What do you think?
Holland Taylor #3
Dearly Departed
Private eye Holland Taylor helps a sleazy lawyer find a missing woman believed to have been murdered. Taylor's investigation leads him to a rural Wisconsin town, where he uncovers a gambling and resort scheme with stakes high enough to cost lives.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
David Housewright
63 books444 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 30 reviews
May 9, 2026
Slick, very slick.
Hunter Thompson is a sleazebag lawyer, but when he shows up with an audio tape from a former client, "If you are listening to this now, it is because I am dead," Taylor can't resist getting involved. Of course we suspect the husband, but it turns out she was working with someone who was convicted of a sexual assault. The case has more than its share of twists and turns, and I found myself both captivated and surprised. The genuine pleasure here isn’t solving the mystery so much as realizing along with Taylor that the mystery itself keeps changing shape.
"Well, she wasn't like the other children.'
'How so?' I repeated.
'For one thing, she was always reading,' Mrs. Donnerbauer said as if she had caught her daughter drinking three-two beer behind the garage."
Characterization feels very full, with a number of people behaving badly in ways that still feel recognizably human as we learn more about them. Eventually the case will pull Taylor across state lines into the wilds of rural Wisconsin. Housewright nails the community centered around a gambling casino:
"I just followed the bright glow in the sky--the casino had twin searchlights mounted in its parking lot, scanning the heavens for gamblers."
The small town police force recognizes they are out of their league, and give Taylor a chance to live out a dream:
"Giving a police department guidance during an active criminal investigation? A free hand to do whatever I want, all with the department's support? That's like a PI's most forbidden fantasy come true."
I’ll put one content warning here: a dog dies. It struck me as one of the few moments that felt unnecessarily harsh, included mostly to underline a character’s sociopathy in a way modern crime fiction tends to handle a bit differently.
This was a lot of fun and, aside from the caveat above, an enjoyable and repeatable ride. Published in 1999, it was originally the final Holland Taylor novel. Housewright shifted over to PI Rushmore McKenzie, who apparently refused to stop talking and now occupies twenty-three books of his own. Fortunately, Housewright eventually circled back and gave Taylor three more outings. I’m curious to see what two decades have done to him.
Hunter Thompson is a sleazebag lawyer, but when he shows up with an audio tape from a former client, "If you are listening to this now, it is because I am dead," Taylor can't resist getting involved. Of course we suspect the husband, but it turns out she was working with someone who was convicted of a sexual assault. The case has more than its share of twists and turns, and I found myself both captivated and surprised. The genuine pleasure here isn’t solving the mystery so much as realizing along with Taylor that the mystery itself keeps changing shape.
"Well, she wasn't like the other children.'
'How so?' I repeated.
'For one thing, she was always reading,' Mrs. Donnerbauer said as if she had caught her daughter drinking three-two beer behind the garage."
Characterization feels very full, with a number of people behaving badly in ways that still feel recognizably human as we learn more about them. Eventually the case will pull Taylor across state lines into the wilds of rural Wisconsin. Housewright nails the community centered around a gambling casino:
"I just followed the bright glow in the sky--the casino had twin searchlights mounted in its parking lot, scanning the heavens for gamblers."
The small town police force recognizes they are out of their league, and give Taylor a chance to live out a dream:
"Giving a police department guidance during an active criminal investigation? A free hand to do whatever I want, all with the department's support? That's like a PI's most forbidden fantasy come true."
I’ll put one content warning here: a dog dies. It struck me as one of the few moments that felt unnecessarily harsh, included mostly to underline a character’s sociopathy in a way modern crime fiction tends to handle a bit differently.
This was a lot of fun and, aside from the caveat above, an enjoyable and repeatable ride. Published in 1999, it was originally the final Holland Taylor novel. Housewright shifted over to PI Rushmore McKenzie, who apparently refused to stop talking and now occupies twenty-three books of his own. Fortunately, Housewright eventually circled back and gave Taylor three more outings. I’m curious to see what two decades have done to him.
April 29, 2022
I'm liking this Holland Taylor series better as it goes along. This one starts off with a real grabber, "If you are listening to this now, it is because I'm dead." But is Alison Emerton really dead, or just missing? Why has no one found her body? Why have there been no ransom notes? Exactly what happened to her? Taylor sets off to find out, this time spending most of the book in rural Wisconsin, vividly described. There are many surprises, right to the very last pages. Tough, funny, and entertaining.
October 14, 2024
Liked the ending
September 8, 2026
I enjoy David Housewright's mysteries. This is second in the Holland Taylor series.
September 3, 2007
DEARLY DEPARTED (Private Investigator-Minnesota-Cont) – VG
Housewright, David – 3rd in series
Foul Play Press, 1999- Hardcover
P.I. Holland Taylor truly dislikes attorney Hunter Truman. But he can't ignore the tape recording Truman plays which begins "If you are listening to this now, it is because I am dead." Truman hires Taylor to find Ailson Emerton who disappeared from her home without a trace. Is she dead, kidnapped or did she leave on her own?
*** Housewright is a very recent addition to my collection and am I glad found him. His books have great characters, dialogue and sense of place. Truman isn't the biggest, strongest or best-looking detective of the genre. But he is smart, determined and ethical, which personally appeals to me. This book has twists I didn't expect, right up to the very end. Housewright is well worth reading.
Housewright, David – 3rd in series
Foul Play Press, 1999- Hardcover
P.I. Holland Taylor truly dislikes attorney Hunter Truman. But he can't ignore the tape recording Truman plays which begins "If you are listening to this now, it is because I am dead." Truman hires Taylor to find Ailson Emerton who disappeared from her home without a trace. Is she dead, kidnapped or did she leave on her own?
*** Housewright is a very recent addition to my collection and am I glad found him. His books have great characters, dialogue and sense of place. Truman isn't the biggest, strongest or best-looking detective of the genre. But he is smart, determined and ethical, which personally appeals to me. This book has twists I didn't expect, right up to the very end. Housewright is well worth reading.
July 5, 2020
David Housewight is one of my favorite mystery authors. I love Rushmore McKenzie, the protagonist of his other mystery series. The Holland Taylor series was written first and there are so many similarities between the characters that it makes little sense that he started a second mystery series.
This is the third book in the series and I am reading them in succession, beginning with the second since the library does not have the first.
In this story, St Paul private investigator Holland Taylor (who goes by Taylor) is hired by an attorney to find out who killed a Minneapolis woman whose body has never been found. The investigation leads Taylor to a small town in Wisconsin.
There are many people to investigate as well as many other characters to keep straight. I think Housewright needed to control this better, eliminating people who had no actual role. Another element that slows down the pace is the author's occasional forays into social commentary. There are also a lot of comments about the winter weather in MN. That's getting kind of old but I think the author is extremely Minnesota proud and he wants to express that.
The plot was pretty complex, and just when you thought there was a resolution, some new development was revealed. Nothing surprised me though and I had figured out who was behind the murder. The pace gets bogged down a few times, but the story kept my interest and I like the protagonist.
Since I missed the first book, there are things I don't know about Taylor, such as why is he named Holland? I do know that he considers himself short (just tall enough to become a policeman); he was a cop with the St Paul police department and quit after his wife and daughter were killed by a drunk driver; he is dating the attorney who defended that drunk driver; he lives in a house in Roseville with his pet rabbit named Olgivie; and like Rushmore McKenzie, he likes jazz, the Twins, drinks Summit Ale, and has a dry sense of humor. He is an earlier version of McKenzie, a prototype perhaps.
Rounded up to 4 stars.
This is the third book in the series and I am reading them in succession, beginning with the second since the library does not have the first.
In this story, St Paul private investigator Holland Taylor (who goes by Taylor) is hired by an attorney to find out who killed a Minneapolis woman whose body has never been found. The investigation leads Taylor to a small town in Wisconsin.
There are many people to investigate as well as many other characters to keep straight. I think Housewright needed to control this better, eliminating people who had no actual role. Another element that slows down the pace is the author's occasional forays into social commentary. There are also a lot of comments about the winter weather in MN. That's getting kind of old but I think the author is extremely Minnesota proud and he wants to express that.
The plot was pretty complex, and just when you thought there was a resolution, some new development was revealed. Nothing surprised me though and I had figured out who was behind the murder. The pace gets bogged down a few times, but the story kept my interest and I like the protagonist.
Since I missed the first book, there are things I don't know about Taylor, such as why is he named Holland? I do know that he considers himself short (just tall enough to become a policeman); he was a cop with the St Paul police department and quit after his wife and daughter were killed by a drunk driver; he is dating the attorney who defended that drunk driver; he lives in a house in Roseville with his pet rabbit named Olgivie; and like Rushmore McKenzie, he likes jazz, the Twins, drinks Summit Ale, and has a dry sense of humor. He is an earlier version of McKenzie, a prototype perhaps.
Rounded up to 4 stars.
January 28, 2019
A very satisfying story right up until the end, when Housewright apparently couldn't figure out a way for Taylor to "solve" the mystery and wrap things up. So Taylor just tells another character what happened and tied up the loose ends. And the big "surprise" at the very end wasn't a surprise at all. But the story was solid and Housewright creates believable characters. Taylor is very authentic, basically likable but with demons that he sometimes handles well and sometimes doesn't.
I'm reading these as a collection of the three Taylor books, which for some reason published with the three novels out of order. So I still have the second in the series yet to read. I understand that this is the final book of the Taylor series, but I hope that Housewright returns to it soon.
I'm reading these as a collection of the three Taylor books, which for some reason published with the three novels out of order. So I still have the second in the series yet to read. I understand that this is the final book of the Taylor series, but I hope that Housewright returns to it soon.
October 8, 2019
this is the series of the x cop , now pi, his wife and daughter were killed in a car accident. he is sort of seeing the lawyer of the person that killed them
he is looking into the case of a wife that disappeared, they found her blood by the front door. but they dont know what happened to her.
2 people were arrested but later were let go. he found her by looking at her magazine subscriptions. but he didnt think to look where the money came from when he found she bought a resort by a lake.
she was shot before he could question her. he figured out who shot her, but he got shot in the shoulder and he was told she died while he was in the hospital
but at the end, he gets a postcard, she had run off with the sheriff who helped in the deception
he is looking into the case of a wife that disappeared, they found her blood by the front door. but they dont know what happened to her.
2 people were arrested but later were let go. he found her by looking at her magazine subscriptions. but he didnt think to look where the money came from when he found she bought a resort by a lake.
she was shot before he could question her. he figured out who shot her, but he got shot in the shoulder and he was told she died while he was in the hospital
but at the end, he gets a postcard, she had run off with the sheriff who helped in the deception
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
I enjoy the writing, seemed like two plots involving a missing woman, presumed dead, but no body and a lawyer hires Holland Taylor to investigate as the police have no leads. As Taylor follows the clues he is seriously beaten and runs into nefarious characters and unnecessary scenarios involving a dog. The mystery ended with twists and turns, with Taylor relaying the outcome by questioning justice and having a hearty laugh.
November 8, 2023
Holland Taylor gets involved in a search for a dead woman, or a woman presumed dead. She left a letter that if her attorney was reading it, she was dead and she named the person who was going to kill her.
Seven months later, her attorney hires Holland to try to locate her, dead or alive. Thus begins a hunt with a ton of twists and turns.
Great read~!
Seven months later, her attorney hires Holland to try to locate her, dead or alive. Thus begins a hunt with a ton of twists and turns.
Great read~!
May 7, 2018
Great and satisfying read
Very satisfying. Surprises until the last page. I intend to read more of this Minnesota author. It's good to leave author's familiar to me for awhile. Summer reading is off to a great start.
Very satisfying. Surprises until the last page. I intend to read more of this Minnesota author. It's good to leave author's familiar to me for awhile. Summer reading is off to a great start.
June 1, 2023
This third of five has been the best for me anyway. Not too many characters to get me confused … but, entertaining and chock full of a little of this and a little of that to keep the reader guessing! Loved the ending!
May 8, 2026
I liked this book. I read it on a trip and no time to give a review now but will definitely read more of Housewright's Holland Taylor books. I especially like that they are set in Minneapolis/St. Paul where I live.
January 8, 2018
Second time reading this. Very good story, good whodunit, good action along the way.
January 21, 2019
a most excellent read
September 17, 2020
Not very memorable.
January 2, 2021
A sometimes funny, twisty mystery. Excellent writing by Mr. Housewright...
August 18, 2021
Another unique mystery for PI Holland Taylor. While I enjoyed this book, it was not my favorite. Books 1 and 2 in the series were better.
November 16, 2022
Lots of deceit packed into this one. Fun, quick read.
April 9, 2025
I have loved all of David Housewright’s books. His hero is the witty, flawed and self-deprecating. The mysteries are well thought out and intriguing. Can’t wait for the next one.
July 13, 2025
Deceit
I very much enjoyed reading this story. But in order to not give away the ending, I will simply say, I figured it out just after the burial.
I very much enjoyed reading this story. But in order to not give away the ending, I will simply say, I figured it out just after the burial.
June 18, 2026
This was an interesting read. Taylor played right into the scumbags hand. I would have liked to see justice served, but this ending was much more realistic.
July 9, 2026
Housewright has really hit his stride at this point!
December 13, 2016
Alison Emerton is missing and Holland has been hired to find her. Hired by one of the sleaziest people Holland knows. It is a pleasure to take Truman's money.
When he begins the search Holland thinks Alison is a victim as he gets involved in the case he learns differently.
Is she dead or not? He thinks not and sets out to prove it. She gets shot and ends up in a coma. The doctors tell him she has died, a funeral takes place and Truman wants to exhume her body to prove it is Alison. Holland doesn't want to help him but feels he isn't going to have another option. Then Holland receives a postcard and he begins to ask himself again, is Alison dead or not?
This is the last in the Holland Taylor series and I don't actually understand why. He has much in common with Housewright's current protagonist Mac, but he is a decidedly different character, maybe Housewright just did not want to carry two series.
When he begins the search Holland thinks Alison is a victim as he gets involved in the case he learns differently.
Is she dead or not? He thinks not and sets out to prove it. She gets shot and ends up in a coma. The doctors tell him she has died, a funeral takes place and Truman wants to exhume her body to prove it is Alison. Holland doesn't want to help him but feels he isn't going to have another option. Then Holland receives a postcard and he begins to ask himself again, is Alison dead or not?
This is the last in the Holland Taylor series and I don't actually understand why. He has much in common with Housewright's current protagonist Mac, but he is a decidedly different character, maybe Housewright just did not want to carry two series.
April 21, 2019
Private Investigator Holland Taylor. After receiving a chilling message that convinces him he is seeking to determine how a woman died, a case that is cold after 6 months, he almost has it solved within 24 hours. Then, he discovers he hasn't. Then ... is she really dead? The case takes him out of Minnesota in the northern woods of Wisconsin. The case get more crazy ... then crazier? It will keep you wondering.
January 10, 2011
Good. I've read Housewright before and his Holland Taylor novels. This was well done. Maybe I should rate it higher. A good year.
Read again Oetober 2019. Did not like it as well this.
Problem with Housewright and the dog. Not necessary.
Read again Oetober 2019. Did not like it as well this.
Problem with Housewright and the dog. Not necessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2012
Very Good; Continuing character: Holland Taylor; a lawyer hires Taylor to find a woman who may be dead or gone missing on purpose
December 18, 2012
Especially enjoyable if you're familiar with Minnesota and Wisconsin.
February 24, 2013
A well written good example of it's genre. Enjoyable read, will be getting the third one.
April 10, 2015
all I really want is for Mr. Housewright to write faster, please?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews