Nicky Belane, private detective and career alcoholic, is a troubled man. He is plagued by broads, booze, lack of cash and a raging ego, and by the surreal jobs hes been hired to do. He has been hired to track down French classical author Celine - whos meant to be dead - and supposed to find the elusive Red Sparrow - which may or may not be real. This is Charles Bukowskis brilliant, fantastical pastiche of a detective story. Packed with wit, invention and Bukowskis trademark lowlife adventures, it is the final novel of one of the most enjoyable and influential cult writers of the last century. Nicky Belane, private detective and career alcoholic, is a troubled man. He is plagued not just by broads, booze, lack of cash and a raging ego, but also by the surreal jobs hes been hired to do. Not only has been hired to track down French classical author Celine - whos meant to be dead - but hes also supposed to find the elusive Red Sparrow - which may or may not be real.