Second Story Man

Francis Hoyt arrogant athletic brilliant manipulative and ruthless is a master burglar. He specializes in stealing high-end silver breaking into homes that seem impenetrable. Hes never been caught in the act although he has spent some time in prison on a related charge time he used to hone his craft and make valuable connections.Recently retired from his job with Connecticuts attorney general department Charlie Floyd is a brilliant but stubborn and experienced investigator. He receives a phone call from Manny Perez a Cuban-American Miami police detective. Perez whos worked with Floyd previously wants to enlist the former investigator in his efforts to put an end to Francis Hoyts criminal career. Floyd accepts the offer and they team up to bring Hoyt to justice.Second Story Man told in alternating chapters representing Hoyts Floyds and Perezs points-of-view develops into a cat-and-mouse contest between the two lawmen and this master burglar. As Floyd and Perez get closer to their prey Hoyt finds out theyre after him and rather than backing down he taunts them daring them to bring him in. The stakes get higher and higher and Hoyt who is always concerned about proving hes the best at what he does even resorts to murder. The story climaxes in a confrontation between the three men.Praise for SECOND STORY MAN: Second Story Man is a down and dirty game of cat and mouse only this time there are two cats and the mouse hasnt yet seen the trap that can touch him. Are two cats better than one? Read it and see. --Reed Farrel Coleman New York Times bestselling author of What You BreakSalzberg is a superb wordsmith with an honest ear for dialogue and a delight in plot twists. If youre not already a Salzberg fan read this book; you will become one. --Michael Sears Edgar Award nominee and Shamus Award winner for Black FridaysWith Second Story Man Charles Salzberg works his magic on the old cat-and-mouse game: he adds an extra cat a (Michael J) foxy mouse and a mousetrap you wont see coming until it snaps shut. --Tim OMara Barry Award-nominated author of the Raymond Donne mysteriesTraversing my old stomping grounds from Connecticut to South Beach I loved the local touches and flavors. But what hit me hardest is how much this plays like a re-envisioned Michael Manns Heat. The terse dialogue two men on opposite sides of the law but oh-so-much alike the chess match. I wouldve liked to see that movie.--Joe Clifford author of the Jay Porter thriller seriesTerrific. And the riveting Second Story Man is also a master class in voice and dialogue and storytelling. This caper about three men--two cops and a burglar--reinventing themselves for the second stories of their lives is unique textured and even hilarious. Charles Salzberg has perfected the existential crime novel--and this one will break your heart. --Hank Phillippi Ryan Anthony Agatha and Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning authorCharlie Floyd and Manny Perez are a new and most welcome team on the investigative scene. Now that theyve dispensed with master burglar Francis Hoyt--or have they?--Im expecting and looking forward to more of their unique take on how to bring down evil-doers. --SJ Rozan Edgar Award-winning author of Ghost Hero