By Walter Mosley
Little, Brown and Company
Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio CD (Unabridged) and Large Print Editions

Paris Minton goes against his gut instincts and agrees to help a friend in trouble. It doesn't take him long to realize that the interruption could cost him everything - including his life. But this should not surprise the small time Los Angeles bookstore owner since the friend is Fearless Jones. Paris knows too well the adventure and danger that are characteristic of his friend's lifestyle.

Fear Itself Excerpt Deep in my mind, though, I didn't believe that Timmerman would ever get the upper hand on my friend. Then he fell on me. His hands wrapped around my throat and my eyes felt as if they were going to pop out of my head. The pressure increased, and for the first time in the thirty years I had been alive fear left me. I was dying and there were no words to dissuade my killer. There was no Fearless Jones to break in at the last moment. There was nothing but death yawning out under me. ©2003 Walter Mosley Published with permission from Little, Brown & Co.

Paris and Fearless team up to find a young woman's missing husband. Along the way a greater mystery unfolds and the list of those involved grows with each new discovery.

Paris is tempted to join the clan as large amounts of money is thrown at his feet. But he doesn't become knee deep until a treasure he considers more valuable than money surfaces. Then he is even willing to challenge the fear that has plagued him his whole life.

Paris finds himself in cahoots with people as intriguing as those he might find in the books he loves to read. And these people are willing to do anything to have the mystery solved. He solves the mystery and becomes deeper than he would have ever imagined. So much so that he becomes the central figure.

In the end, Paris is overtaken by greed and his judgment becomes clouded. Now he has to depend on Fearless showing up to his rescue. But it may be too late.

Bookworm's Briefing
It's fascinating how award-winning author Walter Mosley brings character, mystery and color together to produce a compelling novel. In Fear Itself he partners Paris Minton and Fearless Jones again for another fast-moving mystery plot set in 1950 Los Angeles.

The two men risk life and limb to solve a mystery that develops from their search for a young woman's husband. What emerges from their investigation is a convoluted battle that can only be won after too much blood has been shed.