Blackbird, Farewell Hardback - 2008

"Much like Les Roberts's mysteries about Cleveland, Greer's books in this series also give readers a strong sense of place (the Denver area) and a rare look at a diverse community that works together, regardless of racial and economic barriers. Highly recommended for mystery and African American fiction collections."
—Library Journal, starred review
 
“Another fine entry in a rewarding series.”
—Wes Lukowsky, Booklist
 
"Damion Madrid, the godson of Denver bail bondsman CJ Floyd, takes center stage in Greer's solid eighth CJ Floyd novel (after 2007's The Mongoose Deception). Best friends Madrid and Shandell Bird led Colorado State's basketball team to the NCAA finals, where they lost to UCLA. When Bird, the NBA's second overall draft choice, is gunned down along with a Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter, Madrid determines to find out who and why. With advice from CJ's partner, Flora Jean Benson, and protection (at CJ's request) from hit man Pinkie Niedemeyer and old mobster Mario Satoni, Madrid discovers much he never knew about Bird. Bird's incipient wealth attracted plenty of hangers-on, including a noted sports psychologist, bookies, fixers and pushers. Madrid stumbles a bit, but acquits himself well after entering a dangerous world where sportsmanship plays no part and you better be able to trust the person who's covering your back."
—Publishers Weekly

“Although this is a murder mystery, it is also a coming-of-age story… While teens looking for pure sports stories may prefer Tim Tharp’s Knights of the Hill Country or John Foley’s Hoops of Steel, those transitioning into more complex novels would respond well to this title’s sports references and the discussion of what it means to be another man’s friend."
—School Library Journal
 
"Aimed at fans of African American detective stories, this series will also appeal to fans of college hoops and mysteries set in the west."
—ForeWord Magazine
 
"Robert Greer has an uncanny ability to grab your attention within the first few pages of his novels and keep the adrenalin flowing until the very end.  Blackbird, Farewell is no exception with his wonderful formula character C J Floyd, a private detective par excellence. A very entertaining book for mystery fans and one they will thoroughly enjoy; highly recommended."
—Clark's Eye on Books
 
“An intriguing read with an authentic setting in college athletics, Blackbird, Farewell racks up another winner for author Robert Greer.”
—Mysterious Reviews

“Blackbird, Farewell is a tense tale that explores the underbelly of college and pro sports.”
—The Denver Post

“Blackbird, Farewell is an intriguing mystery and a top pick for those seeking a fresh mystery series.”
—Midwest Book Review

Robert Greer is a practicing surgical pathologist and professor of pathology and medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. The author of seven previous CJ Floyd mysteries, including "The Fourth Perspective "and "The Mongoose Deception, "he lives in Denver.