Endgame

Nameless Detective #40

by Bill Pronzini

The Nameless Detective has taken many cases over the years... and this is one for the books.

Or rather, two cases that will test his agency's resources. Love is in the air...more to the point, love gone awry. One case involves a woman whose husband died accidentally in a remote cabin in the Sierras. The wife isn't buying that her husband was alone, and is determined to find out his secret and get closure...in spite of any potential heartbreak.

The other case is a missing person . . . but the person missing was agoraphobic and never left the house. The husband swears that while their relationship was strained due to his wife's condition, he was still in love with her. He begs Nameless to clear him and find his wife before the cops come for him.

Bill Pronzini's Endgame is a classic Nameless tale--twisty puzzles featuring one of mystery's best loved detectives.

Genres: Mystery, Detective, Crime, Audiobook, Fiction

253 pages, Hardcover

Published June 13, 2017

About the author

Mystery 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

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this in 2018 but I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.

I first became aware of the nameless detective created by author Bill Pronzini through his short stories in the Ellery Queen Magazine.

Bill Pronzini wisely began a winning formula back in 1960 that lasted his entire career!

This is an example of a well-written, very readable mystery.

A good, old-fashioned, dependable mystery.

It is compelling, page turning and a good, light read.

For followers of this series there are some good twists and a real surprise ending.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew that back in the late 1960’s Bill Pronzini would hit on such a winning formula staring a detective with no name that would stretch his entire career. Almost 60 years’ worth of the detective’s sleuthing to bring the reader to 2017’s latest (official) Nameless adventure titled “Endgame”. Now with over forty books in the cannon we need to ask, has the well run dry?

Born on April 13, 1943 Mr. Pronzini is experiencing his life in his 80’s, and to the best of my recollection has attempted to close the series at least three times. Yet with “Endgame” Mr. Pronzini resurrects a formula from earlier in the series. That formula is of telling three stories and packing them into one book. Alternating between character to character indicated by the name of who is telling the story. (Except for “Nameless of course, as those chapters are nameless )

The first story is “Namless’s” own investigation into the disappearance of a plagiarizing romance writer suffering from agoraphobia. The second thread concerns an employee of the firm, Jake Runyon, investigating the seemingly impossible death of a philanderer in the age old locked room mystery. The third thread is of the firm’s now prime owner dealing with her personal problems regarding a current boyfriend and is perhaps the weakest.

In the scheme of things this may not be the best book of the series, however, having stuck with “Nameless” for so long it was a must read for me, and I would certainly advise not beginning the series with this book.


This book is an advanced uncorrected proof.

[Alecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm rounding this last "Nameless Detective" novel up to four stars from 3.5. This series was always an enjoyable read, but I would not suggest starting with this one. Pronzini is clearly wrapping it up, and I, for one, and sad about that. I'd like to see Nameless go on and on for my reading pleasure. This is an example of a well-written, very readable mystery. Great literature, no. A good, old-fashioned, dependable mystery, yes. I'd say it's a good, light read.

As in Pronzini's other Nameless books, the completely different cases are told in alternating chapters. Nameless's chapters are narrated from his POV, the others told in the third person. In this book, chapters alternate between Nameless and Jake Runyon, one of the PI's at his firm. Nameless's client is the prime suspect re: the disappearance of his agoraphobic wife. And Runyon's case involves a man who is found dead inside a locked, remote cabin in the Sierras. The man's wife suspects it was not an accident and that her husband was with another woman in this cabin.

I still hope Pronzini brings Nameless back one day, but I think this is it.

[Ron Hefner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up to Pronzini's usual high standards, but sadly, it looks like Nameless is finally retiring. It's been one hell of a long run.

[Kate Ayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between three and a half and four stars. Good old-fashioned PI novel set in San Francisco. So what's not to like? It's not five-star literature, but it is compelling in its page turning. I've read several, if not all, of the Nameless Detective series. This appears to be the final one. They're working two cases. Nameless is hired by the husband of a missing woman. The fact that she's missing is extraordinarily odd, since she's agoraphobic (can't leave the house). He swears he still loves her, despite her affliction.

Meanwhile, Jake Runyon takes on tracking down what happened to a man who died at a remote cabin when he was supposed to be away on a business trip. His wife isn't buying the official version of what happened.

What I like about the Nameless and Runyon is that they pull no punches. They aren't the least bit shady, have high scruples, and don't allow a client with a hidden agenda to push them around. They are men who say what they mean, and vice versa. All in all, a satisfying good vs. evil detective novel.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is pretty clearly the last Nameless story Pronzini intends to write. He wrapped the storylines up nicely, the denouement was plausible, and I was sufficiently engaged.

One thing that stands out when you read all the series is the shift in Pronzini's writing from the purely plot-driven stories to the character-driven. It's organic and lovely. The plots are still first-rate, for the most part ("Vixen" was a notable exception), but you fall in love with the characters, which is icing on the cake.

Sad to see Nameless retire, but satisfied with how it was achieved. Bravo.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why might I start with the last of the books written over decades? Good or bad, I did it. I liked a lot about the nameless detectives and some things were a tad too trivial, littered with a lifetime of events and relationships, etc. Now I understand it is probably a way of taking a bow for all the people who played major roles in the previous books, waving a farewell?
The investigations by two main PIs were set up alternately. If you have numerous events or interruptions you may have a hard time following the progress of the separate investigations into murders/deaths.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time for reading one of my favorite mystery authors. Bill Pronzini is a prolific writer, publishing westerns as well as mysteries. I discovered Pronzini some twenty years ago, and have read almost all of his “Nameless Detective” books. This one I just finished is #40! Sad to say I think there is only one more. Pronzini’s writing is so smooth, and the plots are always intriguing. Some of his earlier books are probably not available, but I highly recommend that people try to find the earliest of his books and give them a try.

[Jane Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of Nameless?

I have read dozens of "Nameless" mysteries over the years, but this time Bill Pronzini has retired him. We can only hope that he is forced to come out of retirement in the future.

[Wyckliffe Howland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two mysteries, one for Jake Runyon, one for Nameless. Both pretty clever, but the characters have become so familiar, like checking in with friends. For followers of this series there are some good twists and a real surprise ending.

[Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pronzini is truly a Master at making these modern classic detective stories seamlessly entertaining. Endgame is no exception.

I have followed this series since my first immersion into mysteries in the 197o's. Nameless deserves to enjoy his retirement but I am very sorry to see the series end.

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm jumping in a little late (40 books into the series) for the Nameless Detective. But t's a good read, I enjoyed the plot twists and I may have to check out a few more.

[Erix · Rating 4 out of 5]

小故事最后一集，往前看看

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two cases for the detectives of the Caldwell and Associates Agency provide twists and turns for two senior operatives. A missing person and a dead body have the field agents running all over northern California while also balancing events in their personal lives. Add in some issues with the office manager and her on again/ off again boyfriend and we have a fine mix.

[Keith Lytton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nameless is one of my all time favorit;e series (big time spoiler alert...no kidding...huge...if you don't want the series ruined..turn back now) ...the book is just another great read...two cases going on and moving back and forth between the two...and it ends as you would figure...good guy wins...bad woman loses...and the nameless detective retires....WHAT THE HELL!!! in a matter of three pages...He has a heart attack...doctor tells him to retire...he says ok...and just like that one of my favorite books and characters...are gone...

....

....

I don't even know what to say...I know all good things come to an end...and I imagine the series will continue with the existing characters...and it will do well....and I will read it...and I imagine Bill will come in and out ...but don't know if it will ever be ok...

long time ...many books read...and a lot of great stories...

going to miss you ....hope you say hi sometime...

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I had surprisingly not heard of the Nameless Detective series until I happened upon this one at our library. Even more surprising, it is apparently the last one of the series! Now I have 39 more to read of these well written detective books. This book is not 'intellectual' or 'psycholological'. It's a good plain ol' detective-work-mystery, minus the gumshoes. It's a quick read and the characters are well drawn and even though I'm sure the followers of the series would know these folks if they met them on the street, I didn't get the feeling there was a lot of repetition. As a contrast, Sue Grafton (RIP) used up at least a chapter's worth of repetition to tell us who Kinsey Milhone was, how she came to do what she does, etc. That didn't seem to be the case here. Applause for Endgame. (PS I loved all the Kinsey books A-Y).

[Rochelle Woessner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess that's that

Of course I loved the book. Always great but I can't believe its over. How can our author just decide to stop? I'm so depressed. This series has been more than great and I've always looked forward to the next story. For those of you who haven't read this series I envy you. You get to start from the beginning and do start from the beginning. Hope you have as much fun as I did.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodbye Nameless. I'll miss you. Bill Pronzini has retired his iconic San Francisco sleuth who has given my husband and I so many hours of enjoyment. This novel was not his finest, but it is the perfect ending to a wonderful friendship. When you read this series in order you will see the growth and progression as well as the general decency that have made Pronzini a Grand Master at his craft.

It was time t move on but I hope Pronzini has many new stories to tell.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#40 in the Nameless Detective series. This 2017 series entry by author Bill Pronzini is a workmanlike effort. The solutions to the crimes were predictable and would have earned a 3 star rating, but series fans will appreciate the domestic activities of the leads (the publishing activities of Bill's wife, the reappearance of Runyon's estranged son, and, Tamara's solution to repeated wedding proposals from Clarence) and they have upped the rating to 4 stars.

An autumnal pair of cases for the Nameless Detective Agency explores the strains in two very different marriages.
Wives leave their husbands all the time, but James Cahill assures Nameless that his wife never would have left him. Ever since she killed someone in a car accident four years ago, Alice Cahill has become severely agoraphobic and couldn’t even have ventured out to her front porch without suffering a panic attack. The members of Alice’s laughably small circle—her sister, Kendra Nesbitt; her brother-in-law and physician, Paul Nesbitt; and jewelry designer Fran Woodward, her best friend from college—don’t know a thing. The only leads are a threatened lawsuit by Grace Dellbrook, who insists that Alice’s romance novel The Convenient Bride plagiarized parts of Grace’s earlier What the Bride Found Out, and a neighbor’s account of seeing a light-colored sedan pull into the Cahill garage on the day Alice went missing. While Nameless beats the bushes, his operative Jake Runyon is ripping the lid off a different set of marital and extramarital secrets. Patricia Dennison is convinced that her husband, Philip, who accidentally died during a stay in a remote cabin he borrowed from a college friend, wasn’t spending his week away alone, and she wants Jake to find the other woman so she can say a few choice things to her. Jake finds out a lot more than that, making unwelcome discoveries about Philip Dennison, and his women.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has read my reviews or knows my reading habits knows that Bill Pronzini is my favorite author - especially anything in the Nameless (well, not that nameless anymore) Detective series. This latest did not disappoint as we get to follow along as Bill, Jake Runyon, and Tamara go about their lives and their discoveries while they unravel the cases brought to them.

Bill is searching for a missing woman whose family believes was killed by her husband and who has been accused of plagiarizing the romance books for which she is famous.

Jake is investigating the death of a man found in a distant woodland cabin - not why he died, but who he was seeing before his death in order to satisfy his angry wife.

Tamara is waffling about the marriage proposal her on again, off again boyfriend, Horace, made to her all while juggling the needs of the detective agency she is pretty much in charge of.

Spoiler alert: I am skipping a few lines to give you time to move on, but this needs to be said.


I would have given this 4 stars because of the ending. Pronzini has always shown that he knows how to develop - and age - a character. While I don't like this particular instance, the book makes us believe that Nameless is retiring - for good. I don't like it, but I can't say it was not expected. Anyone who does this kind of character growth in his or her writing would be faulted if this did not happen. For instance, I do not like the Spenser books that were written by the late Robert Parker. Why? He sort of aged the characters, but never gave them any development or maturity. One had the impression of an old man who was still as able as a 30 year old.

[Gloria Feit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The No Name Detective Agency has taken on numerous odd cases, but in “Endgame,” it has accepted two of the most unusual. One, for which the No Name Detective himself pursues instead of enjoying his semi-retirement, begins with the plea by a woman whose husband is found dead alone in a locked cabin. She doesn’t believe that he was not accompanied by another. She asks No Name to identify the supposed woman, so she can give her a piece of her mind.

The other case involves a missing person, an agoraphobic woman who never leaves her house. Her husband is the obvious choice as murderer when her body turns up in a remote park. No Name was retained by the husband before his arrest, and continues his investigation following the husband’s arrest. In each case, No Name reaches a conclusion, but faces the serious question of whether to reveal certain information he learns while seeking the solution.

The author involves the reader in the emotional dilemmas No Name faces, which is a recurring event in the series, and which enhances its readability. Meanwhile, Bill Pronzini contuse to create classic detective stories written so well that they seem easy to create, but aren’t.

Recommended.

[Susan Oleksiw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nameless agrees to take on the case of a man whose wife has disappeared a week earlier. Agoraphobic and timid, Alice Cahill had taken to writing romance novels. Just before she disappeared, she'd received an email accusing her of plagiarism. The general consensus is that James killed her and dumped the body. The only disagreeing voices come from an elderly neighbor and from Alice's best friend, an artist. Nameless believes the husband is innocent and sets out to find the missing woman. At the same time his investigator Runyon takes on the case of a husband found dead in a mountain cabin when he was thought to be at a conference south of SF. The local authorities assume the death to be accidental, but Runyon soon establishes that it is not. He soon convinces the deputy sheriff of how the man died and who killed him. And then the wife wants to know who her husband was seeing, and for how long.

The stories run parallel with brief excursions into the men's personal lives. The ending is a killer, and may be a great surprise to some Nameless fans. Nevertheless, the pace is swift, the plotting tight, and the ending of both threads satisfying.

[Judy Aulik · Rating 5 out of 5]

About 15 years ago, I had set Bill Pronzini's, and his wife Marcia Muller's, books on the metaphorical back burner. Especially Pronzini's books got repetitive. Then I picked up "Endgame."

What a great read this turned out to be! Highly suspenseful, yet still reminiscent of the rest of the 40 book series, it was worth the time taken.

It case you've not set foot in a library since Ford was president, the series' shtick is that the books are told in the first person, in exquisite detail, except for one thing: the main character, a California PI, is never named. Otherwise, it's your basic noirish mystery series: 1980s in flavor, not as good a read as Sara Paretsky's books, but better than that of other authors such as Sue Grafton. Two cases are being juggled by the agency, neither of which is especially straightforward. Having grown up on mysteries from the 1940s and 1950s, I figured out the "howdunit" almost immediately, but the who and why were more challenging.

Good summer read.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nameless Detective and his agency are faced with two major cases in this last book in the series. In the first, an agoraphobic woman is missing from her home and her husband is frantic to find her. Her sister thinks he's killed her. The little old lady across the street doesn't think he'd do that and neither does her best friend. Are they right? Jake Runyon has been called out on the other case, in which a wife wants him to investigate the apparent accidental death of her husband in a cabin hundreds of mile from where he was supposed to be. Both are well done. We'll miss you Nameless!

[Diogenes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skillful blend of two unrelated murder mysteries. An average whodunit, but hampered by the constant referrals to earlier adventures (though long time fans may enjoy these reminiscences).

This is the first and only one of the 37 Nameless Detective stories I've read - and the last in the series. No pressing desire to read the rest.

[John R Urry · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Nameless Detective story.......Really enjoyed the old time detective feel. Great story , great characters..........very excited to start working thru all Mr. Pronzini's work........ reminds me of the ease of Scutter , Spencer , Elvis Cole etc all...........highly recommended !

[John Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently the last "Nameless" novel, damn. I'm gonna miss the guy!

Hopefully Pronzini will see fit to provide us with future interstitial installments, hopefully from Nameless's lonely pulp-collecting Pac Heights days!

[John Grazide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regrets? None worth mentioning.
It was a hell of a ride while it lasted.

Say what you will, this was one of the best written series ever written. Some ups and downs, but with such a long run that's to be expected.

Loved it. Thanks Nameless...

[Derelict Space Sheep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nameless has been in semi-retirement for some years now, sharing his workload and fading ever more into the San Francisco background while colleague Jake Runyon comes to the fore. Having shaped reader expectations, Pronzini here uses the parallel narratives to upend them.

[Danny Lamar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. The prologue was kind of odd and I didn't get the point of it, and some of the writing was a bit repetitive, but overall it was a good book. Maybe not my favorite by this author but definitely worth reading!