Description
Lou Crasher is a black Canadian rock drummer chasing the rock-star dream in present-day Los Angeles. He works at the L.A. Practice Joint, a rehearsal space for musicians. When Angela, the most beautiful African American woman he’s ever seen walks into the office Lou tumbles hard for her.
Her band ends up booking time and as the days go by Lou does his best to impress Angela…but it’s going as smoothly as lumpy oatmeal. It gets worse when the “Joint” gets burglarized and Angela’s band gets their musical equipment stolen. Lou jumps on the opportunity because he figures the equation is simple: ya get the gear—ya get the girl!
Using his music contacts Lou pounds the pavement and winds up uncovering a dangerous gear-theft ring. But discovering them is not enough. Lou goes undercover and joins a band who’s frontman may not only be part of the ring he may be the top dog. While knee deep in the case Lou is tapped by Rex Spivey, a celebrity coke-snorting music producer famed for creating pop stars, to find his precious colonial era snare drum believed to be owned at one time by famous social reformer and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Although not an actual P.I. Lou can’t say no to Spivey when he sees how many zeros are on the check. Lou’s two cases become deeply entangled and the danger factor heats to the boiling point.
If Lou manages to duck flying bullets, navigate through seductive double-talking dames and avoids the wrath of drug dealers he might not only recover all of the property but he may win Angela’s heart. But is Angela even really who she says she is?
Praise for THE BIG CRESCENDO:
“Jonathan Brown hits it out of the park with this debut novel, featuring Lou Crasher, a smart, funny, hard-working drummer with a flair for detective work. The snappy dialog, memorably realistic Los Angeles setting and quirky, compelling cast of supporting characters add to the fun. Can’t wait for the encore.” —Anne Hillerman, New York Times bestselling author of the Bernadette Manuelito mystery series.
“Music fans, this is your book! In Lou Crasher, a journeyman drummer turned accidental P.I., Jonathan Brown has created a complex character set on a collision course with a cast of dangerous characters in and around L.A.’s music scene. With the pace of a blast beat, Crasher rumbles with a music theft ring, seedy drug dealers, and select members of L.A.’s elite, all while falling for a beautiful woman he is determined to help. Twist after twist, a breakneck pace, and the quick wit of Lou Crasher will have you turning the pages into the night. A wonderful debut.” —Shawn Reilly Simmons, author of the Red Carpet Catering mysteries
“The Big Crescendo is a sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll mystery, played out at a breakneck 180 beats per minute. Amateur PI Lou Crasher does his hero Jim Rockford proud in this slam-bang, action-packed thriller.” —Paul D. Marks, Shamus Award-winning author of White Heat
Sabine –
A must read! Lots of action, complex characters and great snazzy dialog. Looking forward for the next series.
Madeleine Abbott –
I love mysteries and this is one of my favourites of all time. As a big fan of Jimmy Rockford, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Lou Crasher.
Mark –
WOW, this book is a blast to read! Quick plot, lots of action, colorful characters, lots of twists and turns. Don’t miss this one.
Marina Bunce (verified owner) –
I’ve got a crush on Crasher after reading this exciting, captivating action packed booked. Brown takes his readers on a glorious ride through the LA music scene while stumbling along some devious characters and fun loving relationship. Crasher is a cool cat who I can’t wait to meet again! A must read!
Agata –
I don’t usually read mysteries, but I loved The Big Crescendo! It’s action-packed with great characters and dialogue. Can’t wait for more Lou Crasher!
Will –
What an exciting ride, this book move smoothly with humour action even romance. Jonathan take us through the back alley’s and mean Streets of rock and roll Los Angeles.
Great dialogue interesting full rounded characters and that humour and quick wit of Lou crasher, make one hell of a great novel.
I’ve heard through the grapevine that Jonathan’s second novel is coming out soon.
I just can’t wait to get back to LA with Lou Crasher.
Keep it coming Jonathan Brown
Cleta –
The Big Crescendo starts with “the purple haze of a mild hangover” and before you finish page 3 the mayhem is ON! The mystery seems simple but as the title infers, it builds and builds and intensifies and sweeps and swirls around until the next thing you know you’ve forgotten to eat and walk the dog! Crasher’s got wit, charm, toughness and tenacity. You’ll like him – get this book!
Janet Carnay –
I live in LA and if “Trouble” found me I’d head STRAIGHT
to Lou Crasher!!! Of course Jonathan Brown, master story-teller, would be my grateful guide in gettin’ to Lou.
Thanks JB. Looking forward to the next opus!
Deb –
Lou Crasher + LA + Rock ‘n Roll = LOVE. What a fun way to meet Lou. I mean, come one! What’s not to love. Read it. You won’t be sorry. I can’t wait to see Lou in the next read.
Carl Loffmark –
When Angela walked through Lou Crasher’s door his life took a turn which there was no going back. This cool cat’s attempt to help a lady in distress takes him through the streets of LA and into a web of intertwined crime he could not have imagined. The game, its setting and the way Mr. Brown leads up to it makes me a convinced admirer of Crasher – and Mr. Brown. Brown pushes story telling with skillful development and memorable characters, with Crasher always finding time to collect his thoughts over a cold beer and good food no matter how crazy things get. Crasher’s quick wit and shrewd observations can turn a cliche` into a silk purse.