Career thief Rick, the narrator of this stellar noir from Galloway (The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand) set in an unnamed part of the U.S., learned dishonesty from his father, a crooked building inspector. After Rick's girlfriend, Denise, gives birth to their daughter, the couple split, but Rick becomes concerned about the new man in Denise's life, a drug addict. Rick seeks help getting the drug addict out of the picture from Froehmer, a friend of his dad's, who agrees to take care of the problem. In exchange, Rick steals tools and equipment on demand from construction sites. Rick's proficiency at boosting stuff leads to another request from Froehmer--to burglarize a home to steal a box. That successful assignment leads to other burglaries and to Rick's eventual acquisition of a partner, Frank, who has the tech skills to evade alarms and surveillance. The partnership results in murder and the tightening of the screws around Rick. Galloway is as good at characterizations as he is at tight, and surprising, plotting. Michael Kardos fans will be eager for more from Galloway. Agents: David Halpern and Janet Oshiro, Robbins Office. (Oct.)

Rick is a career criminal. What started as a way to support his daughter, and later became a way to support his addiction, is now just a fact of life. Along with Frank, his partner in crime and in love, Rick is an illicit errand boy for the mysterious Froehmer, steadfastly stealing whatever he is told to and asking no questions. When their assignment to swipe a seemingly worthless trophy goes awry, Frank disappears and Rick is ready for answers, no matter what the cost. Galloway (The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand) presents an atmospheric, intricately plotted crime fiction. The tone is marked by slow-burning suspense and tension with an abrupt and brutal climax. Narrator L.J. Ganser plays the perfect tortured tough guy, bringing a compelling quality to the grit and gloom. Both Ganser and the narrative have a vintage vibe, making it easy to forget that the setting is contemporary. VERDICT This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a neo-noir crime fiction full of desperation and double crossing. Recommended for fans of Don Winslow, S.A. Cosby, and Craig Henderson.--Lauren Hackert