This is a fine series.

I met Les Roberts many years ago when he spoke to a group in Westlake, OH (about 15 minutes east of Cleveland--where he sets his Milan Jacovich novels). I also remember the dentist of the same name from this area who I'd met before meeting Roberts and remember wondering if there was a connection--there is (as you know if you've read the series).

I only recently decided to read all of the Jacovich series in order.

I liked that this book delved into some of the history of Cleveland, even if some of it was back in the 90s. I like that Cleveland tried to revitalize some of its spaces--I was even wishing some of the suburbs west of Cleveland would try to do the same and hoping Roberts might feature them in a future book--though it seems this series may have ended long ago. I will have to see as I get closer to the book 18 that another reviewer mentioned.

Apparently the "Duke of Cleveland" has mob ties. I'm not well versed enough in true Cleveland history to know if that's a truth or something Roberts made up for his series.

This book delves into the art/porcelain/ceramics world. I'd never heard of Helgenburg--again, not sure if he's real or a fictional character Roberts created for his own use. I did learn a bit more about pottery and ceramics and the black market for such items through Roberts's story. ( )

I'm not sure I'd have picked this book to read if not for the mystery challenge I'm working on (must read a book set in Ohio) - but I'm very glad to have found this series. I like Milan Jacovich (who might be a cousin to Neil Albert's Dave Garrett or Stephen Greenleaf's John Marshall Tanner), particularly the first-person narrative. Highlights of the story, I think, are when Milan is sparring with local mobster, Victor Gaimari (a character I'm glad to know is a series regular). Good pacing, interesting characters and intriguing puzzle. And the local color (all things Cleveland and Ohio) was great fun for me. Recommended. ( )

I didn't realize this was the middle of a series when I read this. It wasn't that great overall and didn't seem to move the character into position for a next book ( )