Or, How to stop Child Trafficking without getting caught by the cartels, governor, the FBI, HHS, CIA or Mossad.

Jim Hogue’s novel RACK is old-fashioned storytelling pulled from today’s headlines. The eponymous Rack, smart, tough, funny and literate, finds himself drawn into an elaborate sting operation to catch human traffickers and the greedy politicians abetting them. The ensemble of memorable characters works a step ahead of cartels, bad cops, and heartless politicians. All the while they find time for the pleasures of life: conversation, home cooking and love. Humor, wit and lyricism offset the darkness of the topic, and Hogue treats each individual with human dignity. RACK is an homage and addition to the great sleuthing novels of the past, from Raymond Chandler to Elmore Leonard.

Praise for RACK:

“My mind is searching for superlatives. I loved this from the FIRST sentence . . . bringing in references to everything from good literature to memorable movies to familiar names in current events, the prose sparkles with gold. It is rich, humorous, highly literate, and red hot contemporary.”

“It’s clear Hogue has crafted a story with purpose and conviction. I think the strong, distinctive voice will resonate with folks who feel frustrated with US government institutions.”

“I was hooked once pressing go. Quite a journey with twists and turns and guffaws of its own. That was my morning (c)serial!”

“Truly delightful. Playful, tinged with subdued carnality, and lighthearted humor, while the subject was on the serious side. I am in awe.”

“Loved it. I laughed out loud. It’s like riding a sled through the woods, down a winding mountain path”

“It sizzles.”