ARC Review: Line of Darkness by Max Tomlinson

Line of Darkness
Author: Max Tomlinson
Series: A Colleen Hayes Mystery (Book 4)
Publication: Oceanview Publishing (August 16, 2022)

Description: Post-war darkness may be the darkest of them all—Nazi-hunters reach deep into 1979 San Francisco

When a German businesswoman in 1979 San Francisco hires ex-con PI Colleen Hayes to find a missing relative, supposedly in town to visit, she thinks it’s a simple job. But she soon discovers that the “nephew” is linked to an international vigilante group hunting down ex-Nazis. Then the body of a mysterious woman turns up on San Francisco’s Municipal Railway, mirroring a murder committed the week before in Buenos Aires where the “nephew” had just been.

Colleen’s search uncovers a World War II banknote and the 1942 SS ID of a German officer long thought dead. When Colleen fails to heed warnings to stop her investigation, her pregnant daughter is attacked.

The so-called nephew is nowhere to be found. The German businesswoman has fled town. Colleen’s search leads her to Italy where the infamous Vatican Ratlines helped escaped ex-Nazis forge new identities around the globe. Deep in the Italian Alps, she uncovers a secret project hatched in a concentration camp. Colleen has no choice but to push ahead if the killing is to stop and justice prevail.

My Thoughts: Ex-con, PI wannabe Colleen Hayes has just moved into her new office when German businesswoman Ingrid Richter comes to her door wanting to hire Colleen to find her nephew Erich who was supposed to meet her earlier in the week. She peels off a bunch of cash and Colleen starts to investigate. 

None of the routine things locates him in one of the better hotels leaving Colleen to scatter pictures with cabbie and other lower-class venues. Her lack of success makes her begin to question just why Ingrid wants to find her "nephew." Meanwhile for us, the readers, are flashbacks to a World War II concentration camp for political prisoners and to Erich's current-day activities. 

This story has Colleen getting involved with Nazi hunters who are out for revenge instead of justice and has her travelling to Italy in pursuit of her client and answers to her questions about just what is going on. 

The main part of the story takes place in 1979 and I loved all the references to fashions and pop culture. I could see the leisure suits, big collars, and polyester and was familiar with much of the music that was mentioned in the story. I also like that Colleen is rebuilding her life after her imprisonment for the murder of her husband. I like that she is trying to rebuild her relationship with her daughter. 

This is the fourth book in the series, but I think it would stand alone well. There are references to earlier cases which given enough background for a reader not familiar with the earlier books. It was an engaging and entertaining mystery.

Favorite Quote:

"So you're saying I've got to watch out for the good guys too?"

He smiled wryly. "Is there really any such thing?"

"Let me have my fantasy," she said.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.