MOONLIGHT WEEPS
(A Dick Moonlight Thriller)
By Vincent Zandri
In & Out Books
236 pages
Dick Moonlight is Private Eye working in Albany, New York. At one time he tried to take his own life by
blowing his brains out. Against all
odds, he survived only to learn that the bullet had lodged itself in those
self-same brains and could cause him all kinds of grief unless removed one
day. Until that delicate surgery can be
performed, Moonlight can faint without warning, have sudden memory lapses or
simply drop dead; thus completing the act he began years ago. Living with a constant death-threat has a
caustic effect on Moonlight’s character adding a twisted dark humor to his
already cynical world view.
In this tale, Moonlight is hired to chauffeur a rich brain
surgeon who, because of multiple DUI convictions, has had his license
revoked. Upon taking the gig, he learns
the doctor has another job for him; to help clear his son of a rape conviction
and possible reckless homicide charge.
The young lady the boy is accused of having raped later committed
suicide because, after the assault, he took pictures of her naked and posted
them on Facebook. It doesn’t take
special detecting skills for our hero to realize he’s gotten embroiled with a
sleazy father and son team. It also
doesn’t help matters that the victim was the daughter of a well known state
senator.
Unfortunately Moonlight’s bank account is hovering over the
minus zone and he can’t afford to be choosy as to which clients he takes
on. The doctor is not only rich but
being aware of Moonlight’s condition, suggest that if he successfully aids in
clearing his son from all charges, he would then be willing to operate on the
P.I. and remove the bullet in his head.
And that is the gist of “Moonlight Weeps.” Of course there are several subplots to
include the sudden appearance of Moonlight’s dead lover, a fat Elvis Presley
imitator who ends up being his assistance and police narcotics detective who
has a personal vendetta against his client.
Oh, and let’s not forget the two Russian mobsters who love to quote
Clint Eastwood movies. “Moonlight Weeps”
is an overflowing goulash feast of classic PI tropes all blended together
marvelously from the first taste to the last mouthful. And like all good meals, it left us satisfied
but still wanting more.
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