Alice B. reviewed on + 3738 more book reviews
Interesting Story.So an atheist Jew who used to be a cop and a Catholic bishop who uses a wheelchair go into a bar...
Okay, yes, the premise of the novel does sound rather like the start of a bad joke. Instead, it's rather a variation on Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe series, complete with a genius who rarely leaves the house (the bishop) and a smart alec PI who does all the legwork and has an appreciative eye for pretty women and a sardonic tongue around the cops. Goldman (the former police officer who's now a PI and the bishop's assistant) is more introspective and emotionally involved than Archie Goodwin and Bishop Regan is more sociable than Nero Wolfe, but the New York setting, emphasis on a mix of subtle clues and psychology, and classic structure, including gathering all the suspects, will all be familiar. The plot keeps up a brisk pace and overall, it's an entertaining read.
Okay, yes, the premise of the novel does sound rather like the start of a bad joke. Instead, it's rather a variation on Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe series, complete with a genius who rarely leaves the house (the bishop) and a smart alec PI who does all the legwork and has an appreciative eye for pretty women and a sardonic tongue around the cops. Goldman (the former police officer who's now a PI and the bishop's assistant) is more introspective and emotionally involved than Archie Goodwin and Bishop Regan is more sociable than Nero Wolfe, but the New York setting, emphasis on a mix of subtle clues and psychology, and classic structure, including gathering all the suspects, will all be familiar. The plot keeps up a brisk pace and overall, it's an entertaining read.
