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Holland Taylor #2
Practice to Deceive
St. Paul investigator Holland Taylor finds himself pursued by a hired killer when he tries to recover money for an elderly woman cheated out of her life savings and must untangle a complicated web involving prominent people and large investments.
287 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 1997
About the author
David Housewright
70 books429 followersA past president of the Private Eye Writers of America, David Housewright has published 28 crimes novels including In A Hard Wind (June 2023 St. Martin’s Minotaur) and has contributed short stories to 15 anthologies and other publications. He has earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America, a Shamus nomination from the PWA, and three Minnesota Books Awards. A reformed newspaper reporter and ad man, he has also taught writing courses at the University of Minnesota and Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. His name and face were recently added to “Minnesota Writers on the Map” by the Minnesota Historical Society and Friends of the St. Paul Public Library.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 10, 2026
Penance was such an enjoyable mystery, I wanted to keep going, and the omnibus edition provided the perfect opportunity. Housewright's second book starts simply enough, with mom and dad requesting Taylor help out their elderly Florida neighbor (it's tradition for midwestern retirees to relocate to southern Florida) who has been scammed out of her life savings by a Minneapolis investment advisor.
"Guys like Levering Field infuriate me. He's a part of that growing class of people who have no conception of the pain they cause others through their carelessness, indifference, neglect; who refuse to accept responsibility for their actions."
Like all of Housewright's mysteries, the book ends at a very different place from where it starts, recovering lost funds. Mrs. Gustafson's (and is there a more Nordic midwestern name?) parting plea is for Taylor to "rob him back," and although Taylor doesn't literally follow her request, he does adopt an unconventional strategy.
"I had conceived my plan on the spot, marveling at its simplicity. The immense risk did not occur to me until much later."
Seriously? Because I could see the risk right away. I found myself withdrawing from his actions, both emotionally and intellectually; it was hard to square a 10 year-old police veteran with Taylor's juvenile actions. I found myself agreeing with his lawyer girlfriend, Cynthia Grey, that I'd rather just take a break until he is over this phase.
We’re also introduced to Freddie, a rival PI and Black veteran who brought Hawk/Spenser energy into the story. It felt imported from a different style of PI novel, a little odd for a P.I. that otherwise seems more interested in operating alone. It's probably worth noting that this was first published in 1997, so the technology and devices reflects an earlier era (I wonder if the juvenile 'tricks' are still the same? They were familiar to me from my own long-ago childhood). There's a denouement twist at the ending that relied on one of my least favorite tropes. Altogether I found that it was not as good as the first book, but good enough that I decided to go on to book three (which I had already purchased, lucky me).
"No, thank you, sir," I answered. Obviously, he was under the impression that I was a cop, and I thought it would be bad manners to correct him."
Two and a half stars, rounding up.
"Guys like Levering Field infuriate me. He's a part of that growing class of people who have no conception of the pain they cause others through their carelessness, indifference, neglect; who refuse to accept responsibility for their actions."
Like all of Housewright's mysteries, the book ends at a very different place from where it starts, recovering lost funds. Mrs. Gustafson's (and is there a more Nordic midwestern name?) parting plea is for Taylor to "rob him back," and although Taylor doesn't literally follow her request, he does adopt an unconventional strategy.
"I had conceived my plan on the spot, marveling at its simplicity. The immense risk did not occur to me until much later."
Seriously? Because I could see the risk right away. I found myself withdrawing from his actions, both emotionally and intellectually; it was hard to square a 10 year-old police veteran with Taylor's juvenile actions. I found myself agreeing with his lawyer girlfriend, Cynthia Grey, that I'd rather just take a break until he is over this phase.
We’re also introduced to Freddie, a rival PI and Black veteran who brought Hawk/Spenser energy into the story. It felt imported from a different style of PI novel, a little odd for a P.I. that otherwise seems more interested in operating alone. It's probably worth noting that this was first published in 1997, so the technology and devices reflects an earlier era (I wonder if the juvenile 'tricks' are still the same? They were familiar to me from my own long-ago childhood). There's a denouement twist at the ending that relied on one of my least favorite tropes. Altogether I found that it was not as good as the first book, but good enough that I decided to go on to book three (which I had already purchased, lucky me).
"No, thank you, sir," I answered. Obviously, he was under the impression that I was a cop, and I thought it would be bad manners to correct him."
Two and a half stars, rounding up.
July 5, 2020
I have read all of the Rushmore McKenzie series by Housewright and it has become one of my favorite mystery series with one of my favorite protagonists. Consequently the author is also one of my favorites. I like the way he infuses humor into his stories with dry witticisms expressed by the protagonist. There is plenty of local Minnesota color too which I enjoy.
I don't know why I had never read this Holland Taylor series, but being stuck at home for months during the pandemic forced me to look for series that I could binge read. This is one that I chose.
Taylor reminds me of McKenzie. Both are former cops, both are single, both live in the Twin Cities, and both love jazz and drink Summit Ale. But the similarities end there. Taylor is a widow who left the force to become a private investigator after his wife and daughter were killed by a drunk driver. He is paid to investigate.
I liked this book, but I felt confused at the end, but I am ready to begin book three in the series.
I don't know why I had never read this Holland Taylor series, but being stuck at home for months during the pandemic forced me to look for series that I could binge read. This is one that I chose.
Taylor reminds me of McKenzie. Both are former cops, both are single, both live in the Twin Cities, and both love jazz and drink Summit Ale. But the similarities end there. Taylor is a widow who left the force to become a private investigator after his wife and daughter were killed by a drunk driver. He is paid to investigate.
I liked this book, but I felt confused at the end, but I am ready to begin book three in the series.
April 7, 2022
Like the author's other more successful series, this one is set in Minneapolis/St Paul with a former cop as the private eye. But Holland Taylor is much more cynical than Mac Mackenzie, much less careful, and he gets shot and beat up much more frequently. But he has a similar dry wit, and despite his willingness--eagerness, in fact--to bend the rules, lie, and misrepresent, he is somehow, at bottom, ruthlessly honest. This one kept me guessing to the end, and even past there, since I didn't really understand the financial shenanigans that were the root of all evil.
March 7, 2022
Lots of twists and turns. Surprise ending.
February 23, 2019
A Holland Taylor detective novel set in the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. Holland is recruited by his parent, currently retired in Florida, to assist and elderly friend of theirs to recover he life savings from an investment gone bad. They are convince she was swindled and want Holland to fix it.
Holland's approach to the problem is through an attempt to harass the investor to the point he will reimburse the old lady. What that leads to is a chain of events that includes murder, his arrest, him being shot at, him being shot, and a final epiphany to resolve the case.
Holland Taylor is a wildly impulsive man, which is fun. In this case, his decision making almost seem juvenile at times. Just a personal reaction.
Holland's approach to the problem is through an attempt to harass the investor to the point he will reimburse the old lady. What that leads to is a chain of events that includes murder, his arrest, him being shot at, him being shot, and a final epiphany to resolve the case.
Holland Taylor is a wildly impulsive man, which is fun. In this case, his decision making almost seem juvenile at times. Just a personal reaction.
October 15, 2020
This second novel in the Holland Taylor series was much better than the first of the series. It's like the author has a better handle on his writing style and on his main character's....character. This story flowed better. Better pacing and better story line. On to number 3!
May 1, 2024
The writing is engrossing as Holland Taylor, as a favor to his parents, tries to figure out what happened to the life savings of an elderly woman entrusted to an investment counselor. As the PI researches the circumstances he confronts some unsavory characters and tries humorous youthful pranks to persuade the counselor to reimburse the widow. Only to have it backfire and now Taylor has a hitman trying to kill him. Lots of twists and turns, would have like to have read more about the investment scheme which proved to be political and deadly.
January 14, 2024
Loved the plot line, kept me reading all day!,
I was looking for a good book to read on a comfortable Weekend. I had read all of David Housewright’s Mac books, and had the last Holland Taylor mystery to read… so I did… and here I am at10:30pm finally putting the book down after finishing it. Fun,unique, promise, with interesting characters throughout Housewrites books are always tremendous. I like Steve/Sue. Hope we can see more of them. Great book.
I was looking for a good book to read on a comfortable Weekend. I had read all of David Housewright’s Mac books, and had the last Holland Taylor mystery to read… so I did… and here I am at10:30pm finally putting the book down after finishing it. Fun,unique, promise, with interesting characters throughout Housewrites books are always tremendous. I like Steve/Sue. Hope we can see more of them. Great book.
June 22, 2025
A Daughter’s Greed
Look before you leap. It starts with the age old story of the elderly being bilked out of their retirement savings. It continues with another age old story about a daughter (or son) not being satisfied with their lot in life.
Greed steps in when they figure out that Mom and Dad have what they think they need and proceed by what means are possible to get it and put their plans in motion.
Look before you leap. It starts with the age old story of the elderly being bilked out of their retirement savings. It continues with another age old story about a daughter (or son) not being satisfied with their lot in life.
Greed steps in when they figure out that Mom and Dad have what they think they need and proceed by what means are possible to get it and put their plans in motion.
June 29, 2022
Private Investigator Holland Taylor reluctantly takes on a case involving an elderly woman whose life savings were lost by an unscrupulous investment broker. What starts as a simple game of harassment soon gets out of hand very quickly as Taylor’s antics backfire and things get deadly. An intriguing, fast-pasted mystery with some good surprising twists.
November 8, 2022
Holland TAYLOR’s mother and father are nuts! They get him into this act of charity gone awry, then forget to tell him that the object of his sympathy has died. In the process, he uncovers some really bad people and is almost killed multiple times. Beware of financial advisors with no credentials.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2023
I really like this story because it starts off with Holland Taylor agreeing to pursue a case of recovery and making things right based on principles … loved that old school decision. My exposure to Minnesota and it’s weather is fascinating … my entire life has been lived in Southern California. I’m about to open book three!
November 5, 2023
Excellent! Holland is enlisted (forced) by his parents to get back the $287,000 that an 85 year old women was conned out of by her financial investor. This starts a whole lot of chaos. People being shot, money stolen, abuses piling up (both from and to Holland) and of course, the expected ending. Maybe not totally expected, parts were a surprise.
Yep, a good read.
Yep, a good read.
May 29, 2020
A quick read of a mystery set in the Twin Cities by a local author. Not your cozy mystery but more hard boiled and I found it hard to put down. Part of the fascination was my familiarity with the locale but I enjoyed the characters too.
March 18, 2024
I've read several Mac McKenzie books by Housewright before; this is my first from the Holland Taylor series. Taylor is not as likeable as McKenzie, and a little more out of control. But I found the book entertaining. As always, I enjoy the Minnesota, specifically Twin Cities, setting.
May 4, 2026
This is an easy fast read with interesting characters. The main problem is Taylor will do something really stupid, he knows it's stupid and as soon as he does it and it doesn't work, he says, "That was really stupid." He does this repeatedly.
January 8, 2018
Second time reading this. An excellent read, great story, great whodunnit.
September 17, 2018
A mystery that takes place in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Not bad
January 21, 2019
a most excellent read
February 18, 2020
Good read but the guy's not too bright.
April 14, 2021
Good premise; good execution. In more ways than one.
August 14, 2021
Very good book, even better than the first. Clever with several twists. Can`t wait to read book #3.
May 26, 2022
Excellent mystery series that is all the more enjoyable because of the setting in Minneapolis / St. Paul Kristi & Abby Tabby
August 19, 2022
3.5 Stars. The second in this series. Hardboiled detective story set in the Twin Cities. I think I liked this one better than the first.
July 9, 2023
Everything a PI novel should be. I’m currently binging reading the Holland Taylor series.
May 11, 2024
I like it better than the first book, Penance.
July 29, 2025
a good audio with my DH. We haven't read many of Holland Taylor yet so this was a nice change. A good mystery and never who you suspect.
August 28, 2025
Holland Taylor is not Rushmore McKenzie, but he is close.
February 2, 2026
The book was fine. The cover, less.
March 17, 2020
At the urging of his parents, Holland Taylor has taken the case of their elderly neighbor scammed out of her life savings, but the only problem is if he tries the usual ways of getting it back the chances he'll do so in time to do the victim any good are small. The con man has covered himself quite well. So Holland decides to try some shadier means, enlisting the help of a computer genius friend to play with the con-man's life and force him to return the money in 1998's Practice to Deceive.
The genius's abilities, though, mean Taylor has access to more than simple ring-the-doorbell-and-run pranks. He is able to make the grifter's wife, who didn't know about his activities, think her husband was having an affair. The con-man's real-world job in the financial sector is targeted too, with Taylor and his friend electronically trashing his reputation and reliability. He eventually gives in, but before he can get the money to Taylor he's killed -- it turns out that he was doing financial work with some rough folks as well. And before Taylor can find out who killed him, he becomes the target of the same kind of harassment he'd been dishing out.
Practice is only the second Holland Taylor book, and although Housewright smoothed out some of his first-novel wrinkles he makes the narratively fatal decision to have his lead character be an adolescent jerk. The professional tarring he and his computer friend lay on the shady financier is understandable, but when they give him the appearance of infidelity they bring harm to his innocent family. Taylor notes this in passing but it seems to have zero impact on his schemes. The solution to the mystery of who killed the con-man comes into the story like a shanked drive from another fairway and puts an end to what was already a pretty lousy outing for Holland Taylor and his cast.
Original available here.
The genius's abilities, though, mean Taylor has access to more than simple ring-the-doorbell-and-run pranks. He is able to make the grifter's wife, who didn't know about his activities, think her husband was having an affair. The con-man's real-world job in the financial sector is targeted too, with Taylor and his friend electronically trashing his reputation and reliability. He eventually gives in, but before he can get the money to Taylor he's killed -- it turns out that he was doing financial work with some rough folks as well. And before Taylor can find out who killed him, he becomes the target of the same kind of harassment he'd been dishing out.
Practice is only the second Holland Taylor book, and although Housewright smoothed out some of his first-novel wrinkles he makes the narratively fatal decision to have his lead character be an adolescent jerk. The professional tarring he and his computer friend lay on the shady financier is understandable, but when they give him the appearance of infidelity they bring harm to his innocent family. Taylor notes this in passing but it seems to have zero impact on his schemes. The solution to the mystery of who killed the con-man comes into the story like a shanked drive from another fairway and puts an end to what was already a pretty lousy outing for Holland Taylor and his cast.
Original available here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews