This was a fascinating historical mystery. Although this is a historical PI mystery, I wouldn't call it pulp fiction, especially given that it's a father-daughter duo. It's even better that the daughter (Dizzy) is only 12. Honestly, it just adds another layer to the story. With parallel mysteries running that eventually merge, there's plenty to keep the reader engaged. A fun mystery that's easy to get lost in and will keep you guessing. ( )

This is a gem of a book, and I highly recommend it. It's the summer of 1961 in Houston, and private detective Harry Lark is hired to look into a pair of visitors who have an interest in building a Space Center there. Then a man ends up dead, and Harry's focus changes.

Meanwhile, his 12 year old daughter Dizzy gets a case of her own. Dizzy and her friends are aspiring Nancy Drews, and when a little girl in the neighborhood comes to them asking to prove that her daddy didn't die in a recent train wreck, they learn the the highly improbable belief is actually possible.

The two cases cross paths, and father and daughter team up to solve each other's mysteries in a noir story that lives in the history of Houston during 1961.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Dizzy and Harry. Their father daughter relationship is charming in a hard boiled detective story kind of way. I'm somewhat reminded of the relationship in the movie Paper Moon, and I'm not sure why.

And speaking of movies, I think this has a great potential to be considered for one. There is a diverse supporting cast, as the civil rights movement factors into the plot, and the equally diverse culture of Houston is well portrayed. Weird suggestion-- if the author can get the attention of some Texas born actor like, say "Jensen Ackles," I could totally picture him in the role of Harry. I know, that's a silly idea... but what if... I hear he's free in about a year...

My only criticism is that, as smart as Dizzy is, I sometimes felt that her first person narrative sounded too adult for her character. But that's a minor complaint that I can forgive.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ( )

July 1969 and the first man is walking on the moon, amazing as that may be! Backtrack to May 1961, before this auspicious occasion, when plans were just in the beginning stages. The heat is slowly climbing in Houston, Texas and the air conditioners are running overtime. Harry Lark P.I. is hired by Mr. Smith to tail two fellows who are coming down from Washington, D.C. who are looking into space research. In the meanwhile, Dizzy Lark and several friends are starting their own business - lost and found. Having had great success with Billy’s cat, they were becoming quite busy when young Sissy comes and asks them to find her father. Since he had apparently been killed in a train wreck, they didn’t think this would be very difficult. As they set about to find out all the detail they can, Harry is busy with the fallout of his job with Mr. Smith. What follows is a story that touches on segregation in the Deep South before the Civil rights Act of 1964. Between race and labor troubles, bombs and missing money, rare gems and a missing father, both Harry and Dizzy are deep in the detective work. Will they survive this unscathed?
As one who prefers historical fiction, and sometimes suspense, a crime drama was a stretch for me. In the beginning, I found it difficult to figure out where the author was going with this novel. As the action heated up, the story became more difficult to put aside. I found the ending very satisfying!
I received this Egalley for my perusal with no expectation of a positive review. All impressions and opinions are my own. ( )