Delia C. Pitts

I have never read anything by this author, but I can tell you right now that I am so happy I did. As a matter of fact, I liked the main character Evander “Vandy” Myrick so much that I would like to see her star in her own series!

This story is filled with lies, dirty politics, obviously murder, and corruption. Racial disparity plays a significant part in this tale.

Vandy is a kick-ass PI with a tragic past. She is now trying to get back on her feet and is handed a case that seems simple enough—or is it? Excitement flows from these pages; much of it is heart-pounding until the very end, with an ending that I don't think anyone could have seen coming.

I truly enjoyed this novel and couldn't put it down.

I believe you, too, will enjoy the mystery and excitement that I found in this book.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Minotaur Books, the author, and NetGalley.… (más)

ex-cop, New-Jersey, private-investigators, black-African-American-thriller, fast-pace, investigation, family, divorced, hard-boiled, dementia, corruption, racism, class-consciousness, suspense****

Opens with a bang to set the stage for the personality of main character Evander “Vandy” Myrick and never slows down. Mother is dead and father is in care facility because of dementia which stole his long history of local cop and everything else from him and left his daughter with an underlay of sadness. Enter the lying client swiftly followed by the murders and a very complex investigation. Hope this will become a series!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 6 Jul 2024… (más)

Pauper and Prince in Harlem by Delia C. Pitts
The Ross Agency Mystery Series #4

Gritty, grim, and rather dark this is a gripping story. It drew me in from the first few pages and held my interest till the very end. Each character grew as the story progressed becoming more and more real to me. I could see that there was more to most of them than met the eye and I wanted to know them all better as I wished more than one had an easier and better life.

Zaire, killed in the first few pages, deserved a longer life than he was allotted. The need to find out who killed Aire motivated Rook to find out who killed his young friend while also trying to balance the scales of justice in the process. Whether or not he will without lose a portion of his own soul made for a riveting read.

What I liked:
* Rook: an intriguing character. I am sure that if I had read previous books I would know him even better but really did come away liking this man. Loved how he thought things through and what he was willing to do to keep those he cared for safe. I like him a lot.
* Brina: One of Rook’s bosses and his love interest. She seems to be strong, independent, intelligent and a good partner for Rook.
* Norment Ross: did not see enough of him to form a true opinion but liked what I saw. He seemed savvy, friendly, a good father, and interesting.
* Eddie and Odette: homeless people with interesting stories and were both integral to the story
* Whip: a young person faced with big decisions
* The story line dealing with the mob boss
* The way Rook decided how to save Whip
* That not everything was easy
* The way the book ended – but also wondering what will happen after the last page
* That it was a standalone story – made sense without reading previous books

What I did not like:
* Being reminded of the homeless people that are legion and knowing how difficult their lives must be
* Knowing that for some killing others is easy
* Saying goodbye to the characters and having to wait to read more in the series.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars… (más)