Showing posts with label Michael Craven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Craven. Show all posts

Saturday, November 16, 2019

The Detective and the Pipe Girl (John Darvelle) by Michael Craven

I've had this book for a few years but never got around reading it. I was glad I finally did, though. It has an interesting style where the narrator really tells you the story like he's there sitting in front of you, nursing a beer. To some that style might be a bit annoying, as might the narrator's diversion into his personal gripes and interests. Personally, I like it when a writer has a style of his own while still following the tropes I so love about PI fiction.
John Darvelle is a ping pong playing private eye in Los Angeles. He's pretty much a regular guy but can take care of himself in a fight. He's hired by movie director Arthur Vonz to find the love of his life and hand her a letter. That plunges Darvelle into a world of Hollywood secrets, prostitution and dangerous thugs.
Fast-paced, breezy and funny with a dark edge this one will appeal to fans of Robert B. Parker and early Harlan Coben.