A novice private investigator is drawn into a deadly conspiracy when his ex-wife is murdered. Joe Dall, a barroom bouncer, is thrust into the role of a private eye after his ex-wife's murder. He must navigate the dark underbelly of a seemingly sleepy Florida town to unmask a killer before more people close to him die. Working for a powerful client, Dall faces dangerous forces lurking in the shadows, and his inexperience makes him a target in this high-stakes investigation.

Editorial reviews highlight Randy Chandler's skill in crafting a modern take on the hardboiled detective noir genre. Booklist praises the novel as a 'winner,' noting its atmospheric capture of the 1950s underbelly with sharp detail and a flair for the sinister. The Hellbound Times identifies 'Dime Detective' as a prime example of contemporary hardboiled noir. ForeWord Reviews commends Chandler for creating strong, multidimensional characters, moving beyond stereotypes, and blending a bygone era with modern perspectives on social issues, suggesting a hope for future installments.