What do you think?
Rate this book
Archy McNally #12
McNally's Dare
"The dowager duchess of Palm Beach dies, leaving behind a fabulous fortune and a handsome young heir - and Archy McNally is left trying to figure out who's who." "When a young waiter working Malcolm "Nifty" MacNiff's annual Tennis Everyone! benefit is found dead in Nifty's otherwise pristine swimming pool, it's Archy McNally, south Florida's most famous Discreet Inquirer, who rushes in to salvage the town's reputation and solve the unfortunate crime. Palm Beach is already in a tizzy over the arrival of its newest millionaire, Lance Talbot, just in from Switzerland to claim his inheritance after the demise of his grandmother." Poor Jeff Rodgers has barely been pulled from the water when Palm Beach's rumor mill goes into overdrive. Why has Dennis Darling, crack reporter for Bare Facts magazine, descended on the fair island? Just how did handsome Lance escape the avalanche that took his mother's life, and brought him back to his Florida family? And just who is the alluring Baroness Holga von Brecht, the well-preserved woman on Lance's arm, whose ageless features have Palm Beach matrons lusting after her beauty secrets? When an old school chum of Holga's is made redundant, Archy works overtime to snare a double murderer.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
262 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 27, 2011
So I've read a few of the McNally books and I've just got to say....OMG this book was boring. I found myself just waiting for something to happen that was remotely interesting. The plot line was thin and it was poorly written. I'd never recommend.
March 22, 2021
It is light reading only. Somehow Lardo's writing is not as entertaining as Sander's. It seems a bit more frivolous and more superficial. Not that there was ever any depth to the McNally character written by Sanders, however, I used to find him more likeable. At first I gave it 2 stars then, since I would read another Lardo book in the series if I came upon it, I gave it three stars. Lets say 2 and a half.
December 12, 2021
Not his best work
This is my first 3 star rating for Vincent Lardo. The plot had some good parts but I feel the author was reaching a little too much with many of the particulars. What really turned me off was the amount of spelling errors in the book. For such an accomplished author I am appalled. Are there no longer proof readers around to catch these before going to print?
This is my first 3 star rating for Vincent Lardo. The plot had some good parts but I feel the author was reaching a little too much with many of the particulars. What really turned me off was the amount of spelling errors in the book. For such an accomplished author I am appalled. Are there no longer proof readers around to catch these before going to print?
October 23, 2019
Unfortunately this series has lost its snap crackle and pop over the last couple of books. The stories are laboured and the humorous interludes simply aren’t anymore.Only one book left which I will read in the hope of a grand finale
May 13, 2018
When ever I get in the reading doldrums, want to recover from reading a really heavy book, or just need some light reading, the Archy McNally books are just right——-amusing and steady with familiar characters. Who wouldn’t like Archy, Discreet investigator for his lawyer father? His begonia-loving mother? Binky, an Archy wanna-be? Ursi, outstanding cook in the McNally household?
It’s great that Vincent Lardo has taken up the series. I can barely tell the difference. Thank you, Vincent Lardo. Until next time........
It’s great that Vincent Lardo has taken up the series. I can barely tell the difference. Thank you, Vincent Lardo. Until next time........
December 2, 2017
At his father's law firm, Archy McNally investigates issues that arise with that firm's clients. A young man is murdered at a party being given by a client, and Archy is tasked with solving the crime. What arises is a related problem involving a young man inheriting an enormous estate and whether he is the real heir to the fortune. A cast of characters are possible suspects, but the murder doesn't appear to have been committed by the prime suspect; Archy must find a way to determine who did the deed and whether the young man is deserving of the inheritance.
Lawrence Sanders died in 1998, but Vincent Lardo continued the series after assisting Mr. Sanders with some of the later ones he wrote. I was impressed with how similar Mr. Lardo's writing style is to that of Mr. Sanders', and the plot in this story is very interesting and involved. Archy is still interested in the fairer sex, but this book doesn't seem to have him as active as in the Sanders books I've read. If you've enjoyed Lawrence Sanders' stories, I think you'll also enjoy those that Vincent Lardo has written.
Lawrence Sanders died in 1998, but Vincent Lardo continued the series after assisting Mr. Sanders with some of the later ones he wrote. I was impressed with how similar Mr. Lardo's writing style is to that of Mr. Sanders', and the plot in this story is very interesting and involved. Archy is still interested in the fairer sex, but this book doesn't seem to have him as active as in the Sanders books I've read. If you've enjoyed Lawrence Sanders' stories, I think you'll also enjoy those that Vincent Lardo has written.
July 10, 2020
I know that some people don't like Vincent Lardo's writing style. I don't like it myself sometimes. That said, I enjoyed this particular book. I think it's Vincent Lardo's best Archy McNally book. At least in this book Archy stuck to detecting rather than jumping into the sack with the client's wife. In other books he's having it off with the client's daughters and granddaughters as well. No wonder Consuela got upset with him. In other books Archy liked open relationships when he was doing the "open" bit. As soon as Consuela did the "open" bit, he didn't like open relationships anymore. He would never do well with marriage - he likes to play at hanky panky too much.
At least in this book he did some detecting. That's what I like about it.
At least in this book he did some detecting. That's what I like about it.
October 10, 2022
See Jerry B and Randy's reviews. Don't know where the 'Dare' comes in.
I have a heavy book to read, and was looking for something light. Started in on this and almost quit. But it got better, and the first few pages are important. However, it went on for FAR too many pages, with the same cast of characters over and over. They were all quite different, by the way. I realized Lance Talbot's toe could have been amputated before Mr. McNally did, but not the, well, no wonder Jeff Rodgers was murdered! The book ended with a twist or two, over 15 pages or so, which was good. I didn't have to read the ending to 'get' it. Light reading.
I have a heavy book to read, and was looking for something light. Started in on this and almost quit. But it got better, and the first few pages are important. However, it went on for FAR too many pages, with the same cast of characters over and over. They were all quite different, by the way. I realized Lance Talbot's toe could have been amputated before Mr. McNally did, but not the, well, no wonder Jeff Rodgers was murdered! The book ended with a twist or two, over 15 pages or so, which was good. I didn't have to read the ending to 'get' it. Light reading.
May 29, 2021
Wow. Archy is back!
And in full bloom with that Palm Beach style and the way with the girls.....
and a murder to solve or two. He's dogged and determined, not to be put off, but still available for cocktails and lunch -- at that resort owned by some NYC tycoon....
Fun and up to date, ignoring the problems original Archibald McNally had with finding pay phones. Yes, he still drives a Mazda Miata, red convertible, of unknown vintage.
willing suspension of disbelief, I say. I'm willing to read another.
And in full bloom with that Palm Beach style and the way with the girls.....
and a murder to solve or two. He's dogged and determined, not to be put off, but still available for cocktails and lunch -- at that resort owned by some NYC tycoon....
Fun and up to date, ignoring the problems original Archibald McNally had with finding pay phones. Yes, he still drives a Mazda Miata, red convertible, of unknown vintage.
willing suspension of disbelief, I say. I'm willing to read another.
June 21, 2021
I like to read a lightweight mystery now and then, but this one did not entertain me. In fact I find it hard to explain why I spent the time to finish it. The plot has possibilities, I guess, but the narrator spoiled it for me with his fatuous delivery. I see other reviewers writing about the familiar feeling generated by the series. Maybe coming it near the end, with a new author taking over as well, was not a good thing. I don’t have any urge to go back and start at the beginning however.
August 21, 2021
I remember reading a couple of Sander's books quite a few years ago and they were suspenseful. This book, which is a continuation of a Sander's character but written by Lardo, just didn't have the same mystery and suspense. I nearly walked away from it multiple times but I like to finish what I start. I found the Palm Beach humor annoying. And I had already figured that the missing toe had been duplicated by the "shifty" doctor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2018
I love the "Archie" books .
They have enough plot to entertain but won't keep you up. These things have.been fun.. I read them all when they came out. I'm also old enough to forget them so I can read them again They are harmless fun plus they keep me away from the wretched TV. It's like recommending. Ice cream. What's not to like?
They have enough plot to entertain but won't keep you up. These things have.been fun.. I read them all when they came out. I'm also old enough to forget them so I can read them again They are harmless fun plus they keep me away from the wretched TV. It's like recommending. Ice cream. What's not to like?
October 3, 2020
The McNally books are fun to read in between novels that evoke strong emotional reactions. Yes, the characters are the same and so are the locations. But it’s like visiting a familiar place. I love the descriptions of apparel, food, and the quirky reactions from the characters. Pulitzer Prize worthy... no! Just pure easy escape! Plus I almost always broaden my vocabulary!
November 7, 2023
A will written mystery
A will written mystery with interesting well developed characters. Once again the usual characters enter into an entertaining fast moving mystery which Archy manages too bring too a successful conclusion. I would recommend this novel and the series too anyone who enjoys an old fashion mystery. Enjoy reading 2010
I read this as an e-book from the local library
A will written mystery with interesting well developed characters. Once again the usual characters enter into an entertaining fast moving mystery which Archy manages too bring too a successful conclusion. I would recommend this novel and the series too anyone who enjoys an old fashion mystery. Enjoy reading 2010
I read this as an e-book from the local library
January 26, 2025
I always enjoy Archy books. Regardless who writes them. It’s more Magnum PI than The Wire. But I love it. Maybe just a guilty pleasure. I’m sad to say that there’s only one more book left in the series. I’ll have to try to find another author similar. I think I just like characters with inner monologue that make me laugh.
March 3, 2018
The king is dead, but...
Lawrence Sanders was the king for sure, in writing these novels. However, Vincent Lardo has done an admirable job keeping the series alive. A different writing style, for sure, but still great reads.
Lawrence Sanders was the king for sure, in writing these novels. However, Vincent Lardo has done an admirable job keeping the series alive. A different writing style, for sure, but still great reads.
June 7, 2019
What A Book!
Archy is a terrific hero. He downplays his intelligence but still comes out looking like a wizard. Some of the twists and turns take a good mind to follow but you never lose interest in the shenanigans.
Archy is a terrific hero. He downplays his intelligence but still comes out looking like a wizard. Some of the twists and turns take a good mind to follow but you never lose interest in the shenanigans.
February 7, 2022
I now own the entire series.
Archy McNally does it again. The plot is easy to follow and the bad guys are over playing their positions, just like real con artists. The mar lago scenes are funnier than ever.
Archy McNally does it again. The plot is easy to follow and the bad guys are over playing their positions, just like real con artists. The mar lago scenes are funnier than ever.
May 27, 2019
I love the familiar characters in this series. Sanders light, humorous style of writing lifts my jaded spirits.
December 8, 2019
Very Good; Continuing character: Arch McNally; a murder at a charity event nets Archy three clients as he works to find the perpetrator and a potential fraud
March 19, 2021
Hohum
Not his finest effort. The tired bromide of the the rich vs. the beleaguered police is overwhelmingl. Better next time, I hope.
Not his finest effort. The tired bromide of the the rich vs. the beleaguered police is overwhelmingl. Better next time, I hope.
March 28, 2021
These were better when the original author was writing them.
August 6, 2021
Great book!
Just like all the McNally books, this one was super. Ive read them all twice over the years, and enjoyed every one! Very clever writing and fun characters.
Just like all the McNally books, this one was super. Ive read them all twice over the years, and enjoyed every one! Very clever writing and fun characters.
August 22, 2021
An amusing trifle. Libby via Brighton
November 29, 2021
AI couldn't take a steady diet of Archy McNally, but I was sick in bed and this very light and breezy read made some long hours more bearable. I'm grateful for that.
January 1, 2022
Gotta love Archie
A great book for fans of Archie. How does he do it? Only Archie knows. I strongly recommend this book.
A great book for fans of Archie. How does he do it? Only Archie knows. I strongly recommend this book.
May 2, 2023
THE FUN CONTINUES
Another fine book in this series. The characters are interesting and add much to the storyline. Archy continues to mature.
Another fine book in this series. The characters are interesting and add much to the storyline. Archy continues to mature.
March 23, 2024
Excellent
March 3, 2025
Sanders rules!!
I've read many Achy McNally books they are always loaded with fun!! Laughed out load throughout this one!!! A must read!!
I've read many Achy McNally books they are always loaded with fun!! Laughed out load throughout this one!!! A must read!!
May 4, 2025
Vincent Lardo does a fairly good job with continuing the Archy McNally series by Lawrence Sanders. All the same great characters. Just starting the final book in the series, McNally’s Bluff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews