The Do-Re-Mi

August 21, 2006
Set in 1972, Kuhlken's fourth mystery to feature the endearing Hickey clan (after 1994's The Angel Gang
) follows 22-year-old Clifford Hickey, an aspiring folk singer, as he takes one last stab at a music career before heading to USC law school at the urging of his father, former cop and PI Tom Hickey, the eccentric protagonist of the first three books in the series. Clifford plans to perform at a jamboree in Evergreen, a small town in California redwood country, but shortly after he arrives at his half-brother Alvaro's camp in the woods, the cops storm the site. Alvaro escapes, but Clifford is taken into custody. Later, Alvaro is charged with the murder of a sheriff's nephew, and Clifford must try to prove his brother's innocence in a town filled with vengeful bikers, suspicious locals, crooked cops, rogue federal agents and pot-growing hippies. Kuhlken brings the social and cultural scene of the period vividly to life.

September 1, 2006
It is 1972, and Clifford Hickey, who is about to go to law school to please his father, wants one last chance to live his dream by performing at Big Dan -s folk music festival in the redwoods forest of Evergreen, CA. As he arrives at his brother Alvaro -s remote campgrounds, police storm the camp to arrest Alvaro for the murder of an officer -s nephew. Alvaro escapes leaving Clifford to unravel the identity of the real killer in this fourth tale about the Hickey family (after "The Loud Adios", " The Venus Deal", and" The Angel Gang"). Only Ava, a -Jesus freak, - and Clifford -s ex-cop father can help him piece the clues together. Kuhlken draws colorful characters -biker gang members, hippies, and small town law enforcement -in a world where marijuana profits and music rule. A compelling storyline with the right amount of suspense will keep readers guessing. Recommended for all collections. The author lives in California.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.