Dave Zeltserman spins a fascinating tale about Johnny Lane, a private eye in Denver who writes a monthly column about his detecting exploits for a local newspaper. Written in first person from Johnny's point of view, he comes across as a great guy, someone who is empathic and caring, with a breezy, endearing sense of humor. He would have us believe he's a champion of the underdog. He tells us how hard he works to find missing persons and track down errant spouses, and how he's more than fair with the detectives he hires to help him handle his tremendous workload.

But there's a dark side to Johnny that gradually becomes horrifyingly clear the more we read of his actions. The chasm between his words and reality becomes wider as circumstances of his past and present deeds begin to press in on him. We are carried with him on a downward spiral to destruction.

This will keep you reading but is definitely not for the squeamish.