Book Review: Carlucci's Edge

Book Review: 'Carlucci's Edge' by Richard Paul Russo

4 / 5 Stars

'Carlucci's Edge' (295 pp.) was published by Ace Books in June, 1995. The cover design is by Viktor Koen.

This is the second volume in the so-called 'Carlucci' trilogy. My review of the first volume, 'Destroying Angel,' is here. 

Probably the best way to acquire the trilogy is to pick up the 'Carlucci' omnibus edition, a trade paperback issued by Ace in 2003. 

The events in 'Carlucci's Edge' take place three years after those in 'Destroying Angel.' Twenty-first century San Francisco is just as hot and humid, as littered with garbage and human detritus, and as dangerous, as it was in the first adventure. Carlucci, now firmly positioned in middle-age with all its cynical glory, is approached by a Riot Grrrl named Paula Asgard. It seems that Chick, a close friend and confidante of Paula's, has been murdered - shot in the head by assailant(s) unknown - and the SF police department isn't all that keen on investigating the murder. 

Sensing a cover-up, but reluctant to get into trouble with the SFPD leadership, Carlucci agrees to conduct his own, semi-clandestine inquiry into Chick's demise. At the same time, Carlucci is burdened with another homicide case, one with a much higher profile. A murder case whose investigation is subjected to considerable pressure, not just from the department brass, but from politically influential people.

As Carlucci makes his way through the chaotic alleys and streets of the Tenderloin district, interviewing all manner of deranged street characters and outcasts, he discovers that not only are the two cases related, but that the deceased had been crossing paths with powerful elites....elites who have considerable pull with the SFPD's upper echelon, elites with few scruples about eliminating any meddlers. 

Will Carlucci pursue his investigation, at the risk of permanent damage to his career ? Or will he take the safer path and shelve the case ? Carlucci walks the 'edge', with his future as a cop at stake.....

'Carlucci's Edge,' like 'Destroying Angel,' expertly mixes the cyberpunk and police procedural / private eye / noir genres. The chapters are short, and the prose crisp while never over-indulging in hardboiled diction.

Where 'Edge' loses a step is in its emphasis on documenting the emotional and psychological travails of its characters, which in turn relegates figuring out Whodunnit to a supporting role.  At times, I found myself wishing that author Russo would spend less time on the angst of Paula Asgard, and more time on getting the plot progressing towards a resolution. When the resolution does come, it has an ambiguous nature that is disappointing in light of all the crime-solving logistics that precedes it.

I'm at ease with giving 'Carlucci's Edge' a Four Star rating. It will be enjoyed by fans of the cyberpunk and crime genres.