Colorful satisfying mysteryAt first the racist characters got in the way of my enjoyment of this well written novel, but I recognized their banter as in good fun for bonding between cops. I don't like drunks spouting racist viewpoints jokingly in real life, but it's a good way for the author to quickly introduce the characters. I like the use of colorful nick names and repeating distinguishing characteristics that help to keep everything clear. I live in Kansas City, but happened to be visiting my mother in Pasadena. I have also attended some Caltech lectures that were open to the public, so I was pleasantly surprised this was the setting for this mystery. It's a good mystery too, with a very satisfying conclusion. Interesting from the beginning and not at all easy to solve, but makes sense.
I really don't know how to describe this book...it started out seemingly trying to be the most crude and offensive book it could possibly be. Either that, or that was really how the LAPD was back when this book was written. It also started out as a mish mosh of characters and introductions and randomness, then, it feels like, the actual true plot of the book came through halfway to three quarters of the way through the book. But, luckily for me, I embrace the crude and enjoy it, so this book was an interesting trip through the wild and wacky world of Wambaugh for me. If you are easily offended, this one isn't for you, but if you enjoy it, this could be a definitely interesting one for you.
