Riding the Rap

Riding the Rap by Leonard, Elmore. mass_market edition. ISBN: 9780440214410.

Many imitate him but none can touch him. Hes set the standard against which all other crime novels are measured. His signature is vise-tightening suspense, crackling dialogue, and deadeye wit. And now, in Riding The Rap, Elmore Leonard proves once again that he is "the greatest living writer of crime fiction." (The New York Times) Raylan Givens, U.S. Marshal, is working on Warrants, bringing in fugitive felons, when Harry Arno disappears again and Raylan feels obliged to find him. This time with misgivings. Raylan believes Harry has dropped out of site to get attention and win back his former lover, Joyce, who had fallen into Raylans arms, but now seems concerned only with Harrys welfare. The last person to see Harry is a nifty young psychic--certified medium and spiritualist--named Dawn Navarro. As soon as Raylan talks to her he senses that Harry has very likely beenkidnapped and Dawn is involved. Cut to the bad guys. Chip Ganz describes his idea, a way to make millions, as "taking hostages." Not unlike the way it was done in Lebanon, but this time for profit. Does he mean kidnapping? "In a way," Chip tells his ex-con accomplice, Louis Lewis and Bobby Deo, "only different. A lot different." Its the victim who has to come up with a way to pay the ransom. "It had better be the best idea youve ever had," Chip tells Harry, blindfolded and in chains. "Because if we dont like it, youre dead." In time Raylans pretty sure he knows where Harry is being held, but doesnt have "probable cause" to get a warrant and gain entry. As he closes in, though, Chips hostage plan begins to come apart and the scene is set for a showdown--one of the best youll ever see.