Crime Song

By: David Swinson

Narrated by: Christopher Ryan Grant

The return of Frank Marr, the "refreshing" protagonist of one of the New York Times' Best Crime Novels of 2016.

Frank Marr was a good cop with a bad habit, until his burgeoning addictions to alcohol and cocaine forced him into retirement from the DC police. Now barely eking out a living as a private investigator, he agrees to take on a family case: a favor for his aunt, who was like a second mother to him growing up.

Frank's surveillance confirms that his cousin Jeffrey is involved with a small-time drugs operation. Modest stuff, until Frank's own home is burglarized, leaving a body on the kitchen floor: Jeffrey. Worse, Frank's .38 revolver-the murder weapon-is stolen, along with his cherished music collection, his only possessions of sentimental value: dozens of vinyl albums that belonged to his late mother. Only Frank's stash, his dwindling supply of the cocaine he needs to get through the day, is untouched. Why?

Clearly, his cousin was deeper in the underworld than anyone realized. With the weight of his family, his reputation, and his own life on the line, he'll have to find the culprit by following the stolen goods through a tangled network of petty thieves, desperate addicts, deceiving fences, good cops, bad cops, and one morally compromised taxi driver.

Frank's as determined to uncover the truth as he is to feed his habit, and both pursuits could prove deadly. This time, it may just be a question of what gets him first.

Critic reviews

"Marr is easy to take, a decent guy with a sense of honor. And since Swinson is one of the best dialogue hounds in the business, Marr is blessed with some terrific street talk."—The New York Times Book Review

"So convincing . . . Compulsively readable"—Jack Batten, Toronto Star

Frank Marr is "one of the genre's most damaged yet empathetic characters. The writing feels as authentic and true to the street as The Wire--which for crime writers is about the highest praise there is."—Casey Barrett, Village Voice

"Former DC detective Swinson knows his stuff. . . . His second in the Frank Marr series features sharp prose, spot-on dialogue, and a protagonist as complicated and unlikely as he is appealing. Fans of gritty crime fiction will want to add Swinson to their reading lists."—Booklist (starred review)

"David Swinson is one of the most exciting new voices to come along in crime fiction in this decade, and Crime Song is Exhibit A of his remarkable talent. Swinson's writing is heartfelt, powerful, and authentic, and Frank Marr is as fully rendered as any detective in recent memory."—Michael Koryta, bestselling author of Rise the Dark

"Frank Marr is a straight-up addict. His life, a train wreck. And he's the good guy. Welcome to the world of David Swinson, author of one of the most compelling P.I. series to come along in a while. Pick up a copy of Crime Song. You'll love it."—Michael Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of Brighton

"A veteran detective, David Swinson knows DC's secrets and it shows in this killer noir, so authentic it'll make you get up and lock your doors. Crime Song is even better than the fantastic TheSecond Girl and Swinson writes with a refreshing, understated realness. This is right up there with Richard Price and The Wire."—Matthew Quirk, New York Times bestselling author of Dead Man Switch

"Swinson delivers a superb second installment (after The Second Girl) in the "Frank Marr" series. Readers of Dennis Lehane, Richard Price, and George Pelecanos as well as fans of The Wire will appreciate the gritty depiction of the mean inner-city streets of our nation's capital."—Library Journal (starred review)

"Smart and sharp . . . Swinson, a retired detective himself, knows his way around mean streets. . . . Through all the plot twists of this well-designed mystery, what comes through most are Swinson's characters--particularly Marr, who attracts affection and respect, even when he is at his worst."—The National Book Review

"Crime Song is fast and rough and great. The atmosphere is perfect. The details are perfect. Only a cop, someone who's really lived in this world, could get so much so right."
—James O. Born, bestselling author of Walking Money

flawed but lovable

What did you love best about Crime Song?

I truly like the flawed hero.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I do enjoy this character. I'm hope there is more to come from David Swinson's character Frank Marr.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't really have a favorite.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A somewhat flawed hero.

Any additional comments?

I like the dirty flawed hero.

Another Enjoyable Story

The author puts the reader right there on the streets of DC with the main character. I feel like I am his partner entangled in the story as well.

Excellent

Fast moving and several twists. I believe this is a follow up from the book , The Second Girl.
Some foul language but not as much as in the Second Girl. Great writer! I will be reading his next book. A great crime book.

Great and gritty

Love this series. Frank Mar is bad ass with a habit . Deals out justice playing by his own rules. Excellent writing and narration. Hope this series keeps going!

Anti-hero

A good pick for fans of hard-core anti-heros. Frank Marr, the main character, is a high functioning addict, and there is a LOT of drinking, drugs, and the "F" word in this fast-paced story. Good narration, although the editing was terrible ( tone and volume changing often)