John Ralson McDermott

O'brien's Dilemma John Ralson McDermott

When private detective Jack O'Brien witnesses a double murder in Chicago committed by Mad Dog killer Blackie Morelli, he heads for warmer climes. But a trip to California does nothing to lessen his peril. His thoroughbred horse-trainer uncle, Lou Damon, hires him to investigate Frankie Cosgrove; an allegedly reformed Chicago mobster who on the surface at least, is trying to go legit. In order to work legally in California, he joins a detective agency in Los Angeles headed by his former Marine commanding officer. Then the mob boss O'Brien worked for in Chicago as a teenager arrives on the scene to further complicate his life. The detective is then unwillingly sucked back into the quagmire he enlisted in the Marines to escape. He is subsequently faced with threats involving his business associates, and perhaps his loved ones. Solving the problem requires all the character, determination and courage he can muster, along with the assistance of some combat buddies. On the way he manages to fall in love, rub elbows with some of Hollywood's shiniest stars, and help his Uncle Lou and friends prepare for some of the biggest races of their lives, including the Kentucky Derby.