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The bizarre killing of Miss Pak should have belonged to the Korean police. But her amorous associations with American servicemen in Seoul also made her death the business of the U.S. Army's criminal investigation arm, of which Sgt. Ernie Bascom and Sgt. George Sueno were prized digits. George is from East L.A., Ernie is from another planet. In the army, going after the truth is usually seen as a criminal waste of time, so they are well suited to the case. The Eighth Army command is anxious only to squelch the bad press, and the boys are really only interested in enjoying their tour of duty. The two of them know Korea, they like Korea (George even speaks the language), and they are all too happy to check the tawdry dives the woman had trawled for customers. Even if they don't find the perpetrator, the consequences are minimal. There is something odd about the Korean cops' nervousness. Also, the actual killing is pretty heinous; the oddly trussed-up victim is little more than a youngster. Nobody can't die but there are ways no one should. The case gets to George and Ernie. They even work on it after hours. In their line, though, getting involved with a victim isn't smart because you increase tremendously the odds of becoming one.
The bizarre killing of Miss Pak should have belonged to the Korean police. But her amorous associations with American servicemen in Seoul also made her death the business of the U.S. Army's criminal investigation arm, of which Sgt. Ernie Bascom and Sgt. George Sueno were prized digits. George is from East L.A., Ernie is from another planet. In the army, going after the truth is usually seen as a criminal waste of time, so they are well suited to the case. The Eighth Army command is anxious only to squelch the bad press, and the boys are really only interested in enjoying their tour of duty. The two of them know Korea, they like Korea (George even speaks the language), and they are all too happy to check the tawdry dives the woman had trawled for customers. Even if they don't find the perpetrator, the consequences are minimal. There is something odd about the Korean cops' nervousness. Also, the actual killing is pretty heinous; the oddly trussed-up victim is little more than a youngster. Nobody can't die but there are ways no one should. The case gets to George and Ernie. They even work on it after hours. In their line, though, getting involved with a victim isn't smart because you increase tremendously the odds of becoming one.
Martin Limon retired from military service after twenty years in the US Army, including ten years in Korea. He is the author of six previous books in the Sergeant George Sueno series: "Jade Lady Burning," "Slicky Boys, Buddha's Money, The Door to Bitterness, The Wandering Ghost," and "GI Bones." He lives in Seattle.
Praise for the Sergeant George Sueno series:
"Remarkable ... compassionately written, searing in its
intensity."--"The New York Times Book Review"
"Superb."--Molly Ivins, "Seattle Times"
"[W]hat a great gift any of Limon's six mysteries starring Army
Sgts. George Sueno and Ernie Bascom would make for those mystery
lovers who haven't yet discovered them! ... Imbued with affecting
characters, a morally knotty storyline, and a last chapter that
just plain stuns."--Maureen Corrigan
George and Ernie pal around as military investigators for the Eighth Army in Korea, making daily visits to Itaewon for bars, booze, and ``business'' women. When an American serviceman apparently murders a young Korean woman, they use their unusual contacts to find clues but stumble on evidence of a conspiracy aimed at grabbing millions of dollars in army contracts instead. Limon's clipped narrative style fits the military life he describes and the duo's methodology as well. A competent and promising first novel with a unique setting.
Praise for the Sergeant George Sueno series:
"Remarkable ... compassionately written, searing in its
intensity."--"The New York Times Book Review"
"Superb."--Molly Ivins, "Seattle Times"
"[W]hat a great gift any of Limon's six mysteries starring Army
Sgts. George Sueno and Ernie Bascom would make for those mystery
lovers who haven't yet discovered them! ... Imbued with affecting
characters, a morally knotty storyline, and a last chapter that
just plain stuns."--Maureen Corrigan
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