The Biggest Liar in Los Angeles Book

"The floor beneath Tom rose and fell, as if another earthquake had struck. He back-stepped and leaned against the brick wall. 'Frank Gaines,' he muttered." p. 4

I picked up this audio at random. It was available when I went to the library, it wasn't too long and I thought it might be good. I have to admit, I was desperate for a book to listen to. I was pleasantly surprised.

It turns out that this mystery includes references to the Azusa Temple and Sister Aimee Semple McPherson. Since I just took a class on women and Christianity last spring, these names were familiar to me. This was enough to catch my attention and keep me listening.

I enjoyed the premise of this audio and did not figure out the mystery too early. All and all this was a good read.
After I was finished with the audio, I looked up the author and this is part of his series on the history of California. That explains a lot. I think that Kuhlken's premise is interesting, but I personally don't have a lot of interest in California's history. So I am not planning to listen to any more of this series. That does not mean the book is bad, just that it had less appeal to me than other stories.

If you are interested in detective stories set in California, that look at that state's history through one character, Tom Hickey, you should try this mystery. It is the last published, but the first in the series.