The Naked Truth Paperback - 2002

From the publisher

Mike Deegan is an ex-hockey player and former New York Ranger who set as many season records for time in the penalty box as he did for his slap shots. Mike is trying to find himself after retiring reluctantly from the game he loves. He has a great girlfriend, relative financial security, and great friends, but no direction. Then, an old childhood friend, Mickey Espinoza tracks him down and askes for his help. Mike has alway loved Mickey. And they are especially close since, as children, they both witnessed the murder of her brother, Mike's best friend, by a punk on a playground. The problem is that Mickey spells trouble. Trouble with a capital T. Trouble that comes with her choice of career, professional hit woman, choice of associates, the mob, and choice of activities for her friend Mike, tracking down the murderer of a low-life paparazzo/self styled investigative reporter who was doing an expose of a strip club, The Naked Truth. Mickey drags Mike through the underworld to find the killer, all the while refusing to acknowledge that her own niece, a stipper and part time college student, is the prime suspect. Mike finds himself risking his life, his relationship, and his future to help his friend, but loyalty and guilt keep him in the dangerous game. The Naked Truth by Steven Lehrman is the first in a series of mysteries featuring Mike Deegan.