Bloodthirsty: A Lomax & Biggs Mystery

With first novels, authors have as many months or years as they desire to hone their work, polishing every phrase and plot twist until it truly shines. When authoring a series--which normally publish at least one title per year--there is often a marked drop in quality when the second novel comes around, owing to the shortened time in which the author has to create the next adventure. Bloodthirsty, the second and latest in Marshall Karp's series of Lomax and Biggs novels, is that rare second novel that is as impressive as the first. The Rabbit Factory, the witty and winning first entry in the series (now in paperback), traversed a roomy 700-plus pages to spin its addictive spell of murder, intrigue, and comedy. By contrast, Bloodthirsty is a comparatively modest 425 pages, with nary a wasted word or phrase. Karp so successfully populated his first book with memorable and worthy characters that in this work a simple word or phrase illuminates a new facet to their personalities that lesser authors might spend pages to accomplish. It is comforting to read a mystery written by a new master: You never fear an improbable ending, a character who behaves contrary to his previously-delineated nature, or some grand deus ex machina which brings your reading pleasure to a grinding halt. Karp plays fair, but he plays for keeps. Detectives Lomax and Biggs, destined to join the pantheon of both great detective and great comedic duos, return again. Their quarry's victims are completely drained of blood, and the drainees run the gamut from minor drug kingpins to Hollywood royalty. Despite the gruesome nature of the crimes, Karp writes compellingly fiction without resorting to stomach-turning, CSI-style theatrics; he's not genteel, just not needlessly graphic. As the killings spread through Hollywood, Lomax and Biggs spar and parry their way through the Hollywood Hills, never dispensing with solid detective work for the sake of a good joke. These are real detectives, really serious about their work, but not so serious about life. They are a joy. I would have enjoyed spending more time with Lomax's late wife--as we did in The Rabbit Factory--but that is a minor quibble in a work populated with so many people you'd love to know better. There will be no further synopsis here: To tell you more would attenuate the thrills found in the fine pages of this novel. Suffice it to say that the largest mystery in this series in never really answered: Where has Marshall Karp been all these years?

This is my First Review and I hope it helps people out when choosing a book. Im no Book Reviewer but I really enjoyed this book. Well I have to Say that Karp Did another Great Job. I really enjoyed his first novel The Rabbit Factory about a Disneyland-esque mystery with Two detectives names Lomax and Biggs. Two or the many characters you just love. I knew that when he came out with another one I had to get it. When I heard that Blood Thirsty, another Lomax and Biggs mystery, was ready to come out, I Went to the book store at least once a week to see if it came in, because of crossed lines with release dates. I finally got it!! I could not put it down. I found myself looking for opportunities just to be able to read a few chapters. I had a blast reading it too. There are very few times were I get a book and start reading and actually avoid going out with friends just to see what happends next. Blood Thirsty had me Laughing out loud and captivated by the murders. There is now, an even more Defined Spot on my couch where I sit and read. I Highly suggest this book to anyone, Its a great read and a lot of fun. I hope he Comes out with another Biggs/Lomax Mystery soon!

I read Rabbit Factory awhile ago and immmediately pre-ordered Bloodthirsty. And boy was it ever worth it! Love the characters and there are quite the surprises this time! A great detective story with humor. Both books are highly recommended.

The mysteries in Mr. Karp's books are never the work of criminal masterminds, just everyday people seeking the justice they deserve. Combine that with a pair of buddy cops and their surrounding entourage and you've got yourself a page turner! The latest book is shorter than his first but the mystery was more straight forward, more pages would have only been filler. A great sophomore novel. I hope he continues these characters because I want to see where they go!

This is the second book in the Lomax and Biggs series and I've read them both. I liked the first book, The Rabbit Factory, a great deal and Bloodthirsty even more. One of the big problems in a series like this is that all too often, the characters don't grow and change and ultimately you find yourself reading the same book over and over again. Not here! More importantly, these characters and their relationships are ones that you'll like. The dialogue is snappy, the plot twists and turns are clever and, frankly, who could object to the masterful skewering that Hollywood takes? Marshall Karp has begun what could be a long and enjoyable series with Lomax and Biggs and I sincerely hope he keeps them coming.