From AudioFile
In this noir mystery, Private Investigator Lew Archer is hired to track down a missing child but becomes embroiled in a baffling forest fire that threatens affluent Southern California communities. Among the ashes, Archer digs up murder and, of course, a list of colorful potential culprits. Tom Parker's reading is impeccable. Characters ranging from a dumb blonde to a mentally challenged middle-aged man are presented with delicate yet distinguishable differences. Even the child's voice is believable, with glimpses of youthful innocence, bravado, and fear. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Book Description
As a mysterious fire rages through an affluent community in Southern California, Lew Archer tracks a missing--and possibly kidnapped--child and uncovers and entire secret history of wayward parents, wounded offspring, and murder. Along with its merciless suspense, The Underground Man possesses a moral vision as complex as that of a classic Greek tragedy.

From the Inside Flap
As a mysterious fire rages through an affluent community in Southern California, Lew Archer tracks a missing--and possibly kidnapped--child and uncovers and entire secret history of wayward parents, wounded offspring, and murder. Along with its merciless suspense, The Underground Man possesses a moral vision as complex as that of a classic Greek tragedy.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

As a mysterious fire rages through an affluent community in Southern California, Lew Archer tracks a missing—and possibly kidnapped—child and uncovers and entire secret history of wayward parents, wounded offspring, and murder. Along with its merciless suspense, The Underground Man possesses a moral vision as complex as that of a classic Greek tragedy.

FROM THE CRITICS

Anthony Boucher - The New York Times Book Review

I should like to venture that Ross MacDonald is a better novelist than either￯﾿ﾽDashiell Hammett or Raymond Chandler.

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