Not one of his best novels, but suitably tawdry and consistent with his affinity for low-lifes. Here we have Toddy as a grifter gold salesman who gets enmeshed in shenanigans that drag him deeper into the underworld. This gives Thompson the opportunity to work in observations about brothels, flophouses and that ultimate lowpoint, the dregs of Tijuana. Surreal (a talking dog features) and a tour of hell (I mean Los Angeles).