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LITTLE GIRL...FOUND.

Three years ago, detective John Blake solved a mystery that changed his life forever—and left a woman he loved dead. Now Blake is back, to investigate the apparent suicide of Dorothy Louise Burke, a beautiful college student with a double life. The secrets Blake uncovers could blow the lid off New York City’s sex trade...if they don’t kill him first.

Richard Aleas’ first novel, LITTLE GIRL LOST, was among the most celebrated crime novels of the year, receiving nominations for both the Edgar Allan Poe Award and the Shamus Award. But nothing in John Blake’s first case could prepare you for the shocking conclusion of his second...

• Publisher's Weekly gives SONGS OF INNOCENCE a starred review: "Aleas...solidifies his reputation as one of the finer modern hard-boiled writers...Aleas effortlessly channels the spirit of the pulps with crisp prose and an unrelentingly grim plot line, and his powerful conclusion will drop jaws."
• Bookgasm on SONGS OF INNOCENCE: "It isn’t just great—it’s phenomenal. Easily, this is the best crime novel 2007 has given us thus far."
• Seattle Times on SONGS OF INNOCENCE: "Terrific stuff."
• Playboy on SONGS OF INNOCENCE: "Deliciously entertaining...[one of those] crime tales so sharp they’ll slice your finger as you flip the pages."
• Book Reporter on SONGS OF INNOCENCE: "Brilliantly conceived and flawlessly executed, this may well be the noir novel of the year."
• Dick Adler on LITTLE GIRL LOST and SONGS OF INNOCENCE: "The best thing since bread sliced with a bloody knife...Aleas writes with genius."
• Author won the Edgar Award for best short story

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"Excellent...[A] machinegun-paced debut."

— Chicago Sun-Times

"A slice of pulp heaven."

— January Magazine

"Combine[s] the noir sensibility with emotional depth and superior writing."

— Baltimore Sun

"Aleas builds his tale slowly and really throws it into high gear in the emotional final chapters."

— George Pelecanos

"Tightly written from start to finish, this crime novel is as satisfyingly edgy as the pulp classics that inspired it."

— Publishers Weekly

"If Aleas decides to continue with the Blake character, he could give us one of the best private eyes of this generation."

— Noir Originals