Synopsis/blurb......
When Great Western Insurance hires the Nameless Detective to investigate an accidental death in a small northern California town, it looks like a routine case—one he expects to solve swiftly so he and his lady friend, Kerry Wade, can take a much needed vacation. But no such luck. Nameless lands in the middle of a violent conflict between a group of greedy land developers and the handful of citizens who inhabit an isolated Gold Rush ghost town. The triumverate of successful realtors plan to "renovate" Musket Creek (nee Ragged-Ass Gulch), and bring back its glory days as a Gold Rush boomtown—this time in the guise of a "theme-style" amusement park.
The town denizens have different ideas. Stark, desolate, crumbling—this is double-dealing, arson, and murder. It's a classic showdown—with death thrown in as the twist.
The twelfth installment in the thrilling Nameless Detective series.
Another enjoyable read from much earlier in the year - March and another one which in the space of 6 months has more or less disappeared from my memory. Not to worry I'll just have to read the next one in the series soon.
So plot - okay I guess, but nothing memorable. Main characters - fine, upstanding, decent and likable. Pace - who knows. Action - some, with no doubt some cerebral sleuthing. Resolution - case solved and Nameless lives to fight another day.
A bland review for an okay, unremarkable but enjoyable mystery. I've read hundreds of books like this in my lifetime and will no doubt read hundreds more in future (hopefully).4 from 5
Purchased copy of book from who knows where, who knows when.
Read in March, 2016.
I think that's what's so interesting about this series, Col. Even the entries that aren't really remarkable are still great. That says something about Pronzini's talent.
ReplyDeleteMargot, you're right. I'm happy enough enjoying certain books - not everything needs to rock me!
DeleteI've had three in this series sitting for a year or two on my TBR shelves. I must get to them soon! Pronzini is always eminently readable.
ReplyDeleteI do like this series and would recommend it to anyone who's prepared to listen. That said I wish I'd made a new notes on it or jotted down some thoughts a bit closer to when I read it.
DeleteBill Pronzini is one important author missing in my collection of books. It's necessary to read his work.
ReplyDeletePrashant I think you should try at least one (or more......)
DeleteIt is going to be interesting how I like the Pronzini books when I get back to reading them, which will be soon.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like I'll restart in 2017. I'm sure they will still stand up for us both!
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