|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
Over the years, any private eye is going to encounter a range of types -- good and bad. Amos Walker's no exception; while most of the people he knows are pretty stand-up types, he also knows some crooks. Jeff Starzek is a smuggler -- not a people smuggler, but someone who makes a living 'importing' untaxed cigarettes, cases of booze. Walker, a pretty easy-going type, not someone who will make judgments doesn't have a huge problem with Starzek's behavior. When he meets up with the guy while on a pretty typical tail job -- he's tracking a deadbeat dad, not his favorite thing but it pays the rent -- things go bad. The guy shoots Amos, then himself; Starzek gets Amos to the hospital and saves his life. Then he disappears. Several individuals complicate the puzzle -- his brother, a minister of a small church, Starzek's sister (who's not exactly his sister) and a Homeland Security agent named Clemson, who's interested in what appears to be a huge counterfeiting ring connected to the brother's church. Loren Estleman writes such good books. His Walker is a classic to me; an old-style private eye, he drinks, he smokes, he's a pretty cynical loner, though he might just say he's realistic, just another working stiff. But he's much more than that. While he knows music and art and literature, he seems more comfortable if people underestimate him. He doesn't exactly hate Detroit, it's more that he knows it, knows all its flaws and is never impressed by pronouncements, big government, any sort of pretence. He's lousy with small talk and he's impatient with weakness -- even his own. Walker spends this story in pain. After his last case, where he was seriously hurt, the shooting leaves him even worse off and it's winter in Michigan, which is a tough tough season. At times, I thought he came across a bit, shall we say, too tough. He complains, sure, but walking around with a bad leg, using a cane, he's one determined SOB. He tries as much as he can to leave his personal feelings behind and he does show a, well, not exactly a warm side, but he's kinder than he needs to be at times, when he meet up with someone who could use a kind word. Walker doesn't seem to need too many people in his life -- his closest friend is still ex-reporter Barry Stackpole, even if they've had some tough times together -- but he'll do what he can to ease someone's burden, even when that's not part of the job. He listens but he also hears what's underneath. He's a good friend, a loyal friend, and a determined and sharp-eyed private eye. There were moments where the story lagged for me. Some was the above-mentioned 'hero' stuff; Walker, though not trying to be a hero, simply overdoes it and risks serious, severe leg problems that could haunt and hinder him for life. But also, I got a little tired of the cold and some of the chase scenes and stuff which went on a bit too long, impressing on the reader just how cold it was. But Estleman's use of language always engages me and Walker's attention to details makes him all that more interesting. There's nothing especially new or hot and trendy about the Amos Walker series; it's just damn good writing, an example to anyone out there who appreciates style and talent.
Reviewed by Andi Shechter, May 2006
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
