One on One: A Buddy Steel Mystery
by
Michael Brandman
Order:
USA
Can
Poisoned Pen, 2018 (2018)
Hardcover, Softcover, e-Book
Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth
O
ne on One
by Michael Brandman is a delightful mystery that is quick to read and proves to be a real winner.
S
heriff Burton Steel insisted his son Burton (known by all as Buddy) return home from his position on the LAPD Homicide team to his home town of Freedom, north of Los Angeles. The Sheriff is suffering from ALS. He hates to admit he needs help and Burton, Jr. hates that he really does need help. That father and son do not get along is evident to most everyone who comes in contact with them.
I
t falls to Buddy to investigate the murder of a beloved Freedom High School coach. Who would kill a man who was very popular with all he met? Buddy soon discovers however that this coach was involved with sexual play parties that included all the beautiful kids who wanted to live dangerously without the knowledge of their parents. This is a very privileged section of Freedom. Buddy finds it hard to believe these pampered students could be involved in such behavior. And who could be responsible for the coach's death?
I
f that were not enough to deal with, a street artist is painting graffiti on as many blank walls of Freedom as he possibly can. Buddy must stop this disfigurement of his town. To have these crimes hanging around his neck is not helped by the antagonistic attitude of his father.
T
he first of this series is
Missing Persons
. Another one worth a read. Paging through this sequel,
One on One
, is a good way to spend a lazy summer afternoon with a porch rocking chair and endless glasses of iced tea.
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