Nightwork — Joseph Hansen

In a remote spot outside L.A., a giant truck suddenly plunges in flames off a mountain road at midnight. It looks like and accident, but it isn't. Someone had fastened a bomb under the truck, killing owner-driver, Paul Myers, who was insured for a hundred thousand dollars. The insurers call in crack death-claims investigator Dave Brandstetter to find out what happened and why. What was Myers hauling in the secluded spot at that hour, and for whom? No one wants to answer Dave's questions, but then another trucker's death arouses suspicions--and a pattern begins to emerge.

Gradually Dave's investigation carries him into the mysterious realms of independent trucking and corporate deceit, where smooth public-relations talk hides a ruthless and widespread deathdealing. Although Dave finally uncovers a murderer, his most startling discovery concerns one of the most terrifying realities of our time--the secret nightwork poisoning all our lives.