A Rock and a Hard Place

New York: St. Martin's Press, 1999. BS6 - An advance uncorrected proof paperback book SIGNED by author on the title page in very good condition that has some bumped cornrs, wrinkling and crease, label on the back, a few scattered stains, light discoloration and shelf wear. What happens when a seaside detective finds himself caught between the claims of family and the demands of duty. 8.25"x5.5", 260 pages. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Barrett Raines is a black detective on the tiny police force in Deacon Beach, a very small town in northwest Florida. He's worked all his career to live up to the faith in him expressed by the very popular local tavern owner, Ramona, who practically pushed him into the position of the only black man on the all-white force. He has made a place for himself and his schoolteacher wife in the little community - they are accepted. But then Ramona is brutally murdered, and Barrett's older brother, Delton, a former high school jock and an always-in-trouble adult is the obvious suspect. It's no-win for Barrett: if he cannot identify the much-loved Ramona's killer, it will be because he is shielding his brother; if he nails Delton for the crime, he is working out his personal rivalry, not to mention that the man is, after all, his brother. He is being pulled in all directions, not least by Delton himself, who may have the real answer to the murder.. Signed by Author. Paperback. Very Good/No Jacket as Issued. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Advance Reading Copy (ARC).