Cocaine Nights

Set in the tiny resort community of Estrella de Mar, Charles Prentice arrives from London to save his brother who has confessed to a murder he did not commit. As Charles launches his own investigation into the crime, he uncovers a vast network of drugs, pornography, and theft.

The setting is the Costa del Sol and the stylish resort of Estrella de Mar where young retirees from Europes chillier climes bask in a lifestyle of endless leisure. Into the queasy beauty of this artificial environment steps Charles Prentice, a travel writer from London who has come to visit his brother Frank, manager of the resorts Club Nautico--tennis and swim club by day, coked-up discotheque by night.Frank is in jail, having confessed to setting an explosive fire that has taken five lives. Certain that the confession was coerced, Charles wants to launch his own investigation. But Frank isnt interested in salvation, and the Spanish police dont want their open-and-shut case corrupted by a meddling Brit. But Charles insists on continuing his crusade, though his life is threatened. As he allows himself to be drawn further into Estrella de Mars dark underworld, this explosive novel accelerates toward a disturbing climax and Ballard once again reveals his visionary mastery in this warped tale of the unexpected.