Perfect mixology for a sipping libation

Justin Chase keeps his life simple. He owns few possessions and practices Zen philosophy. He’s also a very popular bartender.  No flash, no drama he mixes a quality potion and when he tires of the wood he stands behind he moves on to another bar. His regulars follow.

Several years earlier Chase’s father was imprisoned for killing his wife with Justin’s testimony helping to put him there. One day a man calling himself Birdie Grackle sits down at Chase’s bar and tells him that he’s the one who killed his mother, a contract job no less. So much for the Zen.

I really enjoyed the character development by William Lashner in this book. Chase is a slow work in progress, reserved and loathe to be drawn into conversation. While he mixes behind the bar the characters sitting in front of him come to life, some in brief, as he serves them.

Likewise the thoughtful detective, abrasive district attorney and other cast members each have a story and/or history behind them. It’s a slow beginning but watch it take you in little by little.

~ June Lorraine