Book Review: Dirty Sally

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Dirty Sally     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Michael Simon
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Viking, Aug 2004, $23.95

In 1988 in Austin, Texas, homicide detective Dan Reles feels his world is collapsing with the “Ultimate Sacrifice” death of his partner Joey Velez in the line of duty that makes him feel angry and all alone. The transplanted New York Jew also recently lost his spouse who left him. The Austin PD brass becomes concerned with Dan’s violent behavior that could be a chip off the old block amplified by his recent losses; they place him under departmental evaluation.

Reles sees an opportunity to atone for his overly zealous performance when he is assigned to investigate the torso of a prostitute found in a nearby ravine. A macabre twist occurs as her other body parts have been forwarded to prominent men in Austin. As he begins his inquiries into the sleazier side of the state capital, a bus hits a U of T student that only Reles believes might be connected to the homicide he already is investigating.

The investigation is terrific as fans see the underbelly of Austin through the eyes of a wounded cop already down twice. Dan is a fabulous cop struggling with demons, loss of loved ones, and a rage that will not let go as he makes this urban noir work. Though the climax has a body count that only undertakers will appreciate, this gritty tale will lead to Republican Party denials and trashing of author Michael Simon.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner