POISON BLONDE by Loren Estleman

Loren Estleman has been part of the mystery scene for some time (this is his 50th book) yet he remains one of the freshest writers around. His dialogue is remarkable, and the balance of humor, tension and social commentary perfect.

Poison Blonde is the 17th book to feature Amos Walker, easily one of the best PI characters ever written. Like all of Estleman's books, this can be read as a stand-alone, and I came to it long after its initial release. Somehow Estleman strikes a tone that is simulatenously classic hardboiled and very contemporary, with a fedora-wearing shamus hip enough to blend in anywhere.

If you haven't read anything by Loren Estleman you're missing out. He is one of the few authors besides Elmore Leonard to ever attempt yet alone succeed at writing both mysteries and westerns. Grab one of his books, any of them, and start reading.