The Detective & the Pipe Girl    by Michael Craven Order:  USA  Can Harper, 2014 (2014) Softcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Bob Walch Private detective John Darvelle is extremely loyal, performs well under pressure, and loves Ping-Pong. He also knows his home turf like the back of his hand, which will be a real asset in this latest adventure. One of Hollywood's movers and shakers has hired Darvelle to locate his missing girlfriend. When the woman is found murdered, the client has the answer to the question, 'What happened to her?' A curious sort, Darvelle wants a few more answers, like who killed the woman. When he decides to do a little informal digging on his own, the PI stirs up a hornet's nest and finds himself on the wrong side of the LAPD, an underground crime operation and a bloodthirsty killer. Before you have finished this atmospheric thriller you'll know perhaps more than you want to about the greater LA area and its nooks and crannies. You'll also discover that John Darvelle can hold his own with other legendary sleuths, from Phillip Marlowe to Harry Bosch. Also, if you don't have a clue what a pipe girl is, you'll discover the answer as you read this riveting novel. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews