Baker died in Amsterdam in 1988 under somewhat suspicious circumstances. He fell out of a second story window of an Amsterdam hotel, but whether he committed suicide, was stoned, or was pushed is not known , at least as far as Ace is concerned. Ace wants Evan to help him investigate Chet's death, but Evan steadfastly refuses.

Evan is eager to divest himself of the title " jazz detective" and return to his real love playing jazz piano. He finds himself accepting an invitation to do a gig in Amsterdam with Fletcher Paige, legendary saxophonist. As luck would have it he is booked to stay in the same hotel where Chet Baker died. In fact, his room is adjacent to the one Baker occupied at the time of his death. Seeing the monument dedicated to Baker in front of the hotel piques Evan's detective instincts.

Evan contrives to get into Baker's old room and views the window through which Baker met his death. Evan also learns that his friend, Ace, had recently departed from the same hotel and, of course, had stayed in Baker's room. Evan notices a portfolio stuffed in between the radiator and the wall and determines that it belongs to Ace. Because he is confident Ace would never forget or intentionally leave his research material behind, Evan fears that his friend may have been abducted, despite the assurance of the hotel management that Ace had left the hotel calmly, and by himself.

Looking for Chet Baker is a well written, well researched novel, filled to the covers with jazz trivia. I am not a fan of books in which the author attempts to rewrite history, but Mr. Moody has done a commendable job. I am sure jazz enthusiasts will enjoy his recreation of the events surrounding the death of Chet Baker. There are many references to other jazz greats of the era as well as wonderful descriptions of the interaction between musicians during a jazz performance. Mr. Moody does assume the reader has some knowledge of the structure so the musically ignorant or impaired individual may not fully appreciate the author's efforts.

There clearly is a strong relationship between many musicians and drugs which is vividly described by the author. Mr. Moody is non judgmental in his depiction of musicians and their use (or abuse) of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, all of which are in prominent use by the characters in the novel. While the book does not contain graphic descriptions of brutality, gunfights, or sex, and, therefore, is not strictly a violent novel, there are precise descriptions of individuals under the influence of drugs that are unsettling, so the reader is hereby forewarned.

Looking for Chet Baker is the fifth in a series of books headlining Evan Horne. I have not read any of the previous entries and there are numerous references in this volume to Evan's earlier experiences, which, I assume, are chronicled in these books. If jazz interests you, and you enjoy the concept of “what if it had been this way” approach to history, it might be well worth the effort to try this series, but I would recommend seeking out the earlier volumes and read them in order for a more comprehensive view.

--Andy Plonka