Publisher Description

As IQ plugs a mysterious USB into his laptop, he's horrified to see what flashes across the screen: his girlfriend Grace is sweaty and bedraggled - her wrists wrapped with duct tape. Grace has been kidnapped by the likes of Skip Hanson, a brutish hitman with a vendetta against Isaiah. As IQ and Dodson attempt to locate Grace based on scant evidence, (read: a Sonic burger wrapper in one grainy image) they must wend through the stark, unrelenting East California landscape in search of clues. Just as the case grows increasingly complicated, and Grace's situation more dire, another powerful enemy emerges from the woodwork. And all the while, watching them closely, is the newly minted LAPD detective assigned to Grace's case, Winnie Hando, a complicated woman with a complicated agenda of her own.

Author Biography

Joe Ide grew up in South Central Los Angeles. His favourite books were the Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes stories. The idea that a person could face the world and vanquish his enemies with just his intelligence fascinated him. Joe went on to earn a graduate degree and had several careers before writing IQ, his debut novel, inspired by his early experiences and love of Sherlock. Joe lives in Santa Monica, California.

Review

Joe Ide is the best new discovery I've come across in a long time. And Isaiah Quintabe is the kind of sleuth not seen on the mystery landscape before. -- Michael Connelly
Ide writes with confidence and a sharp wit -- SUNDAY TIMES
Raised in South Central, Joe Ide expands the territory of L.A. noir -- Gal Beckerman, New York Times
Truly feels like an heir to Elmore Leonard -- Daily Telegraph

Long Description

As IQ plugs a mysterious USB into his laptop, he's horrified to see what flashes across the screen: his girlfriend Grace is sweaty and bedraggled - her wrists wrapped with duct tape. Grace has been kidnapped by the likes of Skip Hanson, a brutish hitman with a vendetta against Isaiah. As IQ and Dodson attempt to locate Grace based on scant evidence, (read: a Sonic burger wrapper in one grainy image) they must wend through the stark, unrelenting East California landscape in search of clues. Just as the case grows increasingly complicated, and Grace's situation more dire, another powerful enemy emerges from the woodwork. And all the while, watching them closely, is the newly minted LAPD detective assigned to Grace's case, Winnie Hando, a complicated woman with a complicated agenda of her own.

Review Quote

Joe Ide is the best new discovery I've come across in a long time. And Isaiah Quintabe is the kind of sleuth not seen on the mystery landscape before.Ide writes with confidence and a sharp witRaised in South Central, Joe Ide expands the territory of L.A. noirTruly feels like an heir to Elmore LeonardJoe Ide is the best new discovery I've come across in a long time. And Isaiah Quintabe is the kind of sleuth not seen on the mystery landscape before.Ide writes with confidence and a sharp witRaised in South Central, Joe Ide expands the territory of L.A. noirTruly feels like an heir to Elmore Leonard

Details