AXX GOES SOUTH

by Fred Huber ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 6, 1989

A mystery-suspense in the Don Pendelton mode, with coyly named NYPD cop Brad Axx taking a break in Florida to avoid disciplinary action (overzealous viciousness prompted by his wife's unavenged murder), where he meets attractive real-estate broker Kirsten McCauley, who quickly dies of a cocaine overdose. Though Kirsten's death is listed as accidental, Axx thinks otherwise and, with information from Annie, another River Woods saleswoman, uncovers a shoddy real-estate scare (the River Woods development will never be built); a Bahamian bank account; and political corruption on the local and state levels. Plus, there's a bimonthly drug-drop on the conveniently deserted property acreage. Many lies, threats, and beatings later, Axx drops the whole mess in the D.A.'s lap, only to learn that almost everyone wanted a piece of the payoffs. In the final confrontation between Axx and the Brains/Brawn, Axx escapes while the others fall victim to a concealed, dainty .25 Browning and a shove overboard. Clever schemes (including the phosphorous-outlined plane runway and the Bahamian street-vendor who has, unknowingly, become ""one of the largest conglomerates in the western hemisphere"") and sweet byplay between the various out-to-pasture cops, but still: typical macho stuff--only now under a palm tree.

Pub Date: Oct. 6, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Walker

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1989

Categories: FICTION