King of the Holly Hop

by: Les Roberts

Published by: Gray & Company

Reviewed by Barbara L. Fielder

For those of you who have attended a high school class reunion, you’ll readily relate to the experience of our central character, Milan Jacovich, on a variety of levels. Join other steadfast Milan Jacovich fans who turn page after page, late into the night, to unfold the murder investigation plot with plenty of complex and surprising twists and turns.

The mystery begins at, of all places, Milan’s high school reunion in Cleveland, Ohio. A famous classmate is found dead, and the first “person of interest” in his murder is a classmate who is now is a very rich and famous playwright. Coincidentally, earlier in the evening this same classmate settled a score with the deceased in front of his classmates.

Milan is wrapped up in the murder investigation at the beckoning of the rich and famous classmate’s attorney.
Aptly applying his wit, sarcasm, and finesse, Milan begins his investigation, with the awkward task of interviewing his classmates–all of whom have direct or indirect knowledge of the events of that fateful evening. Unknown to him otherwise, his investigation leads to the discovery of how intimately the relationships of his classmates and the deceased are intertwined.

The author takes you on a journey around Cleveland and the surrounding suburbs. You know immediately that this important part of the storytelling gives the book an in-depth sense of realism. This realism propels you into the different cultures, history and colorful characters necessary to complete your discovery and insight into Milan, the way he thinks, and what makes him tick.

Milan is not without his enemies and distracters. Naturally, you think that his bold and somewhat invasive questioning tactics could land him in harm’s way.

Read on and harm’s way is a certainty. Our tough guy, Milan, discovers, at his own peril, that the killer has him cornered. Does Milan escape, does he capture the killer, and does anyone intervene to save him?

Armchair Interviews says: Enjoy the read and discover the answers to these questions and more.