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Lou Fleener Mystery #2
SERIOUSLY...?: A Lou Fleener Thriller
1960s CHICAGO: THREE PIs AGAINST AN ENTIRE ARMY 0F NAZIS
Private Investigator Lou Fleener’s second surprising period thriller explores an explosively dangerous conundrum: how can Lou prevent a huge Nazi terrorist attack when every cop in Chicago thinks we wiped out all the Nazis in the war? It’s early 1960’s Chicago and Lou’s back in business. After his last harrowing heist adventure, he took some time off...and ended up bored out of his skull. Now he’s scouring the city for clients. His fiery wife Cassidy and his painfully awkward yet brilliant best friend Monk are standing by, ready to serve as the crack team that recently bested the mob. But their first customer has a doozy of a problem. She’s an elderly Holocaust survivor who needs Lou to investigate her new neighbor, a Nazi fugitive from justice she recognizes from the camps. Lou’s client is hellbent on getting the Nazi arrested and tried for his brutal crimes. Immediately, Lou’s at her service...until she disappears under mysterious circumstances. All signs point towards her being kidnapped and murdered by the Nazi neighbor. When Lou, Cassidy, and Monk manage to get on the Nazi’s tail, they figure out some unfortunate news: there isn’t just one rogue American Nazi plotting misdeeds. There are a lot of Nazis. And they’re planning something big. Lou Fleener’s action-packed adventures will appeal to every kind of mystery reader--he’s got the edge for hard-boiled fans, and the witty, fun banter and likeable characters required by cozy lovers. Like Donald Westlake, Lindsay’s prose is humorous and humanizing. Fans of James M. Cain, Raymond Chandler, and Lawrence Block will also discover a new favorite sleuth.
Private Investigator Lou Fleener’s second surprising period thriller explores an explosively dangerous conundrum: how can Lou prevent a huge Nazi terrorist attack when every cop in Chicago thinks we wiped out all the Nazis in the war? It’s early 1960’s Chicago and Lou’s back in business. After his last harrowing heist adventure, he took some time off...and ended up bored out of his skull. Now he’s scouring the city for clients. His fiery wife Cassidy and his painfully awkward yet brilliant best friend Monk are standing by, ready to serve as the crack team that recently bested the mob. But their first customer has a doozy of a problem. She’s an elderly Holocaust survivor who needs Lou to investigate her new neighbor, a Nazi fugitive from justice she recognizes from the camps. Lou’s client is hellbent on getting the Nazi arrested and tried for his brutal crimes. Immediately, Lou’s at her service...until she disappears under mysterious circumstances. All signs point towards her being kidnapped and murdered by the Nazi neighbor. When Lou, Cassidy, and Monk manage to get on the Nazi’s tail, they figure out some unfortunate news: there isn’t just one rogue American Nazi plotting misdeeds. There are a lot of Nazis. And they’re planning something big. Lou Fleener’s action-packed adventures will appeal to every kind of mystery reader--he’s got the edge for hard-boiled fans, and the witty, fun banter and likeable characters required by cozy lovers. Like Donald Westlake, Lindsay’s prose is humorous and humanizing. Fans of James M. Cain, Raymond Chandler, and Lawrence Block will also discover a new favorite sleuth.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2017
73 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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July 27, 2018Kindle Unlimited #2 in Lou Fleener series.
July 11, 2024
I think I enjoyed the first one a bit more, as this one got a bit repetitive at times - with Lou getting captured by the same guys over and over again, beating them over and over again, escaping them over and over again, only to be captured again and again. The main premise and plot however were quite interesting and the characters were, as always, a pleasure to read about, with great banter and chemistry. And ooof... I wanted to make a short break from this book series, but after this cliffhanger?! I'll need to grab another volume.
April 28, 2021
I mean, seriously!
What a treat! Despite the fact that i tend to dismiss books written in older times, or in this case located in the late fifties, Lindsay may have changed my mind. I don't know, exactly, what happened in the first book, although broad hints are dropped. Even major plot points, I assume. But it would appear to be an origin story I'm very likely going to pickup and read.
There's a roguish ( as in like a rogue) quality to Lindsay's writing. Like everything is seen from a slightly altered point of view. Lou Fleener is anything but the handsome detective generally pictured by most. Short, overweight and balding, he's a man of many surprises. Turns out he's quite a fighter - who tends to offer commentary as he beats the deal out of opponents. According to Cassidy Adams, his sexy and beautiful wife ( who he knows is too good for him), he's a dreamy dancer AND great in bed. "His hands," she confides to the soon to be loved of the third member of their group. Dion Monkton is the dreamboat, the gorgeous guy who is both the financial whiz and the tongue-tied klutz. The three of them evidently outsmarted the Chicago mob and now have their money.
Returning to Chicago after cooling off in California, Monk decided to become a financial advisor while Lou meets up shop as a PI, aided by Cassidy. Their first client is an older woman who is sure her neighbor is a former Nazi prison guard. (He is. Of course he is.). She disappears, and that begins the adventure.
There's a lot to enjoy about it. First off, Lindsay's an imaginative and creative writer when it comes to dialogue. I'm reminded of the Honeymooners, "who's on first" and the Marx Brothers at times. Next, he has a good memory for the to mess and the culture, which, combined with his comedic flair, is responsible for numerous smiles, chuckles and laughs. His characters are unique and the story itself is solid.
There was one minor piece where I felt myself cringe -but I suspect it's more a product of our current culture. If your grandfather who lived back in the 50's and 60's, told stories about them and used language that nowadays got people upset, you would have to deal with your reaction, right? Same here. What saves it from being a problem is that the passages in question are authentic. It will be interesting to see if, later in the series, that changes.
Don't let my little point of concern stop you, though. Pick this one up and have fun !
What a treat! Despite the fact that i tend to dismiss books written in older times, or in this case located in the late fifties, Lindsay may have changed my mind. I don't know, exactly, what happened in the first book, although broad hints are dropped. Even major plot points, I assume. But it would appear to be an origin story I'm very likely going to pickup and read.
There's a roguish ( as in like a rogue) quality to Lindsay's writing. Like everything is seen from a slightly altered point of view. Lou Fleener is anything but the handsome detective generally pictured by most. Short, overweight and balding, he's a man of many surprises. Turns out he's quite a fighter - who tends to offer commentary as he beats the deal out of opponents. According to Cassidy Adams, his sexy and beautiful wife ( who he knows is too good for him), he's a dreamy dancer AND great in bed. "His hands," she confides to the soon to be loved of the third member of their group. Dion Monkton is the dreamboat, the gorgeous guy who is both the financial whiz and the tongue-tied klutz. The three of them evidently outsmarted the Chicago mob and now have their money.
Returning to Chicago after cooling off in California, Monk decided to become a financial advisor while Lou meets up shop as a PI, aided by Cassidy. Their first client is an older woman who is sure her neighbor is a former Nazi prison guard. (He is. Of course he is.). She disappears, and that begins the adventure.
There's a lot to enjoy about it. First off, Lindsay's an imaginative and creative writer when it comes to dialogue. I'm reminded of the Honeymooners, "who's on first" and the Marx Brothers at times. Next, he has a good memory for the to mess and the culture, which, combined with his comedic flair, is responsible for numerous smiles, chuckles and laughs. His characters are unique and the story itself is solid.
There was one minor piece where I felt myself cringe -but I suspect it's more a product of our current culture. If your grandfather who lived back in the 50's and 60's, told stories about them and used language that nowadays got people upset, you would have to deal with your reaction, right? Same here. What saves it from being a problem is that the passages in question are authentic. It will be interesting to see if, later in the series, that changes.
Don't let my little point of concern stop you, though. Pick this one up and have fun !
December 30, 2017
Great story desperately in need of an editor.
A nice second in a great series, but so many editorial gaffs it's difficult to remain in the moment. I enjoyed the first book so much I immediately bought the second. Nazis and a new love interest for Monk are a compelling combination. I couldn't stop reading, even though the pages were full of misspellings (cold instead of could), and errors (Monk's ex name is Inez, not Melanie). I will continue with the series if a third comes out.
A nice second in a great series, but so many editorial gaffs it's difficult to remain in the moment. I enjoyed the first book so much I immediately bought the second. Nazis and a new love interest for Monk are a compelling combination. I couldn't stop reading, even though the pages were full of misspellings (cold instead of could), and errors (Monk's ex name is Inez, not Melanie). I will continue with the series if a third comes out.
August 24, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It takes place in 1960's Chicago and many of the landmarks are familiar. The characters are almost supernatural and the character development makes it a fun read. Throw in some old Nazis, bombs, and several fight scenes and it became a page turner. I recommend this book.
January 7, 2022
I am torn about what to rate this book. The plotlines are better than the first book in the series, the action is more intense, the developing interaction between the characters is more natural, and the twist at the end is surprising but works.
But, this story needed a serious proofreading and an attentive editor. There are so many grammatical and spelling errors that it was distracting. Plus, at times they mention the story is set first in January and then in March but then, within a few pages, goes on about it being 90°+ late at night or early in the morning. They go to a Cubs game (baseball season starts around April 1st) and talk about the team being 14 games out of first place. The hockey game they watch on TV works but it is mentioned the game is going into the third quarter. Hockey games have 3 periods, not quarters. At times it felt like they published an earlier draft, by mistake, instead of the final draft
I finally decided to give it four stars instead of five because there were so many errors. If you don't let the issues take away from the storyline, you just might rate it 5 stars.
But, this story needed a serious proofreading and an attentive editor. There are so many grammatical and spelling errors that it was distracting. Plus, at times they mention the story is set first in January and then in March but then, within a few pages, goes on about it being 90°+ late at night or early in the morning. They go to a Cubs game (baseball season starts around April 1st) and talk about the team being 14 games out of first place. The hockey game they watch on TV works but it is mentioned the game is going into the third quarter. Hockey games have 3 periods, not quarters. At times it felt like they published an earlier draft, by mistake, instead of the final draft
I finally decided to give it four stars instead of five because there were so many errors. If you don't let the issues take away from the storyline, you just might rate it 5 stars.
February 9, 2023
Another highly-enjoyable Lou Fleener book. Lou, Monk, and Cassidy have left Chicago and moved to California. Its all the could wish for, but they're bored. So, they return to Chicago.
When an elderly Holocaust survivor asks Lou to check out her neighbor. She believes he is the Nazi guard from the camp where she had been held. Lou sneaks into the man's house but finds nothing to make him believe the old woman.
Later in the week, he returns to the woman's house but she has disappeared. Could she be right? Is he really a Nazi? And, what has happened to the woman? They are almost out of money and she's not a true client but they think its their civil duty to find the old woman and to prove there aren't Nazis in America. Or, are there? Read this fun book.
When an elderly Holocaust survivor asks Lou to check out her neighbor. She believes he is the Nazi guard from the camp where she had been held. Lou sneaks into the man's house but finds nothing to make him believe the old woman.
Later in the week, he returns to the woman's house but she has disappeared. Could she be right? Is he really a Nazi? And, what has happened to the woman? They are almost out of money and she's not a true client but they think its their civil duty to find the old woman and to prove there aren't Nazis in America. Or, are there? Read this fun book.
November 10, 2021
Mystery's abound, Private Eyes, Love Interest and beating up Nazis !!! What more can you ask for from a book. I thought it could not get much better than the first book in the series with Lou fighting mobsters, but WOW this book sure out did its self. Real good Read. I cant wait to read book 3 ! BEATING UP NAZIS ... Who does not want to beat the back side of a Nazi !!! This guy is living my Dream !
January 21, 2022
This was a good light read. The story is fast-paced and engaging. The characters are interesting as well. The writing is interesting. It's witty and at times very funny, while at other times it falls kinda flat. The setting meant that there was some racism but it was called out in the narration, which I appreciated.
This book needs an editor. There are many mistakes, weird commas, and confusing scene switches, that could be easily fixed. It would greatly improve the story.
This book needs an editor. There are many mistakes, weird commas, and confusing scene switches, that could be easily fixed. It would greatly improve the story.
September 10, 2022
Amazingly Crazy
A totally zany, super twisted over-the-top plot with Nazis in America just 15 years after they got their asses handed to them in Europe. These are still nasty, deadly and sadistic. But Lou & Monk beat their asses multiple times; even killing one of the worst. And foil their devious plot, hand the leader over to the Mossad & help them capture Adolf Eichmann in Argentina. A mix of hilarious fiction and historical fact. Truly an entertaining read.
A totally zany, super twisted over-the-top plot with Nazis in America just 15 years after they got their asses handed to them in Europe. These are still nasty, deadly and sadistic. But Lou & Monk beat their asses multiple times; even killing one of the worst. And foil their devious plot, hand the leader over to the Mossad & help them capture Adolf Eichmann in Argentina. A mix of hilarious fiction and historical fact. Truly an entertaining read.
November 26, 2022
Tension mixed with lots of humour, good plots, likeable characters, and very good storytelling - I suppose there was nothing left over to check for spelling and grammar errors, of which there are lots. I mean lots. That is a real pity, as otherwise, the books are sheer entertainment, but this takes a bit off the joy.
October 2, 2021
Love this series
Love this period piece in 1960s. Amazing how things have changed and fun when they are pointed out. Lou & Monk along with Lou's now wife Cassidy take on Nazis wannabes and their real Nazi leader. Fun exciting story.
Love this period piece in 1960s. Amazing how things have changed and fun when they are pointed out. Lou & Monk along with Lou's now wife Cassidy take on Nazis wannabes and their real Nazi leader. Fun exciting story.
April 20, 2021
Thrilling and Amusing Page Turner
Great detective plot with quirky protagonists of the 50s and 60s.
Especially liked the use of ironic cynical humor that brought forth chuckles.
Great detective plot with quirky protagonists of the 50s and 60s.
Especially liked the use of ironic cynical humor that brought forth chuckles.
May 15, 2021
Not my usual genre, but the characters grew on me.
July 27, 2021
Liked the people around Lou and Lou himself.
July 31, 2021
Wonderful book
Well written book, never left you wondering what was going to happen next. I would recommend one who likes mystery .
Well written book, never left you wondering what was going to happen next. I would recommend one who likes mystery .
February 15, 2022
OK storyline but the chapters were just too short and jumpy. The entire book needed editing - so many typos gets distracting
November 9, 2022
This was a pretty good book but ends as a "cliff hangar".
December 6, 2023
This series is very good but would be so much better if there was even a slighter bit more attention paid to proofreading.
December 28, 2023
Very good, an enjoyable and an entertaining read, with a good twist at the end.
May 1, 2024
wow
These stories get progressively better with each one. I can’t wait for the next. And you have to hope Monk keeps going strong.
These stories get progressively better with each one. I can’t wait for the next. And you have to hope Monk keeps going strong.
April 5, 2021
Right at the start of "Seriously?" Lou Fleener comes within a whisker of losing two fights and one of them is against a single person - is he losing his touch?
Considering his impeccable record in the arena previously it is worrying, particularly when you are dealing with a group of Nazi goons.
Following on from the first book, "Missing Amanda", Lou, his new wife, Cassie, and Monk, are rich and having the time of their lives in California ... but are they?
In short order they find themselves back in Chicago where Monk sets himself up as an investment advisor:-
“People,” says Lou, doubting even for a second that a scam like this is possible, “Come to your office…”
“Yes.”
“And they give you their money…”
“They do.”
“So you can make them more money…”
“Which I generally do. I’m pretty good at this.”
“Rich people?” says Lou.
“Exceedingly so,” Monk agrees.
“This is the screwiest business I ever heard of.”
Cassie, happy at last, is determined to see Monk set up with a woman of his own, but Monk, despite, or maybe because of his intelligence, seems incapable of having a relationship with anyone other than Lou and Cassie. Enter Bonnie!
There's a lot of typographical errors, far more than in the first in the series, and the change to the present tense can be jarring at times.
The occasional nod and a wink to the past continues, never more so than when Lou considers whether a garage opener would be a good idea.
"Seriously?" is not at good as "Missing Amanda", but it is still a fine read.
The end is a classic shocker and came completely out of the blue, there was not a single clue anywhere up until then. A classic cliffhanger!
3.5 Stars, rounded up to 4 because I really enjoyed the final chapters.
Considering his impeccable record in the arena previously it is worrying, particularly when you are dealing with a group of Nazi goons.
Following on from the first book, "Missing Amanda", Lou, his new wife, Cassie, and Monk, are rich and having the time of their lives in California ... but are they?
In short order they find themselves back in Chicago where Monk sets himself up as an investment advisor:-
“People,” says Lou, doubting even for a second that a scam like this is possible, “Come to your office…”
“Yes.”
“And they give you their money…”
“They do.”
“So you can make them more money…”
“Which I generally do. I’m pretty good at this.”
“Rich people?” says Lou.
“Exceedingly so,” Monk agrees.
“This is the screwiest business I ever heard of.”
Cassie, happy at last, is determined to see Monk set up with a woman of his own, but Monk, despite, or maybe because of his intelligence, seems incapable of having a relationship with anyone other than Lou and Cassie. Enter Bonnie!
There's a lot of typographical errors, far more than in the first in the series, and the change to the present tense can be jarring at times.
The occasional nod and a wink to the past continues, never more so than when Lou considers whether a garage opener would be a good idea.
"Seriously?" is not at good as "Missing Amanda", but it is still a fine read.
The end is a classic shocker and came completely out of the blue, there was not a single clue anywhere up until then. A classic cliffhanger!
3.5 Stars, rounded up to 4 because I really enjoyed the final chapters.
April 23, 2019
The 2nd book in the Lou Fleener P.I. series. The same great characters Lou, Monk and Cassidy with a new entry Bonnie! Some great action against some horrible villains, as well as a possible relationship for Monk. Hard to resist liking this book. Wicked twist in the end. Have to get the next in the series soon. I probably would have rated this a 4.5 or 5 except for some plot inconsistencies and lots of typos and formatting issues. I don’t mind the switching back and forth in the narrative if we were just given a hint as an extra return between the paragraphs or something. Other than that, good book.
April 11, 2019
I just finished reading this book. I wasn’t sure what to think about this book at first. But after reading the first few pages I was entertained. The characters are wonderful and they engage well together. I enjoyed the banter between all three main characters. The story is interesting and exciting as well. These three friends are awesome. They leave nothing to chance when fighting for what’s right. It is a shame when no one will listen and help them. As it turns out they only needed help at the end anyway. I’m amazed by the ending but don’t want to spoil it. I highly recommend this book.
June 17, 2018
Mr. Lindsay is as good at satire as the great Samuel Clemons. His references to future endeavors like "Denny's" and a remote control for the garage and a lot of little gems if you pay attention are brilliant. And he's funny without even trying. We go from mobsters in book one to fighting Nazi's in book two. You never guess the ending until he takes you there by the ear (pun intended).
I received this book free from Instafreebie.
I received this book free from Instafreebie.
August 27, 2018
This second book in the Lou Flenner PI series starts in California and after some “issues” sees Lou, Cassie, and Monk return to Chicago where Lou takes on a client who has seen a Nazi concentration camp guard from the camp where she was held. Along with plenty of action and intrigue, there is some of Mr. Lindsay’s well-placed humor thrown in to the story making this a very enjoyable read. Hopefully Lou Flenner # 3 will be as enjoyable as the first two.
August 1, 2019
While I like the main characters in this series (Lou Fleener, his wife Cassidy and Monk) I found the subject matter (Nazis) and violence were not enjoyable. Also, there were a lot of typos/grammatical errors that were distracting. Since I like the characters, I have already ordered and will read the third book in this series. However, I have to honestly say that I prefer the author’s books about Leo and Kate and Dani and their cons. I look forward to reading more of those series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
series-story
March 6, 2022Chicago, 1960
Nazis in America! Seriously?
Lou and Cassidy are hired by an elderly survivor of an infamous Nazi death camp. She swears her new neighbor was a guard there.
So now they’re up against a gang of ruthless killers who shouldn’t even exist. Add a gun-toting crook who thinks Monk cheated him at cards, and a new lady for the ever-awkward Monk, and you’ve got a thriller filled with the usual fights, humor and romance.
Seriously.
Nazis in America! Seriously?
Lou and Cassidy are hired by an elderly survivor of an infamous Nazi death camp. She swears her new neighbor was a guard there.
So now they’re up against a gang of ruthless killers who shouldn’t even exist. Add a gun-toting crook who thinks Monk cheated him at cards, and a new lady for the ever-awkward Monk, and you’ve got a thriller filled with the usual fights, humor and romance.
Seriously.
September 18, 2018
Good story
Good characters, many twists and turns. Very surprise ending, I guessed that Bonnie was the manager's daughter just before he told Monk. I really felt sorry for Monk, his heart is broken again!
Good characters, many twists and turns. Very surprise ending, I guessed that Bonnie was the manager's daughter just before he told Monk. I really felt sorry for Monk, his heart is broken again!
July 1, 2020
Great story with surprise ending
Lou, Cassidy, and Monk are some of the most fun characters I've encountered in ages. I smiled through this book and was floored by the ending. Great read!
Lou, Cassidy, and Monk are some of the most fun characters I've encountered in ages. I smiled through this book and was floored by the ending. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews