A Hard Day's Death

From The Essential Raymond Benson Collection. Former James Bond novelist Raymond Benson hits his stride with the release of the first book in his new Rock ‘n’ Roll Detective series. A Hard Day’s Death introduces Spike Berenger, a private investigator specializing in cases in the rock music industry. If Spike’s debut is any indication, here’s hoping he’s walking these mean musical streets of rock for many more cases.

A Hard Day’s Death begins with the murder of legendary rocker Peter Flame and the arrest of Flame’s estranged son, Adrian Duncan. Gina Tipton, Adrian’s mother and Flame’s first wife, hires Berenger to prove Adrian didn’t kill his father. During the course of the investigation, Spike’s path crosses Flame’s former and current band members, leaders of the fringe religious cult Flame had recently embraced, Flame’s second ex-wife and their son, and various record industry executives. In addition, a street gang currently running wild, selling drugs and performing guerrilla punk rock concerts, has added Spike to its hit list.

Spike works as a partner of Rockin’ Security, the top security business in rock. While the main businesses of the company is providing concert security and body guard services to rock stars, Spike runs the private investigation practice. This allows him to have a team of operatives, both on the streets and in the office. Spike’s team provides him with valuable information and support as he works to find evidence to clear Adrian.

Benson develops all his characters well, allowing the reader to get to know not only Berenger, but his team and those characters involved specifically with the case and unlikely to return in future books. In fact, Spike’s employees are so appealing, occasional short stories spotlighting them would be welcome.

There’s much for the rock music fan to enjoy, too. Benson peppers the book with many musical references, focusing mostly on classic rock. Fans of progressive rockers Yes and Gentle Giant will be especially pleased. Further, each chapter title is a song title. The song’s performer is also included, allowing the reader to imagine, or actually compile, the soundtrack Benson is imagining for his story. To cap off this rock ‘n roll mystery, there are cameo appearances by two real life rock stars.