Synopses & Reviews
When Jake "Payday" Bechet hears that two men have been murdered a few miles from where he lives in the Hamptons---hanged from the Shinnecock Bridge, their hands severed---he knows that trouble is coming. Trouble for him, for everyone, because it means that someone has betrayed the Castello crime family. Whether its someone trying to move in on their drug operation or the cops making their own statement, he doesnt know, but he wants to stay far away from it all.
After all, years ago Bechet himself walked away from the Castellos with enough inside information to hold over their heads and to keep himself safe, then went underground. He doesnt want to get anywhere near them now but soon discovers that he cant remain indifferent---first it seems one of his friends has gotten involved in the fringes of this battle, and then the larger picture becomes clear: Jorge Castello himself wants Bechet to find out whos behind the killings, claiming theres a traitor in the family. The last thing Bechet wants to do is work for the Castellos again, but he knows he has to find a way to finish it somehow.
Between Bechet and Tommy Miller, a retired P.I. whose ex-girlfriend has also gotten too close to the Castellos and whose father was one of their casualties a few years back, all the loose ends will be tied up---one way or another---before the end of twenty-four hours.
Once again Daniel Judson shines an unforgiving light on the darkest parts of the Hamptons and delivers a powerful, unforgettable read paced at breakneck speed.
Review
Praise for The Darkest Place
“Well-drawn moral and amoral characters, and permeated with violence... Offers a strong sense of place along with thoughtful rumination about doing the right thing and finding redemption.”
---Booklist
“A searing, brooding look at the bleak side of the Hamptons. Judson keeps the reader off-kilter as he builds on his cast of morally compromised characters. An intense novel, fortified by authentic dialogue and a precise setting.”
---Florida Sun-Sentinel
“I could not have been more impressed. Judson has written a novel of depth and dimension about characters with blood in their veins and fire in their hearts.”
---Robert Crais, author of The Watchman
“Grim and harrowing.”
---Daily News (New York)
“Action packed. Loss and redemption rule in Shamus Award-winning Daniel Judson's third novel, set in Southampton nights so cold that they could cool off a reader sizzling in this summer's heat. It's noir on ice.”
--USA Today
Review
“Deep, primal, compelling.”—Chicago Tribune
“Intense …a gripping thriller perfect for a stormy nights entertainment.”—Publishers Weekly
“The suspense builds relentlessly.”—Library Journal
Synopsis
After two men are found brutally murdered in Southampton, three people with tragic pasts are drawn together in search of the one woman who ties them together.
Synopsis
Two men have been hanged from the Shinnecock Bridge, their hands severed. Now Jake “Payday” Bechet knows that trouble is coming—for him, and for everyone in this otherwise idyllic Hamptons community…
“Intense …a gripping thriller perfect for a stormy nights entertainment.”—Publishers Weekly
Murder in Bechets town can only mean one thing: Someone has betrayed the Castello crime family. Whether its someone trying to move in on their operation or the cops making their own statement, he cannot say. All he knows is that he wants no part of it. Years ago, Bechet walked away from the Castellos with enough inside information to hold over their heads. To keep safe—and stay alive—he went underground. But today, the crime boss himself know just where to find him.
“The suspense builds relentlessly.”—Library Journal
Jorge Castello makes Bechet an offer he can not refuse: If he can just do this one “favor” for the family, Bechets betrayal will be forgiven. Now, all Bechet must do is keep his friends close and his enemies closer as he tries to solve the Shinnecock Bridge murder case—before the end of twenty-four hours. Or else all bets are off…
About the Author
Daniel Judsons three novels, including The Darkest Place, have all garnered Shamus Award nominations, and one Shamus prize. He attended Southhampton College, and his time in the Hamptons (particularly the parts you dont find in the society pages) was the inspiration for the setting and characters in The Waters Edge. He now lives in Connecticut.