Dead Men Talk

Rating:
Summary: Great Read!
Review: I was just looking for a quick mystery to read but got much more. Being from Boston I was intrigued by the setting of the book [Boston] and while reading it I enjoyed recognizing places I know well. Only someone who knows both the city and it's crime could write about it this accurately. I was also impressed with the easy humor that Johnny Barnes incorporates into the dialog. The dialog flows easily and naturally and some of the best laughs come at some of the tensest moments. [as all good laughs do!] Written before the much touted book MYSTIC RIVER, by Dennis Lehane,[another local boy] DEAD MEN TALK, has the same quality characters and real life setting. They both posess an ability to write from inside the different characters heads, not just the lead character. In my opionion this book [as stated on the back cover] could easily be translated into film.
I recently read an article about the author and it stated that he has completed a second book titled, SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD which continues the saga of lead character Jack Kelly. I will definetly read it. Johnny Barnes obviously is able to write and having been in police work for over 20 years adds all the authenticity one needs to write a good murder mystery. My only complaint was that it could have been longer because the characters were enjoyable. Hope there's lots more Jack Kelly to come!