The Ghost of a Flea by John Brinling

Roger Davis is just your average, everyday man.  He spends his days at his boring job, and comes home to his wife, who doesn't really do it for him anymore.  He spends one night a week with his best friend Gideon.  Gideon and he usually talk philosophy or Roger spends time defending himself and his wife, but Roger enjoys that one night away from his contorted marriage.

On this particular evening, Gideon thinks that Roger needs to relax and pulls out the "medicine".  Roger has never smoked the weed before, so isn't sure what to expect, but he accepts and looks at the painting Gideon wants to show him, one that is replicaed in a London Gallery.

Then something quirky happens.  Roger begins to hear voices, see things that aren't there, and loses things, but when he questions his wife, she doesn't know what he is talking about.  Then Gideon is murdered, and Roger is the last person to see him.  He is now a person of interest.

He teams up with an attractive friend of Gideon's, Peggy, to begin their own investigation on who really killed Gideon.  At this time, Roger's wife has moved out, but he is too busy chasing down clues to really give it another thought.  He doesn't trust Peggy, he doesn't trust the police, and he doesn't trust his wife.  Confusion is a major propeller in this tightly coiled and velocious thriller.  Confusion for Roger or the reader is for you to determine. But will Roger get the clues in order before his life is forfeit?

John Brinling brings us an exemplary whodunit set in 1975.  It was refreshing to read a novel without computers and cellphones at every turn to get them out of trouble.  Real footwork is involved in the investigation and the twists and turns of who is telling the truth and are whom they say they are will leave your head spinning but if you can slide your logic into appropriate slots, you will be extremely satisfied with the conclusion. 

This book will appeal to many mystery and thriller fans.  The plot is authentic, the characters realistic and well developed and the writing is seamless.  A fantastic read!