But not since The Choirboys has the author seemed to have so much fun with his characters and the wacko world they inhabit. An ex-LAPD cop, Wambaugh writes about what he knows best. And Floaters offers us the typical cast of Wambaugh characters. As usual, police are central to the plot. And then there are the pimps and prostitutes, the highbrows and lowlifes, the schemers and dreamers.
Floaters is a tale of peculiar passion and perversity.
The plot centers on a plan to rig the 1995 America's Cup regatta. And as the tale spins out, their trail leads the reader through a world of international sailing, yacht crazies, racing spies, wanna-be sailors, scam artists and cops. And vice officer Rita Mason. And Fortney and Leeds, partners in the SDPD's Harbor Unit. As usual, Wambaugh's dialogue crackles with wit, and his plotting keeps the pages turning briskly.