Backwater by James Sallis

From grandmaster of noir James Sallis, author of the cult classic Drive, a breathtaking and poignant small town detective procedural–and examination of human natureWhen an old friend from his days on the police force makes a plea for him to come and help with what seems a murder case, jazz guitarist Bishop steps back into a former life. Two major problems, though. The job’s in the town where he grew up, to which he vowed never to return. And his friend disappears, leaving Bishop with responsibilities he never anticipated or wanted. Not to mention a couple more murders.Bishop slips into his old role as easily as into well-worn, comfortable old clothes. Getting his bearings in the town’s close society and among his own memories is a different matter. This breathtaking novel from grandmaster of noir James Sallis, author of Drive, is both a resonant detective procedural and a deep examination of human nature.