Mike Moyden was a straight cop in a crooked town. He was setup and sent up and did hard time. But he was lucky in one way. The land he bought turned out to have oil, so he also got rich. Out of the wild blue yonder he’s contacted by his old colleague Tom Fry. They meet, and Moyden learns his ex is facing a murder rap for killing her boyfriend, brother of town kingpin Ward Neely. Fry’s a good cop, but not one to make trouble so this is all off-the-record. Fry can’t afford to help, but if Moyden cares to take it on that’s his business. Of course, it wouldn’t be a novel if he didn’t.

Moyden proceeds barging his way into town, stirring up trouble for everyone he encounters as he gropingly paves his way forward. In his wake are beatings, bruises, and bodies. But Moyden will not be deterred. He’s still a cop at heart and he wants justice above all else—and to save his ex from the gallows, in a town known for its corruption.

The Corrupters is packed with hardboiled action, terse text, high-stakes tension, sultry women, and heroic heart. A great addition to the Black Gat series.

This was William Francis Urell’s (1913–1979) final novel, first published by Lion in 1953. He previously wrote three novels featuring LA detective Anthony Martin and one other standalone, also in ’53.