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Leo Waterman #8
Chump Change
Sometimes it’s the things you don’t do that come back to haunt you, just as surely as some questions are best left unanswered.
When “Leo” is the last word a stranger speaks, the Seattle private eye launches himself into a search for answers. Not only does the dead man have a connection to Leo’s past, but he was also worth millions—and some very dangerous people know it. Before long, Leo is caught between warring factions in a high-stakes game of mayhem and murder, and his search for answers becomes a quest for justice. Turns out, finding the truth is far more painful than Leo ever imagined, and the price for uncovering it just might be his life.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2014
446 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
G.M. Ford
34 books219 followersGerald M. Ford was the author of the widely praised Frank Corso novels, Fury, Black River, A Blind Eye, Red Tide, No Man's Land, and Blown Away; six highly acclaimed mysteries, featuring Seattle private investigator Leo Waterman; and the stand-alone thriller Nameless Night. A former creative writing teacher in western Washington, Ford lived in San Diego.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 30, 2017
From within the crowded field of mystery, crime thriller, and detective fiction writers, there are three still living who can make me laugh out loud without missing a beat or slowing the pace of a damn fine novel. GM Ford is one of them. (For the curious: James Lee Burke and Sue Grafton are the others.)
I celebrate whenever one of his novels, which had become something of a rarity in recent years, is published, and because of their whimsical yet biting nature, I prefer the Leo Waterman series to the excellent but not funny Frank Corso series.
Had this one not come up like a gift waiting to be unwrapped on Net Galley, it would have been on my Mother’s Day wish list.
When in Seattle, what should one do when a crime is being committed—whether property related or violent—within one’s view, or even to oneself? The knee jerk reaction is to call the cops; as Ford reminds us, we grew up expecting “Officer Friendly” to turn up with his big muscles and righteous justice, brimming with yearning to help the oppressed and exact justice. But that’s a myth. And right now, when SPD is in such hot water for its gratuitous use of violence that the FBI is monitoring its cops and the Justice Department is telling the new mayor that it’s not okay to substitute additional training in place of discipline, this novel could not have been better timed. Waterman falls for the 911 plea for assistance gambit twice, though he is old enough to know better. Chaos ensues both times, of course. When justice comes, it is because of the protagonist's smarts and his excellent connections in other places.
Much of this novel is set on the Eastern side of the Cascades, out in wheat country near the Idaho border. And there, his fictional cops are about the same as those everywhere in the US of A: easily greased by the squeaky wheels that have the most resources. The gloves are off; the veneer of political correctness that sometimes hides the scruffier side of law enforcement in the state’s alpha city is nowhere to be seen way out there in good ol’ boy country.
Once again, Ford uses what would ordinarily be considered a trite device toward the story’s climax, but stews it in enough crazy juice to make it absolutely brand new. The only mitigation of my joy was in noting how few pages of the story remained.
I also appreciated what he does with his side kick character, who has done a really bad thing, but who is young enough to redeem himself in a fresh situation. The measures of forgiveness and caution are well played.
I hope this marvelous book will receive enough publicity and promotion for Ford’s work to be appreciated by a wider audience than local folk. He deserves it. Just as I enjoy a journey to Louisiana or Montana through the pages of Burke’s literature, or to Southern California through Grafton’s, so should everyone, including those who read the New York Times, be treated to a taste of Leo Waterman and the misty yet gritty city he calls home.
I celebrate whenever one of his novels, which had become something of a rarity in recent years, is published, and because of their whimsical yet biting nature, I prefer the Leo Waterman series to the excellent but not funny Frank Corso series.
Had this one not come up like a gift waiting to be unwrapped on Net Galley, it would have been on my Mother’s Day wish list.
When in Seattle, what should one do when a crime is being committed—whether property related or violent—within one’s view, or even to oneself? The knee jerk reaction is to call the cops; as Ford reminds us, we grew up expecting “Officer Friendly” to turn up with his big muscles and righteous justice, brimming with yearning to help the oppressed and exact justice. But that’s a myth. And right now, when SPD is in such hot water for its gratuitous use of violence that the FBI is monitoring its cops and the Justice Department is telling the new mayor that it’s not okay to substitute additional training in place of discipline, this novel could not have been better timed. Waterman falls for the 911 plea for assistance gambit twice, though he is old enough to know better. Chaos ensues both times, of course. When justice comes, it is because of the protagonist's smarts and his excellent connections in other places.
Much of this novel is set on the Eastern side of the Cascades, out in wheat country near the Idaho border. And there, his fictional cops are about the same as those everywhere in the US of A: easily greased by the squeaky wheels that have the most resources. The gloves are off; the veneer of political correctness that sometimes hides the scruffier side of law enforcement in the state’s alpha city is nowhere to be seen way out there in good ol’ boy country.
Once again, Ford uses what would ordinarily be considered a trite device toward the story’s climax, but stews it in enough crazy juice to make it absolutely brand new. The only mitigation of my joy was in noting how few pages of the story remained.
I also appreciated what he does with his side kick character, who has done a really bad thing, but who is young enough to redeem himself in a fresh situation. The measures of forgiveness and caution are well played.
I hope this marvelous book will receive enough publicity and promotion for Ford’s work to be appreciated by a wider audience than local folk. He deserves it. Just as I enjoy a journey to Louisiana or Montana through the pages of Burke’s literature, or to Southern California through Grafton’s, so should everyone, including those who read the New York Times, be treated to a taste of Leo Waterman and the misty yet gritty city he calls home.
July 15, 2020
Now I have managed to read 9 of the 12 Leo Waterman books. I had almost forgotten about this series when Amazon recommended this book to me through Prime Reading. Lucky catch! I really enjoyed getting on board with one of Leo's wacky, intense adventures taking him to another locale where he is briefly the owner of a farm. It all starts when someone from the past comes tumbling into Leo's life as a housebreaker and dies from the police application of a taser.
Plenty of explosive action and heroics.
Amazon Prime Reading Loan
Plenty of explosive action and heroics.
Amazon Prime Reading Loan
January 7, 2018
Good to see Leo back in action
I read "Thicker Than Water", at the end of the year. That was his first Leo tale in 12 years. Nice to have the big wise guy back.
I read "Thicker Than Water", at the end of the year. That was his first Leo tale in 12 years. Nice to have the big wise guy back.
August 1, 2020
I just finished a book in the Mac McKenzie series by David Housewright, and I was struck by the similarities of that series to this one. Both are written first-person by an independently wealthy detective who usually agrees to investigate some small matter as a favor to friend. Both are very placey for their locale (St. Paul and Seattle). Both detectives have a self-deprecating sense of humor which is very engaging, and both are utterly relentless when things get extremely ugly, as they always do. Both are unwisely mouthy and have love/hate relationships with the police. Both series are very good page-turners, conscientiously and cleverly written.
May 19, 2014
This is the first Leo Waterman novel that I have read and I will definitely be reading more. It contained everything I look for in a mystery novel: solid characters, a strong protagonist, evil bad guys, lots of action and a compelling story. In addition, I found the story stripped to essentials....which is a very good thing. I can't count the number of excellent authors who don't know when to stop writing. Whether this is Mr. Ford's preference or the hand of a strong editor, I appreciate the lack of fluff.
One area kept this from being a 5-star review: Weapons. The S&W 38spcl revolvers do not have safeties. A Glock 17 has a "safe action" but does not have a manual thumb safety. I've never heard of a Mossad AX9 in .223....perhaps they exist, but I do not know of one. If you are going to put a weapon in the hands of the good guys or bad guys and it purports to be a "real" firearm, it's worth the 20 minutes it would take to check facts. I know, this is a pet peeve, but there are millions of gun owners out there. Buy one a beer and let them edit your descriptions at the bar.
One area kept this from being a 5-star review: Weapons. The S&W 38spcl revolvers do not have safeties. A Glock 17 has a "safe action" but does not have a manual thumb safety. I've never heard of a Mossad AX9 in .223....perhaps they exist, but I do not know of one. If you are going to put a weapon in the hands of the good guys or bad guys and it purports to be a "real" firearm, it's worth the 20 minutes it would take to check facts. I know, this is a pet peeve, but there are millions of gun owners out there. Buy one a beer and let them edit your descriptions at the bar.
November 21, 2014
4.5 stars
After years of struggling to make ends meet as a Seattle PI, Leo Waterman recently inherited the trust fund from his late father’s less than legal dealings and has lapsed into semi-retirement, although he can’t quite come to terms with having such a large sum of unearned wealth. His thoughts and feelings show a conscious awareness of himself and give a roundness to his character.
This story has our hero involved in a new relationship and life is going well. Until there’s a burglary at the house next door to where he and his girlfriend are house sitting. The arrival of the police result in the death of a man whose last word was Leo’s name. It seems Leo and retirement don’t mix, especially when the realisation hits he was acquainted with the dead man. And the more he learns, the more answers he wants and the deeper the investigation pulls him in.
http://betweenthelinesbookblog.wordpr...
After years of struggling to make ends meet as a Seattle PI, Leo Waterman recently inherited the trust fund from his late father’s less than legal dealings and has lapsed into semi-retirement, although he can’t quite come to terms with having such a large sum of unearned wealth. His thoughts and feelings show a conscious awareness of himself and give a roundness to his character.
This story has our hero involved in a new relationship and life is going well. Until there’s a burglary at the house next door to where he and his girlfriend are house sitting. The arrival of the police result in the death of a man whose last word was Leo’s name. It seems Leo and retirement don’t mix, especially when the realisation hits he was acquainted with the dead man. And the more he learns, the more answers he wants and the deeper the investigation pulls him in.
http://betweenthelinesbookblog.wordpr...
March 24, 2019
This is #8 in the Leo Waterman series and the second one written after the author took more than a ten year break. I tend to be a stickler for details that hang together in a series.
In this book, the very colorful character of Carl Craddock’s back story took a significant turn. In all the previous books, we learned that after surviving Afghanistan, he ended up in a wheel chair due to a drunken teenage driver. The bitter irony of it is strong. In #8, we learn that after surviving Afghanistan, his injuries happened in Bosnia. Not as ironic, and I question why an author does this? Is it just bad memory or editing?
I have been binge reading this series. I wonder if authors would prefer we not do this. Binging reveals how many authors have one story and just keep retelling it a little differently. This has been true of the last few books. I may take a break from small town cliches for a bit.
I think is is a very good series, but follows a predictable pattern.
In this book, the very colorful character of Carl Craddock’s back story took a significant turn. In all the previous books, we learned that after surviving Afghanistan, he ended up in a wheel chair due to a drunken teenage driver. The bitter irony of it is strong. In #8, we learn that after surviving Afghanistan, his injuries happened in Bosnia. Not as ironic, and I question why an author does this? Is it just bad memory or editing?
I have been binge reading this series. I wonder if authors would prefer we not do this. Binging reveals how many authors have one story and just keep retelling it a little differently. This has been true of the last few books. I may take a break from small town cliches for a bit.
I think is is a very good series, but follows a predictable pattern.
February 23, 2015
Waterman's world view.
Another good story, but wish he didn't get hurt so many times. Again doing things with the same mule headed stupidity. Well described characters, also boys doing whatever they can. Learned more new words.
Another good story, but wish he didn't get hurt so many times. Again doing things with the same mule headed stupidity. Well described characters, also boys doing whatever they can. Learned more new words.
July 18, 2021
This is apparently the 8th book in the Leo Waterman series, but it's the first one I've read. The title and by line caught my eye in an Amazon add, plus it was on sale for $4.99, so I grabbed it.
It's great! Leo recently inherited money from a crooked political father so his PI business had become a hobby, not a profession. Yet he get's hooked into a strange and dangerous case when someone he knew briefly breaks into a house next to the one he' house sitting with his girlfriend. A fight ensues, the police show up, and the poor burgler get's tasered to death - but as he dies, he calls out Leo's name!
It's some time before Leo figures out who he is, but when it dawns on him, he's hooked. He needs to find out what happened to this nice, if somewhat bumbling and naive man. Especially since he didn't step out and help him a number of years ago when he so clearly needed it. Guilt, and the mysterious circumstances, are intriguing and Leo's has just the right experience, connections, and resources to do something this time.
There's lots of actions. The mystery part isn't really too mysterious. It's the characters that make the book. They're easy to like and care about, the bad guys are really bad, they've got the good guys in a real bind, and Leo's just the guy to stand up to them. A lot happens quickly, and I wound up turning pages until late in the night to find out what happens next.
It's not Pulitzer Prize material - but it's a fun read, a good book for what it is. I liked it enough that I'm going to make a point of reading the earlier books in this series.
It's great! Leo recently inherited money from a crooked political father so his PI business had become a hobby, not a profession. Yet he get's hooked into a strange and dangerous case when someone he knew briefly breaks into a house next to the one he' house sitting with his girlfriend. A fight ensues, the police show up, and the poor burgler get's tasered to death - but as he dies, he calls out Leo's name!
It's some time before Leo figures out who he is, but when it dawns on him, he's hooked. He needs to find out what happened to this nice, if somewhat bumbling and naive man. Especially since he didn't step out and help him a number of years ago when he so clearly needed it. Guilt, and the mysterious circumstances, are intriguing and Leo's has just the right experience, connections, and resources to do something this time.
There's lots of actions. The mystery part isn't really too mysterious. It's the characters that make the book. They're easy to like and care about, the bad guys are really bad, they've got the good guys in a real bind, and Leo's just the guy to stand up to them. A lot happens quickly, and I wound up turning pages until late in the night to find out what happens next.
It's not Pulitzer Prize material - but it's a fun read, a good book for what it is. I liked it enough that I'm going to make a point of reading the earlier books in this series.
September 21, 2020
Watching a barely remembered former neighbor, apparently destitute, die at his feet with “Leo” as his last word spurs semi-retired Seattle PI Leo Waterman to venture out to Idaho to find out what had happened to the dead man’s $13M in lottery winnings. A critic says in CHUMP CHANGE that our hero “ain’t nothing but the ne’er-do-well son of a thief” (p146), but Leo is more than that by virtue of a stubborn desire to get answers, no matter the lumps he takes. To be honest, Mister Liberryhead misses the old, pre-millionaire Leo – who was a goofy, laidback, sweet guy. The ‘new’ Leo (since Book #7) is carrying heavy-duty firearms and killing bad guys willie-nillie. CHUMP CHANGE is dishearteningly violent compared to the first six novels in the series. Also, either on purpose or from laziness, author G.M. Ford is tweaking background stories of supporting characters and suddenly calling Leo’s dad ‘Big’ Bill rather than ‘Wild’ Bill Waterman and forgetting Leo’s new car was a Tahoe, not a Blazer. To quote Leo, ‘Arrgh!’
February 9, 2020
SPOILER ALERT! I enjoyed this book as much as all of the other Leo Waterman stories....but. I feel that one of the crucial questions of this story wasn’t ever addressed or answered. Who was Gordy’s body stolen from the ME’s office? It seems like that was the plot device needed to get the ball rolling on the investigation, and link us to the bad guys back east, but we are never given a reason. It is driving me crazy! If I just missed it, would somebody please fill me in?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2019
Wow! Just a wonderful reading experience.
I picked this book up on a special deal a couple of years ago and there it st in my stack of next reads. I picked it up three days ago and couldn't put it down. Leo Waterman is perhaps sarcastic, certainly opinionated, and definitely a lively story teller.
I picked this book up on a special deal a couple of years ago and there it st in my stack of next reads. I picked it up three days ago and couldn't put it down. Leo Waterman is perhaps sarcastic, certainly opinionated, and definitely a lively story teller.
October 1, 2020
A very mixed up hero
The main character is a hero, but yet he isn’t. This is an interesting story with good characters and if you have lived in a small town you probably know someone that fits these characters. The story line didn’t seem connected, but in the end the connection come together. I’d recommend this book.
The main character is a hero, but yet he isn’t. This is an interesting story with good characters and if you have lived in a small town you probably know someone that fits these characters. The story line didn’t seem connected, but in the end the connection come together. I’d recommend this book.
January 16, 2021
Better than ever!
Having read most of the Leo Waterman series, which I immensely enjoyed I’d have to say this one is my favorite. A story chock full of action with another one of Leo’s kindness and loyalty to his friends., with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. Come on, G M Ford, write another one before I run out of your books that I haven’t read yet!
Having read most of the Leo Waterman series, which I immensely enjoyed I’d have to say this one is my favorite. A story chock full of action with another one of Leo’s kindness and loyalty to his friends., with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. Come on, G M Ford, write another one before I run out of your books that I haven’t read yet!
July 5, 2017
Chump Change
What a great mystery I love your writing style. This my 2nd book I've read of yours. You make me want to read everyone of your books. There's never a dull moment something's always in motion never a dull moment. Thanks ! ! !
What a great mystery I love your writing style. This my 2nd book I've read of yours. You make me want to read everyone of your books. There's never a dull moment something's always in motion never a dull moment. Thanks ! ! !
December 3, 2017
Another Gem
Mr. Ford has shown us growth and new twists with his characters while maintaining their charm and entertainment value. I am looking forward to the next visit with Leo & company.
Mr. Ford has shown us growth and new twists with his characters while maintaining their charm and entertainment value. I am looking forward to the next visit with Leo & company.
February 19, 2018
I love the Leo Waterman series. This episode takes the reader out of the usual Seattle setting, and into a case of some really bad guys, out to hurt some good people. There’s mystery, excitement, danger, young love, and humor in this rollicking good time.
August 18, 2018
Four chapters?
Excessively long chapters are a pet peeve for me. Although four chapters in 260+ book is annoying, the writing and plot are worth five stars. This series is entertaining and highly recommended.
Excessively long chapters are a pet peeve for me. Although four chapters in 260+ book is annoying, the writing and plot are worth five stars. This series is entertaining and highly recommended.
December 2, 2018
Chump Change
Have read so many stories that Leo is like an old friend. Wish the bad guys would quit beating the crap out of him but guess he will always poke trouble with a big stick and that's when the excitement begins.
Have read so many stories that Leo is like an old friend. Wish the bad guys would quit beating the crap out of him but guess he will always poke trouble with a big stick and that's when the excitement begins.
July 29, 2019
It starts as a well-written, somewhat humorous detective story and ends as an off-the-rails, dark, violent tale written by the author's twin brother. Oh, wait, that's Adaptation. Well, it's like that, except not good.
February 24, 2020
Great Read
Highly entertaining,humorous,witty,overall recommend this author. Great story line. Plot moves with ease with action,romance,well defined characters. Will continue on to series.
Highly entertaining,humorous,witty,overall recommend this author. Great story line. Plot moves with ease with action,romance,well defined characters. Will continue on to series.
April 14, 2020
Interesting read
Pleasant but predictable. Good plot. Would like to read more of his work. Uses many of same characters . Ready reading. Really like the endings. Will be interested in different characters. Certainly different.
Pleasant but predictable. Good plot. Would like to read more of his work. Uses many of same characters . Ready reading. Really like the endings. Will be interested in different characters. Certainly different.
June 15, 2020
Leo Waterman is again in the wrong place at the right time!! After stopping a burglary, he is drawn in to a mystery, that will require all his unique skills to solve and avoid a few beatings!! Leo is a good character, but feel the hotel scene near the end, was out of character.
October 2, 2020
Always a wild rid!
I have high expectations of GM Ford, and I'm never disappointed. Leo waterman is a character I just can't get enough of. Funny, suspensful, witty, and intelligent. Luv ya, GM!
I have high expectations of GM Ford, and I'm never disappointed. Leo waterman is a character I just can't get enough of. Funny, suspensful, witty, and intelligent. Luv ya, GM!
January 29, 2021
Exhilarating - Great Read!
First time reading this author. All I can say is OMG. I couldn't put it down. Great characters and story. Cannot wait to read the 2nd book in this series!
First time reading this author. All I can say is OMG. I couldn't put it down. Great characters and story. Cannot wait to read the 2nd book in this series!
October 12, 2021
Seattle PI goes searching
And finds a lot more than he was looking for. A real wise guy has an adventure and everything turns out all right. Seems like the writer might be familiar with
Leslie Charteris.
And finds a lot more than he was looking for. A real wise guy has an adventure and everything turns out all right. Seems like the writer might be familiar with
Leslie Charteris.
July 19, 2017
8th in the Leo Waterman series.Gritty, but a very good story with great characters.
August 27, 2018
A Leo Waterman mystery. Leo is caught up in a murder investigation that may threaten his life.
November 27, 2018
Leo is just the guy you want on your side; he sets out to solve a puzzle and stirs up a whole of trouble.
January 31, 2019
Pretty good.
It didn't reach a 5 star but it was a fun read. I've read several books by this author and I find them all to be entertaining.
It didn't reach a 5 star but it was a fun read. I've read several books by this author and I find them all to be entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews