McNally's Risk

In the original 7 McNally novels (see list below), RISK is the third in the series, and sixth which I've read and reviewed. For me, it was one of the more intriguingly quirky offerings. It was this quirkiness which kept my attention. We had Theodosia Johnson(Madam X, Helen of Troy, Mona Lisa, who, who, who) and Archy's continued struggle with his attractions to women, and his coming-to-consciousness of his Double Standards. I found myself wondering in this one when Connie would give Archy his "comeuppance." She did it in spades and Archy's reaction was classic. Loved the way she initiated her absolutely unsuspected counterpoint with a compassionate, genuinely loving preface. Ya gotta read it. Here are a few quotes to prime the push, from early on, then later in plot: >> ... Department of Discreet Inquiries. I (Archy) was the sole member, and it was my task to conduct investigations requested by our moneyed clients who didn't wish to consult law enforcement agencies and possibly see their personal problems emblazoned on the covers of those tabloids stacked next to sliced salami in supermarkets. << <br /> <br />>> It was like finding a hickey on the neck of the Mona Lisa. << <br /> <br />Just what was that "it" of which Archy was narrating in his voice perfectly styled as, "I'm telling you, reader." <br /> <br />The opening of this third McNally offering was an antithesis to the kidnap delights applied by the other 5 I've read so far (well, except Peaches's vomit couldn't be described as delightful). In RISK, Archy is embroiled not with a sensually captivating Lady of Spice; he's forcing himself to pretend being enraptured by the prig-of-all-prigs, Mrs. Gertrude Smythe Hersforth. What a PERFECT name! <br /> <br />His summary of her(sforth) nose angle came to: <br /> <br />>> This overstuffed matron was implying that if your name was Smith, DiCicco, or Raginowitz, you were incapable of pride and probably bought your Jockey shorts at K-Mart. In Britain family determines class. But, in America, it's money. << <br /> <br />On the other hand, Archy also pontificated and quoth-ed, in that delicious way of his: <br /> <br />>> The moment he (a dollars-down-the-drain, no donuts intended, "C" artist) used the phrase "guaranteed income," my opinion of his financial acumen plunged to subzero. Dear old dad had taught me years ago that there is no such thing as a guaranteed income. As pop said, "Who guarantees the guarantor?" << <br /> <br />Quoting Rubin Hagler, and Archy's "in mind" comment, P 183 of the mass market paperback: <br /> <br />>> "I can promise you a twenty-percent return with no risk." When pigs fly, I thought, but didn't say it. << <br /> <br />One of the most touching scenes I've read so far in this series was on Pages 249-250, when Arch shares a secret with Connie, a sad truth he uncovered from his investigations. The essence of the message in that scene reminded me of what I appreciated most in one of my favorite movies, CROC

I am in the midst of reading the most entertaining mystery series around, and I can't wait to get the next McNally book. McNally, the playboy of Florida's gold coast, wines and dines multiple girlfriends while working for stodgy old dad (the "pater", a.k.a. the "governor"). This book was no let down from the first two excellent entries in the series. The description of the bad guys was particularly humerous -- a slick con man and his thug buddy (something between a meat cleaver and a vampire, driving a gun-metal caddy). I really enjoyed the lunch scene between McNally and those two. The peripheral characters also added a lot of charm to the story. A certain element of danger enters near the end, as Archy starts to step on too many toes, but you know our hero must survive for another story. If you like Lawrence Block's burglar series, you will love Lawrence Sanders' McNally series!

...Dapper Palm Beach PI Archy McNally has been requested by a monied client of his father's law firm to check the background of Theodosia Johnson, a beautiful neo socialite in the south Floridian circles, and soon to be married to an heir of a fortune...McNally cajoles, bribes with meals and pays off his many sources--caterers, barkeeps and newspapermen--but information about the lass starts coming in seemingly disconnected pieces, until the artist of a masterful portrait of Theodosia winds up with a knife in his throat and a stripper who seems to be into extortion gets a bullet thru her head and the rightful heir to the artist's estate is found strangled in her SUV under water. McNally falls for the mysterious lady (Madame X) further complicating things, and a creepy thug with Michigan plates on his Cadillac is seen once too often near several of these disconnected pieces. This is Sanders in his element--a likable, idiosyncratic, quippy fella (McNally--who may or may not be like the author) who has excesses very much like the real crooks against the backdrop of a glamorous area solving a heinous crime. While you read you can probably guess who ultimately is the culprit of the dastardly deeds, but the big, big fun is how Sanders chooses to get us to the punchline. A page turning enjoyable read for all....

This is another in the series of books about Archie McNally, who carries out investigations for his father's law firm when he is not dashing about in his red Miata, hanging out at the Pelican Club, or pursuing various women. It is one of the earlier books in the series. The case starts out as a seemingly simply investigation into the background of a woman involved with the son of a wealthy client of the firm. Along the way there is a murdered artist who had painted the woman's portrait, the emotionally disturbed daughter of the artist, the son's ex-girlfriend from a topless car wash, the ex-girlfriend's nude dancer friend, a suspect "financial advisor," and a host of other character's including some of Archie's assortment of friends that carry forward from book to book. There is also the mysterious, untitled, missing painting. Overall, an intriguing whodunit, with a somewhat surprising ending.

If you like the Archy McNally series you will enjoy this book. Very similar to the rest of the series with Archy being assigned a case from his father and then driving around Palm Beach and interacting with the rich and famous. Enjoyable though. Make sure you have a dictionary handy. I'm looking forward to the next McNally mystery.