Scott W. (Rev) reviewed on 7/20/2007 + 95 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

As far as mystery novels go, there isn't too much to recommend this one: The mystery isn't all that mysterious, the loose ends are much too tight, and the solution is revealed several chapters before the great reveal. However, its not the mystery that makes this book a page turner, its the characters. Any fan of the dry smart-ass humor that defined Groucho Marx will have no trouble diving into the sharp dialog and priceless situations that are the true stars of the show. There are also enough real-life 30's personalities sprinkled throughout the narrative (an alcoholic Dashell Hammett, and an annoyed Joan Crawford giving Groucho the finger, for example) to delight lovers of that golden era of entertainment. If you are a true Detective Novel buff, then there's nothing here to thrill you. But fans of Captain Spalding and Rufus T. Firefly will have found an instant favorite.

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