EDITOR’S CHOICE
A thrilling, fast-paced detective novel with sharp writing, relentless action, and a compelling protagonist. Kilgore masterfully blends intrigue, danger, and suspense.
Joe Kilgore’s Twelve Palominos is a gripping, fast-paced detective novel that delivers action, intrigue, and a touch of old-school noir charm. In this latest instalment of the Brig Ellis series, Kilgore’s sharp-witted private investigator is drawn into a case that begins as a simple acquisition and spirals into a treacherous game of survival.
Brig Ellis is hired by a wealthy industrialist to track down the last of twelve palomino miniatures once owned by China’s last emperor. What should be a straightforward task soon plunges him into a whirlwind of danger, involving ruthless criminals, political adversaries, and a remorseless assassin. Kilgore keeps the tension high, layering the plot with twists and keeping the reader guessing at every turn. The enigmatic presence of the employer’s daughter adds an element of uncertainty—both a potential ally and a liability.
Kilgore’s writing is crisp and cinematic, evoking the feel of classic hardboiled detective fiction while injecting it with modern urgency. The action is relentless, and Ellis is a compelling lead—resourceful, tough, and wryly humorous. His encounters with kidnappers, spies, and killers make for exhilarating reading, and the global stakes give the novel a thrilling intensity.
While Twelve Palominos is the fifth book in the series, it stands well on its own. Fans of detective thrillers, espionage, and classic noir will find plenty to enjoy. Kilgore proves once again that Brig Ellis is a PI worth following—if he can stay alive.
