Teddy Hayes Dead by Popular Demand

Dead by Popular Demand

Teddy Hayes

Justin Charles. Nov 2005, $21.95, 240 pp.

ISBN: 1932112235

Though not afraid to fight back, former CIA operative Devil Barnett wants a more peaceful coexistence, as he owns and operates a Harlem bar. Meanwhile Grooveline Records President Max Hammill, has the hot London based rap group Dancehall Dogz, who fly to New York, in what the company expects will be the second British invasion. However, in Harlem two of the seven members of the group die in the same evening; Alan "Shogun" Leeds was decapitated, and Lee "Man O War" Mainwaring overdosed.

Knowing Devil's previous background, his pal Shelby Green pleads with him to investigate what happened to the English rappers, as he does not trust the NYPD, and besides feels "Tuffy" as he calls Devil is smarter, tougher, and will learn the truth. Devil agrees to do some preliminary inquiries, but soon others die as Harlem becomes a battleground, with Devil aided by a Harlem based militia, struggles with learning the truth starting with motives.

The second Devil Barnett Harlem noir (see BLOOD RED BLUES) is an excellent who-done-it starring a street trained, CIA polished hero, who tries to do the right thing out of loyalty to a long time friend. The storyline is action-packed, as Devil goes from one caper to another, while escorting readers on a vivid but deadly tour of Harlem. As the investigation turns more complex, Devil turns more dangerous, leading to a strong thriller filled with twists and red herrings.

Harriet Klausner