The Good Know Nothing: A Tom Hickey Mystery

Set in 1936, Kuhlken’s engrossing seventh mystery featuring L.A. lawman Tom Hickey (after 2010’s The Biggest Liar in Los Angeles) focuses on the fate of Tom’s father, Charlie Hickey, who disappeared 25 years earlier. Bud Gallagher, Tom’s last connection to his father, finally tells him about the frame-up that sent Charlie on the run. Bud also gives Tom a manuscript Charlie wrote that’s almost identical to B. Traven’s 1926 novel, The Death Ship. Tom and his sister, Florence, set out to find Traven and some answers. During their journey, they meet some fascinating real-life people such as Ret Marut, who may or may not be Traven; Harry Longabaugh, aka the Sundance Kid; Betty Weaver, the head of a gang that included John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd; and William Randolph Hearst. The Hickeys hear some wild tales and tell some of their own en route to teasing out the surprising truth about Charlie. (Aug.)