As 1979 is about to draw to a close, Colleen Hayes has a lot to deal with. She's an unlicensed Private Investigator living in San Francisco taking less than desirable cases to pay the bills. There's a serial killer on the loose named "Night Candy" targeting the city's street walkers and Colleen's good friend, Homicide Inspector Edmund Owens, is working the case. Colleen warns three women she feels are in danger. While dealing with family issues, Colleen is shocked when Owens is arrested as the primary suspect in the murder of his ex-wife, who he had hoped to reconcile with. Colleen is convinced of Owens' innocence and is frustrated by the lack of support received by the police. So, she's out on her own to solve the case. Is there some connection to the serial killer?
I've read all of the Colleen Hayes books by author Max Tomlinson and Night Candy is one of my favorites in the series. Colleen is a complex character who is smart and daring. She doesn't always stay inside the lines but has created her own boundaries. Colleen has had so much go wrong in her life, yet she continues to think of others and, as shown with Owens, she's a great friend. This is a fast-paced story that is intelligent and exciting. You don't have to read the first four books to enjoy this book, but I'd recommend it. This book has a good sense of nostalgia as Tomlinson mentions songs playing in the background, which are instantly recognizable. It's an effective device but it is a bit over-used in the book. It will be interesting to see how Colleen's life and career evolve as she enters the 1980s. I'll certainly be along for the ride.
Many thanks to Oceanview Publishing for the opportunity to read Night Candy in advance of its publication.
Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Crime Mystery.
Publication Date: July 25, 2023.
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