Cordite Wine — Richard Helms

Second book in the Eamon Gold P.I. series by two-time Shamus Award nominee Richard Helms. Eamon Gold is approached by Napa Valley winery heir Asa Corona to help stop people who are blackmailing him with pictures taken in a San Francisco gay bathhouse. The routine case becomes complicated when Gold's prime suspect is murdered, and his client disappears. While trying to find the murderer, and his missing client, Eamon Gold runs across closeted kiddie show stars, a gay pro football linebacker, potentially corrupted politicians, and a nasty gangster with a secret worth killing to keep. CORDITE WINE is tough, funny, exciting, and very good - Robert B. Parker, Mystery Writers of America Grand Master. Richard Helms writes the classic private eye novel with panache, class, and a self-assured breeziness. CORDITE WINE moves with ease among northern California's bathhouses, vineyards, cop shops and mob joints. Helms and his hero, Eamon Gold, are welcome additions to the genre. - SJ Rozan, Edgar Award Winner and author of ABSENT FRIENDS.