I suppose it comes as no surprise that I’ve already read the next novel in Howard Michael Gould’s Charlie Waldo series. Below the Line offered up a similar mix of intricate crime in sunny LA as its predecessor.
Only a month has passed since the events involving the Pinch case, and in that time, Waldo has rekindled his romance with Lorena. That mostly means sex, but they are finding compromise in his minimalist ways and her gotta have it all style. In no time at all though, Lorena’s got a case and someone’s bested her. It appears she was hired as a hoax and now she wants Waldo’s help to figure out who set it up. Where it leads though, is to a toxic fifteen year old named Stevie Rose. I, like Lorena, loathed this anorexic, compulsive liar. She’s too rich with no rules or supervision, so it’s no wonder that the pair end up tangled in her mess.
Turns out that mess involves a lot of movie parts, like a dead, pervy teacher, drugs, sex trafficking, and more death! She is very aloof about her whereabouts throughout the whole timeline, and while I’m really on Lorena’s side, Waldo of course knows there’s more to the story and believes in Stevie’s innocence. Also similar to the first novel is how many times Waldo brushes with death himself. Maybe he’s the human equivalent of a cat? Either way, he’s got just enough prior experience and unexpected friends that his hide is spared again and again. Besides Lorena, Don Q is the only other character that crosses over, and I’ve come to like him more and more. He presents as a super tough guy, and he is, but he’s also got a softer side and helps Waldo out more than you’d expect him to.
Without giving away who actually did what in this book, just know that the dots that get connected at the end are just as interesting as in the first novel and you won’t be disappointed. There was a lot more Lorena this time around, and I have to say that I’m not a fan. I suppose I relate more to Waldo’s disposition. Lorena just seems so short-tempered and materialistic. I know Waldo kind of used to be the same way and growth takes time, but she was kind of miserable. Maybe as this series goes on she’ll grow on me, but for now, I could do with less of her. That wasn’t enough to ruin this book for me. Not by a long shot. I look forward to reading the next installments in this series!