UNHOLY MATRIMONY: A True Story of Murder and Obsession

A real-life detective story written by the sleuth himself. A hit-and-run case is assigned to the cop-author for a cursory investigation. What happens is a tribute to his persistence and good instincts as he slowly unveils a vicious, premeditated murder of an innocent bride. Dillman sounds like Philip Marlowe's younger brother, not as witty perhaps, but just as dedicated to justice. From the beginning it's clear that Dillman is a policeman who cares. Everything rings true and has the authenticity of real experience, closely observed. What he has to say about his co-workers, the family life of policemen, justice and the New Orleans Homicide Department is peripheral to the main investigation, but compelling anyway. The reader will be riveted to each page as the author slowly and stubbornly pieces together the case against Patricia Giesich's husband. The young woman's parents beg tire detective to get their daughter's killer. He responds to their anguish with humanity and decency. What is remarkable is that his only contact with them is by phone; they are halfway across America. The reader gets a chance to stand at Dillman's side as he tries to get the hard evidence lo indict the murderer. We share his frustration in knowing someone's guilt but being unable to prove it to a court. It is difficult not to root for him--and impossible to put the book aside. A haymaker of a story--boiling with greed, perversion and inhumanity. And in the end justice is done.