Mrs. Million

This was the first time I've read Peter Hautman, but it certainly won't be the last. Very funny and entertaining characters make this a must read for anyone who wants a good laugh. Fans of Mr. Hautman should definitely check out all books written by Peter Lefcourt. I couldn't help from noticing the similarities in style between the two authors. Both are very funny and write with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

I discovered Pete's Hautman's books about four years ago and have read everything of his since Drawing Dead. With this book Hautman goes beyond his usual cast of (mainly male) characters and does some his best work in creating a story built around well-drawn female characters and some non-traditional male ones. Pete's books are pure fun - there is plenty of action, and the Upper Midwest idiosyncrasies are (sometimes painfully) dead-on. I rate this book higher than previous ones since even though the plot was typical Hautman mayhem, it was never implausible or out of control.

As a longtime Hautman fan I was thrilled when Mrs. Million was released. And I wasn't disappointed when I finished the novel. One of the main things I love about Hautman's work is the continuity of characters. Barbaraannette Quinn, the main character in this novel, is the half sister of Joe Crow (one of Hautman's most endearing characters) and daughter of Sam O'Gara (another Hautman mainstay). And even though none of the aforementioned characters appear in this novel, it is just as brilliant. Barbaraannette wins a powerball lottery of $9 million, and the first thing she does is offer $1 million for the return of her husband Bobby who walk out on her six years ago. This sets in motion many wacky scenarios involving, but not limited to, a petty criminal who solicates money from famous people via letters, a gay college professor, two good old boys who Bobby cheated out of money, and a woman named Phlox who is the current girlfriend of Bobby. The reader gets to know all these characters and many othersin rich detail. This is an excellent novel with many twists and turns. It is a must read for all lovers of great crime fiction.

A brilliant and very funny crime caper about money and love. Pete Hautman just keeps getting better. This novel circles around Barbarannette and her mother and two sisters and the way Hautman handles his women characters is absolutely delicious. They are flawed and funny, sexy and sincere, and completely and warmly human. If you have not read Hautman yet, you are in for a real treat. Many missteps in this book, but not a false note among them. You'll be cheering by the end!