As Crime Goes by

At seventy-three years old, former employee of the Brooklyn mob, Benny Ashe enjoys his retirement in the Coral Sands retirement community of St. Augustine. For the last two months, retired jewel thief Peter Benington also resides in Coral Sands. The David Niven-like sophisticate plans to make time with one particular woman, Eleanor, who has caught his eye. After the exciting, albeit illegal, lives they have lived, both men relish the quiet serenity of their senior citizen beach community. However, their idyll golden days are abruptly interrupted when the murdered corpse of the community's gardener, Mr. Yamaguchi, is found amidst the bushes. Though the twosome would prefer to mind their business, they cannot. Not only did they consider the victim a friend, another resident, Mildred is somehow connected via the Internet. So what is two retired ex-criminals forced to do. Simple, go out and investigate what really happened in order to uncover the identity of ! the true killer. There appears to be a delightful trend towards a new mystery classification starring senior citizens as amateur sleuths, affectionately known as GAS (graying amateur sleuths). The newest entry in this sub-genre, AS CRIME GOES BY, is an appealing who-done-it due to the intriguing senior citizens who appear throughout the novel. Especially delightful is the former criminal pair, who are as opposite in appearance and demeanor as two partners can be. The story line is crisp and refreshing, leaving readers wanting more novels by Richard F. West, starring Peter and Benny.Harriet Klausner

Another eye opening look at the life of our senior citizens. Funny, witty, with plenty of head scratching till the end yet a relaxing smooth read. Kept me giggling and thinking through the whole book. Turning into a great series and look forward to more from this author.