The New York Times Book review has described Ross Thomas -
as the master of the crime thriller.
They are exactly correct, nobody writes plots with the characters and humour of Mr.Thomas.
In this book we have Arty Wu and Quincy Durant ( WuDu Ltd) as Private Investigators who solve -
big problems for big bucks - something they are a bit short of at the moment, bucks that is not problems.
They are hired to find two missing hypnotists who are needed to prove the innocence of a movie star charged with killing her ex-fiancee. All run of the mill stuff until things get a bit more complicated.
To complete the job they enlist several of their associates; - who happen to be terrorism experts, con men and con-women. None of these people have any scruples or morals , basically they are all crooks and this makes for a rollicking story set in southern California.
Like all of his books this rocks along with double crosses, triple crosses and other numerous twists which keep you busy to the end.
This is an absolute joy to read.
Also recommended are -
The Eighth Dwarf and
Twilight at Mac's Place.
Just as good as the novels written under the name Ross Thomas are several under the Pseudonym Oliver Bleeck.
Thomas's books are difficult to get in New Zealand, so any that you find are gems and to be looked after. There won't be any more as Mr. Thomas passed away in 1995.
