Atlanta Deathwatch

Quite good crime fiction. Hardman is well named as this is a hardboiled tale set on the hard streets of Atlanta.
Hardman is a former police officer who was tossed off the force for ... well, it isn't real clear. He works as an unlicensed PI, taking whatever he can get and sometimes perhaps straying a bit into the far side of the law.
The story starts with him on a job following a white college girl who is hanging out with some tough black guys. But, after some of those black guys give him an attitude adjustment, he decides he has better things to do.
Then she turns up dead – strangled. Hardman is pulled somewhat reluctantly into the investigation. Her boyfriend, who it turns out is a black crime boss, wants him to find the killer. Also, an old friend on the Atlanta police force looks to Hardman for information. He can hardly say no to either.
As Hardman tries to put the pieces together, it becomes obvious that her death was no simple mugging or random act of violence. Soon things get very dangerous and complicated. It is probable that the only thing keeping him from joining the growing body count is his amiable but very tough friend and partner Hump Evans. (The banter between Hardman and Hump is quite fun – reminiscent of Robert B. Parker's Spencer and Hawk.)
The plot gets twisty and the finish is strong with lots of action.
I enjoyed the 1970s vibe – no cell phones, no internet, no satellite surveillance.
Good book. Solid 4 stars.