Redemption Street (Moe Prager Series #2) Book

Redemption Street by Reed Farrel Coleman
My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a "comfy" feel to it, like the narrator was a friend. The retired detective (Moe) turned wine-store owner in the 1970's New York City takes his first P.I. case, not because someone asks him to do it; but because someone offers him money to not take it. Right away I knew that I would like this character and he didn't disappoint anytime. As he investigates an old fire in a Catskills hotel that killed 17 people in the 60's; one a girl he'd had a crush on in high school; he explores his feelings about being a Jew especially as he meets other Jews who are quite visually advertising their beliefs like the Hassids and the Yellow Stars. These emotional threads colour and influence his findings about the fire and the people involved, the small resort town police, politicians and former members of the destroyed hotel. All the characters are well rounded out and quite believable. The twists and turns sometimes come as a surprise which I like in a mystery, who likes to know the ending before getting there? The author has included personal scenes in the development of the character which helps Moe come alive and makes the story something that is happening to the character right now. I give 5 stars.