In all fairness, let's set the paradigm. I am a Parrothead, so, any book that even mentions Jimmy Buffett is on my must-read list. That's why I picked up Riordan's book. That is not, however, why I couldn't put it down. His characters are high-definition, his plot is intriguing and very timely, but what I enjoyed most was how he can turn a phrase and/or capture a feeling or a mood. From the "aluminum quality" of sinking beneath water, to Austin's "big-boned sister," his writing is truly superb, and very deserving of his many literary awards. This is a writer to watch. He has the urbane quality of a Burke, he approaches the dialogue ability of a Leonard, and his characters laugh at themselves like Parker, but there is really something special and unique about Riordan, his outstanding ability to trigger the senses with his words, to "show" (not "tell"). There was a time we all looked at Harris for that quality; turn your eyes toward Riordan.

In all fairness, I need to say at the outset that 1) I am a dedicated Parrot Head; 2) I love Key West, even if I would be considered a black socked tourist; and 3) given the choice, I only read So. Fla. mysteries. With those caveats, I tell you that I loved the book and will buy every future novel that Tom Corcoran writes. He is more realistic than Hiassen and moves a lot faster than Shames. His characters are cut out of true conch shells, although there may have been a few too many of them at times (especially after a couple of Barbancourts). What is best about the book, however, are his little pearls of wisdom, dropping out of the sky like Buffett lyrics, about life and death and past and current loves. He's as close to McDonald as any living author has achieved.

It's a new American masterpiece by America's greatest living writer. Enough said? We've waited a long time for this one, and "we" are not disappointed. Awesome.