Madman on a Drum: 5 (A McKenzie Novel)

Homicide cop Bobby Dunstons daughter has been kidnapped taken in broad daylight on a city street in the middle of September. The kidnappers demand a million dollars and force Dunston to get the ransom from his friend Rushmore McKenzie. It soon becomes apparent to both of them that one of the kidnappers is childhood pal Scottie a once aspiring drummer now gone astray and that the kidnapping is payback for crimes they committed in their past. Of course McKenzie a former cop and now unlicensed P.I. handles the ransom drop-off and the child is returned safely. But Scottie is soon brutally murdered (maybe thats Macs fault and maybe it isnt) and someone takes out an open contract on McKenzie using his own money to pay for it. Dodging attempts on his life from assassins of all shapes and sizes McKenzie now has precious little time to uncover the mastermind behind it all if hes going to survive. Praise for MADMAN ON A DRUM: Hate revenge and old-fashioned greed propel Edgar-winner Housewrights stellar fifth mystery to feature former St. Paul Minn. cop Rushmore McKenzie. Housewrights chivalric noir hero never fails to charm whether mourning a St. Paul thats lost much of its colorful if shady past or busting a bestial dogfight entrepreneur out in the chilly countryside. Against a realistic Minnesota backdrop this homage to Mickey Spillanes Mike Hammer raises cutting questions about crime and punishment and todays price of friendship and loyalty. Of course McKenzie knows its all about money but Housewright makes it so fresh and real it hurts. --Publishers Weekly starred review Housewright returns with another noir-tinged mystery starring St. Paul detective Rushmore McKenzie. Lots of narrative momentum and exciting scenes. --Booklist McKenzies subtle humor keeps the tension from boiling over but dont expect any breaks in the action. --Minnesota Monthly