“You make a compelling case…” Underneath all the humour there’s some serious subject matter, including Black realising he’s reached the age of 43 with not a lot to show for it except ‘an eccentric wardrobe and an old Cadillac’, complex emotional issues and dealing with abandoned and ignored dreams. “Like you aren’t running a bigger deficit than the government.” You’re not saying a guitar player in Hollywood was taking drugs! No wonder you’re suspicious…” I’ll drop the triple homicide ticket I picked up this morning and get right on the dope fiend. Black is an authentic individual with normal, everyday issues in his personal as well as professional life, which most people can relate in one way or another. Could he actually have another shot at a career in the music business again? I just love Black’s character, his decency, generosity and sense of humour, not to mention his relationships with Stan, Roxie and Mugsy, who takes centre stage in this episode and eventually provides something of a life line for Black. Brushing up on his guitar skills and getting a rock star make over, Black is again in the thick of the action. He gets a chance to relive his long-lost fame by joining, as lead guitarist, one the groups who were knocked out last year. Reality shows are in the firing line in this story as Black is assigned to investigate possible shady dealings in a reality TV competition, Rock of Ages. Then Black gets a call about a new client.

Roxie is forced to look for another job until things improve. Add to that the move to a swanky new office, which unnecessary luxury, according to Black, is taking what little money he has left. The rent’s overdue on his apartment, Roxie’s had no wages and there are no clients beating down his door. Renee at It’s Book Talk began this meme as a way to share old favourites, as well as books that have been waiting on the ‘to be read’ pile for however long, and are finally getting an airing.īlack is back, broke and down on his luck. I loved listening to the series on audio and have the final one to look forward to in hardcopy as it wasn’t released as an audiobook.

Black by russell blake