Synopses & Reviews
A lifelong New Yorker, Private Investigator Rachel Alexander has lived through some rough times—from 9/11, to a difficult divorce, to cases that have taken her to the depths of the city's dark underbelly. But when wealthy business owner Eleanor Redstone approaches Rachel to ask if she can investigate her father's murder—a brutal slaying that occurred when he was pushed onto the subway tracks—Rachel takes the case, plunging herself into parts of the city only its poorest residents have ever known. Because to solve Gardner Redstone's murder, Rachel must disguise herself as a homeless woman and live on the streets, searching for the dispossessed man witnesses say made the fatal push. In one of the coldest winters New York City has seen in years, Rachel is helped by a homeless Iraq War veteran, a man whose sad circumstances leave Rachel pondering her own fortunate life.
From critically-acclaimed author Carol Lea Benjamin, a writer the Cleveland Plain-Dealer calls "first rate," this is another illuminating look into the heart of New York, a mystery with heartbreaking characters, and a story you'll never forget.
Review
“Benjamin mixes an intriguing puzzle with a dollop of introspection. This is one of the best mystery series around.” Library Journal
Synopsis
The police and politicians say the streets of New York City are cleaner and safer than ever before. But there's a world of fear, pain, and despair that most city dwellers will never know.
Someone pushed wealthy Garner Redstone to his death on the subway tracks—and the slain retired business-man's daughter wants p.i. Rachel Alexander to find the murderer. But to do so, Rachel and her beloved pit bull, Dash, will have to go undercover among the city's homeless during one of the coldest New York winters on record. Here on the streets, every day is a struggle to survive—and her growing suspicion that Redstone's killing was not a sudden, irrational act of madness is leading Rachel into serious harm's way.
About the Author
Carol Lea Benjamin is a noted author about, and trainer of, dogs. Her award-winning books on dog behavior and training include Mother Knows Best: The Natural Way to Train Your Dog, Second-Hand Dog, and Dog Training in Ten Minutes. A former detective, Benjamin blends her knowledge of dogs with her real-life experiences to create the Rachel Alexander mystery series. Recently honored by the International Association of Canine Professionals with election to their Hall of Fame, she lives in Greenwich Village with her husband and three dogs, Dexter, Flash, and Peep.