This Wicked World

<DIV><B>Elmore Leonard meets Denis Johnson in this explosive first novel set on the seedy side of Southern California.</B><br><br> Ex-marine Jimmy Boone-former bodyguard to Los Angeles''s rich and famous-is fresh out of Corcoran, on parole, and trying to keep his nose clean until he figures out his next move. He has a job tending bar on Hollywood Boulevard, serving drinks to tourists, and is determined to put the past behind him. <br><br> But trying to do the right thing has always been Boone''s downfall. When he backs up a buddy on a hero-for-hire gig -- looking into the mysterious death of a kid on a downtown bus -- he once again finds himself in a world of trouble. <br><br> As Boone learns more about the boy, an innocent who got involved with the wrong people, his investigation becomes a mission. Along the dangerous margins of Los Angeles, he encounters down-on-their-luck drug dealers, a vengeful stripper, a dog-fighting ring, a beautiful ex-cop, a vicious crime boss and his crew, and a fortune in counterfeit bills. Before long, Boone realizes that his quest to get at the truth about a ruthless murder may also turn out to be his last chance at redemption. <br><br><I>This Wicked World</I> is a knock-out blend of superb writing and breakneck storytelling that grabs you by the collar and makes it impossible to stop reading.</DIV>