Don't Lie to Me

Donald Westlake used the pseudonym "Tucker Coe" for a series of five novels about a disgraced former New York City cop, Mitchell Tobin. 'Don't Lie To Me' was published in 1972. The other series novels, narrated by Tobin, are 'Kinds of Love, Kinds of Death' (1966), 'Murder Among Children' (1968), 'Wax Apple' (1970), and 'A Jade in Aries' (1971). As a policeman, Tobin had maintained a three-year affair with a woman during work hours. Tobin's partner is killed during an attempted arrest while Tobin was in bed with Linda Campbell. In this novel, Campbell makes contact with Tobin for the first time in years, asking help for her husband who is trying to go straight after his release from prison. Tobin's attraction to Linda remains, but he does not act upon it. Both Tobin and Campbell are rebuilding lives with their chosen spouses. Tobin has obtained his PI license. He reclaims himself while trying to solve murders related to theft of art from the museum at which he works as a night watchman and while trying to help protect Linda Campbell's husband from criminal associates. These two plot lines come together in a surprising and ironic conclusion. The Coe novels show the struggles of a decent enough guy trying to survive after his blunders and the ensuing tragedy. The final novel is certainly not overly emotional, but it is a tale of redemption. Tobin fully admits his role in the death of his former partner, gains insight into his feelings for Linda Campbell, and finds pleasure in building his relationship with his loyal wife Kate. If the noir style in the Parker novels under the "Richard Stark" pen name is his yin side and the comic elements in Dortmunder capers is his yang side, then Tucker Coe is Westlake's middle path. The Coe books are well-structured and engaging mainstream detective fiction. This book and the complete series under the Tucker Coe name should delight nearly any reader of detective fiction. The mysteries are well plotted and there is a satisfying growth in the main character as he is forced to use his detective skills. Tobin is Westlake's most complete and complex fictional character. Add to that Westlake's ability to structure compelling plot lines with satisfying conclusions, and you have fascinating tales of the highest order.