John A. Connor: California Twist

John A. Connor’s California Twist is a slick, funny, high-velocity story that reads like classic PI noir with the California sun turned up and the sarcasm dialed to eleven. The novel introduces Harry Rhimes—American born, British bred, an ex-Army major now working as a private investigator. His default coping mechanism is humor and his love of music includes big band to metal.

Lindsey Fairfax comes to Harry’s office after her fiancée disappears. What should be a basic missing-person job detonates into something far more dangerous.

Connor piles on complications with gleeful momentum—murders old and new, entitled family money, drugs, tech players, and a villainous streak that feels both theatrical and chilling.

One of the pleasures here is the book’s slightly surreal, anything-can-happen atmosphere. Connor throws in colorful side threads – hot IT specialists, cold relationships, – without losing the sense that Harry is always one step behind the next punchline or the next threat.

Harry’s narration is breezy and self-aware, and the jokes rarely undercut the stakes; instead they act like pressure valves that keep the story from turning bleak.

The writing is punchy, the chapters fly, and for anyone who likes mysteries that sprint, California Twist is an entertaining ride—smart, unpredictable, and packed with danger and a cheeky attitude.