The Horse Latitudes

Erstwhile drug dealer Danny DeMedici is the prime suspect in his ex-wife's disappearance and her boyfriend's grisly murder, and his efforts to clear his name are ruthlessly thwarted by his enemies. ``This impressive first novel . . . is a curious and winning combination of noir violence, L.A. attitude, drug-inspired lunacy and sheer storytelling bravado,'' said PW . (May)