The Left-handed Dollar — Loren D. Estleman

Joseph Michael Ballista -- "Joey Ballistic" to his mob buddies -- knows most of the ways to make an illegal buck, or "a lefthanded dollar." Thats why hes in trouble again. But his crafty lawyer, Lucille Lettermore -- "Lefty Lucy" to just about every prosecutor shes ever humiliated in court -- is determined to free him by getting all his previous convictions set aside, beginning with one for attempted murder.

She hires Detroit private detective Amos Walker to investigate the old crime. Walkers first problem? The intended victim was investigative reporter Barry Stackpole, Walkers only true friend. Walkers not thrilled to help get his buddys would-be killer off the hook. But moneys money, so he takes the case, though it wont be easy. For starters, the creeps ex-wives grudgingly talk to Walker, but he knows theyre not leveling with him. And two new murders tied to the case arent likely to make them any chattier.

Walker, friendless and desperate for answers, follows a string of leads old and new straight into a war of nerves and bullets in Detroits seedy, crime-ridden underbelly.