“So far, I never shot anyone who didn’t have it coming.”
Meet Rico, an underworld enforcer with a moral code – of sorts. When Rico is tasked with retrieving his boss’ stolen jewellery, it seems like it should be a straightforward job, but when the thief escapes to Honolulu and involves innocent bystanders, everything changes.
What’s it about?
‘His mind raced. Was he being a complete idiot to even consider what he was contemplating?’
Robert McDuffie is in over his head. His momentary impulse to snatch at a potential way out leads him to flee, but Rico is right behind him and ready to punish him for his audacity.
While Rico is clear about culpability and doesn’t want to harm people he considers mere collateral, his boss has no such scruples and threatens Rico’s girlfriend’s life. What will Rico do?
What’s it like?
“A job is a job. It’s not who you are.”
Black but not bleak. Yes, Rico kills people, but he gives them a chance first. Yes, his girlfriend has her own issues, but she knows her own mind.
Each of the significant characters has a back story and, ignoring the more outlandish elements (like Rico and Jean fooling around in a car on his boss’ time and with his boss’ ‘client’ in the front seat!), the plot works well, moving quickly towards Rico’s final decision.
Final thoughts
‘Pigeon-blood red’ is an enjoyable, brisk paced noir read that is thrilling without being gory and peopled with interesting characters.
If you want to spend more time with Rico, you can: this is the first in a series that includes ‘The Last Straw’ and ‘Rico Stays’.
