INHERENT VICE by Thomas Pynchon

Larry “Doc” Sportello, the protagonist of this latest Pynchon novel, INHERENT VICE, is the quintessential hippy wild-man. He sometimes teases his hair into an Afro. He never passes up an opportunity to get high. He listens to rock ‘n roll, preferably stoned, and practices “free love” whenever–and wherever–he can make that happen. And yet he is a respected private investigator, a man who, in spite of himself, exercising wit and humor, succeeds. But just by the skin of his nicotine-stained teeth.

November 20, 2009 · Judi Clark · No Comments
Tags: , , ,  · Posted in: California, Humorous, Literary, Mystery/Suspense, Noir, y Award Winning Author

NINE DRAGONS by Michael Connelly

In Michael Connelly’s NINE DRAGONS, Detective Harry Bosch, who works in the Robbery-Homicide Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, is sent with his partner to investigate a “rob job” at a liquor store that resulted in the shooting death of the proprietor, John Li. After speaking to Li’s family and viewing surveillance discs, Bosch comes up with two theories. Either a teenage shoplifter who was banished from the liquor store committed the crime, or a member of the Chinese Triad (thugs who extort money and engage in other illegal activities) killed Li for refusing to pay protection money. For a variety of reasons, Bosch leans towards the second explanation. When he realizes that his ignorance of Chinese language and culture might impede his investigation, Harry enlists the aid of Detective David Chu to interview witnesses and provide him with relevant background information.

October 13, 2009 · Judi Clark · No Comments
Tags: , ,  · Posted in: California, China, Sleuths Series, y Award Winning Author

LOSER’S TOWN by Daniel Depp

LOSER’S TOWN is the first novel from Daniel Depp and the first in a series of David Spandau mysteries. Now I am going to get the nauseating stuff over with first: yes, Daniel DEPP is the half brother of Johnny Depp, and according to some internet sites, there are some unpleasant assumptions that having a famous sibling carries clout in the publishing world. When it comes to carving out accomplishments in the world, it must be a pain in the arse to have a phenomenally famous sibling.

May 2, 2009 · Judi Clark · No Comments
Tags: , ,  · Posted in: California, Debut Novel, Noir, Sleuths Series

A DATE YOU CAN’T REFUSE by Harley Jane Kozak

A DATE YOU CAN’T REFUSE is the fourth novel from author Harley Jane Kozak to feature serial dater, minor TV celebrity, and “alternative” greeting card designer, Wollie Shelley. Laugh-out-loud funny, this hilarious novel follows Wollie’s blunders as she attempts to lead a double life. SEE AUTHOR INTERVIEW, as well!

April 26, 2009 · Judi Clark · No Comments
Tags: , ,  · Posted in: California, Humorous, Sleuths Series

FLIPPING OUT by Marshall Karp

LAPD Homicide Detectives Mike Lomax and Terry Biggs meet partners in crime, Detectives Reggie Drabyak, Tony Dominguez and Charlie Knoll at a “Sunday debriefing” on Reggie’s fishing boat. Cop talk is out – cards, beer and banter is in. The guys call it a night at around 10:00 PM. Reg decides to sleep on his boat because his wife, Jo, an event planner, is working a wedding and won’t be home until the early hours. Monday morning, early, Lomax and Biggs are notified that Jo Drabyak has been shot and killed, mob style, with a bullet in the back of the head.

April 17, 2009 · Judi Clark · No Comments
Tags: ,  · Posted in: California, Humorous, Sleuths Series