Michael Z. Lewin 
Way We Die Now 

Indianapolis PI Albert Samson must prove the innocence of an unstable veteran accused of murder in this “excellent” mystery (The New Republic).   Martha Jerome chose struggling private eye Albert Samson because he’s the cheapest detective in Indianapolis. She wants Samson to find evidence that will exonerate her son-in-law, Ralph Tomanek, of the manslaughter charges against him.   A troubled Vietnam veteran who’s been in and out of mental hospitals, Tomanek fired his shotgun and killed a man who may or may not have been reaching for his own weapon. Refusing to believe Tomanek is just a crazy vet with a bad case of PTSD, Samson goes to bat for him—and uncovers a nasty web of blackmail that could land the nosey detective on the wrong end of a gun.   The smart-mouthed midwestern detective “who’s always good, wry company” returns in this witty crime novel by a Shamus Award–winning author (Kirkus Reviews).   The Way We Die Now is the 2nd book in the Albert Samson Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.