City of the Sun: A Novel

Hard knuckled P.I. Frank Bahr reluctantly agrees to help Paul and Carol Gabriel search for their son, Jamie, who has been missing for over a year. Frank knows that the chances of finding the boy are slim. He tells the parents that even if they do find where Jamie is, they migh not find him alive after all of this time. The parents tell Frank that Jamie never returned home after his morning newspaper delivery job. They tell Frank that Jamie enjoyed the job because it allowed him to ride his new bike. Frank begins the investigation attempting to connect the boy's bike to a possible abduction. He looks into cases where someone might have been stealing children's bikes and reselling them. Progress is made when one of Frank's snitches gives him a lead. As the case moves on, Paul feels that he needs to be taking a more active part in the search for his son. He pleads with Frank to allow him to accompany him on the investigation. Frank reluctantly agrees. The reader follows the story as the men find some answers and people who might have been involved. However, there always seems to be a new impediment to finding Jamie. Personally, I enjoyed the book and wished that it went on and on. The love that Paul showed for his son was well described as was the gradual steps toward the novel's conclusion. The novel was well plotted and realistic. Frank Behr is a likable character and enjoyable to read. He seems a detective similiar to Robert Parker's "Spencer." I look forward to seeing him in print again.