Still cute. ( )

I enjoy this series, both the Chinese-American cultural aspects of the ones from Lydia's perspective (the odd-numbered books) and the slightly grittier tone of those seen from Bill's viewpoint (the even-numbered books). I always feel that the characters have a lot of texture and color, and are placed in well-plotted mysteries that showcase a real sense of New York. ( )

Second in the Lydia Chin/Bill Smith detective series, this novel is narrated by Bill and involves him in a case of murder at the Bronx Home for the Aged. Bill is asked by old friend Bobby Moran to help investigate the brutal murder of one of Bobby's security employees at the Bronx nursing home. What Bill ends up finding involves crooked politicians, an illegal stolen goods operation, and gang activity in this stunning Shamus Award-winning novel.
Rozan has crafted a superb detective novel with larger than life characters. Bill and Lydia's relationship is intriguing, as it jumps back and forth between both points-of-view (every other novel is either Lydia or Bill narrating the action taking place). In each successive novel, we learn a bit more about the characters and the developing romance (dare we say it?) between Bill and Lydia.
Rozan weaves intricate plots, with extensive characters and with an innate sense of each one. She infuses Chinatown and the Bronx with detail, vibrancy, and brings them alive for the reader.
In Concourse, Bill teams up with Lydia to find out who is behind the murder of Mike Downey, a young security guard. When a second murder happens while Bill is undercover at the home, the action starts to heat up and Lydia steps in to help out.
A first-rate detective novel.
(Read March 2003) ( )