The Prostitutes' Ball (Shane Scully Novels) [Kindle Edition]

I don't want to turn this review into a eulogy, but it's difficult to avoid doing so. The publication of THE PROSTITUTES' BALL comes on the heels of Stephen J. Cannell's passing, which came as quite a shock to me. Cannell was one of those guys who was larger than life, certainly greater than the sum of his own creations. I would wait until the very end of "The A-Team," "Wiseguy," "The Rockford Files" and many other shows to watch his trademark footage of him typing away while the animated paper flew out of the typewriter and into the pile. His novels exhibited the same attention to popular tradecraft as his television creations. The Shane Scully books, in particular, combined familiarity with just the right amount of edginess so that you knew what to expect, while at the same time you were waiting to be surprised at some point.

This is especially true of THE PROSTITUTES' BALL, the 10th installment in the Scully series. Cannell was always fond of tossing little changes into Scully's life, and he continues that practice here by throwing him a new partner, one who Scully does not want. Sumner "Hitch" Hitchens seems to be snakebit. He has a history of going through partners frequently, and it has not helped matters that one of his cases was the subject of a Hollywood-produced feature film in which Hitchens was played by Jamie Foxx. Hitchens's ego and his bank account seem to be vying to outdo each other, and both are irritating to Scully in equal measure.

To make matters worse, their first case together consists of a triple murder involving a world-famous film producer and two prostitutes. It is pretty much open and shut; security video at the scene conclusively shows that the doer is the estranged husband of one of the victims. Yet there is one small piece of evidence that is not consistent with the rest of the crime scene. Everyone, from the high-powered attorney who represents the owner of the house to the chief of police to the overly ambitious assistant D.A. charged with prosecuting the killer, wants that evidence to go away. But Scully can't let it go, and neither can Hitchens, who smells not only a cover-up but also the possibility of a new film opportunity.

While Hitchens has a built-in radar for self-promotion, Scully slowly and grudgingly realizes that he is a good, if somewhat unorthodox, cop. And when the pair discover that the murder site is also the place where a tragic triple murder/suicide took place a quarter-century before, they are more convinced than ever that a cover-up is in the works. The unlikely homicide team finds itself working not one but two cases that are officially closed, and realizes they are putting their careers, not to mention themselves, in danger.

I don't know if Cannell had anything else in the vault at the time of his death or had made arrangements to continue his work. If not, THE PROSTITUTES' BALL is a worthy end to his career, a high note for a creator who played nothing but. He will be missed, and for reasons beyond the joy and entertainment that he provided for so many.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

The recent passing of the multi talented Stephen J. Cannell was such a great loss as he brought so much pleasure to us whether in film, television or books. For this reader/listener his creation of Detective Shane Scully was a golden gift - always energetic, exciting, and thrilling to the max. Such is the case once more with THE PROSTITUTES' BALL, the 10th in this series.

This time out Scully is forced to work with a new partner - one not in great demand. His name is Sumner "Hitch" Hitchens, a guy who changes partners more frequently than is done at a dance marathon and also loves being in the spotlight. One of his cases was made into a film, which did nothing but inflate Hitchens' self-esteem and his bankroll. Nonetheless, Scully will eventually discover that Hitchens is a pretty good cop as they attempt to solve the murder of Hollywood producer Scott Berman and two young lovelies.

Initially the case seems to be an easy one - a security camera has caught the murderer, the estranged husband of one of the victims. However, all is not what it seems as there is a small piece of evidence (a spent bullet casing that doesn't match the rest). Everyone, all the bigwigs want this case closed - over and done with - just written off as a simple case of love gone wrong.

You know in advance that Scully won't let that get by nor will Hitchens. Then, when the pair discover that a 30-year-old triple murder took place at the same place they know there's a major cover-up. Which killings to try to solve first?

As always Scott Brick delivers a spectacular voice performance. Called "one of the fastest rising stars in the audiobook galaxy" Brick nails each character with voice inflections, tempo, and distinctive shadings.

- Gail Cooke

I highly recommend Stephen J Cannell as an author. This book is amazing for both readers and writers. As a reader you will enjoy this fast-paced murder thriller, but as a writer it's the 3-act structure that pulled on my attention. Because Stephen was a prolific and great screenwriter, he used the structure as a subplot to his latest Shane Scully novel. Not only does it work, but Shane Scully points out every facet of the 3-act structure as well as all its elements as the story unfolds.

The novel is to be read and enjoyed by readers but for writers it is a book to study.

If Stephen had to level us a legacy, he couldn't have done a better job. RIP, Mr. Cannell