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Lou Fleener Mystery #1
Missing Amanda
1950’S NOIR IS BACK— BUT
WITH TONGUE FIRMLY IN CHEEK!
P.I. Lou Fleener’s got a great disguise—he’s kind of short, slightly pudgy, and a little nondescript. But whatever you do, don’t get in a fight with him, even if you’ve brought a couple of buddies. Because you’re gonna lose every time. Some people just have a gift.
One of Lou’s is that nobody ever sees him coming, and he’s pretty much the Bruce Lee of street fighting. Who they see—especially if they’re female—is his tall, handsome friend Monk, and that brings us to Lou’s second superpower. He’s got a little something for the ladies too—he can dance like an Arthur Murray instructor.
Not your average 1950s Chicago P.I.
Duane Lindsay’s fresh take on the tough-guy detective is nicely buttressed by humor, graceful writing, and big, fun plots that sometimes evolve into intricate capers. Like this one.
It starts out nice and easy. Lou—an expert in Chicago gangster lore—is hired against his better judgment to find the adorable missing daughter of a wise guy. Only Amanda’s not really missing. In fact, there is no Amanda. The gangster’s got a devious agenda of his own.
But by the time Lou’s found that out, he’s got four crime bosses gunning for him, and he’s plenty pissed off. Not only should you never fight with Lou Fleener, you should also never piss him off. He quickly enlists Monk to outplot the plotters— because Monk’s super power is working out intricate and diabolical revenge plans. Next thing you know, Lou, Monk, a ragtag bunch of other P.I.s and blonde, intrepid Cassidy, Lou’s new squeeze, are conducting a dizzying array of heists that whisk the reader around glorious 1950’s Chicago.
If it all works, they get to live. And they might get rich. And for sure, somebody gets the girl.
Hard-boiled and caper readers step up—because here Lindsay pulls off a trick few writers who aren’t Donald Westlake will even attempt—he manages to create a noir yet delightfully careening and often humorous read.
Who else will like it? Well, since it pretty much has everything, pretty much all mystery fans, whether your favorite sub-genre is 50s pulp, noir, caper, or even cozy (because of the endearing characters, fun plot, and good humor). In particular fans of Westlake, Lawrence Block and Tim Hallinan (when in burglar mode), Thomas Perry, and TV shows like Good Girls and Imposters.
WITH TONGUE FIRMLY IN CHEEK!
P.I. Lou Fleener’s got a great disguise—he’s kind of short, slightly pudgy, and a little nondescript. But whatever you do, don’t get in a fight with him, even if you’ve brought a couple of buddies. Because you’re gonna lose every time. Some people just have a gift.
One of Lou’s is that nobody ever sees him coming, and he’s pretty much the Bruce Lee of street fighting. Who they see—especially if they’re female—is his tall, handsome friend Monk, and that brings us to Lou’s second superpower. He’s got a little something for the ladies too—he can dance like an Arthur Murray instructor.
Not your average 1950s Chicago P.I.
Duane Lindsay’s fresh take on the tough-guy detective is nicely buttressed by humor, graceful writing, and big, fun plots that sometimes evolve into intricate capers. Like this one.
It starts out nice and easy. Lou—an expert in Chicago gangster lore—is hired against his better judgment to find the adorable missing daughter of a wise guy. Only Amanda’s not really missing. In fact, there is no Amanda. The gangster’s got a devious agenda of his own.
But by the time Lou’s found that out, he’s got four crime bosses gunning for him, and he’s plenty pissed off. Not only should you never fight with Lou Fleener, you should also never piss him off. He quickly enlists Monk to outplot the plotters— because Monk’s super power is working out intricate and diabolical revenge plans. Next thing you know, Lou, Monk, a ragtag bunch of other P.I.s and blonde, intrepid Cassidy, Lou’s new squeeze, are conducting a dizzying array of heists that whisk the reader around glorious 1950’s Chicago.
If it all works, they get to live. And they might get rich. And for sure, somebody gets the girl.
Hard-boiled and caper readers step up—because here Lindsay pulls off a trick few writers who aren’t Donald Westlake will even attempt—he manages to create a noir yet delightfully careening and often humorous read.
Who else will like it? Well, since it pretty much has everything, pretty much all mystery fans, whether your favorite sub-genre is 50s pulp, noir, caper, or even cozy (because of the endearing characters, fun plot, and good humor). In particular fans of Westlake, Lawrence Block and Tim Hallinan (when in burglar mode), Thomas Perry, and TV shows like Good Girls and Imposters.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2016
524 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 25, 2016
Very entertaining and enjoyable! If you are a fan of Donald Westlake.Carl Hiaasen,Paul Levine,Tim Dorsey and Lawrence Block's Bernie Rhodenbarr series this a MUST READ!
March 4, 2018
GA I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Duane Lindsay in exchange for an honest review. Thank you sir for sharing your hard work with me.
The Windy City in the late 1950's was a melting pot of serious serial problems that took many years to shake out. Duane Lindsay covers the problems and solutions of Chicago in that period with both grit and humor. I loved Lou Fleener, and his buddy Monk - Dion Monkton - trying to be on the side of good with a handshake and another plan when that one goes bad. Monk is a big guy, movie star handsome and a great distraction when wiry little Lou Fleener gets started with his lethal routine of getting there and getting even. And man, can he dance!
Missing Amanda was a quick, interesting read that kept me guessing. You can be sure I will be looking for other books by Duane Lindsay and can recommend this one heartily.
The Windy City in the late 1950's was a melting pot of serious serial problems that took many years to shake out. Duane Lindsay covers the problems and solutions of Chicago in that period with both grit and humor. I loved Lou Fleener, and his buddy Monk - Dion Monkton - trying to be on the side of good with a handshake and another plan when that one goes bad. Monk is a big guy, movie star handsome and a great distraction when wiry little Lou Fleener gets started with his lethal routine of getting there and getting even. And man, can he dance!
Missing Amanda was a quick, interesting read that kept me guessing. You can be sure I will be looking for other books by Duane Lindsay and can recommend this one heartily.
June 18, 2016
This is a fun read, also suspenseful as Lou Fleener, a private investigator is hired by the mob to find Duke Braddock'd daughter, Amanda. Lou's team is going to find something isn't quite right about the request and when they discover what Duke Braddock is really up to, they take on the mob and it is an old time gangster mystery. I think this book is going to appeal to a lot of readers.It's not just a mystery, but the author adds in humor and takes readers back in time for a great read.
April 22, 2024
A light and very entertaining read, with some really interesting characters and good humour, however this is not really a noir (or neo-noir) mystery as more of a mixture of thriller and heist book or something like that. I think the story was quite far-fetched and so was the ending, but despite that I really enjoyed reading it, mostly due to a cast of well-written characters and funny, snappy prose. I will definitely pick up book 2.
March 2, 2024
Minimal amount of characters to follow and well developed. Plenty of action and conflict between the Chicago mob and main characters. Enjoyed the plot development and ending.
May 2, 2016
Lou Fleener is a short, dumpy private eye who can fight like the devil and dance like Fred Astaire. His friend, Dion (Monk) Monkton, is handsome as Cary Grant on his best day ever and very, very smart. When the two of them are hoodwinked into searching for Chicago Mobster Duke Braddock's missing daughter Amanda they manage to upset every other mobster in Chicago--leading to all sorts of hilarious mayhem.
Not since the Bernie Rhodenbarr "Burglar" series by Lawrence Block, or the Dortmunder series by Donald Westlake, have I had so much pure fun reading a novel. The characters are memorable. The action is, in a word, unique--just wait till you see Lou Fleener fight. The dialogue is fluid and, often, amusing. And the ending?--oh my God!--I'm STILL smiling as I write this review.
Do yourself a huge favor and get this book. You WILL thank me.
Not since the Bernie Rhodenbarr "Burglar" series by Lawrence Block, or the Dortmunder series by Donald Westlake, have I had so much pure fun reading a novel. The characters are memorable. The action is, in a word, unique--just wait till you see Lou Fleener fight. The dialogue is fluid and, often, amusing. And the ending?--oh my God!--I'm STILL smiling as I write this review.
Do yourself a huge favor and get this book. You WILL thank me.
May 28, 2019
Loved this detective story set in the late 50s. It had the feel of Raymond Chandler and Mickey Spillane. Loved Lou Fleener, with his fearlessness and his don't give a damn attitude. Also Monk, the mild-mannered thinker, who boils with righteous rage when a gangster cons him. The premise is totally implausible, but the action, characters and light-hearted tone carry the reader along. In fact, it is the best story of this kind that I have read for a very long time. So, I would recommend this to any fan of atmospheric PI stories.
June 5, 2017
Delightful! This crime caper is populated with memorable characters and plenty of humor. Fans of Dortmunder should glom on to this one ASAP.
April 8, 2021
"Turning back the clock"
This is probably the best way to handle a 50's based noir. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and as a result is a fun read, AND a cleverly worked mystery.
This is probably the best way to handle a 50's based noir. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and as a result is a fun read, AND a cleverly worked mystery.
January 24, 2023
What fun!!
I have read this author's "The Gritters Daughter" series and loved it. I usually don't like books where the main character is male (sorry, guys) so I was hesitant about reading this series. I'm glad I decided to read it. I think I'm in love. I'm just not sure if my object of affection is Lou or Monk. Read this book and you will understand.
I have read this author's "The Gritters Daughter" series and loved it. I usually don't like books where the main character is male (sorry, guys) so I was hesitant about reading this series. I'm glad I decided to read it. I think I'm in love. I'm just not sure if my object of affection is Lou or Monk. Read this book and you will understand.
August 11, 2021
Missing Amanda
This was an interesting story about the mob and the things they do...I thought it was going to be a little more suspense, but it really wasn't. It was just an average book with some twists and turns to keep you reading
This was an interesting story about the mob and the things they do...I thought it was going to be a little more suspense, but it really wasn't. It was just an average book with some twists and turns to keep you reading
May 19, 2018
This is an exciting and funny story, taking place in the late 1950's in America.
The author transports us back to this time in history with mentions of the mob, baseball teams and their stars, and memorable characters, you will grow to love.
A tremendous start to a suspenseful series of novels for this author.
The author transports us back to this time in history with mentions of the mob, baseball teams and their stars, and memorable characters, you will grow to love.
A tremendous start to a suspenseful series of novels for this author.
November 13, 2018
Lots of fights, intrigue and action, maybe too much. I didn't get as involved with the characters as I did with Leroy, Fast Kate and Dixie.
July 18, 2021
When short, slightly dumpy PI Lou Fleener gets hired by Chicago Mob boss Duke Braddock to find Braddock's kidnapped daughter, Lou's war with the mob begins. Lou doesn't want to work for a mobster, but hey, a little girl's life may be in danger.
Braddock thinks one of the other mob bosses took his daughter and so Lou and his friend Monk start investigating ALL of the mobs--which irritates the mobsters to say the least. This leads to some truly amazing and unique action sequences as Lou's unusual and highly effective fighting ability is put to the test. Hint, Lou can fight like a dervish and dance like Fred Astaire.
If you like private eye novels and mysteries I think you'll find this book by Duane Lindsay right up your alley. I read it while I was editing it and couldn't stop smiling. It was full of great characters, sparkling and sometimes humorous dialogue and truly original action scenes.
What's more, it's just plain fun to read and the plot twist at the end will leave you laughing out loud at the justice meted out to the bad guy.
As I was reading it I kept thinking of other favorite authors who write with similar wit--Timothy Hallinan, Lawrence Block, and Donald Westlake. If you like their books I guarantee you'll love Missing Amanda. I was enjoying myself so much I read it straight through--completely forgetting my role as editor--forcing me to read it again just to catch a few minor mistakes.
"Missing Amanda" will make you smile while you read. I had trouble putting it down--one of those rare books I didn't want to end.
Braddock thinks one of the other mob bosses took his daughter and so Lou and his friend Monk start investigating ALL of the mobs--which irritates the mobsters to say the least. This leads to some truly amazing and unique action sequences as Lou's unusual and highly effective fighting ability is put to the test. Hint, Lou can fight like a dervish and dance like Fred Astaire.
If you like private eye novels and mysteries I think you'll find this book by Duane Lindsay right up your alley. I read it while I was editing it and couldn't stop smiling. It was full of great characters, sparkling and sometimes humorous dialogue and truly original action scenes.
What's more, it's just plain fun to read and the plot twist at the end will leave you laughing out loud at the justice meted out to the bad guy.
As I was reading it I kept thinking of other favorite authors who write with similar wit--Timothy Hallinan, Lawrence Block, and Donald Westlake. If you like their books I guarantee you'll love Missing Amanda. I was enjoying myself so much I read it straight through--completely forgetting my role as editor--forcing me to read it again just to catch a few minor mistakes.
"Missing Amanda" will make you smile while you read. I had trouble putting it down--one of those rare books I didn't want to end.
September 5, 2021
Missing Amanda is the second Duane Lindsay mystery that I’ve read so far, the first being Ticket to Heave, which was the third book in the series. Missing Amanda is where it all begins. We meet Lou Fleener, private investigator, and his friend Dion Elygious Monkton, Monk to his friends, and Cassidy Adams, who will become Lou’s wife and business partner in the future.
Lindsay throws in enough history and real personages that these fictional novels might easily be construed as being historical fiction even though they aren’t. but the names of those real people add credibility to the plot and make the temporary suspension of disbelief easier. These stories are set in the late fifties and early sixties and Lindsay has the dialogue down pat.
In Missing Amanda, Lou and Monk take on the five Chicago crime families in search of Amanda, the kidnapped daughter of one of those mob bosses. The only problem is that Amanda doesn’t exist. After several attempts have been made on their lives and Monk’s family home is destroyed in an explosion, an explosion that kills three of the mobsters trying to kill them, Monk snaps that there isn’t any Amanda and that they have been setup by Braddock. Instead of running for their lives as most sane people would have, they set out to destroy the mob. Lou, Monk, Cassidy and three other private detectives do just that, suffering only one casualty. How did they do that? Go read the book to find out.
Lindsay throws in enough history and real personages that these fictional novels might easily be construed as being historical fiction even though they aren’t. but the names of those real people add credibility to the plot and make the temporary suspension of disbelief easier. These stories are set in the late fifties and early sixties and Lindsay has the dialogue down pat.
In Missing Amanda, Lou and Monk take on the five Chicago crime families in search of Amanda, the kidnapped daughter of one of those mob bosses. The only problem is that Amanda doesn’t exist. After several attempts have been made on their lives and Monk’s family home is destroyed in an explosion, an explosion that kills three of the mobsters trying to kill them, Monk snaps that there isn’t any Amanda and that they have been setup by Braddock. Instead of running for their lives as most sane people would have, they set out to destroy the mob. Lou, Monk, Cassidy and three other private detectives do just that, suffering only one casualty. How did they do that? Go read the book to find out.
July 20, 2024
This was an enjoyable storyline set in Chicago in the 1950's. A private investigator, Lou Fleener, gets drawn into working for one of Chicago's mob bosses, and in the course of the job gets the other three bosses trying to kill him and his close friend, Monk. They have to figure out how to disentangle themselves from the mob and try to keep themselves. There were references throughout the book to Chicago culture, the Cubs, Sox, and more. The author did make two mistakes. He referenced Cicero, a suburb of Chicago as being where the old Mayor Daley came from. Richard J. Daley lived in Bridgeport, a neighborhood of Chicago, his entire life. His other error was the spelling of Willie's. Mr. Lindsay spelled it Willie's Weenie Wagon, but it was actually spelled Willie's Wee Nee Wagon. It was still fun reading about Chicago in the fifties.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2021
Lou Cleaner is a PI who dances like Fred Astaire and fights like nobody can believe. Unfortunately he comes in a slightly short and decidedly dumpy, tubby body. His best friend, Dion "Monk" Monkton, is the brains and beauty of the pair. His looks put most movie stars to shame.
Lou isn't really successful as a PI and Monk owns a barely surviving used book store. The sort of situation that usually fades into the background. Not this time.
Mob boss Ben Braddock comes calling for Lou to help him out. Lou refuses before Braddock gets more than a few words out. Braddock finds Monk and appeals to him to get Lou to search for his kidnapped daughter Amanda. The appeal works. That starts a string of gangland chaos that just might kill them all.
Lou isn't really successful as a PI and Monk owns a barely surviving used book store. The sort of situation that usually fades into the background. Not this time.
Mob boss Ben Braddock comes calling for Lou to help him out. Lou refuses before Braddock gets more than a few words out. Braddock finds Monk and appeals to him to get Lou to search for his kidnapped daughter Amanda. The appeal works. That starts a string of gangland chaos that just might kill them all.
November 22, 2022
This was so much fun to read! Reminded me of those old detective films from the late 1950ies. The author put together quirky characters (but oh so likeable), cruel but still amusing evildoers, a very good plot, stirred with lots of humour, twists and turns, and a good narration style, and the result was very entertaining.
I already have the next books in this series and cannot wait to start reading them!
I already have the next books in this series and cannot wait to start reading them!
November 9, 2023
In an interesting, entertaining, intriguing, and mildly funny 50s noir, we are introduced to PI Lou Fleener, who is Superman in disguise, and his bookworm friend Monk, who is the brains of the outfit. After being set up by a mob boss whose young daughter has been kidnapped (or has she?), they take it upon themselves to go to war with the Chicago criminal fraternity, creating chaos and bedlam throughout the city.
November 30, 2022
amazingly entertaining
I’m not ordinarily interested in period pieces like this, and gumshoe novels have to be good to get my attention. This one was so involved it kept me riveted and laughing but mostly stoked to see how the main characters would get themselves out of trouble. The behind the scenes romance made it even better.
I’m not ordinarily interested in period pieces like this, and gumshoe novels have to be good to get my attention. This one was so involved it kept me riveted and laughing but mostly stoked to see how the main characters would get themselves out of trouble. The behind the scenes romance made it even better.
April 5, 2021
Memory lane
This was one very entertaining book. Aside from a clever plot. It was a great trip into the past when no one had cell phones and home entertainment was a radio. A phone call cost a nickel and so did a 12 oz. Pepsi.
This was one very entertaining book. Aside from a clever plot. It was a great trip into the past when no one had cell phones and home entertainment was a radio. A phone call cost a nickel and so did a 12 oz. Pepsi.
April 6, 2021
Missing Amanda
Thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Ingenious plot. well written, believable. Loved the era, humorous at times, sad at other times and unexpected humor just when needed. Great job, great read.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Ingenious plot. well written, believable. Loved the era, humorous at times, sad at other times and unexpected humor just when needed. Great job, great read.
April 13, 2021
Want a fun, easy read? You found it!! This was a quick read with good characters. Reminded me a bit of the Ocean's Eleven series. I will definitely follow this series, and I cannot wait for this to become a movie
April 17, 2021
First book I've read by this author and it was very good. Most of the characters are likeable. My only problem is with the unrealistic fighting skills of Lou but I will read this Author again. I highly recommend this book.
April 22, 2021
Surprise
I got the book ,thinking it was just going to be ok. I'll stop in a few more pages. I couldn't wait to see how it turned out. Now, I'm through and looking for more of his books to read.
I got the book ,thinking it was just going to be ok. I'll stop in a few more pages. I couldn't wait to see how it turned out. Now, I'm through and looking for more of his books to read.
July 26, 2021
What a ride.
I didn't want to stop reading this book once I had started. I love Lou , Monk and Cassidy and recommend this to you if you like quirky characters, intrigue and an action packed laugh out loud read.
Thanks Duane. Keep writing.
I didn't want to stop reading this book once I had started. I love Lou , Monk and Cassidy and recommend this to you if you like quirky characters, intrigue and an action packed laugh out loud read.
Thanks Duane. Keep writing.
August 20, 2021
Missing Amanda
Entertaining story about a private investigator and his book store owner friend who are conned by a criminal to work for him. His plan was supposed to benefit him but they don't like it.
Entertaining story about a private investigator and his book store owner friend who are conned by a criminal to work for him. His plan was supposed to benefit him but they don't like it.
September 21, 2021
Really enjoyed this book
It was a fun read with gangsters, Private Investigators, robberies, vicious thugs, corrupt politicians, and cops. Lou is basically undetectable in fighting and his friend and cohort brilliant with schemes.
It was a fun read with gangsters, Private Investigators, robberies, vicious thugs, corrupt politicians, and cops. Lou is basically undetectable in fighting and his friend and cohort brilliant with schemes.
April 30, 2022
Mobsters will be mobsters
An interesting read of the Chicago of old, mobsters, murder and money. Not a book I would normally choose but a very enjoyable ready even if a bit far fetched.
An interesting read of the Chicago of old, mobsters, murder and money. Not a book I would normally choose but a very enjoyable ready even if a bit far fetched.
August 7, 2022
Good Book
The characters were fantastic. You found yourself really caring about them. Just the right amount of humor. Book kept your interest. Recommend this book if you want an enjoyable read.
The characters were fantastic. You found yourself really caring about them. Just the right amount of humor. Book kept your interest. Recommend this book if you want an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews