This
is one of the (I'm resisting saying better) more interesting Hard Case
Crime publications I've read. I avoid saying "better" for the fact that
the element that makes it more interesting is what makes it unlike a
Hard Case Crime book - so it sort of cheated...
Your typical HCC
story is hard case / wise guy of varying background spurned into action
by an incredible event. Said protagonist then becomes apt investigator
following a trail of clues picking up token dame on the way.
This
story features an ordinary Joe taxi driver who is spurned into action
by a couple of significant events. Said taxi driver then carries on
being normal taxi driver asking the occasional question, following his
normal life (with but a couple of clues) with a woman at his disposal
from the offset.
It was startlingly original and deeply
thoughtful for a genre and series one would turn to for cliche. Eddie
Miles' mate gets killed and whilst he asks a few questions the drive
(sorry) of the story comes from the paranoia and prejudice that is rife
in the neighborhoods through which he drives his cabs at those most
un-savory hours of the morning. In light of the cab-driver-killer every
customer becomes a suspect, every action an attack and if you're black -
don't even bother trying to wave the taxi down.
The mystery
element to this is very thin, but it is just a premise upon which to lay
a succession of very tense, colorful and socially-aware episodes with
different kinds of client.
A very enjoyable read that had an extremely organic and natural feel that just swept you along in its tide.
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