But these are the heady days of big bands, ballrooms, and swing dancing. Folks line the streets trying to get in the Savoy Ballroom to see, be seen, hear hot music, and see some of the best dancing in the city. Right up until the dance troup's leader gets gunned down by two guys. Right there in front of everyone. Right there in mid-performance. Ballsy hit.
Taylor's editor tells him to find out what happened and write it up. Now Taylor may be a cynic, but he still knows how to dig a bit and see if anything pops up that might make this killing something that will help Crime Weekly sell more magazines. Along the way, he gets some guidance from a certifiable legend in Walter Winchell and ends up with a newbie following him around looking to break into the NYC writing fraternity. Kid named Truman Capote.
What starts off looking like a simple hit, Taylor finds way more than he bargained for. Not hard to figure that out when he gets mugged in a men's room at Ebbett's Field or being shot at. A sly word here leads him into the fashion district. Another quiet word sets Taylor off trying to get an audience with the notorious mobster Frank Costello. Was this dancer really that well connected?
Thanks to the good folks at Stark House Press for the advance copy. Cain has five novels and five non-fiction books to his credit. A short blurb about Arbuckle's Dance has set me off trying to find it. I've read a few crime reporter books and found that I quite like them. A change from cops or PI's. A quick and easy read, one that opens quickly and keeps you interested by grabbing your lapels and not letting go. Good stuff. Very good stuff.
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