Translated into English: This book is not an easy read, but has its own captivating qualities. The majority of the dialogue occurs in a hip California parlance that is entertaining, captivating, comical, and sometimes annoying.

Jason Keltner (who previously starred in the novel Show Control) is the senior tenant at the "Marengo Manor," an authentic and rotting boarding home in the shrinking historic district of Pasadena, California. He is a down, but not out, musician who makes his living from small gigs while trying unsuccessfully to write artistically and commercially successful music. When his erstwhile spy acquaintance offers several thousand dollars to entice Paul – a homeless ex-friend – to move into the Manor for observation, economics supersede personal abhorrence.

No explanations are given for the baby-sitting need, but an individual soon dies while suspiciously close to Paul. Maybe it's murder; maybe it's not. The Manor is suddenly crawling with bad guys and Paul becomes a most unwelcome boarder. With help from neighbors Jason is soon fully involved in hunting and chasing for a computer "dongle." First he has it; then he doesn't. Enemies are numerous.

The plot of this novel is so tangled as to resemble Mad magazine's Spy Vs Spy spoofs. However, keeping the teams of spies correctly identified is more difficult since the bad guys camouflage their intent by driving white cars.

The author does not poke into any deep social crevasses, but there are some nearly profound racial and ethnic moments. With the white musician seeking soul, the Jewish intellectual practicing chess, and the Black man mastering a butterfly knife, the reader realizes how cockeyed a stereotype can be.

The lead character is a charming guy, and this novel is fun. The reader is able to inspect a non-traditional, hand-to-mouth life style. One comes to realize that heroes need not be bright or dashing. Jason Keltner is not exactly a bumbler, but his prowess as a detective is highly questionable. His behavior is at times fearless, or mindless, and the results are chaotic. As expected, the mystery comes to a conclusion. Whether the conclusion arrives because of the hero, or in spite of him, is debatable.

--Steve Nemmers