THE SECOND GIRL is the first novel in  David Swinson’s Frank Marr trilogy. Frank Marr is a retired police detective in DC who works as a private eye for a defense attorney. David Swinson is himself a former DC detective and the authenticity is evident on every page.

Marr is an incredible investigator, but he’s also a high-functioning cocaine addict. Since a former cop can’t purchase drugs through the normal channels, Marr must be creative in procuring his drugs. It’s on one of his scavenger missions that he finds a kidnapped teenage girl and is suddenly thrust into the spotlight. When he’s approached by another missing teen’s desperate parents, he reluctantly agrees to investigate the case which is possibly connected with the girl he found. The increased attention on Marr brings new enemies and threatens to bring his secrets to light.

Frank Marr is the quintessential antihero. He’s charming and intelligent, yet deceitful and manipulative. His questionable methods may anger you, but you’ll still want him to succeed. The white-knuckle pace of THE SECOND GIRL leaves very little breathing room. It’s gripping from beginning to end, through every dubious decision, every good and bad lead, and every glass of Scotch.

I listened to this book on Audible while I was traveling. It’s expertly narrated by Christopher Ryan Grant, who has a voice that is 100% true to Frank Marr with a cigarette-scarred, no-bullshit tone. But I’m certain it would be just as enjoyable to read on the page.