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Nameless Detective #30
Mourners
"Nameless" had seen enough death in his years; spending his time watching someone drive to several funerals a day, funerals for people he didn't know, was more than he could take. And he had a non-professional problem of his own: his relationship with his wife, Kerry, had hit a wall and nothing he did got him over it and to the other side. There was one possibility, one thing he'd done (or not done), but knowing that didn't seem to help…
Also not helping was the mood in the office. Tamara had something eating at her and Jake…well, Jake needed a case so he could stop thinking about what was happening with his son. It was a mournful time for everyone.
Then the bits and pieces began to fall into place: The funerals James Troxell was attending were all for women who had died violently. Was he responsible? One woman thought so, thought Troxell had killed her sister, and her insistence was becoming a problem.
Too many deaths, too many roads leading nowhere, too many crimes and secrets and fears were coming together as heavy as the fog rolling over the Bay. Too many answers were needed before there'd be sunshine again for anyone and the mourning could stop.
Also not helping was the mood in the office. Tamara had something eating at her and Jake…well, Jake needed a case so he could stop thinking about what was happening with his son. It was a mournful time for everyone.
Then the bits and pieces began to fall into place: The funerals James Troxell was attending were all for women who had died violently. Was he responsible? One woman thought so, thought Troxell had killed her sister, and her insistence was becoming a problem.
Too many deaths, too many roads leading nowhere, too many crimes and secrets and fears were coming together as heavy as the fog rolling over the Bay. Too many answers were needed before there'd be sunshine again for anyone and the mourning could stop.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Bill Pronzini
625 books235 followersMystery Writers of America Awards "Grand Master" 2008
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1999) for Boobytrap
Edgar Awards Best Novel nominee (1998) for A Wasteland of Strangers
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) for Sentinels
Shamus Awards "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) 1987
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1982) for Hoodwink
Married to author Marcia Muller.
Pseudonyms:
Robert Hart Davis (collaboration with Jeffrey M. Wallmann)
Jack Foxx
William Jeffrey (collaboration with Jeffrey M. Wallmann)
Alex Saxon
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1999) for Boobytrap
Edgar Awards Best Novel nominee (1998) for A Wasteland of Strangers
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) for Sentinels
Shamus Awards "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) 1987
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1982) for Hoodwink
Married to author Marcia Muller.
Pseudonyms:
Robert Hart Davis (collaboration with Jeffrey M. Wallmann)
Jack Foxx
William Jeffrey (collaboration with Jeffrey M. Wallmann)
Alex Saxon
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 8, 2017
These books have really turned out to have staying power with me. "Nameless" walks that fine line between showing concern and being nosey with the people he cares about. I enjoy his internal dialog....he's a worrier. Very interesting mystery this time along with good recurring character development.
December 10, 2019
You could say I have a long-term relationship with the “Nameless Detective” series. I have read thirty volumes in the series—in order—so far. I am a faithful man at heart, inclined not to stray, but I have to admit that my relationship with Miss “Nameless Detective” is not as happy as it once was.
Here are my reasons:
1) She used to be trim and full of energy, but now she is overweight and tired. Pronzini’s books used to be about 75,000 words in length—my ideal—but in the last few books he has adjusted to the recent practice of writing books of about 90,000 words. But that length doesn’t feel organic for him. The new books feel padded, drawn out, without the customary sharpness and focus.
2) She is so obsessed with herself and her problems, I’m not sure who she is anymore.. It used to be that Nameless’ first person voice was the only narrator. But now all the main characters in each of the books seem to have their own problems and their own point-of-view (third-person limited for everybody but Nameless.) Nameless’ wife Kerry isn’t sure who her father is, and is experiencing a major health scare; his partner Tamara has just been dumped by her long-distance boyfriend, and is angry and out on the prowl; and his new operative Jack is still mourning his wife and coping with the estrangement from his sun. And they all have something to say. To much to say, if you ask this reader. It gets in the way of the plot.
3) She used to be captivating, mysterious. But now I’m familiar with all her tricks. I’m afraid the mystery is gone. There are two mysteries to solve in this particular adventure, and I figured out the responsible parties—and how and why did what they did—when I was only half-way through the book. That’s too soon. Three-quarters of the way is ideal, two-thirds acceptable, but half-way through? That spoils the fun.
So that’s it. As I say, I am at heart a faithful man, so I’ll probably go ahead and read the last ten books in the series. But—although I hate to admit it—I’m thinking seriously about picking up another cute little series on the side.
November 3, 2020
Yes, you read it right. Mourners is the 30th book of the A Nameless Detective Series. And this is the 1st book I've read on the series.
DISCLAIMER: I am not quite sure if I need to read the prior books to make sense of the story.
Here, I followed the Nameless Detective Agency's in their new assignment. A man was attending different funerals of women who have been murdered. Was he the one responsible for the violent deaths of these women?
For me, this book is a nice and fast read. However, it did not really picked or hyped my emotion for me to consider it one of the best detective novels. It was okay. Maybe because I am in a reading slump or maybe because I haven't read the first 29 books. But nonetheless, it has a balance amount of suspense, drama and melancholy in it that will keep a reader want to dive in more.
The question now is, should I look for the 1st 29 books to read? Another commitment I am not sure I can commit.
DISCLAIMER: I am not quite sure if I need to read the prior books to make sense of the story.
Here, I followed the Nameless Detective Agency's in their new assignment. A man was attending different funerals of women who have been murdered. Was he the one responsible for the violent deaths of these women?
For me, this book is a nice and fast read. However, it did not really picked or hyped my emotion for me to consider it one of the best detective novels. It was okay. Maybe because I am in a reading slump or maybe because I haven't read the first 29 books. But nonetheless, it has a balance amount of suspense, drama and melancholy in it that will keep a reader want to dive in more.
The question now is, should I look for the 1st 29 books to read? Another commitment I am not sure I can commit.
October 17, 2022
In this, the 30th in the Nameless Detective series by Bill Pronzini, our protagonist and his small agency try to figure out the erratic behavior of their client's husband. He's not suspected of infidelity, and it turns out he's not seeing another woman (or man either for that matter) but it turns out to be a very odd but fascinating situation.
The team also work to solve a cold case of a client's sister who was murdered and raped (yes, in that order) that the police seem to have put the case on the back burner.
These books don't have the flash and intensity of some others, but they're never a disappointment, at least not yet.
The team also work to solve a cold case of a client's sister who was murdered and raped (yes, in that order) that the police seem to have put the case on the back burner.
These books don't have the flash and intensity of some others, but they're never a disappointment, at least not yet.
June 16, 2017
Bill Pronzini writes a good solid mystery, and this one is no different. I've been making my way through his "Nameless Detective" books for over fifteen years now. Pronzini has added characters and his main protagonist has aged and evolved so that we see him as real. This storyline is quite interesting. I was kept intrigued as to how it would be resolved. There is suspense and concern over the fate of the characters. I very good read! Pronzini has also written some westerns that I haven't tried, it may have to if I catch up with him on his crime novels.
September 14, 2021
Another great Nameless mystery in a long line of them. I'm going to be so depressed once I finish this series.
August 14, 2007
MOURNERS (Private Invest-San Francisco-Cont) – Ex
Pronzini, Bill – 30th in series
Forge, 2006- Hardcover
The “Nameless” agency team knows about separation and death. “Nameless” friend and partner committed suicide, Jake Runyon’s wife died of cancer and Tamara’s love has moved to Philadelphia. The agency has been hired, by his wife,to follow James Troxell. Rather than another woman, they find he is attending the funerals of women who have been raped and murdered. At a cemetery, Jake sees a young woman who reminds him of his late wife and who’s sister was a victim. What is Troxell’s connection to these victims?
*** Pronzini is such a fine writer. He takes, what could be, a basic mystery and layers it with text that deepens and enriches the plot. On the top level, this is a very good mystery. It leads the reader on a fascinating trail finding out exactly what the object character is up to. The sense of place, dialogue and suspense are all very well done. You become involved with all the characters and care about them. Even the minor, and somewhat unlikable, characters are ones you recognize. On a second level is the story of grief and mourning; it’s many forms and the impact it has on various people’s lives. I can’t’ say enough about this book. I am ready for the next in the series, and determinedly looking for the ones I’m missing. If you’ve not read this series, even with a few slight misses, start at the beginning and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!.
Pronzini, Bill – 30th in series
Forge, 2006- Hardcover
The “Nameless” agency team knows about separation and death. “Nameless” friend and partner committed suicide, Jake Runyon’s wife died of cancer and Tamara’s love has moved to Philadelphia. The agency has been hired, by his wife,to follow James Troxell. Rather than another woman, they find he is attending the funerals of women who have been raped and murdered. At a cemetery, Jake sees a young woman who reminds him of his late wife and who’s sister was a victim. What is Troxell’s connection to these victims?
*** Pronzini is such a fine writer. He takes, what could be, a basic mystery and layers it with text that deepens and enriches the plot. On the top level, this is a very good mystery. It leads the reader on a fascinating trail finding out exactly what the object character is up to. The sense of place, dialogue and suspense are all very well done. You become involved with all the characters and care about them. Even the minor, and somewhat unlikable, characters are ones you recognize. On a second level is the story of grief and mourning; it’s many forms and the impact it has on various people’s lives. I can’t’ say enough about this book. I am ready for the next in the series, and determinedly looking for the ones I’m missing. If you’ve not read this series, even with a few slight misses, start at the beginning and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!.
March 30, 2015
The agency is hired by a wife to follow her husband James Troxell who is acting suspiciously. She fervently believes he is not having an affair, but wants to find out what is going on. Jake Runyon discovers Troxell is attending funerals of women who were violently murdered and has also rented a secret crash pad. Is Troxell the killer? One of the sisters of a murdered woman zeros in on Troxell’s odd behavior at her sisters funeral and thinks he might be the killer. Good mystery; good suspense. The story gets dragged down by personal drama in the detectives’ lives, particularly Bill’s wife Kerry’s medical issues and Tamara’s love life – yawn. Kerry argues endlessly over every.. little.. thing. This is my second Nameless book and she did it in the last book, too. I wanted to divorce her myself. There were also some odd, possibly inappropriate conversations about sex between Bill and his young daughter that made me a bit uncomfortable. I know I am a geezer, but still….
April 23, 2017
Nameless was hired by a wife who wanted to learn why her husband was spending so much time away from home, at night. The surveillance takes him to funeral after funeral and cemetery after cemetery. Nameless looked into the husband’s background and what he found explained the man’s behavior. Meanwhile, Tamara, Nameless’s assistant is having boyfriend problems and Jake, Nameless’s co-private eye, needs a new case to take his mind off his dead wife. Nameless’s wife Carrie is going through something that she is not sharing with him and being the good guy he is, he patiently waits for her to share her problems with him. Emily, Nameless’s daughter is worried about her mom and that concerns Nameless.
The Nameless Detective Series is one of my favorite series and Mourners was a great addition to the series. Nick Sullivan did a great job in storytelling.
The Nameless Detective Series is one of my favorite series and Mourners was a great addition to the series. Nick Sullivan did a great job in storytelling.
October 17, 2018
"[...] his strange pattern of conduct had escalated at about the same time as the murder. It could be a coincidence, of course. It could also be that the crime has somehow triggered his mourner obsession, dormant or subdued in him since his childhood trauma."
Mourners (2006) is the 33rd book (by my own, obviously incorrect count) in the famous series featuring the unnamed detective. I definitely prefer much earlier novels in the series: they do not have the feel of a literary soap opera where in each installment we meet the same characters and participate in their everyday lives and emotional relationships. To paraphrase the famous proverb, I believe that "familiarity breeds boredom." I would much prefer the consecutive novels to be stripped of the characters of Kerry, Tamara, and Jake Runyon, or at least - if the author wants to mention them - have their appearances reduced to incidental. Obviously, my preferences are not in the mainstream.
The detective watches Mr. Troxell, a well-off financial consultant, attend a funeral in the Bay Area. Just the day before Troxell watched two other funerals. The detective has been hired by the fervent mourner's wife, alarmed by significant changes in her husband's behavior. We learn that Troxell underwent a deeply traumatic experience in his childhood. The setup of the novel is promising and I hoped that Pronzini would display his usual solid handling of the story.
The plot indeed becomes quite interesting when Troxell is seen in a cemetery placing a wreath on the grave of a woman who had recently been a victim of rape and murder. Naturally, the investigation focuses on exploring possible connections. Alas, Mr. Pronzini decides to switch to the soap opera mode and the reader is treated to several side threads. Two of them feature Kerry (the detective's wife) and Jack Runyon (an operative in the detective's firm) both of whom face really serious life problems. In another thread, written in a slightly comedic mood, we follow the tribulations of Tamara (the de facto boss in the detective's firm), who seems to have been dumped by her boyfriend. There are references to Kerry's distant past and the detective has a failed "birds-and-bees" conversation with his daughter. Readers who thrive on conceptual continuity of novels in a series will love this stuff.
Luckily for me, the denouement avoids sharp twists and turns, yet it might be the reason that it feels too anticlimactic. I intensely dislike two items in the novel. While the whole Russ Dancer's thread is annoyingly cliché the gratuitous inclusion of Tamara's incident with Mr. Clement is even worse - it would take a much better writer to successfully pull it off.
I have one more of the new installments of the series on my shelf, but then I will return to the older ones. Reading about the same characters over and over again, may be a harmless way of spending time but I prefer to spend it with a new set of characters in each book.
Two stars.
Mourners (2006) is the 33rd book (by my own, obviously incorrect count) in the famous series featuring the unnamed detective. I definitely prefer much earlier novels in the series: they do not have the feel of a literary soap opera where in each installment we meet the same characters and participate in their everyday lives and emotional relationships. To paraphrase the famous proverb, I believe that "familiarity breeds boredom." I would much prefer the consecutive novels to be stripped of the characters of Kerry, Tamara, and Jake Runyon, or at least - if the author wants to mention them - have their appearances reduced to incidental. Obviously, my preferences are not in the mainstream.
The detective watches Mr. Troxell, a well-off financial consultant, attend a funeral in the Bay Area. Just the day before Troxell watched two other funerals. The detective has been hired by the fervent mourner's wife, alarmed by significant changes in her husband's behavior. We learn that Troxell underwent a deeply traumatic experience in his childhood. The setup of the novel is promising and I hoped that Pronzini would display his usual solid handling of the story.
The plot indeed becomes quite interesting when Troxell is seen in a cemetery placing a wreath on the grave of a woman who had recently been a victim of rape and murder. Naturally, the investigation focuses on exploring possible connections. Alas, Mr. Pronzini decides to switch to the soap opera mode and the reader is treated to several side threads. Two of them feature Kerry (the detective's wife) and Jack Runyon (an operative in the detective's firm) both of whom face really serious life problems. In another thread, written in a slightly comedic mood, we follow the tribulations of Tamara (the de facto boss in the detective's firm), who seems to have been dumped by her boyfriend. There are references to Kerry's distant past and the detective has a failed "birds-and-bees" conversation with his daughter. Readers who thrive on conceptual continuity of novels in a series will love this stuff.
Luckily for me, the denouement avoids sharp twists and turns, yet it might be the reason that it feels too anticlimactic. I intensely dislike two items in the novel. While the whole Russ Dancer's thread is annoyingly cliché the gratuitous inclusion of Tamara's incident with Mr. Clement is even worse - it would take a much better writer to successfully pull it off.
I have one more of the new installments of the series on my shelf, but then I will return to the older ones. Reading about the same characters over and over again, may be a harmless way of spending time but I prefer to spend it with a new set of characters in each book.
Two stars.
March 5, 2018
I picked this one because I liked the cover :) , thereby defied the most common cliche of literary world..
I often indulge in such 'idiocy' and pick up a book randomly without 'consulting' goodreads or google.
I've read some atrocious stuff because of such risky move but I've often discovered some hidden gems as well..
Bill Pronzini is one such gem and I strongly recommend him to those who want to enjoy a mystery writter whose style is simple,engaging and highly satisfying.
Mourners is not one of his best works I hear but still an excellent thriller nevertheless. I was hooked right from page 1 and it had a methodical , realistic PI flavour throughout.
Plot? Well, I picked this one randomly..why don't you do the same for a change :)
I often indulge in such 'idiocy' and pick up a book randomly without 'consulting' goodreads or google.
I've read some atrocious stuff because of such risky move but I've often discovered some hidden gems as well..
Bill Pronzini is one such gem and I strongly recommend him to those who want to enjoy a mystery writter whose style is simple,engaging and highly satisfying.
Mourners is not one of his best works I hear but still an excellent thriller nevertheless. I was hooked right from page 1 and it had a methodical , realistic PI flavour throughout.
Plot? Well, I picked this one randomly..why don't you do the same for a change :)
June 20, 2020
Latest Nameless investigation
The agency is tailing a businessman for his wife. It is not another woman, he is attending funerals of victims of violent crimes - all women.
Apparently he witnessed a kidnapping at Golden Gate Park and did not report it or follow the car. He felt so bad when he realized she was killed and raped he became unbalanced. He shoots himself after being confronted with his activities.
Bill thinks it was his 'best friend" who prompted the suicide so he could step in on the widow.
Fast, interesting plot.
The agency is tailing a businessman for his wife. It is not another woman, he is attending funerals of victims of violent crimes - all women.
Apparently he witnessed a kidnapping at Golden Gate Park and did not report it or follow the car. He felt so bad when he realized she was killed and raped he became unbalanced. He shoots himself after being confronted with his activities.
Bill thinks it was his 'best friend" who prompted the suicide so he could step in on the widow.
Fast, interesting plot.
July 13, 2024
As always, Nameless starts off with one but ends up solving three..personal with Kerry, the hired investigation, and a side case that becomes Runyon's closure.
Nameless has this uncanny ability to see people not for who they portray but for who they really are, and you see that whwn he wraps up a case and when he "allows" people to use their skills. I also think Runyon's pain is his strength..the loss of his wife helps him because he remembers her...for her and the love they share.
Now, who is Kerry's biological father? Not her Dad...that was Ivan.
Nameless has this uncanny ability to see people not for who they portray but for who they really are, and you see that whwn he wraps up a case and when he "allows" people to use their skills. I also think Runyon's pain is his strength..the loss of his wife helps him because he remembers her...for her and the love they share.
Now, who is Kerry's biological father? Not her Dad...that was Ivan.
May 13, 2024
Not my absolute favorite from this author, but it was definitely one of the best. Kept me guessing the entire way through, the only thing that was somewhat annoying was Kerry keeping a secret that it doesn't make any sense you would keep from your husband, and Tamara's episode with Mr. Clement could just be completely redlined out of the book. Not even sure WHAT that was. But it will definitely keep you engaged and interested, and most people will not guess the ending!
January 21, 2018
The main story wasn't amazing, but the supporting stories carried this one. Jake having flashbacks to is deceased wife that drive him to do things things out of his comfort zone. Tamara's problems with Horace and finally with Bill having to deal with Russ's mess and Kerry's secret. Pretty good.
May 20, 2024
It was a decent read. HIs earlier books were better, though. Took me awhile to slog through Tamara's soap opera-ish sex problems, and l am not sure how they are relevant. Wondering if a ghostwriter wrote this.
June 15, 2017
Well done story with many of the characters in mourning. But there are murders to solve.
August 24, 2017
Like his writing and his plots. Always more to them.
February 20, 2018
Enjoyable read , Nameless is my go to when I'm looking for an easy story with great characters....
June 5, 2019
3.75. Simple story but good believable characters. Depressed man relieves his ‘guilt’ by buying tombstones & sending flowers to random women victims of violent deaths. Why?
November 26, 2020
A good read. So many interpersonal complications.
September 30, 2021
Short on excitement
March 31, 2023
Large print reread. Enjoyed meeting Nameless again, although he is now Bill, and love the cat named Shameless, very in joke. Skipped a bit of violence, but otherwise relly liked it again.
September 12, 2013
Here is a list of all the books (in order) Happy Reading.
1971 The Snatch Random House
1973 The Vanished Random House
1973 Undercurrents Random House
1977 Blowback Ramdom House
1978 Twospot Putman
1980 Laybrinth St. Martin's Press
1980 A Killing In Xanadu Waves Press
1981 Hoodwinked St. Martin's Press
1982 Scattershot St. Martin's Press
1982 Dragonfire St. Martin's Press
1983 Bindlestiff St. Martin's Press
1983 Casefile St. Martin's Press
1984 Quicksilver St. Martin's Press
1984 Nightshades St. Martin's Press
1984 Double St. Martin's Press
1985 Bones St. Martin's Press
1985 Grave Yard Plots St. Martin's Press
1886 Dreadfall St. Martin's Press
1988 Shackles St. Martin's Press
1988 Small Fellonies St. Martin's Press
1990 Jackpot Delacorte
1991 Breakdown Delacorte
1992 Quarry Delacorte
1992 Epitaths Delacorte
1993 Demons Delacorte
1995 Hardcase Delacorte
1996 Spadework Crippen & Landru
1996 Sentinels Carroll & Graf
1997 Illusions Carroll & Graf
1998 Boobytrap Carroll & Graf
1999 Sluths Five Star
1999 Duo Five Star
2000 Crazybones Carroll & Graf
2002 Bleeders Carroll & Graf
2003 Spook Carroll & Graf
2003 Scenarios Five Star
2005 Nightcrawlers Forge
2006 Mourners Forge
2007 Savages Forge
2008 Feaver Forge
2009 Schemers Forge
2010 Betrayers Forge
2011 Camouflage Forge
2012 Hellbox Forge
2012 Kinsmen Cemetery Dance
2012 Femme Cemetery Dance
2013 Nemesis Forge
1971 The Snatch Random House
1973 The Vanished Random House
1973 Undercurrents Random House
1977 Blowback Ramdom House
1978 Twospot Putman
1980 Laybrinth St. Martin's Press
1980 A Killing In Xanadu Waves Press
1981 Hoodwinked St. Martin's Press
1982 Scattershot St. Martin's Press
1982 Dragonfire St. Martin's Press
1983 Bindlestiff St. Martin's Press
1983 Casefile St. Martin's Press
1984 Quicksilver St. Martin's Press
1984 Nightshades St. Martin's Press
1984 Double St. Martin's Press
1985 Bones St. Martin's Press
1985 Grave Yard Plots St. Martin's Press
1886 Dreadfall St. Martin's Press
1988 Shackles St. Martin's Press
1988 Small Fellonies St. Martin's Press
1990 Jackpot Delacorte
1991 Breakdown Delacorte
1992 Quarry Delacorte
1992 Epitaths Delacorte
1993 Demons Delacorte
1995 Hardcase Delacorte
1996 Spadework Crippen & Landru
1996 Sentinels Carroll & Graf
1997 Illusions Carroll & Graf
1998 Boobytrap Carroll & Graf
1999 Sluths Five Star
1999 Duo Five Star
2000 Crazybones Carroll & Graf
2002 Bleeders Carroll & Graf
2003 Spook Carroll & Graf
2003 Scenarios Five Star
2005 Nightcrawlers Forge
2006 Mourners Forge
2007 Savages Forge
2008 Feaver Forge
2009 Schemers Forge
2010 Betrayers Forge
2011 Camouflage Forge
2012 Hellbox Forge
2012 Kinsmen Cemetery Dance
2012 Femme Cemetery Dance
2013 Nemesis Forge
April 30, 2013
Nameless was hired by a wife who wanted to learn why her husband was spending so much time away from home, at night. The surveillance takes him to funeral after funeral and cemetery after cemetery. Nameless looked into the husband’s background and what he found explained the man’s behavior. Meanwhile, Tamara, Nameless’s assistant is having boyfriend problems and Jake, Nameless’s co-private eye, needs a new case to take his mind off his dead wife. Nameless’s wife Carrie is going through something that she is not sharing with him and being the good guy he is, he patiently waits for her to share her problems with him. Emily, Nameless’s daughter is worried about her mom and that concerns Nameless.
The Nameless Detective Series is one of my favorite series and Mourners was a great addition to the series. Nick Sullivan did a great job in storytelling.
(less)
The Nameless Detective Series is one of my favorite series and Mourners was a great addition to the series. Nick Sullivan did a great job in storytelling.
(less)
July 5, 2010
The Nameless Detective Agency is hired by the wife of a financial consultant to follow her husband who has started acting very strangely and disappearing for periods of time. The investigation leads to a second mystery - the murder of a young woman. Never having read the Nameless Detective series, I mistakenly started with this, the 31st, for a F2F group read. As I usually do when reading out-of-order, I felt like a fish out of water and regretted not knowing the characters' back stories. I finished the book vaguely dissatisfied. The plot was okay, but I felt that the strength of this book, and of this series, must lie in the characters and their development. My insight was just too limited.
April 3, 2007
My first nameless detective book. I have a large amount of authors I read, but keep catching up with all their boooks, so I'm always on the lookout, especially for new mystery writers. Jury is out after this one. Sometimes an author hooks me right away, sometimes I know it won't work right away. I struggle with the ones that are in between, because sometimes I need two or three books to decide! Sometimes it writing style, sometimes it's setting, sometimes dialog or plot. Let you know when I read more.
June 11, 2009
Bill Pronzini has written some of my favorite mysteries. Unfortunately, this was not one of them. I really like the "Nameless Detective" series but I have not read one for so long, I felt somewhat lost with some of the characters. I really struggled caring about the receptionist's dating life or sickness at home. I really enjoyed the part of this book that stuck to the mystery and will certainly read more from Pronzini. Read "A Wasteland of Strangers" or "Shackles" to thoroughly enjoy Pronzini.
May 16, 2010
It's been a while since I've read Pronzini and I think I had read this one before, but I was particularly interested in his development of the story. The "Nameless" chapters were in first person, but other chapters were headed by other characters and told in their POV, but in third person.
There were a couple chapters that just extended the book and could have been omitted without affecting the story at all.
There was a character named Bill that appeared part way through and I couldn't place him for a couple chapters. Well, Bill is the name of Nameless!
There were a couple chapters that just extended the book and could have been omitted without affecting the story at all.
There was a character named Bill that appeared part way through and I couldn't place him for a couple chapters. Well, Bill is the name of Nameless!
February 14, 2010
Everyone in this book is on a heart-wrenching bum trip and refusing to pull themselves out of it. There's a crime but we don't really get to solve it. We get to listen to everyone belabor their misfortunes while we catch the guy who we know did it. Gets two stars for being a half-way decent soap opera and where I'm not a fan of soaps, they have their place in the world occupying folks who haven't figured out that they have the ability to direct their own lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews