Two of the main appeals of Davie Levien's novels are his intricate plots and multi-demensional characters.

In "13 Million Dollar Pop," Frank Behr is a relatively new employee at the Caro Group, private investigators and personal security advisors. As the story opens, he's searching for a home with his girlfriend, Susan, who is nearing delivery of their first child.

Frank is doing a favor for a friend at work and providing security for Bernard Kolodnik when someone tries to kill Kolodnik. Frank's fast reactions saves Kolodnik.

Frank is treated like a hero and the next day, the governor appoints Kolodnik as a replacement when the senior senator from Indiana resigns to fight advanced prostate cancer.

Everyone seems satisfied but Frank. He's an investigator and wants answers. When he asks about the official investigation, he's stonewalled.

The story describes a real estate developer named Lowell Gantcher. There was supposed to be a development including a casino that would sell quickly and make millions for Gantcher. He made a deal with Shug Saunders to attempt to get Kolodnik's influence but when Kolodnik was appointed to office, put his business dealings on hold. Now the economy and other factors stalled the development and Gantcher is overextended.

The author explores Frank's goal of solving the crime. We also witness his tender moments with Susan as she nears delivery date. Frank also shows that he likes to help people who are being unjustly treated as when he tries to help his boss from a serious family situation.

The pacing of the novel is masterful. Things are calm at the start of the story, after the attempt on Kolodnik's life, the author gives the reader background on the events. Then the story speeds up like a hurricane as the action continues and suspense mounts. Each charater is fully drawn and comes alive in the pages of the story.

This is one of the best mysteries of the year and shouldn't be missed.