(originally posted on August 11, 2009)
I was far from the only one who would venture into the late, lamented Black Orchid Bookshop, see Russell working behind the counter and ask when the hell there would be a sequel to EAST OF A. Ten years later, thanks to Hard Case Crime, it's here - and not only is it a terrific PI mystery, it's a thoughtful commentary on how gentrification and technology have affected Payton Sherwood's livelihood and life in his East Village stomping grounds. I wouldn't be surprised to see this on a lot of Best Paperback Original award lists.
