|Donald Harstad|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg]'s, to give Iowa a fair shake. ( )