Nocturnity P.I. by Scott Blasingame

 Nocturnity P.I. by Scott Blasingame

Scott Blasingame back with fight-filled stories set in the fictional city of Nocturnity, California. Instead of the NightDragon, however, we follow the adventures of a ex-MMA fighter/policeman named Parker Cassidy , now working as a private investigator. Instead of a single narrative, we have a collection of stories in which Parker has to throwdown with almost ever case he accepts.

For example, in "The Kempo Kid," Cassidy takes on some mobsters in a chop shop. In "The Dynamic Temple," Parker visits the vast estate belonging to a New Age religious movement that may be more than just meditating. Finally, in "Sparring Partners", we get a heart-to-heart between Parker and police detective Keith "Clubfoot" Cunningham, a minor supporting character from Blasingame's own "NightDragon" series. That story helps fill out some details not only on Parker's character, but on the "NightDragon" books as well.

As usual, one can count on a number of exciting and extremely detailed fight scenes, as is Blasingame's forté. However, where this book really stands out is the Parker Cassidy character. Cassidy is a perpetually jokey, sarcastic punster, but with a strong sense of justice and integrity. To him, it's better to do the right thing and sleep well each night, than to compromise his values. This obvious has numerous financial setbacks--which he takes in stride--but it makes him a compelling blue-collar hero. The dialog is always fun to read and his interactions with everyone he meets will surely elicit lots of chuckles, plus the occasional belly laugh. The short stories never outstay their welcome and introduce us to all sorts of criminal elements that the NightDragon himself hasn't gotten around to dealing with yet. Between the great dialog, the likeable (but relatable) hero, and the fight scenes, this is a must for fans of action literature.