A handsome young New York professor comes to Phoenix to research his new book. When he is brutally murdered, police connect him to one of the world's most deadly drug cartels. This shouldn't be a case for historian‑turned‑deputy David Mapstone—except that the victim had been dating David's sister‑in‑law, Robin, and now she's a target too. David's wife, Lindsey, is in Washington with an elite anti-cyber-terror unit and she makes one demand of him: protect Robin.
This won't be an easy job, with the city police suspicious of Robin and trying to pressure her. With the sheriff's office in turmoil, David is even more of an outsider. And the gangsters are able to outgun and outspend law enforcement. It doesn't help that David and Lindsey's long‑distance marriage is under strain. But the danger is real and growing. To save Robin, David must leave his stack of historic crimes and plunge into the savage world of smuggling—people, drugs, and guns—in Phoenix.
Arizona's "History Shamus" returns inSouth Phoenix Rules. It's the most gripping and personal David Mapstone Mystery yet.
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"After living in Arizona for ten years, it is fun to read books that take place in and around Phoenix. Reminds me of good times in the desert. And, it helps that Talton is a good writer. I would compare him to JA Jance in how he intertwines the city locales with the story." — Pam (4 out of 5 stars)
"After living in Arizona for ten years, it is fun to read books that take place in and around Phoenix. Reminds me of good times in the desert. And, it helps that Talton is a good writer. I would compare him to JA Jance in how he intertwines the city locales with the story."
“Well-plotted…Modern-day Phoenix…serves as the stark background for this profound, heartrending crime novel.”
“Meskimen…employs subtle characterizations in the provocative portrayal of gang clout in South Phoenix…Narrator and author craft a stimulating whodunit.”
“Talton has created a richly complex character in Mapstone, who struggles with adversity and resists taking revenge…A well-crafted, nuanced series.”
“In an interesting twist, Talton throws Mapstone into a dangerous situation that forces him to confront and make peace with his dual natures as a quiet professor and a Rambo-live solver of problems. For readers who enjoy contemporary Southwestern mysteries with a touch of history.”
“Tough but vulnerable Mapstone will keep you hooked.”
" I think I wrote previously of this author, his ties to the Az. Republic (our newspaper), and the fact that these books all take place in the Phx. market. Another good read! "
" David Mapstone series - action takes place in and around Phoenix AZ. Current setting. Would read another by this author. "
" O.k. I need to read something light now! "
" Not bad at all. Great descriptions of Phoenix... "
" I am not sure why I did not enjoy this book more. I thing the plot was just a little too busy. Too many subplots. The main character seems very conflicted. I enjoy a little bit of humor in even the grimmest of books. "
" This book was a lot darker than the previous ones in the series. "
" Standard fare with some good writing chops, but nothing remarkable overall about the story "
Jon Talton is a fourth-generation Arizonan, the author of numerous novels, a former columnist for the Arizona Republic, and former business editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer. He currently is the economics columnist for the Seattle Times and writes the blog Rogue Columnist. Dry Heat, the third David Mapstone mystery, was named 2005 fiction book of the year by Arizona Highways magazine.
Jim Meskimen is a stage, film, and television actor who has appeared in many well-known movies and television shows. He acted in Apollo 13 and Frost/Nixon for director Ron Howard, both of which were nominated for Best Picture Oscars. His television appearances include The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Friends, Lie to Me, Criminal Minds, and Parks and Recreation. He is also a painter, award-winning audiobook narrator, and audiobook director for Galaxy Audio.
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