Editorial Reviews From Publishers Weekly Bruns substitutes exotic locale for suspense in his lukewarm third beach-based mystery (after 2003's Barbados Heat) featuring music journalist Mick Sever. Based in Chicago, Mick heads to Miami when he hears from his ex-wife, Ginny, that her client, legendary rocker Gideon Pike, has vanished. Pike's sudden disappearance leads Ginny, who's editing his forthcoming memoirs, to fear for his safety. Mick has saved Gideon's life before, and he turns detective once again to track him down, a quest that leads him to a seamy underworld of Korean gangsters and recording industry corruption. Bodies, gunfire and betrayals abound, but superficial characters and flat writing make for an unconvincing depiction of Sever's transformation from scribe to action hero. (Sept.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From Booklist In his third outing, rock-music journalist and amateur sleuth Mick Sever looks into the disappearance of Gideon Pike, whose legendary status comes as much from his offstage shenanigans as from his performing skills. Pike, who is writing his autobiography, has a fistful of enemies, any of whom might want him permanently silenced. Bruns, a veteran musician, clearly knows the music biz, and readers are sure to enjoy the behind-the-scenes material. Others may be less thrilled with the author's narrative style, which can swing dramatically from smooth to clunky. David PittCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Review "Don Bruns has staked out his turf ... sex, drugs, rock & roll and murder. What more could you want?"―Sue Grafton, bestselling author"South Beach Shakedown is a spicy, skillfully written, deftly plotted look behind the glittering facade of South Florida's high rolling recording industry. Rolling Stone-style music journalist Mick Sever makes a terrific reluctant sleuth. The best yet from Don Bruns!"―Julia Spencer-Fleming, Edgar finalist and author of To Darkness and to Death"South Beach Shakedown is a glitzy, high speed run from the back alleys to the burnt beaches of Miami Beach. In the hands of Don Bruns, it's hard to tell where the terrain is most dangerous."―Michael Connelly, New York Times bestselling author"Bruns, a veteran musician, clearly knows the music biz, and readers are sure to enjoy the behind-the-scenes material."―Booklist"Like most Baby Boomers, I’ve always found inside stories about my generation’s music to be fascinating. If you agree, look no further than South Beach Shakedown. Don Bruns has crafted another fine crime novel featuring the rock scene’s prime reporter, Mick Sever, who gets himself in deep trouble trying to help his ex-wife and a dysfunctional ‘ex’-friend in South Florida’s most famous destination. My advice: Fasten your seatbelt for a great ride."―Jeremiah Healy, author of Turnabout and The Only Good Lawyer From the Back Cover WELCOME TO SOUTH BEACH WHERE THE NIGHTS ARE WAY TOO HOT...AND THE DAYS CAN LEAVE YOU DEAD IN THE WATER "South Beach Shakedown is a spicy look behind the glittering facade of South Florida's high rolling recording industry." Julia Spencer-Fleming, author of "To Darkness and To Death" "Don Bruns has crafted another fine crime novel featuring the rock scene's prime reporter, Mick Sever. Fasten your seatbelt for a great ride." Jeremiah Healy, author of "The Only Good Lawyer" "From speedboats to rock stars to Asian mobsters, Bruns keeps you salsa dancing so fast you won't catch your breath until you turn that last page." Christine Kling, author of "Bitter End" "Bruns shines when he delivers an insider's knowledge of the rock industry and the desperation it creates in people." South Florida Sun-Sentinel "THE SOUTH BEACH SHAKEDOWN COCKTAIL" Courtesy of Mango's Tropical Cafe, South Beach 1 1/4 ounces of Captain Morgan's Parrot Bay Coconut Rum 1 1/4 ounces of Ron Zacupa Centenario Rum 3/4 ounce Amaretto Fill a 16 ounce Hurricane Glass with ice. Add the above ingredients, and fill with pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine. Garnish with a slice of pineapple, a Maraschino cherry and an umbrella. About the Author Don Bruns is an award-winning novelist, songwriter, musician and advertising executive, who lives in South Florida. He is also the author of Stuff to Spy For, Stuff Dreams Are Made Of, Stuff To Die For, Bahama Burnout, St. Barts Breakdown, South Beach Shakedown, BarbadosHeat and Jamaica Blue. Read more