McNally's Folly

To take on a deceased author's much-admired creation cannot be an easy task. Yet Vincent Lardo perfectly has caught the flavor of the beloved character of Archy McNally, which originally was created by the late Lawrence Sanders. He's caught the rhythm of the narrative, the sense of place, the voice of the protagonist. So if you loved Sanders' Archy, you won't notice much difference in Lardo's version. And if you like to read a good mystery about the high life, Palm Beach, tropical nights, gourmet foods, and, oh yes, romance, then any of the McNally books should hit the spot. Doesn't matter whether the author was Lawrence or Vince. These are fun reads, the published equivalents of sneaking potato chips. You won't want to stop with just one.

Palm Beach playboy and part-time private investigator Archy McNally adds the title of theatre director to his credits in an effort to solve a good old fashion whodunit. The deceased was Archy's client who hired him to unmask a con artist who is selling soothsayer services to the elite island ladies at five hundred bucks a sitting. In between Archy's usual maturations â€" cheating on girlfriend Connie, smoking English Ovals, padding his expense report at Daddy's law firm, and rarely drinking before noon â€" Archy eventually stumbles onto the truth before the evening cocktails. (Yes, the rich are different.) For McNally fans, all the usual suspects are part of this 'play within a play,' from wing nut Binky Watrous to the bar crowd at the Pelican Club. Their personalities are loony as ever, even though the book series baton has been passed from writer Lawrence Sanders, who sadly died, to Vincent Lardo. For the most part Mr. Lardo has made a smooth transition, although his portrayal of some of the characters differs somewhat from Mr. Sanders. Rather than dwell on what is missing, much has been added, such as a Hamlet-like play within a play. Its cute and boorish, which is part of the spirit of this series. Kudos for Mr. Lardo for maintaining the fun while 'trying out' some new stuff with the bunch from route A1A.

I've read every Lawrence Sanders book written, and absolutely loved the Archy series. I was devastated when Lawrence Sanders passed away, wondering if I'd ever enjoy Archy's antics again. The last book, and McNally's Folly were both throughly enjoyable. I just can't get enough of Archy, Al Rogoff and all the zany characters in Palm Beach. Mr. Lardo does an excellent job of carrying on a storyline that makes me smile and giggle out loud at Archy's little adventures. If you're a McNally fan you won't be dissappointed with Vincent Lardo keeping Archy alive. P.S. The Hampton Affair by Vincent Lardo is also excellent. I'm looking forward to his new one coming soon, and hopefully some more of Archy McNally.

I have been hooked on this series from the start. The author although not Lawrence Sanders is excellent in preserving the tone and feel of the characters in the previous novels. The story kept me interested. I remember being skeptical when the James Bond series was continued after Ian Fleming died, but the new author John Gardner, while unlike Lardo was a known writer on his own, kept me reading. I look forward to more McNally volumes.

OK, OK, it's not Lawrence Sanders. He was great and no one can replace him but this is still a great book. If you love McNally and his cast of S. FL characters you will like this book. If you're only interested in the originals by Sanders that's fine - skip it. I for one love the settings and the characters (and their interaction) and found the book fun and enjoyable. In other words it's a typcial McNally story. Buy it and enjoy it. McNally lives on.