Lita Mendez was a thorn in the LAPD’s side. An aggressive police critic and gang activist, she’d filed countless complaints against the department. So when she’s found dead in her home, Shane and Hitch fear the worst: that there’s a killer in their ranks.
Outside the crime scene, Nixon Nash, the charismatic host of a hit reality show called Vigilante TV, has set up shop with his television crew. Nash’s show is dedicated to beating the cops at their own game, solving murders before they can. Now he has the murder of Lita Mendez in his sights and he presents the detectives with a choice: either join his team or prepare for a public takedown.
But Scully suspects that Nash isn’t the folk hero he seems. If a detective got in his way, just how far would the TV host go in the name of self-promotion?
On the heels of The Prostitutes’ Ball, called “the best Scully yet” (Kirkus Reviews) and “perfectly fresh” (Booklist), this new novel from the celebrated author has Detective Scully risking everything to save himself, his family, and the job he loves.
Praise for Stephen J. Cannell
“A master storyteller.” —Michael Connelly
“A great storyteller who keeps you nailed to the page.” —Ted Bell
“Cannell is the gold in crime fiction.” —Stephen Coonts
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"My first time reading a Cannell book. The story of two detectives in Los Angeles and a behind the scenes tv personality who profits off of unsolved murders. The book is a combination of murder mystery, thriller, surprises and sometimes witty detectives. I enjoyed the book and recommend it."
— Richard (4 out of 5 stars)
" At first, I didn't think this was as gripping as previous Shane Scully thrillers by Cannell; however, by the middle of the book, I could not put this book down. "
— Anni, 2/16/2014" Old friend Shane Scully and a really kick ass ending. "
— Alexis, 2/14/2014" Very good book. An enjoying read. "
— Sandy, 2/13/2014" What can I say, I am a Shane Scully fan. Stephen Cannell can always keep me reading. I enjoyed this one, just kept thinking that it will be the last. What a loss when we lost Cannell. "
— Lee, 2/5/2014" Shane Scully and partner get draw the homicide of an anti police activist in a gang infested neighborhood and almost before the crime scene tape is up the producer of an anti police TV show is there filming and interviewing. He gets Shane over and sets him up with a supposed witness and secretly films the interaction between Shane and the witness. With the producer hounding Shane and the police department at every step of the way it makes for some tense moments before this case is brought to a close. Readable but not outstanding. "
— Bob, 1/23/2014" Story was good characters were not quite right. Sort of like not the character I was expecting. I don't think Stephen cannell had it very finished when he died. Family relationships were off and Shane scully not the right personality. "
— Sandy, 1/22/2014" Not sure if this will be the last Shane Scully, since Cannell has passed away; but if it is, it was a good last chapter. A very unusual twist to this Murder Case. Always enjoy his writing. "
— Donna, 1/9/2014" Police procedural with a noir twist. A good read that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. "
— Harry, 1/1/2014" Very well written, it was a good story with a good ending. I will miss his writing as he was a great author. You will be missed by all. "
— Tom, 12/3/2013" I'm sad to see this decent, occasionally very good crime series come to an end. Thank you, Mr. Cannell, it was a fun ride. "
— Diane, 11/17/2013" I'm sorry a tree had to die,to make the paper,to print this book. "
— Bill, 10/14/2013" I watched and loved his TV shows as a kid, and as a adult loved his books. Very sad to be finishing Vigilante knowing there will not be another Shane Scully or Stephen Cannell book. It has been fun, and his last book was a great read. WELL DONE!!! "
— David, 7/23/2013" A fine end to the Shane Scully series of novels. Goodbye Mr. Cannell! "
— Doug, 6/1/2013" I thought this was the best Shane Scully book I have read. It kept me guessing until the end and was full of adventure. I couln't wait to read more. Great book! "
— Toni, 5/8/2013" Enjoyed Vigilante. Fast-paced and smooth, this Shane Scully novel has lots of twists and turns. Got a little bit far-fetched, but an excellent ending. Cannell does a good job. "
— Leslie, 4/24/2013" This book was quick and clever. The story line allowed me to try to figure out the crime along with Scully and Hitch. I'll admit, the characters were a little shallow, but I enjoyed reading this book on a rainy day in Miami. "
— Donna, 4/13/2013" I've read this entire series but found this one a bit weak and too far-fetched. Cannell has passed away, and I'll miss his writing. His work is usually a fun time. Big fan of King Con. RIP "
— Abby, 1/1/2013Stephen J. Cannell (1941–2010) was the author of the New York Times bestselling Shane Scully books, including The Prostitute’s Ball, The Pallbearers, and Three Shirt Deal. He was also an Emmy Award–winning television writer and producer, and in his thirty-five-year career, he created or cocreated more than forty television series. He was a third-generation Californian and resided in the Pasadena area with his wife, Marcia, and their children.
Scott Brick, an acclaimed voice artist, screenwriter, and actor, has performed on film, television, and radio. He attended UCLA and spent ten years in a traveling Shakespeare company. Passionate about the spoken word, he has narrated a wide variety of audiobooks. winning won more than fifty AudioFile Earphones Awards and several of the prestigious Audie Awards. He was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine and the Voice of Choice for 2016 by Booklist magazine.