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Toby Peters #10
Down for the Count
In this “lively noir mystery,” a 1940s Hollywood private eye tries to clear heavyweight champ Joe Louis and corner a killer (Library Journal). Joe Louis may be the heavyweight champ of the world, but private detective Toby Peters is pretty sure he’s not a cold-blooded killer. Pretty sure, because Peters has just found the boxer standing over a man on the beach who’s clearly been beaten to death. Louis claims he was just out for a run, but it doesn’t look good. Offering his services on the spot, Peters joins the champ’s corner. The corpse isn’t just anyone. He happens to be Peters’s ex-wife’s new husband, the one she just hired him to find. Well, he found him. As the detective begins to investigate, he discovers the victim had lately taken an interest in the boxing world, which only further complicates matters. To clear the Louis, Peters will need to go a few rounds with a killer who won’t be pulling any punches. The Edgar Award winner once again delivers a TKO in the hard-boiled detective genre with a tale Library Journal calls “vintage Kaminsky.”
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1985
29 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Stuart M. Kaminsky
161 books215 followersStuart M. Kaminsky wrote 50 published novels, 5 biographies, 4 textbooks and 35 short stories. He also has screenwriting credits on four produced films including ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, ENEMY TERRITORY, A WOMAN IN THE WIND and HIDDEN FEARS. He was a past president of the Mystery Writers of America and was nominated for six prestigious Edgar Allen Poe Awards including one for his short story “Snow” in 1999. He won an Edgar for his novel A COLD RED SUNRISE, which was also awarded the Prix De Roman D’Aventure of France. He was nominated for both a Shamus Award and a McCavity Readers Choice Award.
Kaminsky wrote several popular series including those featuring Lew Fonesca, Abraham Lieberman, Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov, and Toby Peters. He also wrote two original "Rockford Files " novels. He was the 50th annual recipient of the Grandmaster 2006 for Lifetime Achievement from the Mystery Writers of America.
Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievement award) in 2007.
His nonfiction books including BASIC FILMMAKING, WRITING FOR TELEVISION, AMERICAN FILM GENRES, and biographies of GARY COOPER, CLINT EASTWOOD, JOHN HUSTON and DON SIEGEL. BEHIND THE MYSTERY was published by Hot House Press in 2005 and nominated by Mystery Writers of America for Best Critical/Biographical book in 2006.
Kaminsky held a B.S. in Journalism and an M.A. in English from The University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Speech from Northwestern University where he taught for 16 years before becoming a Professor at Florida State. where he headed the Graduate Conservatory in Film and Television Production. He left Florida State in 1994 to pursue full-time writing.
Kaminsky and his wife, Enid Perll, moved to St. Louis, Missouri in March 2009 to await a liver transplant to treat the hepatitis he contracted as an army medic in the late 1950s in France. He suffered a stroke two days after their arrival in St. Louis, which made him ineligible for a transplant. He died on October 9, 2009.
Kaminsky wrote several popular series including those featuring Lew Fonesca, Abraham Lieberman, Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov, and Toby Peters. He also wrote two original "Rockford Files " novels. He was the 50th annual recipient of the Grandmaster 2006 for Lifetime Achievement from the Mystery Writers of America.
Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievement award) in 2007.
His nonfiction books including BASIC FILMMAKING, WRITING FOR TELEVISION, AMERICAN FILM GENRES, and biographies of GARY COOPER, CLINT EASTWOOD, JOHN HUSTON and DON SIEGEL. BEHIND THE MYSTERY was published by Hot House Press in 2005 and nominated by Mystery Writers of America for Best Critical/Biographical book in 2006.
Kaminsky held a B.S. in Journalism and an M.A. in English from The University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Speech from Northwestern University where he taught for 16 years before becoming a Professor at Florida State. where he headed the Graduate Conservatory in Film and Television Production. He left Florida State in 1994 to pursue full-time writing.
Kaminsky and his wife, Enid Perll, moved to St. Louis, Missouri in March 2009 to await a liver transplant to treat the hepatitis he contracted as an army medic in the late 1950s in France. He suffered a stroke two days after their arrival in St. Louis, which made him ineligible for a transplant. He died on October 9, 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 13, 2024
I am pleased with the way Kaminsky lays the plot for this murder mystery concerning professional boxing and the current husband of Toby's ex-wife. It's a fast-action sprint set in LALA Land during the part of WW II where everyday someone spotted a Japanese invasion force about to take a beachhead.
The Champ, Joe Louis, would take the rap if Toby isn't able to solve this murder quickly. As usual, nobody is very happy about him being involved.
"“Boxing,” she sighed, looking up at me defiantly, expecting some wise-ass comment. “Ralph was boxing?” I said. “Ralph had bought contracts or parts of contracts of some professional boxers. I think he had quite a bit of money invested.”"
And
"“Don’t pursue this, Toby,” she said, finally putting her cup down. “(The cops) will give up. Ralph’s … he simply met the wrong people. I’m sorry if I tried to make you feel guilty last night. Ralph was responsible for himself. I don’t know who killed him or why, but he’s dead and I won’t feel any better if they’re caught.” “The cops aren’t looking for the killer to make you feel better, Anne. They’re doing it to make themselves feel better. I’m doing it to make myself feel better and for other reasons.
And
“Too late to change you,” he said. “You only change the very young because you’ve got things going for you like fear and authority and their flexibility. You can change the old too sometimes because they too get frightened, but you are a pterodactyl, a creature who should have been trapped in a tar pit a millenium ago. You fly and hunt and don’t think about your own extinction.”"
The Champ, Joe Louis, would take the rap if Toby isn't able to solve this murder quickly. As usual, nobody is very happy about him being involved.
"“Boxing,” she sighed, looking up at me defiantly, expecting some wise-ass comment. “Ralph was boxing?” I said. “Ralph had bought contracts or parts of contracts of some professional boxers. I think he had quite a bit of money invested.”"
And
"“Don’t pursue this, Toby,” she said, finally putting her cup down. “(The cops) will give up. Ralph’s … he simply met the wrong people. I’m sorry if I tried to make you feel guilty last night. Ralph was responsible for himself. I don’t know who killed him or why, but he’s dead and I won’t feel any better if they’re caught.” “The cops aren’t looking for the killer to make you feel better, Anne. They’re doing it to make themselves feel better. I’m doing it to make myself feel better and for other reasons.
And
“Too late to change you,” he said. “You only change the very young because you’ve got things going for you like fear and authority and their flexibility. You can change the old too sometimes because they too get frightened, but you are a pterodactyl, a creature who should have been trapped in a tar pit a millenium ago. You fly and hunt and don’t think about your own extinction.”"
October 31, 2017
I certainly have a lot of reading to do to enjoy more of this 1940's Hollywood PI and his shenanigans since there are 24 in the Toby Peters series and I have only read the 10th.
I thought often of Abbott and Costello in the action scenes, most couched in comedy. We get the Champ Joe Louis in this telling as the chief paying client for Toby, and how he survived the murder investigation between the cops and the gangsters was nothing short of miraculous.
In the midst of being shot at, hit in the head and put in a very bad light Toby sits down to escape with some news on the radio. "Gas rationing, I found was here. That was the bad news. The good news, according to the Blue Network, was that the RAF had hit the Krupp plant in Essen with 1,036 planes. The other bad news, at least for Charlie Chaplin, was that Paulette Goddard had divorced him in Mexico. That was enough news."
The author knew the film business and there are many amusing appearances of Golden Age stars.
I enjoyed his writing style, e.g.: "It would have been a pretty good day if someone hadn't tried to kill me. But that came later."
I have a feeling I must have read some of his books years ago, but it may be that I had no appreciation for the genre at that time. He was a Chicago dude...taught film studies at Northwestern for 16 years. I plan to read more by this author. He wrote other series that sound interesting as well.
I will close with another quote: "I moved to the bedroom and put on my underpants and trousers. There is something about dying naked that scares the hell out of me. Dying with clothes on isn't much better."
I thought often of Abbott and Costello in the action scenes, most couched in comedy. We get the Champ Joe Louis in this telling as the chief paying client for Toby, and how he survived the murder investigation between the cops and the gangsters was nothing short of miraculous.
In the midst of being shot at, hit in the head and put in a very bad light Toby sits down to escape with some news on the radio. "Gas rationing, I found was here. That was the bad news. The good news, according to the Blue Network, was that the RAF had hit the Krupp plant in Essen with 1,036 planes. The other bad news, at least for Charlie Chaplin, was that Paulette Goddard had divorced him in Mexico. That was enough news."
The author knew the film business and there are many amusing appearances of Golden Age stars.
I enjoyed his writing style, e.g.: "It would have been a pretty good day if someone hadn't tried to kill me. But that came later."
I have a feeling I must have read some of his books years ago, but it may be that I had no appreciation for the genre at that time. He was a Chicago dude...taught film studies at Northwestern for 16 years. I plan to read more by this author. He wrote other series that sound interesting as well.
I will close with another quote: "I moved to the bedroom and put on my underpants and trousers. There is something about dying naked that scares the hell out of me. Dying with clothes on isn't much better."
September 30, 2020
Despite the underlying sadness of most of the characters, Kaminsky molds this series into a very humorous lot. This one is better than others. Knowing the characters from previous books helped liking this book more. Coming into this cold and not knowing certain relationships, a new reader might find this a tougher go.
The plot is very well thought out. Others in the series feels as if Kaminsky is taking a celebrity and forming a story around. This was a stronger story that seemed a celebrity was found to drop in. Again, there is the oddity that another celebrity becomes a friend of the main character and then is dropped off.
I really liked how the plot connected to a few earlier parts of the series and continued the character's stories...or ended it. The bad guys are a bit similar to earlier Kaminsky bad guys, just with different names for two.
The writing is sharp and funny. All leading to a surprise ending.
Drawback is more focus on side characters and poetry and other's writings that gets a bit long. Though, shorter than in other entries.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of ten points.
The plot is very well thought out. Others in the series feels as if Kaminsky is taking a celebrity and forming a story around. This was a stronger story that seemed a celebrity was found to drop in. Again, there is the oddity that another celebrity becomes a friend of the main character and then is dropped off.
I really liked how the plot connected to a few earlier parts of the series and continued the character's stories...or ended it. The bad guys are a bit similar to earlier Kaminsky bad guys, just with different names for two.
The writing is sharp and funny. All leading to a surprise ending.
Drawback is more focus on side characters and poetry and other's writings that gets a bit long. Though, shorter than in other entries.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 8 out of ten points.
September 13, 2014
I hadn't read one from the Toby Peters series in probably over 15 years and, if anything, it's even more of a pleasure now. Ex-cop PI set in 1940s L.A. - sort of a personable noir style - short, seemingly well-researched period cases involving celebrities from all walks (this one, with Joe Louis), often Hollywood. Kaminsky passed about 5 years ago, so the oeuvre is set, and I've fortunately only read about half to date. They're becoming a little tough to track down (at least in original hardcover editions), which really only adds to the fun of savoring the remaining 30 or so.
April 10, 2020
Decided to read some old books and a friend recommended me this. The story is fast pacing and has some real good humor, so it took me only 2 days to finish it. It's the first book I've read of Toby Peters series, but man, you gotta like this character. He's up against all kinds of people, from professional boxers, managers, to cops and even after getting beaten up he sticks to his plan.
The storytelling is good but in my opinion, the murder of Ralph Howard (real one) was kind of too fast so the ending felt a little bit rushed.
The storytelling is good but in my opinion, the murder of Ralph Howard (real one) was kind of too fast so the ending felt a little bit rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2023
Down For The Count was an enjoyable entry in the Toby Peters detective series. The book was more tightly plotted than the last few sprawling affairs; Kaminsky wisely kept the guest stars to a single celebrity: the great boxing champion Joe Louis who is used to good advantage in this mystery. All the series regulars (Mrs. Plaut, Shelly Minck, Jeremy and Alice, Phil Pevsner, No-Neck Arnie) come into play and makes reading this book the literary equivalent of comfort food.
The plot involves the murder of Ralph Howard, a TWA executive who is married to Toby’s ex-wife Anne. Toby’s lingering affection for his ex adds some authentic emotion to an otherwise light hearted book.
I highly recommend this series set in 1940s Hollywood and this book in particular. Stuart Kaminsky knew how to spin a yarn.
The plot involves the murder of Ralph Howard, a TWA executive who is married to Toby’s ex-wife Anne. Toby’s lingering affection for his ex adds some authentic emotion to an otherwise light hearted book.
I highly recommend this series set in 1940s Hollywood and this book in particular. Stuart Kaminsky knew how to spin a yarn.
October 30, 2021
Another Kaminsky period piece with Private Detective Toby Peters. Toby is asked by his ex-wife to check on her new husband. She thinks he might be in danger. Toby arrives at the beachfront home in Santa Monica only to find the husband dead, the victim of a brutal beating, with heavyweight champion Joe Louis standing over the body. Toby is convinced of Louis innocence and takes him on as a client so that he can protect the champ from bad publicity.
As usual a quick fun read.
As usual a quick fun read.
July 24, 2019
Not my favorite Kaminsky
I have really enjoyed the Abe Lieberman stories, as well as his Russian detective and his last series about the fellow who moves from Chicago to Florida. This is my first Toby Peters novel andI don’t think it measured up, but I will try some of the others, because of how much I liked the others.
I have really enjoyed the Abe Lieberman stories, as well as his Russian detective and his last series about the fellow who moves from Chicago to Florida. This is my first Toby Peters novel andI don’t think it measured up, but I will try some of the others, because of how much I liked the others.
August 26, 2023
O décimo tomo da colecção é um caso mais próximo ao coração do nosso herói, a investigação do homicídio do marido da sua ex-mulher. Uma palavrinha aos dois amigos do Sr. Peters, Gunther, um tradutor anão suíço e Jeremy proprietário do prédio do escritório, antigo lutador de luta livre, agora poeta. Quem nos dera ter amigos dedicados assim.
November 8, 2022
There's a good two chapters or so, where Toby sees who the killer is and then hides the identity from the reader - just referring to him as 'the killer' the whole time - which frankly is cheating.
As always though, I enjoyed all the hard-boiled stuff.
As always though, I enjoyed all the hard-boiled stuff.
September 26, 2024
Magic. Terrific dialogue and a hilarious read. More please
March 4, 2025
Toby Peters #10. ----- L.A., about 1943. Toby needs to save heavyweight champ Joe Louis from a murder charge. This is another fun likeable Toby Peters mystery; I liked it -- 3 stars.
January 1, 2026
This one is about boxing, so it's not my thing. The mystery was interesting and I didn't figure out whodunit. Still, the whole jab, punch, etc. technical terms were not for me.
January 15, 2019
"I don't know a hell of a lot about you, Peters, but I know you stand up on your word."
"It's all I've got to sell," I agreed.
"Naw, you've got a big mouth and a hard head," he said.
Yeah, that's Toby Peters, a private eye in WWII Los Angeles. Think "The Maltese Falcon" or "The Big Sleep", but with a lighter attitude and the hero gets beat up a lot more.
Heavyweight champ Joe Louis stumbles across a murder scene and chases off the killers, but is found standing over the corpse, with bloody hands. And the man was beaten to death. Uh-oh!
Toby ends up being hunted by the cops, the mob, and a very determined killer. Also, the dead man is the husband of the ex-wife that Toby still loves.
I always enjoy the Toby Peters mysteries.
"It's all I've got to sell," I agreed.
"Naw, you've got a big mouth and a hard head," he said.
Yeah, that's Toby Peters, a private eye in WWII Los Angeles. Think "The Maltese Falcon" or "The Big Sleep", but with a lighter attitude and the hero gets beat up a lot more.
Heavyweight champ Joe Louis stumbles across a murder scene and chases off the killers, but is found standing over the corpse, with bloody hands. And the man was beaten to death. Uh-oh!
Toby ends up being hunted by the cops, the mob, and a very determined killer. Also, the dead man is the husband of the ex-wife that Toby still loves.
I always enjoy the Toby Peters mysteries.
September 18, 2016
Though not as good as some of his other Toby Peters mysteries, this was, per Stuart Kaminsky, an entertaining read. I am especially fond of the interplay between Peters and his landlady, Mrs. Plaut, who is hard of hearing and insists on calling him "Mr. Peelers."
The story really has less to do with Joe Louis, heavyweight champ than the title implies, but the plot works well enough anyway.
This is a lightweight contender, rather than a true heavyweight in the Kaminsky troves. Three and a half stars, rounded up.
The story really has less to do with Joe Louis, heavyweight champ than the title implies, but the plot works well enough anyway.
This is a lightweight contender, rather than a true heavyweight in the Kaminsky troves. Three and a half stars, rounded up.
August 16, 2009
Good; Continuing character: Toby Peters; Toby finds a body on the beach, who turns out to be his ex-wife's husband who was investing in bad boxers, and tries to help out Joe Louis, who could be charged with the murder.
January 22, 2013
I enjoyed listening to this book while working. It was fun to follow and I like the setting quite well. It was interesting to hear how much he was making and refunding during the war by being a private detective.
July 30, 2010
1940S PRIVITE EYE TOBY PETERS FINDS A BODY ON THE BEACH AND BEGINS HIS INVESTIGATION - THE TALE INVOLVES BOXING GREAT JOE LEWIS, HIS EX WIFE, AND A SLEW OF SHADY CHARACTERS.
August 11, 2010
Toby Peters w/ Joe Lewis
February 15, 2025
This is one of the better books in the series. The plot is enough to keep you guessing and has an interesting twist.
February 11, 2013
I like the Toby Peters mysteries because I am fascinated with the historical details the author puts into his books and they make me laugh.
February 22, 2013
Fun, light mystery with a some twists and turns. Lots of fight scenes, but still pretty amusing.
May 25, 2014
Great old time detective series
January 15, 2015
Really good. This one had a nice twist.
Read
July 16, 2015I loved this series back in the day....
March 25, 2016
Rereading- lots of times! Love authors wry sense of humor. Tom Parker (??) reads entertainingly - his usual! Highly recommend this funny, interesting and clean novel.
August 20, 2016
Continued to enjoy Stuart's books. Joe Louis was interesting, connecting to previous books and their characters is getting difficult for me.
July 26, 2017
bonbon
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews