Strangler

Stanley Hastings #4

by Parnell Hall

When clients whom bumbling private detective Stanley Hastings is routinely investigating for a law firm are being strangled, he must clear his own name and track down the serial killer

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller

253 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Eric_W · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s difficult to write something new about a series of books all featuring the same character, all enjoyable, yet having none that seems to stand out more than the others. I hate to do just a recitation of the plot not wishing to risk the ire of the spoiler patrol. Suffice it to say this book is another in the fine series by Hall featuring Stanley Hastings, the non-licensed P.I. ambulance chaser who works for Richard Rosenbaum who hires Stanly to contract with individuals for personal injury suits.

The cast of characters is amusing and the repartee light and entertaining. The plots usually revolve around Hastings getting himself in some kind of bind or case involving a murder which he then proceeds to solve, not always in the most expeditious manner. But he’s extremely likable and the books remain worth a quick read.

In this one, Hastings himself comes under suspicion as potential clients turn up dead before Stanley can get them signed up for Richard’s legal services.

Enough twists in the end to satisfy the most jaded of mystery readers.

[GlenK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Stanley Hastings “detective” novel, number four in the long and still running series by Parnell Hall. I put “detective” in quotes here because Hastings, still leg man for personal injury lawyer Richard Rosenberg, is not quite yet a detective (although this time out he does engage in some sanctioned detecting). In this entry, a number of Rosenberg’s clients are ending up dead by strangulation. Is it revenge against the firm? Is it a serial killer at work? Hall writes very engaging characters and has a nice feel for the late 1980’s NYC time and place (for an example, check out chapter six with its details on double parking in Manhattan).

[Anthony Yvonnica · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far the best of the Stanley Hastings series. This book was a quick 2 hour read. I couldn't put it down. Great job!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good one

this time stanly was taking jobs that his co worker couldnt go to as he had a acting audition which of course made stanly jealous

but he needed the money so he went. the first one he found a strangled man (so he couldnt get paid either). he called the police and got a different cop than his first murder, tho he did keep in contact wiht him in this book too, but just to ask questions

they thought it was a serial killer, but he knew the first one had nothign to do with it. but then more of his perspective clients kept getting strangled

both he (and I) thought it was the actor guy, but it turned out we were both right and wrong. one of the other clients boyfriend was ticked cause out of the $30,000 she got for falling the lawyer and hospital got most of the 4. so he started killing people that would use that lawyer

but the actor guy did kill one, his uncle as he wanted the money.

so it was really good and i enjoyed it alot. cant wait to start the next one tonight.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stanley's day-to-day work is pretty straightforward. A potential client contacts the law-firm about a possible personal injury case. Stanley goes to meet them, sign them up, and take a few photos. Not the most glamorous — or well paid — of work, but generally fairly simple. Except when you arrive at the caller's apartment to discover they've been strangled. And when this happens more than once in quick succession, then not only does your firm have a problem, but you start to look mighty suspicious too.

Stanley, who reads too many detective novels, is convinced that the killer is an Agatha Christie fan, following the blueprints of The Clocks and The A.B.C. Murders. But the police are rather more skeptical…

This one starts off quite poorly, but picks up well for a solid ★★★.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like the main character in this series, I am becoming rather tired of him being accused of murder (a pattern in the books so far). I will be taking a break before continuing with this series.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stanley keeps finding bodies dead by strangulation when he goes to sign clients up for hid bosses firm. Can he solve what is happening before the news gets out and puts his boss and him out of business? A "bumbling" detective with somewhat unique investigating procedures.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number four in the Stanley Hastings 17 book series. I have liked all four of them, although Nancy has decided to stop in favor of Andy Carpenter. Too bad for her.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanley is back in another fun mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Ron Judenberg]

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