CARS, CRIME, & PEOPLE WITH TOO MUCH MONEY: STAYTON BONNER'S THE MILLION DOLLAR CAR DETECTIVE

My favorite kind of true crime takes us into something bigger than the crime itself. Whether it's T.J. English looking at organized crime's relationship to jazz or the Cuban revolution or Erik Larson's serial killer who takes us to The Chicago World's Fair, these books use crime and investigative work to explore a larger microcosm. In The Million Dollar Car Detective, Stayton Bonner introduces us to the business and society of high end, classic automobiles.

At the center of the story is the 1938 Talbot-Lago T15OC-SS Teardrop coupe, a beautifully designed car that belongs in an art deco setting. Both the aesthetic and the rarity, it being one of two left, put it in the value of seven million dollars. In 2001 it was stolen by a car theft ring, When the owner died, the hunt for it went cold.

It heated up when Joe Ford, a private detective specializing in high value, antique automobiles got a tip in 2015. A mechanic burned by one of the thieves gave him a lead on the location and Joe saw a windfall that could help restore his daughter's eyesight. I'm not making any of this up.

The search and reclamation of The Teardrop sends Joe around the world with. ups and downs. Many of the struggles are connected to Chris Gardner, a mentor and former friend who brought him into the car business. Chris could be involved with the thieves and current owner, tossing up several legal barriers, sending the detective story into a courtroom thriller.

Joe travels through a fascinating community most of us couldn't afford to be in. Joe deals with the collectors made up of fashion czar Ralph Lauren, a millionaire dentist, and heirs who get a rush from going fast. The FBI agents, cops, and other car detectives come in different stripes and the car crooks would feel at home in an Elmore Leonard novel.

The most fascinating character is Joe himself. He attempted many careers before he found his calling and he applies a plethora of skills as he goes after The Teardrop. He deals with paperwork, parts, and people on both sides of the law. When the search takes him to court, he is able to represent himself, holding a law license and keeping up on the legalities of auto ownership. He even hunts sunken treasure as a hobby.

The Million Dollar Car Detective puts you in an exciting and exclusive world with Joe Ford as a capable guide. You get a history and appreciation of high end car culture, even though might think some of he players have way too much money. Stayton Bonner makes paper trails and VIN numbers as exciting as the heist itself and has us rooting for our hero to get his car.