Death's Little Helpers

We first met Peter Spiegelman's Private Investigator John March in the excellent thriller "Black Maps". In this second novel John March is hired to find Gregory Danes by Greg's ex-wife artist Nina Sachs. As the novel proceeds there is no sign of Greg but March finds lots of evidence that Greg was someone who was widely hated. But is Greg alive or dead? Was he hated enough that someone killed him? Every avenue John March pursues seems to be a dead end, getting him no closer to the truth. Adding to March's frustrations are his family who don't approve of his life choices, his relationship with his girlfriend which seems to be falling apart and he owes a favour to the Mob who are going to be expecting repayment any time now. Constantly skirting the edge of disaster, March is a very likable and fallible character with a strong moral centre. He will do what's right, no matter the cost to himself. Spiegelman's evocative writing keeps you reading even as you can't help but wonder if Gregory Danes will ever be found. This is an excellent novel and I can't wait to read Peter Spiegelman's and John March's next outing. Note: This is the same title that was released elsewhere as "Death's Little Helpers".

I enjoyed the author's "Black Maps" a lot, and found his newest book just as good. John March is a sympathetic hero, whose alienation from his family and occasional penchant for violence hint at a difficult past. The plot of this novel is a good one; it moved along well, though sometimes I wished the author would not so thoroughly describe every room that March enters. I also felt that girlfriend Jane's ambivalence about March's profession was not as well presented as it might have been. First she's with him, then she isn't, then she returns at the end more as a plot device to get March out of trouble than anything else, and then she is gone again. I'd like to understand her better, and see the two of them in a real discussion about his work. However, I cared about her and about March: that is tribute to the author's skill. Finally, I hope the author will at some point go more into March's past, and show us how he became the man he is. Highly recommended.

I recently picked up a copy TIME Magazine and read the article on 5 mystery books/authors that you shouldn't miss. Usually I'm skeptical of professional reviews, but I'm happy to say that this one was spot on as far as Death's Little Helpers, by Peter Spiegelman, is concerned. The story and writing are of the highest quality and the characters are so compelling. I urge all fans of mystery and fiction in general, to give it a chance. You won't be sorry. I'm hooked and am curently reading Black Maps, the first book in the series.

Death's Little Helpers is a great read. It's truly absorbing and the writing is spectacular. The characters grab you and it's difficult not to get emotionally involved with one or more of them. I found the young character Billy a very sympathetic one. The book is a real page turner, and you'll find it difficult to put down. It's a winner.

I read Black Maps, which is the first John March book. I thought that was great. Well let me tell you, this one is even better. The writing is crisp and sharp and the story complex. John March is turning into a classic PI who can run with the best of them. I am really looking forward to the next installment. A must read for all mystery fans.