The Long Shot

A very worthwhile read for fans of the magnificent Paul Monette, "The Long Shot" is a different take on detective fiction and a wry examination of Hollywood closets and the corrupting power of wasted money. This novel lacks the white-hot rage and crystal clarity of his later works, but is superbly and objectively written, with a more direct storytelling device than in his first novel, "Taking Care of Mrs. Carroll." Mr. Monette sometimes wrestles with a convoluted plot while delving effortlessly into well-rounded and believable characters. Newcomers to Paul Monette might try "Halfway Home" or his superb non-fiction works "Becoming a Man" or "Borrowed Time."