I had to keep reminding myself that this story takes place in 1979 when Nick just got his private investigator's license. I kept wondering why no one was using their cell phones. This story definitely keeps the reader's attention to the end. The cast of fairly slimy characters was well drawn and revealing statutory rape was a good cause for murder. A well put together whodunit, this story makes a good introduction to the Nick Nowak mysteries. ( )

Prequel to the series. Written after the first novels were written. We meet Nick Nowak as he begins his life as a private investigator and takes a side job as driver and security person for a film festival. This short novella establishes Nick's fears, what drives him, how he does things. Nowak is right from the start a get his man kinda of private dick.

The pacing of the story holds up, the twist at the end also. It does deal with subjects reminiscent of a certain American/Polish film director. So it might be triggery for some.

This is the Prequel. Gives you the background on Nick and a nifty little mystery thrown in.
A former Chicago police officer turned private investigator, Nick Nowak is haunted by a traumatic break-up and his abrupt departure from the department after being gay-bashed. In this Boystown prequel, it’s fall 1979 and Nick has just received his P.I. license but has no clients. Short on funds, he takes a temporary job as a driver for Film Fest Chicago. In a very short time, Nick deals with stalking fans, a crowd of protesters, and a critic’s stolen wallet that leads to murder. ( )