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Timothy Cone #1
Los Archivos De Timothy
In this shattering story of urban crime, Sanders introduces Timothy Cone, a private eye who digs too deep into the murderous exploits of big business - and uncovers a twisted web of incest, drug addiction, and gut-wrenching violence...
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First published January 1, 1987
About the author
Lawrence Sanders
149 books384 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Lawrence Sanders was the New York Times bestselling author of more than forty mystery and suspense novels. The Anderson Tapes, completed when he was fifty years old, received an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for best first novel. His prodigious oeuvre encompasses the Edward X. Delaney, Archy McNally, and Timothy Cone series, along with his acclaimed Commandment books. Stand-alone novels include Sullivan's Sting and Caper. Sanders remains one of America’s most popular novelists, with more than fifty million copies of his books in print. Also published as Mark Upton.
Lawrence Sanders was the New York Times bestselling author of more than forty mystery and suspense novels. The Anderson Tapes, completed when he was fifty years old, received an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for best first novel. His prodigious oeuvre encompasses the Edward X. Delaney, Archy McNally, and Timothy Cone series, along with his acclaimed Commandment books. Stand-alone novels include Sullivan's Sting and Caper. Sanders remains one of America’s most popular novelists, with more than fifty million copies of his books in print. Also published as Mark Upton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 14, 2015
Discovered that "Files" meant just that, this is a book of 3 "files," 3 cases, 3 stories.
"It's a drizzly day, the sky steel, the light brass, the air tasting of a copper penny."
A breezy read with a depth-charge of solid plotting, believable investigation and memorable characters. Yup, just love Timothy Cone, one of "Wall Street's 'specialists in corporate intelligence.'" Have always like reading Lawrence Sanders, and this discovery makes me want to pick up a few more.
"It's a drizzly day, the sky steel, the light brass, the air tasting of a copper penny."
A breezy read with a depth-charge of solid plotting, believable investigation and memorable characters. Yup, just love Timothy Cone, one of "Wall Street's 'specialists in corporate intelligence.'" Have always like reading Lawrence Sanders, and this discovery makes me want to pick up a few more.
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August 8, 2011He is a Vietnam vet and he owns a table and three chairs. He sleeps on a mattress on the floor and his occasional guests drink from emptied jelly jars – make that – drink ALOT from emptied jelly jars. Cleo, his neutered cat, is regularly fed such fare as moldy cheddar and turkey salami, but Cleo will eat anything. He’s having a relationship with his manager, Samantha. Timothy Cone is an investigator for Haldering and Company, a firm headed by a retired FBI agent whose function is to do corporate intelligence on businesses for its clients.
I once participated on a grand jury investigating financial crimes, and experience dictates to me that there are fewer things more tedious and boring. Fortunately, at Haldering and Company, there are separate legal and accounting sections, leaving Cone to poke and prod for what Paul Harvey would have called “The Rest of the Story.”
This compilation of three of namesake Cone’s case files result in the discovery of murderers, defrauders, money launderers, and more in three attention-holding novelettes. It’s a handy book to have at hand while you’re waiting for your wife at the mall or when serving on a grand jury.
I once participated on a grand jury investigating financial crimes, and experience dictates to me that there are fewer things more tedious and boring. Fortunately, at Haldering and Company, there are separate legal and accounting sections, leaving Cone to poke and prod for what Paul Harvey would have called “The Rest of the Story.”
This compilation of three of namesake Cone’s case files result in the discovery of murderers, defrauders, money launderers, and more in three attention-holding novelettes. It’s a handy book to have at hand while you’re waiting for your wife at the mall or when serving on a grand jury.
August 6, 2017
"They are both tight, private people, and they'd rather be sautéed in oil than say, 'I love you.' But, grudgingly, each acknowledges an attraction, a comfort with each other. It's a no-horseshit relationship with feelings masked by cold profanity, and intimacy shielded away."
Since I very much enjoyed Lawrence Sanders' McNally's Risk I have been hoping for an equally rewarding experience with his The Timothy Files (1987). Alas this novel is bland and unable to hook the reader with anything even remotely remarkable; in addition, the main and background characters are not interesting and psychologically implausible.
Timothy Cone is a "Wall Street dick", a financial investigator for a New York corporate intelligence company, used by principals in mergers, buyouts, and takeovers. The book is a set of three separate novellas, connected via Mr. Cone, his co-workers, and several recurring police characters. In the first story - the weakest one, I think - Mr. Cone investigates the subway station death of his office mate: he has no doubts that it was a murder connected to the financial investigation the victim was conducting.
The second story - the most interesting one - is about a modern fertility clinic that is on the verge of being bought out. Since Mr. Cone is offered a bribe to produce a positive evaluation of the clinic, he knows that something in the picture must be quite wrong. In addition he is contacted by an agent of the U.S. government who also suggests that Cone's evaluation should be positive. Alas the reader will find the government connection and the entire denouement implausible.
Finally the third story tells us about various members of one family - apparently siblings, cousins, etc. - involved in some kind of wrongdoing in several areas: investments, art sales, and import business. The third novella is rather light, airy, and kind of funny, although a murder is featured too.
The three plots are not completely uninteresting, though full of clichés and easy-to-predict turns. What dooms the book for me is the character of Timothy Cone, a Marine veteran from Vietnam, a lonely warrior in the world of financial crime, an uncompromising knight in white armor. He lives in a dilapidated loft with his mangy cat, often eats the cat's leftovers, and pretends not to care about anything but fighting crime. His boss, Samantha Whatley, is his "romantic interest" but their relationship (the epigraph describes it in the author's words) is to me psychologically implausible and the depictions of their frequent carnal couplings alternate between pretentiously overwrought and ludicrous:
Two stars.
Since I very much enjoyed Lawrence Sanders' McNally's Risk I have been hoping for an equally rewarding experience with his The Timothy Files (1987). Alas this novel is bland and unable to hook the reader with anything even remotely remarkable; in addition, the main and background characters are not interesting and psychologically implausible.
Timothy Cone is a "Wall Street dick", a financial investigator for a New York corporate intelligence company, used by principals in mergers, buyouts, and takeovers. The book is a set of three separate novellas, connected via Mr. Cone, his co-workers, and several recurring police characters. In the first story - the weakest one, I think - Mr. Cone investigates the subway station death of his office mate: he has no doubts that it was a murder connected to the financial investigation the victim was conducting.
The second story - the most interesting one - is about a modern fertility clinic that is on the verge of being bought out. Since Mr. Cone is offered a bribe to produce a positive evaluation of the clinic, he knows that something in the picture must be quite wrong. In addition he is contacted by an agent of the U.S. government who also suggests that Cone's evaluation should be positive. Alas the reader will find the government connection and the entire denouement implausible.
Finally the third story tells us about various members of one family - apparently siblings, cousins, etc. - involved in some kind of wrongdoing in several areas: investments, art sales, and import business. The third novella is rather light, airy, and kind of funny, although a murder is featured too.
The three plots are not completely uninteresting, though full of clichés and easy-to-predict turns. What dooms the book for me is the character of Timothy Cone, a Marine veteran from Vietnam, a lonely warrior in the world of financial crime, an uncompromising knight in white armor. He lives in a dilapidated loft with his mangy cat, often eats the cat's leftovers, and pretends not to care about anything but fighting crime. His boss, Samantha Whatley, is his "romantic interest" but their relationship (the epigraph describes it in the author's words) is to me psychologically implausible and the depictions of their frequent carnal couplings alternate between pretentiously overwrought and ludicrous:
"Their hard bodies are jangled with need, and sensation is not the answer. [...] they rend each other in a frantic effort to find relief. [...] they play their skin games, unable to yield to the heart's want, and settling for the satisfaction of greedy glands."Ugh.
Two stars.
March 10, 2020
DIESES BUCH IST ECHT BÄH!!!!
Abgestandene und wohl witzig gemeinte Marlow-Spade-Aufgüsse im Finanzwesen der Achtziger um einen schmuddligen Schnüffler, der sich überwiegend von Hochprozentigem und zumeist verdorbenen Lebensmitteln ernährt, - was zum selben Endergebnis führt. Die drei Erzählungen sind zum Kotzen langweilig, dass er seine Freundin und Chefin zärtlich Scheißkopf nennt, wenn die beiden in ihrer Freizeit übereinander herfallen, macht die Sache auch nicht besser.
Nachdem die Plottsubstanz von Das zehnte Gebot (416 Seiten) vielleicht für ein Drittel des Umfangs gereicht hätte, dachte ich, mit drei Erzählungen von rund 120 Seiten könnte ich nicht viel falsch machen, wenn ich Sanders eine letzte Chance gebe, weit gefehlt, diese drei Fälle um Finanzbetrug, bzw. Kreuzungen zwischen Affen und Mensch sind einfach nur peinlich langweilig.
Abgestandenes Billigbier ist die passendste Vergleichsgröße, so eklig wie Kotze ist das Geschreibsel dann doch nicht, auch wenn es einem wie rückwärts gegessener Hammett oder Chandler vorkommt, den jemand in den späten Achtzigern von sich gegeben hat.
P.S. Obwohl ich nicht gerade für Überreaktionen in Sachen Rassismus bekannt bin, - schon gar nicht bei historischen Texten -, so würde sogar ich wegen der dritten Geschichte einen Negativ-Preis vergeben, diese Nummer ist übler als so manches aus der Romantik, was die Nazis in den falschen Hals bekommen haben. Vetternwirtschaft behandelt vordergründig die Ponzi-Masche, bearbeitet aber eine Großfamilie aus lauter dunkelhäutigen Zahnbürstenschnurbartträgern besteht, die kein kriminelles Geschäftsfeld auslässt. Die kriminellen Bäsle haben zwar nicht mal Flaum auf der Oberlippe sind aber ebenso stereotyp als schleimige dunkelhäutige Schlampen gezeichnet. Dieses Buch ist echt bäh!
Abgestandene und wohl witzig gemeinte Marlow-Spade-Aufgüsse im Finanzwesen der Achtziger um einen schmuddligen Schnüffler, der sich überwiegend von Hochprozentigem und zumeist verdorbenen Lebensmitteln ernährt, - was zum selben Endergebnis führt. Die drei Erzählungen sind zum Kotzen langweilig, dass er seine Freundin und Chefin zärtlich Scheißkopf nennt, wenn die beiden in ihrer Freizeit übereinander herfallen, macht die Sache auch nicht besser.
Nachdem die Plottsubstanz von Das zehnte Gebot (416 Seiten) vielleicht für ein Drittel des Umfangs gereicht hätte, dachte ich, mit drei Erzählungen von rund 120 Seiten könnte ich nicht viel falsch machen, wenn ich Sanders eine letzte Chance gebe, weit gefehlt, diese drei Fälle um Finanzbetrug, bzw. Kreuzungen zwischen Affen und Mensch sind einfach nur peinlich langweilig.
Abgestandenes Billigbier ist die passendste Vergleichsgröße, so eklig wie Kotze ist das Geschreibsel dann doch nicht, auch wenn es einem wie rückwärts gegessener Hammett oder Chandler vorkommt, den jemand in den späten Achtzigern von sich gegeben hat.
P.S. Obwohl ich nicht gerade für Überreaktionen in Sachen Rassismus bekannt bin, - schon gar nicht bei historischen Texten -, so würde sogar ich wegen der dritten Geschichte einen Negativ-Preis vergeben, diese Nummer ist übler als so manches aus der Romantik, was die Nazis in den falschen Hals bekommen haben. Vetternwirtschaft behandelt vordergründig die Ponzi-Masche, bearbeitet aber eine Großfamilie aus lauter dunkelhäutigen Zahnbürstenschnurbartträgern besteht, die kein kriminelles Geschäftsfeld auslässt. Die kriminellen Bäsle haben zwar nicht mal Flaum auf der Oberlippe sind aber ebenso stereotyp als schleimige dunkelhäutige Schlampen gezeichnet. Dieses Buch ist echt bäh!
September 3, 2020
This was a quick read.
May 22, 2022
Classic kill or be killed sleuthing by an authentic gum shoe character. Sol Fabor and Thomas Handry were repeated from other stories onto here. Sort of romance novel type overtones but with a male lead. Reminesces aplenty plus it raises plenty of questions/debates about the state of the state of the main character’s personal decisions.
June 7, 2011
Timothy Cone and his relationship with his cat Cleo is amusing.
I love main characters who are lacking in personal hygiene and like to drink and smoke.
I love main characters who are lacking in personal hygiene and like to drink and smoke.
November 12, 2020
Read in 1988. Linked stories about hard boiled private eye Timothy Cone.
June 14, 2018
This was one of a handful of Book of the Month hardcovers I inherited from my mother. I was about to put it on the donate pile unopened when I decided to just read it. As I suspected, it wasn’t particularly good but it did not take too long to read. The book is really three short stories about “Wall Street dick” (author’s words, not mine) Timothy Cone. It was published in 1987 but Cone is an updated tough guy/loner throwback to Hammett or Chandler. He is an investigator for a company that deals in corporate intelligence: vetting potential Wall Street business deals before the contract is signed.
Like the aforementioned authors’ works, The Timothy Files is very much a product of its time…slightly sexist and racist but at least showing women and people of color in responsible positions. It also committed one of my pet peeves is that every meal is described. And I mean EVERY meal that Cone eats: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, it would seem to me that even the densest Wall Street investigator would recognize a Ponzi scheme from page one…but maybe not 40 years ago? Maybe Bernie Madoff is the only reason I copped on.
The reader also get descriptions of every time old Tim gets laid. But maybe because this was in the enlightened 1980’s it is at least always with his steady girlfriend. These scenes were pretty terrible, “Their lovemaking, as usual, has desperation about it, but never more than that night. Their coupling is a punishing duet, played furioso. They seem determined to rend walls of flesh and penetrate to a bliss that might consume them both.” Ack, ack, ack.
Like the aforementioned authors’ works, The Timothy Files is very much a product of its time…slightly sexist and racist but at least showing women and people of color in responsible positions. It also committed one of my pet peeves is that every meal is described. And I mean EVERY meal that Cone eats: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, it would seem to me that even the densest Wall Street investigator would recognize a Ponzi scheme from page one…but maybe not 40 years ago? Maybe Bernie Madoff is the only reason I copped on.
The reader also get descriptions of every time old Tim gets laid. But maybe because this was in the enlightened 1980’s it is at least always with his steady girlfriend. These scenes were pretty terrible, “Their lovemaking, as usual, has desperation about it, but never more than that night. Their coupling is a punishing duet, played furioso. They seem determined to rend walls of flesh and penetrate to a bliss that might consume them both.” Ack, ack, ack.
July 27, 2020
You can't go far wrong when you pick up a Lawrence Sanders book, especially if you liked his 'Deadly Sin' series. But it's been a long time since I had my hands on one, so I wasn't so sure what I was getting myself into when I started reading The Timothy Files.
Set up as three books in one, each about 130 pages, the first introduces us to Timothy Cone, "The Wall Street Dick." And trust me, I don't think there are too many fictional protagonists who are quite like Cone.
Cone is skinny, slovenly and no great dresser, but he brain works just right — despite his diet of bare minimum nutrition with a lot of alcohol. In his first outing, he begin an investigation on the death of one of his fellow investigators, who the cops think committed suicide but Cone knows different.
Determined and straightforward, Cone digs into case and comes up with the goods, not only on the death of his peer, but the reasons why. And does the same pretty much in the next two books.
While there is no 'time' spelled out in the book, it feels like a 30s/50s mystery in which the man who people don't think much of somehow come up with the goods every time. You won't be taking Cone home for a family dinner but you just might share the Sanders book with all your reader friends. It grows on you and pretty soon, you begin to admire this 'Columbo' type (if you remember the old TV series) and enjoy his antics as he fights his battles with no charm, no smoozing but with strong hunches and bold moves. This is good reading.
Set up as three books in one, each about 130 pages, the first introduces us to Timothy Cone, "The Wall Street Dick." And trust me, I don't think there are too many fictional protagonists who are quite like Cone.
Cone is skinny, slovenly and no great dresser, but he brain works just right — despite his diet of bare minimum nutrition with a lot of alcohol. In his first outing, he begin an investigation on the death of one of his fellow investigators, who the cops think committed suicide but Cone knows different.
Determined and straightforward, Cone digs into case and comes up with the goods, not only on the death of his peer, but the reasons why. And does the same pretty much in the next two books.
While there is no 'time' spelled out in the book, it feels like a 30s/50s mystery in which the man who people don't think much of somehow come up with the goods every time. You won't be taking Cone home for a family dinner but you just might share the Sanders book with all your reader friends. It grows on you and pretty soon, you begin to admire this 'Columbo' type (if you remember the old TV series) and enjoy his antics as he fights his battles with no charm, no smoozing but with strong hunches and bold moves. This is good reading.
May 2, 2020
First of all this book is a collection of short stories. It didn’t say that anywhere on the jacket or in the description. I really don’t like short stories. I like to settle in to a book, and spend a lot of time with it, so short stories have never been good for me.
This book was also written in the 80’s. I was a teenager in the 80’s and grew up in Mississippi. If you had asked me i would have said, there isn’t racism in our country anymore. I was horribly wrong. It was cognitive dissonance. This book reeks of the subtle 80’s casual racism. I don’t believe it was intended by a racist author, but non the less there it was. There was an one black person in the first short. Every scene he was in there was a self deprecating joke about his race. There was always a remark like, “What’ll I be-the token spade?” and “You need a field hand an experienced cotton picker, you know where to find me.” Every scene he is in. It was very Sammy Davis Jr. and it just reminds of how sad it is that that was what they had to do to fit in with white America.
The story was good I enjoyed it. When I realized this was a short story I was disappointed when it ended. I wanted more, but I probably won’t read anymore in this series. There are a lot of books out there, with a little less racist lean. Whether intended or not.
This book was also written in the 80’s. I was a teenager in the 80’s and grew up in Mississippi. If you had asked me i would have said, there isn’t racism in our country anymore. I was horribly wrong. It was cognitive dissonance. This book reeks of the subtle 80’s casual racism. I don’t believe it was intended by a racist author, but non the less there it was. There was an one black person in the first short. Every scene he was in there was a self deprecating joke about his race. There was always a remark like, “What’ll I be-the token spade?” and “You need a field hand an experienced cotton picker, you know where to find me.” Every scene he is in. It was very Sammy Davis Jr. and it just reminds of how sad it is that that was what they had to do to fit in with white America.
The story was good I enjoyed it. When I realized this was a short story I was disappointed when it ended. I wanted more, but I probably won’t read anymore in this series. There are a lot of books out there, with a little less racist lean. Whether intended or not.
July 22, 2020
“The Timothy Files” by Lawrence Sanders is just that; the book consists of three (3) "files,” three (3) investigative cases ~ well let’s say it: it is three (3) novellas. Perhaps these were once creative thoughts for a series of books or a longer book based on the protagonist ~ Tim Cone or Timothy. Cone is a "Wall Street Detective" who is a financial investigator for a New York corporate intelligence company Haldering & Co., which is used by principals in mergers, buyouts, and takeovers.
There are three novellas in this book which focus on a different case and client of Haldering & Co. The cases were somewhat predictable, especially the last story which was also perhaps the most interesting of the mysteries. I did like Cone, the lead character, who is a bit slovenly and bends the rules, but knows what's important. Also, I really liked his interaction and relationship with Cleo and also his supervisor at work, Samantha, his love interest. Oh, I should mention the Cleo is his cat, and his relationship with Cleo is amusing. Sadly, this is not one of Sanders best, but it is still an enjoyable escape into the world of financial investments.
There are three novellas in this book which focus on a different case and client of Haldering & Co. The cases were somewhat predictable, especially the last story which was also perhaps the most interesting of the mysteries. I did like Cone, the lead character, who is a bit slovenly and bends the rules, but knows what's important. Also, I really liked his interaction and relationship with Cleo and also his supervisor at work, Samantha, his love interest. Oh, I should mention the Cleo is his cat, and his relationship with Cleo is amusing. Sadly, this is not one of Sanders best, but it is still an enjoyable escape into the world of financial investments.
September 11, 2017
I didn't realize this was three short stories (and so is Timothy's Game). There didn't seem like enough time to develope the character. Just bits and pieces. And the stories reflected that. Granted I got on the Sanders train with McNally so I had a little catching up to do, but I am starting to think that the McNally series might be my favorite. But, as the three stories showed some progress so too might Timothy's Game.
May 10, 2020
Each story stood on it's on with the main characters being part of all three stories. If I had to pick a favorite of the three, I couldn't. They were all that good.
As with most Lawrence Sanders books they (this one included) are an easy read with very good story lines. You won't go wrong with buying this book, particularly where you can read each novella in one to two days.
As with most Lawrence Sanders books they (this one included) are an easy read with very good story lines. You won't go wrong with buying this book, particularly where you can read each novella in one to two days.
June 19, 2021
Cone is perhaps the oddest, yet most humorous detective in all of the crime novels I’ve read: sartorially inept, emotionally repressed, inattentive, unromantic, disorganized and unhealthy. Yet he gets the job done and is funny as hell. And Cleo is the only cat I’ve ever liked. I’ve read the book more times than I care to admit.
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. I would recommend this novel and the series too anyone who enjoys an old fashion mystery. Enjoy reading 2007
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. I would recommend this novel and the series too anyone who enjoys an old fashion mystery. Enjoy reading 2007
I read this as an e-book from the local library
May 6, 2021
This book is actually made up of three cases. They are centered around a Wall Street investigator who is looking into suspected shenanigans concerning business deals. There are also murders thrown in for good measure. I majored in business in college so I thought the cases were interesting.
July 5, 2021
This was such fun! Old time detective work…..It cannot get any better than that! I loved it! Timothy Cone is smart but cocky, brash, honest with a twisted sense of humor. He is a great character. This three book series is a win win.
April 27, 2023
Timothy is not in the same mold as Archie McNally as far as the way he looks but is just as good in the detective mold. Timothy works in the financial world doing research for financial deals. Timothy has some quirks in the way he does things. Overall a good read. Recommended.
November 9, 2023
Meh. It's dated. Tries to come off as hard boiled detective instead just comes off as sexist. Characters are pretty flat and mysteries don't have much to them. It's a fast pulpy read, but there are better fast pulpy reads out there.
September 20, 2024
Gracias a la biblioteca del colegio por darme este libro, me gustó bastante, aunque tarde mucho en terminarlo más bien fue porque no tenia tiempo, pero en ningún momento me parecio aburrido. Medio genérico los personajes pero me gustaron las historias
July 25, 2026
Great read!
Lawrence Sanders never disappoints. Timothy Cone is intriguing as are the other protagonists. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a little humor with their mysteries.
Lawrence Sanders never disappoints. Timothy Cone is intriguing as are the other protagonists. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a little humor with their mysteries.
May 10, 2020
3 novella length stories that can be read independently. Not a light read, but not heavy.
March 26, 2021
A fun read.
May 11, 2021
Timothy Cone trilogy
Fun read. The author makes me laugh with his side jokes! Entertaining and love Cleo the cat! A fun read with a cast of interesting characters!!
Fun read. The author makes me laugh with his side jokes! Entertaining and love Cleo the cat! A fun read with a cast of interesting characters!!
Read
May 19, 2021I really liked this book because when I was reading it it became more and more interesting.
June 28, 2021
These people have serious drinking/smoking problems .. I actually loved this book though and it went by super quickly
March 1, 2023
Pleasant and easy to temporarily suspend my disbelief while I rapidly devoured this book.
May 23, 2024
Like the protagonist, although I wish he wasn't such a slob. As a finance geek, I love the financial frauds he investigates and solves.
December 10, 2024
Novela de detectives. Al principio me costó, luego me empezó a gustar .
El tema de la relación sexo-afectiva, para mí está de más.
El tema de la relación sexo-afectiva, para mí está de más.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews