Jamie S. Rich's (Lady Killer; 12 Reasons Why I Love Her) graphic novel You Have Killed Me is a tightly scripted and entertaining gumshoe noir told in a cinematic and spare style reminiscent of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. Hard-edged and world-weary private eye Antonio Mercer is enlisted by beautiful heiress Jennifer Roman to find her sister Julie, a soon-to-be bride--who happens to be Antonio's ex. Antonio takes the case and comes under suspicion by law enforcement because of his past relationship with Julie. Antonio has no choice but to see the case to its conclusion though, even if it means sacrificing life and sanity in his pursuit of justice.
Joelle Jones's artwork serves as the perfect foil for Rich's well-plotted (if easily discernible) script. The characters follow established noir tropes--the clueless and macho detective, machine gun-toting gangsters and sexy, mysterious seductresses. Rich's snappy dialogue adds freshness to the action sequences, and Jones's distinctive black-and-white lines and gray shadows move across panels effortlessly. Together they create an atmospheric moodiness and foreboding that pays homage to the classic detective stories of old. You Have Killed Me is fun, quality entertainment delivered in rapid-fire bursts of understated drama that will satisfy fans of James Ellroy and Richard Stark's Parker series. --Nancy Powell, freelance writer and technical consultant