Place yourself in the mid-1930s. The US has been in a depression. Hitler and pushing at their borders in Europe. In Hollywood, the Marx Brothers are approaching the end of their film careers. Groucho is expanding his career into radio. And, in this 6 book series, we can imagine Groucho has also teamed up with scriptwriter Frank Denby to solve the occasional crime, attempting to stay one step ahead of the bad guys including the corrupt members of the local constabulary.
The second book in the series, Groucho Marx, Private Eye, contains a title with two meanings. First, it's the title of Groucho's (and Frank's) current radio show, and second, it reflects the actions taken by the pair when co-star Polly Pilgram's mother is accused of murder and when the woman subsequently disappears while on bail.
People looking for underlying meaning and depth in their choice of literature will probably hate this book, and the author will probably attempt and fail to suppress laughter should they complain to him about it. The goal here is a simple light-hearted mystery, providing the reader an opportunity to enjoy a few paragraphs while having a chuckle or two, and without having to think too hard to follow the plot. Recommended for light readers, for fans of the Marx Brothers and 1930s Hollywood, and even film noir fans who are willing to put their tongues in their cheeks for a couple of hundred pages.
RATING: 5 stars
The second book in the series, Groucho Marx, Private Eye, contains a title with two meanings. First, it's the title of Groucho's (and Frank's) current radio show, and second, it reflects the actions taken by the pair when co-star Polly Pilgram's mother is accused of murder and when the woman subsequently disappears while on bail.
People looking for underlying meaning and depth in their choice of literature will probably hate this book, and the author will probably attempt and fail to suppress laughter should they complain to him about it. The goal here is a simple light-hearted mystery, providing the reader an opportunity to enjoy a few paragraphs while having a chuckle or two, and without having to think too hard to follow the plot. Recommended for light readers, for fans of the Marx Brothers and 1930s Hollywood, and even film noir fans who are willing to put their tongues in their cheeks for a couple of hundred pages.
RATING: 5 stars
