REVIEWS+

The Big Goodbye

by Michael Lister
Pulpwood. Sept. 2011. c.254p. ISBN 9781888146783. $26.99; pap. ISBN 9781888146790. $16.99. M
COPY ISBN
People hail Jimmy "Soldier" Riley as a war hero when they notice his missing right arm, and Jimmy no longer bothers to correct them. Their mistaken assumptions help him now that he's a retired cop-turned-private eye in Panama City, FL. Jimmy has the "jeebies" from a shooting earlier in the day when he's contacted by Lauren Lewis, wife of a wealthy mayoral candidate and his own former lover. Someone is following her, and Jimmy jumps right into this new case. What follows is a gritty ride through the Florida Panhandle in the 1940s, complete with several corpses, corrupt politics, a swanky doll named Margie (also a former flame of Jimmy's), and Jimmy's obsession with gorgeous, secretive Lauren.
VERDICT Short on flowery descriptions but peppered with snappy dialog, this hard-boiled mystery by award winner Lister (Double Exposure) is a swell read for tough guys and gals who "just want the facts, ma'am."
Reviewed by Julie Pierce, Lee Cty. P.L., Fort Meyers, FL , Aug 01, 2011
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?