3025 Love's Lovely Counterfeit, by James M. Cain (read 19 Oct 1997) This is a 1943 story of organized crime and municipal corruption in "Lake City." The book is fast-moving and I liked it a lot. I'll probably read more by Cain. ( )

While not up to the quality of Cain's masterpieces (Postman, Double Indemnity, Serenade, and Mildred Pierce), this is a clever and well crafted story that deserves better than the obscurity into which it has fallen. It has the standard elements of the noir novel along with the characterization and psychological insights that Cain fans have come to love in his work. While it may not be easy to find a copy, it's worth the effort. A very good read, for lovers of the genre. ( )