The Bags of Tricks Affair

Carpenter and Quincannon #6

by Bill Pronzini

The Bags of Tricks Affair is the latest charming historical mystery in Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Bill Pronzini's detective series.

A conman always has a bag of tricks, ready to fool the unsuspecting, and almost everyone is unsuspecting until they get taken. When that happens, they turn to Carpenter and Quincannon, Professional Detective Services, to recover their money and what's left of their dignity, and perhaps even to save their lives.

When one such case leaves Sabina Carpenter the only witness to a murder, the family of the culprit vows to stop at nothing to keep her silent. The threat leaves John Quincannon deeply concerned for Sabina's safety, but there's no rest for the wicked and so the crime-solving duo must split up to tackle two separate con games, run by two villains with deadly bags of tricks at hand.

And when Sabina's life is put in danger, John must rush to save her while grappling with the terrifying realization of exactly how much she means to him.

The Carpenter and Quincannon Mysteries:
#1 The Bughouse Affair
#2 The Spook Lights Affair
#3 The Body Snatchers Affair
#4 The Plague of Thieves Affair
#5 The Dangerous Ladies Affair
#6 The Bags of Tricks Affair

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Detective, Audiobook

254 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2018

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

[Karl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment of the Carpenter and Quincannon odyssey is a solo effort by Mr. Pronzini this time with the absence of his wife Ms. Muller missing from the byline. Although listed as the sixth (6th) book in the series, there should be an awareness of the following books:

1985 - "Quincannon"
1986 - "Beyond the Grave"
1998 - "Carpenter and Quincannon: Professional Detective Services" Crippen & Landru Publishers
2003 - "Burgade's Crossing"
2005 - "Quincannons Game"

These books are not listed in the beginning of the new book yet are definitely part of the series. Perhaps that is due to them being from other publishers. Ah, what games these folks play.

The format of the book is quite similar to previous books in the series, and similar to the "Nameless" series by Mr. Pronzini whereby chapters tend to alternate between the main characters.

The books have become rather formulaic and there are no real surprises in this installment. The quest for Ms. Carpenter by Mr, Quincannon continues in it's 'cute' romantic way as the duo is hired to investigate various miscreants and misdeeds in and around the late 1890 San Francisco backdrop.

The history and colour is as illuminating as always, and Mr. Pronzini dedicates about the first third of the book to a gambling scam, the middle third to the investigation of some missing oriental treasures from a locked room, and the remainder third to the kidnapping of Ms. Carpenter and Mr, Quincannon's desperate search for his missing partner. If this sounds familure to readers of the Pronzini "Nameless" books it's because he has used this plot device repeatedly over and over. Yet he pulls it off admirably every time.

There is still enough creativity and fondness for the characters to keep me reading and waiting till next year for a new installment of the series.

[Alex Cantone · Rating 4 out of 5]

California in the late 1890’s is a melting pot. The gold rush attracted gambling houses and prostitutes, followed by schools, churches and law enforcement. Transport is by railways or horse drawn buggies or wagons, in San Francisco bicycles are becoming popular, particularly among young women, the suffragettes are lobbying for California to become the 4th state in the union to allow women the vote. Telephones are in the infancy with telegraph wires the routine method of sending messages. Electricity is gradually taking over from gas lights.

It is against this background that Sabine Carpenter and John Quincannon, Professional detectives, take on cases to oust shysters and charlatans, and go undercover to expose a card shark operating in Nevada County. But when gambling leads to murder, Sabine is placed in jeopardy. Back in San Francisco she investigates a robbery for a reluctant misogynist businessman, while John Quincannon takes the train to the drought ravaged San Joaquin Valley to investigate a bogus rainmaker.

This is the sixth in the Carpenter and Quincannon Mystery series, and written by Bill Pronzini without Marcia Muller. It is an easy read after some “heavy" books, but I particularly enjoyed the minor detail: men’s and women’s clothing; the sound of the stamp at the empire mill, foghorns in the bay. Firearms from derringers to hand weapons from the Civil War; all adding to the colour. In Sabine we have a feisty young heroine, still grieving for the loss of her husband while there are signs of an emerging romance between her and John Quincannon.

Verdict: well recommended.

[Laur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical mystery. Strong characters who work well together as a perfect complement to their Private Detection & investigation services they own. They are smart, witty, and solve crimes together with mutual care and respect.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still like these, but I am less fond of this book than the last, as Pronzini-only is far more male-gaze-y than the books by Muller only or the ones by the pair. Sabina starts this book as eye candy in constant observation. Can I also say to all male authors of the world, I’ve never been or met a woman who stopped to take a long gaze at her post-bath naked self in the mirror and contemplated her excellent looks.

This book feels much more piecey than usual. Quite a few puzzles were solved that had no connection to the overarching mystery. Lots of vaguely unnecessary action sequences didn’t do much for me, but the characters are still quite likable.

[Cyn McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this one, the two major cases involve card sharping and a rain-making con. Sabina and John also solve a couple of smaller cases. Sadly, Sherlock Holmes is no longer part of the team.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Bags of Tricks Affair is the 6th Carpenter and Quincannon mystery by Bill Pronzini. Released 6th March 2018 on Macmillan's Tor/Forge imprint, it's 256 pages and available in hardcover, ebook, and audio formats.

I've been a fan of Pronzini's nameless detective series for decades. I originally picked up this series because I'm a fan of his other work (and his wife's, who co-wrote the earlier books in the series). This series is quite different from their other work. The Carpenter and Quincannon books are period western mysteries and the lead characters are private investigators involved in several different cases per book. The fact that they aren't tied to one single case means that the book feels like a collection of vignettes with one overarching storyline. I thought the author(s) did a great job of tying together the disparate threads of narrative to maintain a cohesive whole.

There were admittedly some points at which I found myself being yanked out of the story. Mr. Pronzini is a masterful storyteller and gifted writer, but I didn't find myself particularly invested in either of the main characters. I did like that Sabina was strong and never a damsel-in-distress and could rely on her own resourcefulness.

This book could be read as a standalone. The other books in the series are quite good also and don't need to be read in order.

Enjoyable escapist reading for mystery/thriller fans. There's some light cursing, but nothing to shock or dismay the average reader.

Three and a half stars, rounded up for the very strong storytelling.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Barry Martin Vass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in a series set for the most part in 1890's San Francisco - the so-called "Gay Nineties". Some of the earlier novels were set in the rough-and-tumble areas of the Tenderloin and Barbary Coast, but this one starts off in Grass Valley, California, where PI John Quincannon and his partner, Sabina Carpenter, have been hired by a saloon owner/gambling promoter to find out if a top-ranked female poker player is really a mechanic. Part of the fun in reading this is that Pronzini does his best to capture the atmosphere of the time - 1896 - using dialogue the way it was spoken during the time and infusing the story with a variety of plot devices that actually occurred during this time - the struggle of the suffragists to gain the right to vote, for example, and the fervent struggle of some men on the other hand to prevent that right. Bill Pronzini has been a prolific writer for years, and one of his earlier successes was the Nameless Detective series, which was known for clever mystery writing with very little violence. This series carries on that tradition and is a very engaging period crime novel. Author Pronzini won the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 2008.

[Glenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Bags of Tricks Affair by Bill Pronzini and Marcia Muller. This little gem of a series is always on my most anticipated reads list.
If you are reading this review and you have not read any other Carpenter/Quincannon titles, plan to start at the beginning with the first title, The Bughouse Affair.
In The Bags of Tricks Affair, our hero and heroine, John Quincannon and Sabina Carpenter, are called upon by clients of Quincannon and Carpenter Professional Services to catch con men, swindlers, and blackmailers and to retrieve lost money and valuable items. When Sabina catches a murderer, her life is threatened. John, reluctant to leave Sabina alone unprotected while he is away on a case, makes her promise to be careful. When John returns several days later to find Sabina missing, he is afraid he may never see her again. As Sabina searches for a means of escape and John searches diligently to find her, they both begin to realize just how much they have come to care for each other.
When I first began reading this title, I was a little disappointed that the relationship between John and Sabina had not moved forward since the ending of the last book. Then, as I worked my way through the story, I realized that the experience of “losing” one another may have been the plot twist needed to bring them closer together.
I highly recommend this title to readers who enjoy the mysteries of Victoria Thompson and to readers of light historical mysteries and westerns. Pronzini and Muller’s characters are delightful and the stories are always entertaining. The next title in this series will be on my most anticipated list for 2019.

[Doug Lewars · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** Possible Spoilers ***

This is a perfectly good detective novel but if you're looking for a whodunit, this probably isn't for you. The cases are pretty simple, and even though I don't normally read whodunits even I could get to the answer so someone who reads them regularly wouldn't likely be impressed. Still the stories are interesting - basically three novellas held together by a real bad guy who's waiting to strike. The pacing is crisp and there was no time I was bored.

Near the beginning the author slips in a few cliches but once he gets going the story proceeds well. For those who like deep emotional revelations from characters this might not be for you. The two protagonists ponder their feelings for one another but that's about it. Since the setting is the early 1900s they have to be a little stiff because formality was more common back then.

If you don't take the mystery genre too seriously I think I can recommend this one.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy these for their historical setting and the general lack of violence on the page.

Quincannon is a private investigator who is called througout northern california to check into people claiming to be thing they may not be.

In Grass Valley he and Sabrina investigate a lady gambler and her husband and brother to see if there is cheating going on.

In Central California Quincannon investigates people claiming to bring rain, for a fee.

In both they use the telegram system to provide background on the people from prior contacts in the Pinkertons and other law enforcement.

I appreciate that Sabrina is a competent and intelligent partner in the business.

I borrowed a copy from the public library.

[LInda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable -- not exactly a cozy, but somewhat light-hearted and not really gory. Sabina is wonderful and kind of the brains behind the business end of their --well, business. Surely Quincannon is in love with her and they will eventually become more than partners. This was about several cases, the main ones being a card-sharp deal and the other a breaking, entering and theft of rare Chinese pottery. They dispatch them easily, but in the midst of all this, Sabina is kidnapped and imprisoned. Q to the rescue, of course, but he left it a bit late. Easy read, but I loved it.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

"An entertaining quick read. I like the slowly developing romance between the two main characters. Quincannon, while always thought himself as the superior detective didn't even equal Carpenter often. In this one he proves himself to be a deft investigator, but so is she. Carpenter was a little foolhardy to not take more steps to protect herself when she was taken but proved to be resourceful and strong in managing to effect her own escape.
In this novel, the mysteries were more of a how done it than a whodunit. It was still a satisfying way to spend a few hours."

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time the firm of Carpenter and Quincannon have a few cases to solve. The book begins with a case that involves both Sabina and John proving that a poker player is cheating and killed her husband. The next case is just Sabina involved in the theft of Chinese artifacts while John is proving that a group claiming to bring rain are just swindlers. When John returns to San Francisco to find Sabina missing he must use all his skills before it is too late. The book was a quick easy read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely mystery series set in San Francisco near the end of the 19th century. Qunicannon and Carpenter are working undercover in a small town to catch a cheating lady gambler. As that case wraps and they head hoem Qunicannon is worried about the lady’s brother. The tow work separately until,S avian ismkidnapped. Gentle, clever with an undercurrent of romance between the 2 detectives that I assume will ultimately be resolved.

[Cindy Ladensack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not so much a mystery, but more of a series of case files from the San Francisco detective team who are still playing the ‘we have feelings for each other but we don’t want to give into it’ game. This one reads a bit like a combination Scooby-Doo and Suspense episode..... both of which are likewise somewhat predictable but still enjoyable. A quarter star off the rating for the rather anachronistic book cover....

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better ones thus far - due in large to the fact that there's a ton of interaction between the two main characters. Romance aside (for the moment), these two are good detectives and I enjoyed their various cases. Also, I must say this series may win the slow-burn-romance award because we're 6 books in and barely anything has happened. It's honestly what's keeping me reading this series (because the writing itself is just okay, quick read though).

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great and interesting installment in the Carpenter and Quincannon mystery series. I loved how they both teamed up in the beginning and the story slowly revealed that to you. I love the unique way this is written with 2 narrators progressing the story from either Carpenter or Quincannon’s point of view. Long time trades might be thrilled this mystery and all that ensues from it seems to substantially move along their will-they-won’t-they situation.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice detective series. A lady detective would have been an anomaly in the time setting for this series but Sabina and John have a good partnership. They both use their observational skills and deduction to solve the crimes. Sometimes I can get there ahead of them, which is always a thrill. Nice action and authentic settings.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabina Carpenter and John Quincannon set out to bag a suspected gambling cheat. When she becomes more than than, Sabina's life is threatened. But their other cases can't be put on hold just to keep her safe. The most frustrating part of this book is the unnecessary risks that you don't expect this character to take. By this time, one expects better of this author.

[Michael Dunn · Rating 1 out of 5]

if this was the first book of the series you read, you'd say, wow that's boring.
Seems like the author, without his wife, couldn't come up withe a full mystery, so just strung together 3 small ones. None were really a mystery at all, all solved quickly by the omniscent deterives. This series has gone downhill quickly. was best with the fake sherlock and no romance. I will stop reading.

[Michael Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very far into the series. Lots of references to past cases. Like the characters and how the events unfold quickly with just enough mystery and detection in the plotting. Placing stories in the earlier part of the century in the west permits some modern technology and how it works slowly. Might go back for earlier books but will follow future books for a bit.

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is set in 1899, Sabina Carpenter and John Quincannon's
office is based in San Francisco, but the mysteries they investigate take them
to several locations.
The primary mystery involves Card Sharping. The two smaller mysteries
involve theft and a con about Rainmaking.
There is also an abduction towards the end.
A nice blend of mystery and Western history.

[marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading A carpenter and Quincannon mystery, hope their will be other

I would recommend this to some of my friends that are into mystery.
Happy that Mrs Carpenter is accepting Quincannon is really in love with her. I'm so happy to see a woman willing to carry a gun and can use it if needed.

[JB · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Bill Pronzini's nameless sleuth series and his wife's Sharon McCone series, this was the first I'd read of this series. I don't usually like historical, so I found this one good but I probably wouldn't read another. it's a quick light read, almost three or four short stories rather than one case.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy lite historical mystery with characters you will enjoy getting to know.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series. Sabina Carpenter and
John Quincannon work well together. It is a fast read about con artists
Who commit crimes in the early years of our country. I recommend this
Book and series.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting characters and time period, but i felt like I was reading a series of short stories. Each one was interesting, and there was an arc that began in the first "story" that was tied up in the last, but not a fluid read.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Pronzini cannot write fast enough for me. I want more, more, more. His characters are so well developed and interesting. The locale is also very interesting. He is truly a master of his craft.

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent; Continuing characters: Carpenter and Quincannon; a card shark is exposed by the work of the detectives, who then each solve another case as they wait for the trial to begin - provided no harm befalls them

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solo effort by Pronzini (usually in tandem with his wife, mystery author Marcia Muller). I wondered before whether Pronzini wrote the Quincannon parts and Muller the Carpenter, but now I'm not sure. Gambling, theft, and kidnapping appear in this volume. No Sherlock, though.

[Keith Lytton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok..I usually love all of Pronzini's books but this one didnt really get with me..was good eniugh..kept me interested but wasnt loving it ...all in all ...for a favorite author...kess than satisfying but a good fill in book