After the shooting of a brash partner of a major mixed-used development project and his mistress in his office, Lance Underphal, a news photographer still mourning his dead wife, is called to shoot photos at the crime scene for a free-press rag. However, disturbing visions and conversations with his wife's unseen spirit at the crime scene demonstrate a nascent psychic ability that will provide the clues to help Violent Crimes Detective Frank Salmon to solve the conspiracy of embezzlement, adultery and extortion behind this crime and subsequent violent attacks. Michael Scott has written a satisfactory dark and gritty mystery with a paranormal undertone; however, it should be noted that this novel is strictly for adults as it contains explicit sex and graphic violence. ( )

Dark Side of Sunset Pointe by Michael A Scott started off with a mind-boggling bang! Fast-paced grabbing my attention as I read, pop pop pop - is Rodriguez dead? It’s on the news, a shooting took place. Rodriguez half empty bar - one death (Mike) and one in a coma (Diana). More intrigue sets in when Connie Rodriguez needs a lift to the morgue to identify the body. She calls Daniel who hesitated to drive her but when his wife Marcia agreed to drive Connie; Daniel said that he would go. The introduction of Sondra and Naomi was pretty straight to the point – money and sex dominated the scene.

The part that I got me mesmerized started when Detective Salmon, Homicide calls Gary Whiting who had been Mike’s partner in a commercial real estate development deal in Sunset Pointe. The detective sets an appointment and Gary is feeling quite uncomfortable.

Detective Frank Salmon also contacts Connie Rodriguez and Mr Kantor. At the sound of Big Mike – everyone panics silently – long pauses.

A mysterious truck in a double exposure – police call it evidence? That aside, Frank Salmon visits Connie in her two or three million dollar home, sitting pretty, lol. It didn’t take too long for them to be on first name basis.

So there is a crazy photographer on the loose – this is something that needs to be read.

My favorite part is found in the Arrangement: Dreaming.. oh ya! Somewhere, somehow and who knows someday it may just happen. Then, when I keep on reading and the story unravels Lacey and Frank seem to be the winners – doesn’t love conquer all even the Lion’s Den?

Never a dull moment. Enjoyed the twists and turning points. I do recommend it.

Adriana LG ( )

This book has it all, murder, mystery,and intrigue that moves between the world of the privileged and the dark seedy underworld of crime and forbidden sexuality. Each of the characters is flawed in some way and the main character, Lance Underphal is an unlikely hero. His unwanted psychic skills supporting good police work. What can I say, I loved it. ( )