Head Games

by: Thomas B. Cavanagh

Published by: Thomas Dunne Books

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Mike Garrity, a retired police detective, is having a bad time of it lately. He's got two ex-wives, a daughter (Jennifer) who'd rather clean toilets than spend time with her father, and a new roommate he calls "Bob." Bob wasn't invited to live with him, and Garrity would rather he left, but fatal brain tumors don't follow directions very well.

Illness is expensive and Garrity's going through his funds pretty quickly. He'd like to be able to leave something for his daughter, Jennifer. His chance to do just that comes from an old friend.

TJ Sommerset is a member of the hit band, Boyz Klub (think Backstreet Boys) and he's gone missing right before a national tour. With millions of dollars in endorsements on the line, Garrity must find TJ in time to put him on the plane with the rest of the band. And, since Jennifer idolizes TJ, his job just might help him make a significant connection with her.

But all is not as it seems. Some really bad guys are looking for TJ and a body (minus the head) shows up. If Garrity doesn't move quickly, the celebrity of the month might turn up dead too. Not to mention the possibility of Garrity going out before "Bob" determines the time. And then there's Jennifer's safety.

Cavanagh gives the hard-boiled detective a new twist and it's stunning. His characters are complex and likeable, the plot sizzles and he doesn't pull any punches with his descriptions of the effects of cancer. I hope there will be more Mike Garrity novels before "Bob" does him in.

Check out http://www.hilliardandharris.com for his first book, Murderland. You'll like it.

Armchair Interviews says: Head Games is a winner.

Author's Web site:
http://www.thomasbcavanagh.com