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Doan is a chubby, harmless-looking PI who is living proof that appearances can be deceptive. In reality he's actually quite ruthless and hard-nosed. His actions and personality are what you would expect of a cynical 1940s PI. The fact that he looks like everyone's favourite uncle is something he uses to his advantage. His partner, Carstairs, is an extremely intelligent Great Dane who's so huge he should actually be a whole new species. Carstairs has never really forgiven Doan for winning him in a crap game. Together, they have travelled to Mexico during WWII where they have some mysterious business with a fugitive from justice back in California. The fugitive is holed up in a small mountain village called Los Altos and Doan and Carstairs take a tour bus to get there. The bus comes complete with the tourist industry's most hilarious tour guide - Bartolome, and a passenger list weighed down with secrets and lies. Every one of the motley crew of tourists has their own private reason for visiting Los Altos, and not all of them are remotely bothered by the revolutions, earthquakes and murder that afflict the small town. Apart from Bartolome, and he's only worried about his bus. This is a snappy, light read with dialogue swifter than a speeding bullet, and some laugh out loud moments. I really liked Doan and Carstairs. Together they make a great pair. Doan is definitely wilier, but Carstairs is better looking. I was sorry to discover that there are only three novels featuring Doan and Carstairs - they really are a wonderful pair - but the Rue Morgue Press deserves heartfelt thanks for plucking them out of obscurity and allowing them to be rediscovered by lovers of humourous crime fiction. I was also really impressed by the quality of the book itself - the pages, binding etc. It has a wonderful feel to it and is a joy to read in all respects. -- Visit Donna's Page at: http://freespace.virgin.net/donna.moore
Reviewed by Donna Moore, September 2002
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