A frustrated intellectual kidnaps a boy, not realizing that it is the son of a major crime boss who is overseas on vacation. When the panic stricken nanny asks a low-level hood to help her get the boy back before her boss returns, a series of comic misunderstandings and misguided attempts to profit from the situation ensues, drawing in a number of eccentric characters.
LOVED it! It was the funnies book i've read in a while... Very light read, enjoyed it all the way thorugh. Perfect summer read for the beach.
Summary: ) A British nanny cares for the child of a mob boss/his wife while they are on vacation in Italy. After a kidnapper pops up, thinking hes found the perfect kid to take & not realizing who the dad is, the nanny drags in a mob goon to help her raise the money to get the boy back before dad comes home. The fun here=reading all the ways wires get crossed with money floating around for various reasons (not the ransom). Was a 1972 film starring Victor Mature (& got him very good reviews) & Lynn Redgrave.
Reviews: I agree (with Bookgasm) that McBain amazes with his ability to juggle so many balls here and (with the NY Times) that this is a well-done farce.
Reviews: I agree (with Bookgasm) that McBain amazes with his ability to juggle so many balls here and (with the NY Times) that this is a well-done farce.
