"Quick-witted, sarcastic, and innovative in his investigative style, Glennon's relatable Gen X hero . . . and his seat-of-his-pants approach move this fun, sharp-elbowed mystery along at a fast pace. Glennon's storytelling is lively, driven by dialogue with bite . . . Fans of scruffy old-school P.I. thrillers and morally gray character narratives will find this both amusing and suspenseful right up to a conclusion that surprises . . . Glennon crafts a convincingly seedy tale alive with characters it's a pleasure to hang with." - BookLife
"The detective headlining Glennon's taut mystery is refreshingly down to earth . . . the novel's female characters prove dynamic and engaging . . . This mystery moves briskly . . . and it's thoroughly absorbing. A diverting detective story that's equal parts entertaining and realistic." - Kirkus Reviews
Elementary schoolteacher, William "Billy" Gardner hits middle-age, wonders what it's all about, and wanders through smoky fleshpots and glittering gambling dens in search of illumination. He makes a weekend excursion to America's newest playground and misses the return bus, not for the first time. Billy's wife, Liz, hires Frank Rotten to bring him home. Liz' meddling mother wants Billy to stay lost and hires Frank to make him an offer. Liz's new squeeze wants to take Billy's place and makes an offer of her own. Frank sees the chance to make a killing, and almost gets killed himself when he and Billy face off on opposite sides of a generational divide.
Song and Dance introduces PI Frank Rotten as he struggles to gain traction in the ethically ambiguous world of private investigating. The story unfolds in the mid-Nineties at the dawn of the digital age. Frank opts for the detective biz after a short stint as a cubicle-bound insurance adjustor, looking for easy money and a taste of adventure. Operating on the analog/digital divide, Frank solves cases the old-fashioned way - up close and sometimes personal. He lives in a gentrifying neighborhood in Pittsburgh and relies on friends and neighbors for aid. The uptempo tale interweaves snatches of pop music and echoes the narrative tone of classic hard-boiled fiction.
Buckle up for a wild ride through the land of broken dreams. A detective's journey through Pittsburgh and beyond is one of adventure, ambition, and survival, making Song and Dance a gritty, layered exploration of abandoned aspirations and the price paid.
