Not hardboiled, but with some of the sass that typically accompanies the narrative of such crime fiction, this contemporary mystery is a treat for any veteran reader of such work. In the voice of Jeep, a newly-minted chief of police in the Long Island town of Bayville, lately a detective with a troubling history at the NYPD, the story alternates between Jeep’s adolescence with his best bud, John Chambliss, nicknamed Johnny Careless by their lacrosse coach and the present day when Johnny has washed up on the shore quite dead.

It is worth mentioning that the author is a true veteran of the genre with a track record of stage plays (Key Exchange, Mr. & Mrs., Cruise Control) and screenplays (Working Girl, True Colors, Mr. Baseball, Junior, Meet Joe Black and Maid in Manhattan). He also created the ABC drama Cashmere Mafia and CBS’ Blue Bloods and was nominated for the Edgar for the episode “My Aim is True. Some chops, for sure. Given his clearly vast experience it will come as no surprise that this whodunit features a swift pace and despite the mysterious nature expected of such a tale it is always clear, forthright and user-friendly. There is, of course, the requisite suspense and background of menace, but the tone is light which makes reading it a pleasure.

The victim is an inveterate playboy and wastrel, scion of a wealthy family used to privilege and power, but who is, at heart, a decent person, just one who strays from the straight and narrow with predictable regularity. Even his family know who and what he is, but still, why has he been found, badly mutilated on the shore of Long Island Sound with his vintage auto, clothes and effects neatly stashed by the beach? How can a rookie small-town police chief navigate both the power moves of the family, the county police detectives, a plethora of old acquaintances and a lustful ex-wife with unclear designs on him? The author skillfully steers us through this murky scene with masterful strokes. Perfect for lovers of murder mysteries, but really for anyone who loves a good story.