If there's such a thing as "contemporary noir", this book fits in smooth as silk. If there isn't such a thing as "contemporary noir", author Kent Braithwaite has just invented it. THE WONDERLAND MURDERS takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the dark recesses of the rich and powerful Wonder family, owners of the popular amusement park, Wonderland. The novel begins with the gruesome murder of a beautiful Asian woman on the 4th of July. She is only the first to meet her maker amidst the hot dogs and balloons of Wonderland. Jesse Ascencio, Latino PI with a poet's heart, joins his long-time friend African-American police detective, Ralph Malcolm, in investigating the murders. Jesse finds himself dragged deep into a web of lies, deceit, prostitution and smuggling. Braithwaite does an excellent job of weaving a multi-ethnic tapestry that is indicative of present day southern California while injecting a noir element with a dash of hard-boiled that harks back to mysteries of old. A must read for lovers of deep, dark and dangerous.