This is the fifth in the Clay Edison coroner turned private eye series written by the father and son Kellerman team. It is the third I have read; it works well as a standalone.

While investigating a property sales fraud case, Clay finds a relatively unknown and dangerous section of the California coast known as Swan’s Landing that seems to be a hotbed for a real estate scam that preys on vulnerable individuals. When he visits, his questions put him in danger especially when he becomes interested in searching for a missing person.

I am a big fan of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series and enjoy this one as well. These books have the authors’ characteristically vivid detailed descriptions that paint a good sense of place. They are observant and often amusing. This is a quick read with a bit of a tangled plot A new player, a fellow female PI is introduced who is quite the character. And speaking of characters, the inhabitants of Swan’s Landing are uniquely peculiar.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse #ballantinebooks for the DRC. ( )