Andrew H Vachss, Strega. London, Collins, 1988. 1st edition. 1st printing. 8 x 5 1/2, 299 pp. SIGNED by Vachss. Publicity card of Vachss laid in. Black cloth and & gilt. Price on jacket flap £11.95 net. The dark freelance investigator Burke meets Strega.

Vachss has written 18 books in the ex-con Burke private eye sequence. The opening scene of Strega, in which Burke stalks a stalker, is as effective as anything he’s written. The climax is so good, the rest of the book is almost a letdown. But never fear, beyond the opening Vachss sends Burke in pursuit of the subject closest to his heart, a child being sexually abused. You know that Burke is going to find and confront those responsible. How he gets there, with the help of the “witch” Strega, is well worth the price of admission. This is one of Burke’s best adventures.

Condition: Fine copy in fine jacket.