To Die for (A Bomber Hanson Mystery)

Disliking "call me Fab" Franchesi is easy--the man is annoying, demanding and obnoxiously certain. Still, lawyer/investigator Tod Hanson isn't sure that's enough reason to let Fab's daughter, Pia, take the rap for a murder. As far as the D.A. is concerned, though, the case is clear-cut. The dead man was found in Pia's bed, shot apparently with her gun, and was known to be blackmailing her into sleeping with him in exchange for free rent. The D.A. doesn't think even Bomber Hanson, Tod's father, can get this client off. Of course, persuading Bomber to take the case with Fab hanging around is a rough challenge. Tod needs to discover why Pia's ex-boyfriend is mysteriously absent, what "call me Fab" is really trying to accomplish, who the disgusting new landlord thinks he is, and why the other girls in Pia's apartment seem to have turned against her--all while stuttering whenever his father is around and being stuck with the dirty jobs by both Bomber and Pia's mother. Author David Champion writes a charmingly old-fashioned mystery, combining elements of Perry Mason and Nero Wolfe. Tod, the hard-working sidekick and narrator, gets to do the dirty work, talking to suspects, tracking down friends and witnesses, and getting knocked in the head when he sticks his nose where it isn't wanted. Bomber gets to drive his Bentley (Chinese Red), and wallow in the glory. In a step away from the old-fashioned, Champion introduced an intriguing twist to the conclusion. I found it disturbing and it left a strange taste in my mouth. Other readers are likely to appreciate the jolt.

Tod and Bomber Hanson are at it again in David Champion's To Die For. When Pia Franchesi is accused of murder, her overzealous father Fab Fabrechezi jumps to her rescue and demands Bomber defend her. One problem, though- Bomber can't stand Fab! Can he put his personal feelings aside and do what he does best, that is, fight for truth and justice? Only one way to find out and that's to read the book! Just when you think a solution has been found, Champion surprises you yet again. Recommended for mystery fans, students college-aged and older, and anyone who's had a problem with relationships, whether romantic or parental. -Athalia Stoneback