Publication March 17, 2026
For a case that started out simply enough with what is surely standard private detective assignments, to "Get photos of the cheating spouse", this one escalated fast. True, Charlie spends lots of time checking the family's baby cam to simply look at new baby Callie sleeping, burping, crying -- which she does lots of -- but he shows a focus and tenacity probably born as much from his days as an investigative reporter as any PI training. You'll quickly find out that his idea of having a plan is, well, winging it, but he has a heart of gold and, oh, he loves being a girl dad. He impulsively takes 16-year of runaway Friday Finley not only under his wing -- though she exhibits some pretty fierce survival skills herself as the story goes along -- and takes her home with him. Oh, and instantly considers her search for her missing father his case, too. Yep, he's definitely a born girl dad. You'll find out a bit more of what may have guided his impulses later. Nor does he back down as the case takes on, let's see, elements of a nasty goon with a snake tatoo, owned cops, gambling, drugs, protection rackets and more. And those are just the highlights.
I don't want to reveal much more of the plot as part of the fun is to be amazed at how a simple "get some photos" case turns deadly. I found myself instinctively liking Charlie, even if I did shudder at the idea of him having Callie along, albeit in her car seat, on a surveillance job. Needless to say, Callie's mother was not pleased but rolled with it far better than many of us might have. Must have been the lack of sleep and sheer exhaustion of being a new mom. Lucky for them baby nurse Grace appears in a timely fashion, joining the now quite crowded home. I definitely hope, assuming this is going to be a series, she makes frequent appearances as I liked her calm manner no matter what was thrown at her. Charlie's friends, with their legal backgrounds, were also likable, his detective agency boss even going so far as to fire him at one point because he was, let's say, rash. In other words, he cared for Charlie just as the rest do. There's humor, too, flowing through the plot, often interspersed with tense action scenes, so be ready to hold onto your proverbial hat at times. And, oh, yes, Callie is adorable and, I promise, safe. I somehow felt like I should toss in that "no babies were harmed" bit. Grin.
As for Friday's quest to find her missing father and avoid foster care after her mother's recent death, it gets complicated. There's every indication he's probably dead. Let's face it, when you cross the wrong crowd, your life expectancy isn't likely to be long. Friday is resilient, however, and ready to do whatever it takes to find him, dead or alive. Like Charlie, she has some rash moments, too, but, hey, that's giving away a plot hint. Nope, no more. Read the book. While some may find it a slow start, trust me, it picks up quickly...well, aside from moments spent admiring Callie. Uh, Charlie, you might want to save some phone battery. You know. Just in case you need it? Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to Charlie and this interesting cast of probably regulars. There's something about girl dads and the hint of what is to come has me ready for the next installment.
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