A strong sense of hometown loyalty and authentic journalistic atmosphere lift Kent's third novel to feature seasoned Philadelphia obituary columnist Shep Ladderback and fledgling reporter Andrea "Andy" Cosicki (after 2003's Street Hungry
). Ignoring warnings to back off investigating the murder of shady accountant Paulie Small, the crusty, humorless, agoraphobic Ladderback makes his way to Atlantic City to dig up an old schoolmate of his, a poker shark, to help him research Small's involvement with a veterans' group that's closely allied to an ambitious senator. When a street gang viciously attacks Small's girlfriend, who happens to the mother of Andy's martial-arts friend, Lucia Cavaletta, Andy and Lucia turn their sights on Philly's Asian immigrant community. The many tangents and backstories can be hard to follow at times, but the bold, quirky characterization and solid romantic subplot will keep readers turning the pages. Agent, Jake Elwell. (May 9)
