false 6625470 http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-111x148.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/images/nocover-60x80.jpg Elmore Leonard meets Denis Johnson in this explosive first novel set on the seedy side of Southern California.



Ex-marine Jimmy Boone-former bodyguard to <ST1:PLACE w:st="on"><ST1:CITY w:st="on">Los Angeles</ST1:CITY></ST1:PLACE>'s rich and famous-is fresh out of Corcoran, on parole, and trying to keep his nose clean until he figures out his next move. He has a job tending bar on <ST1:STREET w:st="on"><ST1:ADDRESS w:st="on">Hollywood Boulevard</ST1:ADDRESS></ST1:STREET>, serving drinks to tourists, and is determined to put the past behind him.

But trying to do the right thing has always been Boone's downfall. When he backs up a buddy on a hero-for-hire gig-looking into the mysterious death of a kid on a downtown bus-he once again finds himself in a world of trouble.

As Boone learns more about the boy, an innocent who got involved with the wrong people, his investigation becomes a mission. Along the dangerous margins of <ST1:PLACE w:st="on"><ST1:CITY w:st="on">Los Angeles</ST1:CITY></ST1:PLACE>, he encounters down-on-their-luck drug dealers, a vengeful stripper, a dog-fighting ring, a beautiful ex-cop, a vicious crime boss and his crew, and a fortune in counterfeit bills. Before long, Boone realizes that his quest to get at the truth about a ruthless murder may also turn out to be his last chance at redemption.

This Wicked World is a knock-out blend of superb writing and breakneck storytelling that grabs you by the collar and makes it impossible to stop reading.]]> 6625470 1 6819712 29 6 2009 This Wicked World: A Novel 0 0 0 0 704352 3.82 147 45 8 http://www.goodreads.com/book_link/follow/8?book_id=6625470