Jane Haddam, Hardscrabble Road

Hardscrabble Road

Jane Haddam

St. Martin's, May 2006, $24.95

ISBN 0312353731

Philadelphia radio talk show host Drew Harrigan is extremely poplar by the fanatical right-wing who appreciate his law abiding throw away the key approach to justice, in which liberals are the cause of all things wrong in America as they are soft on crime; he especially goes after drug criminals from the users to the sellers to the growers. However, ironically the inflammatory rabble rouser is arrested for illegal possession of prescription drugs; if convicted, the evidence is overwhelming, his show could collapse.

An alcoholic homeless person, Sherman is considered to be Drew's supplier. However, someone apparently wanted to reduce the evidence against Drew, as Sherman Markey is poisoned and dies. The Justice Project's Edmond "Chickie" George hires former FBI Agent Gregor Demarkian to learn who killed their late "client" Sherman, and whether, as many believe, it ties back to Harrigan and his arrogant supporters. What seems relatively simple turns out to be complex, as Gregor and the Philly police and DA struggle through a labyrinth filled with suspects from all sides of the political, religious and academic spectrum.

This is a terrific whodunit that readers will fully appreciate, except perhaps a certain talk show host. The storyline is fast paced, yet it enables the readers to see the same event from multiple viewpoints. In his twenty-first appearance, the Armenian American sleuth is at his best, seeking justice for the disenfranchised with an investigation that takes him all over the place. Fans of the series will take immense delight in Demarkian's efforts, and newcomers will discover an American tradition.