Shanahan’s sometimes partner, Howie Cross, wants to help his old friend stay alive, but has troubles of his own. The younger detective comes home one day to find a five-year-old girl on his doorstep. He is unsure what to do, but when he notices a familiar red pendant hanging round her neck, it becomes clear he can’t ask the police what she’s doing there.

Past loves prove dangerous for nearly everybody in Ronald Tierney’s eighth mystery novel in what Booklist says is “… a first-rate, too often overlooked hard boiled series.” With the author’s patented mix of humor and suspense, Asphalt Moon reveals Shanahan’s vulnerability as well as his toughness. Cross, in his attempt to save lives, faces the biggest challenge of his life, personally and professionally.