McNally's Dare

Vince really nailed it with Dare! Writing, plots, and character exposure were right on the money. Unlike some of the earlier efforts, there were no dead spots in this story.The other reviewers have done a good job in describing the overall plot, so I won't waste your time with more of the same. Having read all of the MaNally series, I'd say this one ranks among the best. All of the usual characters are there, and are given enough exposure that you don't tire of them. I'd like to see Bunky disappear, since he's become more annoying than fun. The Archy character is more hard edged, and some readers may not like the way he treats people in this story. I've always enjoyed Archy and his dad's chats in the home study, and these did not disappoint. I've also enjoyed Archy's late-evening reflections in his third-floor apartment, and was disappointed that in this story they lacked detail.The story has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, but some the clues were so obvious that I thought they were intentional curves. They weren't! As a result, the ending was a bit of a letdown, but that doesn't distract from a very good book.

Vince Lardo is now up to his fifth in the 12-book Archy McNally --"Discreet Inquirer" to the rich and famous in Palm Beach -- series originated by Laurence Sanders. His mostly credible continuation of the lead character still pleases, as we witness Archy's usual sartorial splendor and wit, his gambols with new love interest, state trooper Georgia, and his drinks with Father and anybody else that comes along. Playing at a posh tennis benefit, Archy is on hand to help discover the drowning death of one of the waiters. The prime suspect, Lance Talbot, newly rich inheritor of his mom's fortune, is alibied by none other than McNally himself. Soon Archy has three employers to look into the matter, one of whom wants to find out if Lance is the real son or an imposter. A missing toe helps solve that puzzle, but many other twists and turns keep us in suspense til right near the end. As usual, our hero adds most of the crime solving initiatives, with just a little help from his pals on the police force. Fending off a writer working with Binky (a frequent foil) trying to imitate his escapades adds some comic relief through much of the tale. There's little to dislike in this entire set of stories: a reasonably fun leading man with good enough wits to catch the clever bad guys, the "lifestyles of the rich" themes, and the dining, drinking and bedding exploits of our hero, coupled with suspenseful mysteries, add up to unfailingly enjoyable reading. Have at it!

"McHally's Dare" by Vincent Lardo is yet another pleasant romp amongst the rich and infamous on the island of Palm Beach by Discrete Inquirer Archy McNally.The twelfth installment contains a more complex plot as Archy attempts to solve a murder and determine if an apparent heir to a fortune is an imposter, all the while lunching in fashionable bistros and attending parties and benefits.The eclectic supporting cast is terrific as usual...lending color, intrigue, witty dialog and interesting sidebars.Archy has no shortage of suspects and eventually brings the truth to light...but not before a couple of reversals, amusing detours and romantic interludes."McNally's Dare" is not hard boiled noir...rather a mystery in the wry...easy to enjoy...a weekend diversion...a book for the beach...a guilty pleasure.Big time fun!

When a waiter is found dead in the swimming pool during a millionaire-intense tennis fund raiser, Archie McNally, all-around investigator to the rich and snobby, is called into action. Clients come quickly and Archie isn't too proud to take them all. But does everyone really want him to find the killer, or is someone hiding a deadly secret? Archie moves through Palm Beach society, sipping martinis with muckraking authors, exchanging bon-mots with billionaires, and dating beautiful Georgia while still lusting after the lost Connie. Archie making a charming character. He is fixated with his own appearance, sexist to the extreme, frequently contemptuous of those around him (especially of Binky who returns Archie's scorn with love and disloyalty), yet manages to stay sympathetic. Author Vincent Lardo humanizes Archie in McNALLY'S DARE by making Georgia feisty, by a cute scene when Archie's trunks are too large for hunky billionaire Lance Talbot, and by reminding the reader that Archie does still live with his parents. Those seeking a quick-witted private investigator with an attitude, a way with women (if not quite as much so as he would like to believe) and a clever setting amongst the billionaires of Palm Beach will definitely want to pick up the latest in the McNally series.