The Alternative Detective

Noted sci-fi author Sheckley revisits the mystery form in this pleasing PI story. Middle-aged ex-hippie Hob Dranconian has settled down in New Jersey after spending the last 20 years running around the world enjoying life and dealing drugs to the funseekers of the world. This book finds him trying to track down some stolen sailboards in Spain via his Ibiza office, and trying to locate a missing old friend in Paris. Sheckley sets off down these two paths with solid plotting, amusing characters, and a clear sense of making sure all is not as it seems. It's a nice quick read, I'll definitely be checking out the sequel: Soma Blues and prequel: Draconian New York.

This is the second book in Sheckley's Hob Draconian series. It features a hilarious scene in a French taxi with a French poodle who is smarter than one of the passengers! Sheckley's series is witty, urbane, and filled with the kind of small touches only an experienced writer can deliver. If you are looking for "something different" in the mystery category, you won't go wrong with this!