Joe L. Hensley

When judge Don Robak, a former defense attorney, is faced with one of the most bizarre cases in Indiana history--a local ne'er-do-well is charged with arson and murder by one of the state's most powerful families--he will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

Contents: A few words -- Paint doctor -- Deadly hunger -- Widow -- A lot of sense -- Argent blood -- Whistler -- Watcher -- Killer scent -- The home -- On the rocks -- The calculator -- Savant -- Decision -- Truly yours, John R. Jacks -- Trial -- Shut the final door -- The retiree -- Fifty Chinese. This collection of stories, hand selected by Joe Hensley, draws on the author's diverse experience as a WWII medic, lawyer, judge, and legislator to deliver frightening, sad, funny, sly, and — above all — perceptive tales of suspense. For both established fans and newcomers to Joe Hensley's work, these stories will reveal why colleague Ed Gorman wrote "Hensley is that rarity today, a writer with a hankering for the small but important truths that define our lives, and a joyous regard for language. He's a hell of a storyteller, too".