McNally's Puzzle

Usually I know why a book keeps me reading; I know exactly what the capture cons are. In the case of McNALLY's PUZZLE, I kept reading with my own puzzle to saw with a jig. It had something to do with a jazzy writing rhythm and with the tightly focused, First-person-Narrative pushing Archy's socially elite slang. I found myself wondering where I'd left my dictionary; didn't want to lose the frequent opportunities to learn new words. Yet, I realized that some of the expressions Archy chewed and spewed with polished abandon were not only beyond my repertoire, they wouldn't be found in a published "literary academy" of American English. Whom does one approach for information on colloquialisms and slang which slip-slides around in socially superior swamps causing nose-in-the air neck kinks? The book continued to draw me in, in spite of the mild irritation at Archy's dynamically driven dialogue and sensual soliloquy, doused with words I somewhat grasped in context, phrases which nudged me forward as I felt I should stop reading to research, and really digest every nuance of prose ... maybe that's part of the draw. Sanders does have a knack for creating a cajoling rhythm which carries me along, whispering to let go of whiffs of undone details as I fancy forward, wondering what Archy will say and do next. I'm in Archy's mind, even if it is a dramatic dichotomy to my own sloppy thoughts. Archy, even if his speaking patterns irritate me, is feisty-foot-dragging fun to be with. McNALLY'S PUZZLE is my first taste of this Lawrence Sanders series. I was initially brought to it by readers' complaints about Archy's obsession with food, and Lawrence's including every tasty bite in the plot. In fiction I seek stimulation of the senses, though most often my moods prefer to go beyond and before the abundantly available ploys of the shock syndrome, and gregariously graphic sex. What else is there but solitary, tongue-in-teeth tangos with the manna of the gods? Well, yeah, there are mountains and streams, street lamps and bed springs ... these are a few of my favorite things ... huh? For me, the statement, "Archy bites off a big piece of bread," might work up a hint of saliva. That's what I usually get in a work of food fiction, when I'm lucky. But, the descriptive luxury of, "His teeth sink into the delicate texture of a soft, yeasty, French baguette, edged by the crunch of a crusty cover," could get a stomach growl out of a full balloon. That's how I write the description of taking a bite of bread. I could use much more of that brand of sensual prose in my escape fiction (in my reading of it, that is; my writing's usually saturated with appeals to the senses). Yet, I'm not puzzled about the natural tendency of some readers to have their tongues in their toes (shoes), wanting to go get ON with the fancy footwork. It is the rhythm of the syntax, though; it is. And the tight focus on Archy. That is what kept me reading long enough to get beyon

An Archy McNally novel is always a lot of fun to read. Interesting characters and a strong plot are the 2 strongest elements in all of these novels. Lawrence Sanders was a master of suspense, and "McNally's Puzzle" is one of the best of the series. Hiram Gottschalk, owner of Parrots Unlimited, a parrot store, believes that his life is in danger, and Archy McNally is called in to make his discreet inquiries. When Gottschalk is murdered, Archy continues his investigation. The list of suspects is long: Peter Gottschalk, Hiram's son, who is a manic-depressive; Gottschalk's twin daughters, Judith and Julia; Hiram's housekeeper and lover, Yvonne Chrisling, and her stepson Ricardo, who manages Parrots Unlmited. Binky Watrous plays a big role as he goes undercover at Parrots Unlimited, and Archy gets a canine friend, Hobo. This is an excellent and fun read!

If you've read the Archy McNally books, you know he has a slightly daft friend who does bird calls, Binky Watrous. In this wonderful installment, Binky goes undercover at a bird store called Parrots Unlimited to find out who is threatening the store's owner, Hiram Gottschalk. Sancho Panza is a motivational consultant compared to Binky, and the complications are hilarious. You'll laugh until it hurts!Before long, bodies are piling up in all directions. Who did it?Here's a clue. The book's cover has a parrot on it. If you pay attention to the parrot, you'll get some important leads on who the guilty parties are.Archy McNally is at his usual prissy best, more concerned about his wardrobe than the mystery. The ladies find him irresistible, and he feels obliged to help out. This gets him into trouble, as usual, with his main squeeze, Connie.The actual plot is full despicable double-dealing. You'll be glad when the bad guys get it.Great fun!

Lawrence Sanders continues to make Archy McNally one of the best detectives in fiction. I loved this book- the characters are hilarious and the action is entertaining. The pace of the mystery is quick and the clues keep coming. In the end everything comes to a satisfying conclusion, with Archy on top once again. A great Summer read!!

I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Sanders latest Archie McNally mystery. Although not quite as good as his previous McNally mysteries he still was able to weave a spellbinding and factual story. I say not quite as good because, although I never try to solve the mystery, the answer jumped right out at me. I hope he and the McNally family never run out of tales to tell