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Dev Haskell Mystery #16
Art Hound
Nominated for a Minnesota Book award. Art Hound is the 16th title in the award winning Dev Haskell series. Private Investigator Dev Haskell makes the mistake of having a compassionate side when he attempts to help out starving artist and sometime acquaintance Demarcus Cantrell for 'just' a couple of days after his girlfriend has thrown him out. In short order Dev's home is overflowing with ugly paintings, boxes of books, tubes of paint, cans of turpentine, rolls of canvas, no beer left in the fridge...and Dev begins to see things from the girlfriends point of view. Add to that the sudden appearance of disgruntled Farrell Finley, subject of Dev's ongoing investigation and things start to get more than a little crazy. Demarcus suddenly disappears, there's a kidnapping and things suddenly go from bad to downright terrible with a cast of international criminals and an investigation that turns out to be not all it's cracked up to be. Art Hound Dev Haskell's latest attempt at culture! Fans of Carl Hiaasen, Tim Dorsey and Laurence Shames love it!
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2017
957 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Mike Faricy
131 books240 followersI was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, I still live there as well as in Dublin, Ireland. I've been a soldier, freelance journalist, tended bar, sold designer cakes, owned a painting and decorating company along with a number of other schemes and scams. If that doesn't offend you I also play bagpipes with the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. All my books stand alone, read them in whatever order you wish. They are filled with the sort of oddballs we are all curious about, but wisely, prefer to keep at a distance. None of my characters will be saving the world from terrorism, international banking conspiracies or coups to take over the government. Rather, they inhabit a world just below the surface of polite society, characters with one foot on either side of the law. The circumstances they find themselves in are usually due to bad decisions, but bad decisions lead to interesting stories. They serve not so much as an example but as a warning to us all. Thanks for taking the time, happy reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 9, 2024
Excellent & funny story of art forgery.
January 18, 2018
Art Hound, Dev Haskell Book 16
by Mike Faricy
Spoilers? Yeah, maybe.
As usual, Dev doesn't disappoint. He's the same good-hearted p.i. who can't resist a roll in the hay or a hard luck case. In his 16th outing, Dev begins the adventure stalking an errant husband, Farrell, who does not appreciate that Dev is just doing his job. His his bff with benefits, Heidi, helps Dev tend his wounds from that encounter, by coming over for supper and a romantic evening. As she is leaving in the morning, the door opens to a man sleeping on Dev's doorstep. That man,
Demarcus, is an acquaintance of Dev's (how is not set out in this book) who also happens to be a seemingly down-on-his-luck artist.
Demarcus has recently been kicked out of the house of his long-time girlfriend, Casey. He assures Dev he only needs to stay a couple of days, just until he can find another place. And, of course, Dev welcomes him in. From there we go on a whirlwind ride of art fraud and forgery, kidnapping, false identities, irate errant husband turned bodyguard, strip club visits, French art experts, and, of course, Dev's usual clique, Louie, Aaron, Manning, and Morton, and that ends -- you guessed it -- right back with Heidi.
Faricy does a great job plotting this fun adventure. It flows along with both humor and pathos, seeing Dev through a variety of thrown punches, gun shots, bruises, busted lips and black eyes. The editing is top-notch, the proofing stellar, and the fun in abundance. Characterizations are consistent and well-fleshed out. And, of course, Faricy's routine of delivering each of Dev's adventures as a great stand-alone outing, without ever using the all too common cliffhanger ending utilized by other authors, makes me love Dev all the more!
My only disappointment would be that it would be fun to see Morton have a bigger role than just the destroyer of lacy thongs and early warning system. I also wondered what connection Demarcus had to Dev. Maybe he was a lesser character in a former novel of the series. I've read several, but not all of them, so perhaps his backstory cropped up in one I didn't read.
Fun read -- if you've never met Dev Haskell, give him a try!
by Mike Faricy
Spoilers? Yeah, maybe.
As usual, Dev doesn't disappoint. He's the same good-hearted p.i. who can't resist a roll in the hay or a hard luck case. In his 16th outing, Dev begins the adventure stalking an errant husband, Farrell, who does not appreciate that Dev is just doing his job. His his bff with benefits, Heidi, helps Dev tend his wounds from that encounter, by coming over for supper and a romantic evening. As she is leaving in the morning, the door opens to a man sleeping on Dev's doorstep. That man,
Demarcus, is an acquaintance of Dev's (how is not set out in this book) who also happens to be a seemingly down-on-his-luck artist.
Demarcus has recently been kicked out of the house of his long-time girlfriend, Casey. He assures Dev he only needs to stay a couple of days, just until he can find another place. And, of course, Dev welcomes him in. From there we go on a whirlwind ride of art fraud and forgery, kidnapping, false identities, irate errant husband turned bodyguard, strip club visits, French art experts, and, of course, Dev's usual clique, Louie, Aaron, Manning, and Morton, and that ends -- you guessed it -- right back with Heidi.
Faricy does a great job plotting this fun adventure. It flows along with both humor and pathos, seeing Dev through a variety of thrown punches, gun shots, bruises, busted lips and black eyes. The editing is top-notch, the proofing stellar, and the fun in abundance. Characterizations are consistent and well-fleshed out. And, of course, Faricy's routine of delivering each of Dev's adventures as a great stand-alone outing, without ever using the all too common cliffhanger ending utilized by other authors, makes me love Dev all the more!
My only disappointment would be that it would be fun to see Morton have a bigger role than just the destroyer of lacy thongs and early warning system. I also wondered what connection Demarcus had to Dev. Maybe he was a lesser character in a former novel of the series. I've read several, but not all of them, so perhaps his backstory cropped up in one I didn't read.
Fun read -- if you've never met Dev Haskell, give him a try!
May 8, 2020
Author Mike Faricy has written many books over the years won several awards and is an Independent Author who has sold lots of books, but the real reason I read this book is that I love art and am always up for a mystery about famous artists and their work. This book involves a painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Although a mystery, and a good one at that, it is by no means a serious one. Dev Haskell, Private Eye, is a mixture of sharp inspector and comedy relief in his private life. Feeling a sense of benevolence, Dev offers a friend (Demarcus Cantrell) his guest room for a few days while the friend looks for a place to live. Unfortunately, after only two days the situation has become impossible for Dev. The guy drank all his Jamesons and his beer, let the bathtub overflow to the point of the ceiling caving in, and talks Dev into picking up by himself a cargo van worth of art supplies and paintings from the home of the girlfriend that kicked him out.
Dev is shocked when he goes to retrieve Demarcus’ stuff and finds that the last straw for previous girlfriend Colleen was when she came home from work to find a mural covering the entire wall of her dining room of a naked lady sitting on a platter of china that was painted to be an exact replica of her grandmother’s china. When loading up the art materials and paintings Colleen (the ex) and Dev bond sharing their unbelief at Demarcus’ behavior, not to mention his unbelievable talent.
For fear of spoiling the story, let me say that this book involves an art forgery crime ring from France, a couple of dancer/prostitutes, bad guys that like to beat up people, and a kidnapping. There is a tangled plot, some sex, and a lot of comedy. When it is all said and done this is an outstanding short read for a weekend!
Although a mystery, and a good one at that, it is by no means a serious one. Dev Haskell, Private Eye, is a mixture of sharp inspector and comedy relief in his private life. Feeling a sense of benevolence, Dev offers a friend (Demarcus Cantrell) his guest room for a few days while the friend looks for a place to live. Unfortunately, after only two days the situation has become impossible for Dev. The guy drank all his Jamesons and his beer, let the bathtub overflow to the point of the ceiling caving in, and talks Dev into picking up by himself a cargo van worth of art supplies and paintings from the home of the girlfriend that kicked him out.
Dev is shocked when he goes to retrieve Demarcus’ stuff and finds that the last straw for previous girlfriend Colleen was when she came home from work to find a mural covering the entire wall of her dining room of a naked lady sitting on a platter of china that was painted to be an exact replica of her grandmother’s china. When loading up the art materials and paintings Colleen (the ex) and Dev bond sharing their unbelief at Demarcus’ behavior, not to mention his unbelievable talent.
For fear of spoiling the story, let me say that this book involves an art forgery crime ring from France, a couple of dancer/prostitutes, bad guys that like to beat up people, and a kidnapping. There is a tangled plot, some sex, and a lot of comedy. When it is all said and done this is an outstanding short read for a weekend!
December 21, 2021
Dev Haskell is maturing… I don't know if I would have made it this far in the series had he not. He's still footloose and fancy free when it comes to women, but Morton, his lovable golden retriever, seems to have had a somewhat grounding effect on Dev.
Dev gets a phone call and finds himself neck deep in the guest from hell. Demarcus Cantrell is an artist with a split personality… one day a masterpiece, the next a bit of splatter that a five-year old might accomplish. Dev's normally neat house is now a pile of canvases here and boxes of paint and other artistic accoutrements there. What's a guy to do? He's also working a case for the wife of Farrell Finley. She wants some pictures so she can give him what for. Just another day in the life of a private investigator.
Underlying all this is international art crime, a kidnapping, and a Parisian art consultant. How do all these things fit together? You'll have to read ART HOUND to find out.
When I need an escape from the realities that plague, I haul out the next book in the ongoing saga that is Devlin Haskell. I allow myself to get lost in Dev's world where I can laugh, and cry, and shake my head at the ever-growing cast of regulars. You really need to start this series at Book 1, RUSSIAN ROULETTE, and work your way through the assortment of babes and bad guys that make life so interesting in St. Paul, MN.
Dev gets a phone call and finds himself neck deep in the guest from hell. Demarcus Cantrell is an artist with a split personality… one day a masterpiece, the next a bit of splatter that a five-year old might accomplish. Dev's normally neat house is now a pile of canvases here and boxes of paint and other artistic accoutrements there. What's a guy to do? He's also working a case for the wife of Farrell Finley. She wants some pictures so she can give him what for. Just another day in the life of a private investigator.
Underlying all this is international art crime, a kidnapping, and a Parisian art consultant. How do all these things fit together? You'll have to read ART HOUND to find out.
When I need an escape from the realities that plague, I haul out the next book in the ongoing saga that is Devlin Haskell. I allow myself to get lost in Dev's world where I can laugh, and cry, and shake my head at the ever-growing cast of regulars. You really need to start this series at Book 1, RUSSIAN ROULETTE, and work your way through the assortment of babes and bad guys that make life so interesting in St. Paul, MN.
December 19, 2017
One of my favorites from the Dev Haskell series. An old friend has just been kicked out by his girlfriend and Dev agrees to let him stay with him for a few days while he searches for a place. The guy is an outstanding artist who seems to be wasting his considerable skills painting abstract junk. Dev quickly learns that he is a deadbeat when he fills Dev's place with art supplies and paintings, while never offering to help with cooking or chores. Dev gives him an ultimatum, find a place in 48 hours or else. But things change when the artist disappears, his girlfriend is kidnapped and Dev is assaulted by burglars.
July 30, 2018
Dev has Heidi over when she’s ready to leave they open the door and a body falls in. The guy is Demarcus and he starts moving his stuff into Dev’s place just for a few days he says. After a week De has had it with Demarcus and tells him he has to leave. Dev goes over to Colleen’s to get Demarcus’ stuff and she shows him a picture he did of her and two other that are beautiful. When Dev comes home Colleen’s his house is dark and Demarcus is missing. Someone breaks into Dev’s place at 3AM he goes downstairs ad is attacked he calls the police. Dev later learns Colleen is missing and so is Demarcus.
January 28, 2020
A quirky friend reaches out to Dev for a place to stay and keep all his stuff last minute. A girlfriend had kicked him out and was threatening to burn his things. The friend's special hobby as an extremely talented painter leads to Dev and the friend's former girlfriend being the victim of crimes. Dev works with his police buddies to solve the crime.
I enjoyed Art Hound, even though the major plot was rather obvious early.
My kindle edition also contained a Jack Dillon Dublin story with preview of story No. 2. It was a solid read.
I would give both stories another 1/2 star but wasn't quite comfortable giving 4 stars.
I enjoyed Art Hound, even though the major plot was rather obvious early.
My kindle edition also contained a Jack Dillon Dublin story with preview of story No. 2. It was a solid read.
I would give both stories another 1/2 star but wasn't quite comfortable giving 4 stars.
January 17, 2020
Never Fail
I have read several books in this series and they never fail me. They are interesting, entertaining, and just plain fun. The characters are always interesting and fun. The writing is entertaining and keeps me reading. The stories are hard to put down. And now I have another series to look forward to. I just finished the first Marshal Dillon story and I think it's great. Set in Ireland with Russian mobsters on the hunt for him, seems like a good plot. If you enjoy a good story with action and is fun to read I recommend this author and these series.
I have read several books in this series and they never fail me. They are interesting, entertaining, and just plain fun. The characters are always interesting and fun. The writing is entertaining and keeps me reading. The stories are hard to put down. And now I have another series to look forward to. I just finished the first Marshal Dillon story and I think it's great. Set in Ireland with Russian mobsters on the hunt for him, seems like a good plot. If you enjoy a good story with action and is fun to read I recommend this author and these series.
January 2, 2025
I like how Dev always seems to get lucky and always seems to fall into bed with a woman and low and behold, it ends with trouble. When Farrell called her Cherri, I knew so.ething wasn't right. All in all, another great read from Mike. This has been a great series for me to read. I started years ago with reading Robert Parkers series, Spencer, PI out of Boston and read everyone of them.
I like PI series and will read this hole series of Dev. If anyone has any recommendations of another series, please let me know.
I like PI series and will read this hole series of Dev. If anyone has any recommendations of another series, please let me know.
February 3, 2020
The writing is great, and took me by surprise. I didn't originally realize that this was the sixteenth in a series--it was easy to pick up having never read anything else by the author. The writing flows and I was able to gobble this book down quickly. Fun characters, and it wasn't tacky despite the comedy woven in.
The volume also contains a second book, I believe, from earlier in the series but I am saving it for a rainy day rather than including it in my review.
The volume also contains a second book, I believe, from earlier in the series but I am saving it for a rainy day rather than including it in my review.
August 15, 2017
Another great Dev Haskell adventure. Dev hasn't changed too much, still the lovable horndog, goofball, but I think he is maturing some. I know, eventually, he and Heidi will settle their strange ways and come together for good, but I think it may still be a while. Keep the Dev Haskell series coming.
January 13, 2020
Interesting read!! Enjoyed the characters and the added humor I have followed Dev Hascall through several adventures. Liked them all.
Enjoyed both Dev Hascall and John Dillon Each have unique
experiences that are interesting and humorous. Have read several books on Dev. Not too heavy just fun.
Enjoyed both Dev Hascall and John Dillon Each have unique
experiences that are interesting and humorous. Have read several books on Dev. Not too heavy just fun.
January 23, 2020
Dev Haskel grows on you...like a fungus. Lovable, bumbling private detective, Devlin Haskel is hard not to like. So many times he does stupid stuff, mostly when thinking with the wrong head. The stories are predictably unpredictable. Easy to read, they are a good break from more complicated books. This one is probably the best in the series, so far. Or maybe it’s just the fungus thing.
February 6, 2020
The bext part about this art forgery related mystery was not the hero, who is rather full of himself and unreliable, but the wonderful villian, the irritating house guest who just won't leave.
How could the author, the editor, the proofreaders, and the spellcheck all miss dinning room for dining room so often? Curious, but also sloppy and rather depressing.
How could the author, the editor, the proofreaders, and the spellcheck all miss dinning room for dining room so often? Curious, but also sloppy and rather depressing.
March 1, 2020
Dev
A typical Mike faricy book but I do like them. This one was a little different with a decent plot. A friend of Dev was a good art artist but had a n bad habit of painting copies of famous paintings. Throw in Dev, his history with girls, and a couple murders and you have your story!
A typical Mike faricy book but I do like them. This one was a little different with a decent plot. A friend of Dev was a good art artist but had a n bad habit of painting copies of famous paintings. Throw in Dev, his history with girls, and a couple murders and you have your story!
May 7, 2017
Dev Haskell and art. Sounds boring right? Maybe not if the art is forgery and is so good it follows the experts. And maybe not if Dev has said forgeries in his house and certain nefarious types wanted it. Very good story from a PI that never seems to age.
January 22, 2018
PI Dev Haskell is at it again, solving a complicated mystery with only a few bumps and bruises along the way. You'll really enjoy the sarcastic detective who, in my opinion, sounds a lot like Donnie Wahlberg. Just imagine...
February 10, 2020
Not really my thing, but I stuck with it. Relatively easy to read after a stressful busy day. More aimed at men my age I guess. Trashy detective stories with some bad sex scenes. I probably wont be reading any more of his work.
March 7, 2021
An extremely good story to read
This was a fun book to read and enjoy and the characters definitely grabbed my attention. The mystery was great and handled in a very clever fashion. This book was easy to read and filled with enough humor to make it believable.
This was a fun book to read and enjoy and the characters definitely grabbed my attention. The mystery was great and handled in a very clever fashion. This book was easy to read and filled with enough humor to make it believable.
September 20, 2022
The story involves a seemly lazy want-to-be artist, Demarcus, who sponges off his friends to the point of obnoxiousness. Dev, a private investigator, becomes one of his "victims" and finds himself involved in murder and intrigue. Is there more to Demarcus than meets the eye? Just OK.
September 7, 2017
Art Hound was good, but ...
The Dillon story Welcome really put me off with the flight experience. Speaking as an obese person, not everyone has control over their hunger.
The Dillon story Welcome really put me off with the flight experience. Speaking as an obese person, not everyone has control over their hunger.
June 16, 2018
Dev Haskell at it again.
I love reading about the adventures of private eye, Dev Haskell. He may run in to a lot of trouble but in the end he usually gets the job done!
I love reading about the adventures of private eye, Dev Haskell. He may run in to a lot of trouble but in the end he usually gets the job done!
January 17, 2020
I don't like the character, Dev Haskell, but I like the series...go figure.
The series would still be good if he didn't chase everything in a skirt.
Time for him to grow up a bit.
The series would still be good if he didn't chase everything in a skirt.
Time for him to grow up a bit.
January 19, 2020
This was a very light-hearted read - nothing heavy, no real depth to the characters. I would really give this a 2.5 rating.
January 21, 2020
Top story as always from this author
January 22, 2020
Nice breezy detective bumbling going on here.
February 11, 2020
While I thought the book dragged at times, the twist ending was a good one.
February 16, 2020
Good read
I like the way the author described both characters and places. It makes it easier to follow the plot. The story moved along well.
I like the way the author described both characters and places. It makes it easier to follow the plot. The story moved along well.
April 22, 2020
I enjoyed this "mysteromance" but it was kind of poorly written and edited. I was distracted by typos and continuity errors BUT it was fun.
April 28, 2020
Good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews