What do you think?
Rate this book
Rafferty #6
Fatal Sisters
Rafferty’s Rule 46: When in trouble, lie like a son of a bitch.
Patty Akister wants Rafferty to find her husband, Sherm. He’s a secret agent.
Sure he is.
Rafferty soon discovers Sherm’s just a schmuck earning some extra cash as Manny Hinkston’s bagman, and lying to his wife about it. But before Rafferty can convince Sherm of the limited future in that gig, Sherm has no future at all.
Sherm’s been executed inside a Hinkston whorehouse, and Rafferty was there when it all went down. The cops want to throw the book at Rafferty, but he didn’t kill Sherm; he was just late to the party.
Which quickly becomes standard operating procedure. No matter what he tries, Rafferty’s always one step behind.
Can Rafferty find justice for Sherm, without destroying Patty’s naïve fantasy of her dead husband?
With the witnesses being murdered one by one, Rafferty must face the truth: sometimes it’s a simple matter of kill or be killed.
Patty Akister wants Rafferty to find her husband, Sherm. He’s a secret agent.
Sure he is.
Rafferty soon discovers Sherm’s just a schmuck earning some extra cash as Manny Hinkston’s bagman, and lying to his wife about it. But before Rafferty can convince Sherm of the limited future in that gig, Sherm has no future at all.
Sherm’s been executed inside a Hinkston whorehouse, and Rafferty was there when it all went down. The cops want to throw the book at Rafferty, but he didn’t kill Sherm; he was just late to the party.
Which quickly becomes standard operating procedure. No matter what he tries, Rafferty’s always one step behind.
Can Rafferty find justice for Sherm, without destroying Patty’s naïve fantasy of her dead husband?
With the witnesses being murdered one by one, Rafferty must face the truth: sometimes it’s a simple matter of kill or be killed.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
989 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
W. Glenn Duncan
8 books17 followersW. Glenn Duncan was a former journalist and pilot who lived in Iowa, Ohio, Florida, Texas and California, before settling in Australia with his wife and three children.
See also Bill Duncan
See also Bill Duncan
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 24, 2018
How lucky we are that W. Glenn Duncan Jr. is the offspring of the kind of writer I truly love. I've read a number of their books and love the interaction between these diverse characters. Rafferty is a hard-boiled detective with a distinct soft spot for the underdog but a vicious streak of revenge for the bad guy. If you're looking for PC in this writing, you're looking in the wrong place. But, if you're looking for realism for the decades this book covers, you're in the right place. This is as it should be because we should never change history but learn from it. Don't miss these books. They are true, down to earth detective novels always with a twist.
May 23, 2020
Fatal
What killed this for me was the authors love for profanity, in particular the seeming fetish with words beginning with “f”. There’s better language than that!
What killed this for me was the authors love for profanity, in particular the seeming fetish with words beginning with “f”. There’s better language than that!
March 22, 2022
New to me author
W. Glenn Duncan's Fatal Sister grabbed me from the first page. I'll go back now and read the series from the beginning because I enjoyed this book
W. Glenn Duncan's Fatal Sister grabbed me from the first page. I'll go back now and read the series from the beginning because I enjoyed this book
July 3, 2018
Terrific series
This, and the other five books in the series, are just plain fun. Just enough characterization, action and humor to make me wish there were another half dozen or more. There is a seventh novel coming this summer, written by W. Glenn Duncan, Jr. , which I've pre-order..
This, and the other five books in the series, are just plain fun. Just enough characterization, action and humor to make me wish there were another half dozen or more. There is a seventh novel coming this summer, written by W. Glenn Duncan, Jr. , which I've pre-order..
April 24, 2018
Another gem by Mr Duncan's pen.
If you love noir PI novels, witty dialogue, great characters and a page-turner suspense, this is for you. Me? I know I can't ever have enough Rafferty.
If you love noir PI novels, witty dialogue, great characters and a page-turner suspense, this is for you. Me? I know I can't ever have enough Rafferty.
December 16, 2021
Except for things like noticing the characters didn't have cell phones, I didn't think much about when this book might have been written or published, so I was surprised when I finished and saw 1990 as the copyright year. Talk about a good book holding up well over the years.
Private investigator Rafferty is hired by a woman whose husband is missing. She's sure it has to do with the secret mission he's on for the government. Of course Rafferty's stunned anyone would buy into the oldest line in the book, and sets out to confirm his suspicion that the husband is meeting another woman on the sly.
Of course, nothing is that simple, and we're off with Rafferty on a pretzel of a tale -- one that twists this way and curves that way, then bends back on itself.
It's a little slow in places but overall the story delivers on all its promises, and it's easy to see how this book won a Shamus Award.
Private investigator Rafferty is hired by a woman whose husband is missing. She's sure it has to do with the secret mission he's on for the government. Of course Rafferty's stunned anyone would buy into the oldest line in the book, and sets out to confirm his suspicion that the husband is meeting another woman on the sly.
Of course, nothing is that simple, and we're off with Rafferty on a pretzel of a tale -- one that twists this way and curves that way, then bends back on itself.
It's a little slow in places but overall the story delivers on all its promises, and it's easy to see how this book won a Shamus Award.
May 25, 2020
This is one of a series of books with Rafferty as the main character. The fact that I read it within two days says how good it was. Some have described him as the new Mike Hammer and he certainly is a great character but a detective with a heart. He gets himself into situations along with his two 'backups' Cowboy and Mimi. He is also romantically involved with the beautiful Hilda perhaps I should say long suffering Hilda. The pace is fast enough to keep you involved but not so that you can't keep up with the details. This case should have been an easy one with wife who thinks her husband is a spy whose been missing for several days. Unfortunately for Rafferty he isn't but he is involved with the local mob so things get messy quickly. If you are looking for a really good detective book this will not disappoint - your only problem will be which one to read next1
April 9, 2024
Fatal Sisters is the last of the original six paperbacks that W. Glenn Duncan authored in his Rafferty series. I wanted to do some light reading last weekend and Duncan did not let me down. In Fatal Sisters, a woman hires the wisecracking Rafferty to find her husband who claimed to be working as a secret agent for the government.
Rafferty embarks on a case that takes him into Dallas’ underworld. Unsurprisingly, he finds that the woman’s husband had a secret life. I liked Fatal Sisters, but it’s hardly must-read material - even for a beach book. Fatal Sisters keeps the reader guessing, but I thought that the ending was flat.
In Rafferty, Duncan created a fun, rebel private eye who hits almost all of the cliches that so many other authors have mined throughout the years. It’s worthwhile reading if you’re whiling away an afternoon or two.
Rafferty embarks on a case that takes him into Dallas’ underworld. Unsurprisingly, he finds that the woman’s husband had a secret life. I liked Fatal Sisters, but it’s hardly must-read material - even for a beach book. Fatal Sisters keeps the reader guessing, but I thought that the ending was flat.
In Rafferty, Duncan created a fun, rebel private eye who hits almost all of the cliches that so many other authors have mined throughout the years. It’s worthwhile reading if you’re whiling away an afternoon or two.
June 1, 2020
3.5 stars...this is a good old fashioned private investigator story in the present day but reminiscent of the 40's hardboiled detective with a witty repartee. Rafferty has his own posse of outlandish characters, and a girlfriend who doesn't blink an eye at calculated murder. It was a decent enough story, though Patty was far too naive by anybody's standard. She believes her husband is a spy, and that his weekly side jobs are part of that spy business....seriously nobody would believe that. Or maybe I am far too jaded though I would not think criminal behaviour, but poker games, drinking or carousing with women to be the answer to that. I enjoyed it enough to read another Rafferty story, but won't be actively searching for more.
September 1, 2020
What twists and turns for Rafferty PI in book 6. Patty wants Rafferty to search for her missing husband who she thinks is a secret agent. Rafferty thought he was just a philandering husband but things start to get weird and weirder with pimps, prostitutes, mob investigations, hitmen and of course Mimi, Cowboy, and his two buddies in blue Ed and Ricco. And of course Hilda, his one and only helping him keep it all together.
June 3, 2020
I may be in minority here, but this is, for me, one of the most boring detective stories ever. I thought I was reading a school homework writing. Boring characters, boring story, boring "chicos malos", a.k.a. villains, extraordinarily boring detectives, all at the beck and call of the good guy! Witty writing, as some reviews indicate? Thank heavens for different tastes!
June 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book as he added humor in a few places which was a surprise and nice to see. I got a few chuckles over that... Also, I enjoyed the PI Rafferty and his cronies. Very well written! My only problem or concern is....where did the title "Fatal Sisters" come from as to me it had nothing to do with the contents of the book? But....I will read more by W. Glenn Duncan.
June 19, 2020
Almost a Laurel and Hardy, with a punch.
An equal opportunity for both men and women. Men are the fighters, the ladies are the queens. It is a wild ride and about as much fun as a book can be. There were a few words missing but so what? The storyline was so good, you hardly notice. Great characters all around. Loved it!
An equal opportunity for both men and women. Men are the fighters, the ladies are the queens. It is a wild ride and about as much fun as a book can be. There were a few words missing but so what? The storyline was so good, you hardly notice. Great characters all around. Loved it!
October 2, 2020
This was a truly fun read. I loved all of the characters, especially Rafferty, who is tough detective with a heart of gold and nerves of steel. The situation and the denouement were surprising and intriguing. I felt happy the entire time I was reading this as I usually read much more serious fiction and/or non-fiction. I highly recommend this writer and this series of mysteries.
March 3, 2022
Enjoyable Read!!
Loved the book, my first from this author, but not my last . Rafferty, Hilda, Mimi and Cowboy GREAT characters! Good storyline, shocked me, made me smile too! Recommend this book and author. You won't regret reading this book and you will love this P.I. with a heart
Loved the book, my first from this author, but not my last . Rafferty, Hilda, Mimi and Cowboy GREAT characters! Good storyline, shocked me, made me smile too! Recommend this book and author. You won't regret reading this book and you will love this P.I. with a heart
April 3, 2022
A down home good feeling book.
An interesting, good feeling book. There was good flow in the story and all the characters are well developed, lots of info on each. The characters were so well described that you could feel the action of each character. Rafferty get away with a few things that a real person wouldn’t. The book is well worth reading.
An interesting, good feeling book. There was good flow in the story and all the characters are well developed, lots of info on each. The characters were so well described that you could feel the action of each character. Rafferty get away with a few things that a real person wouldn’t. The book is well worth reading.
May 29, 2022
Captivating
Rafferty is a former Police officer, turned PI. He's got a client that he's protective about. He will do everything that he can to keep her safe. Hilda is his love interest and very supportive. Cowby, his sidekick, is battle ready, and extremely competent. Written with some humor, and a lot of intense action. My first Rafferty book, and it won't be my last.
Rafferty is a former Police officer, turned PI. He's got a client that he's protective about. He will do everything that he can to keep her safe. Hilda is his love interest and very supportive. Cowby, his sidekick, is battle ready, and extremely competent. Written with some humor, and a lot of intense action. My first Rafferty book, and it won't be my last.
May 1, 2018
A rollicking Rafferty story with a good plot and great characters. I especially liked Cowboy and Mimi…not politically correct maybe, but definitely two to have your back. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
May 25, 2020
Good story, had an old fashioned feel to it like the old films of the forties. I love the old detective films with Robert Mitcham etc. Likeable hero, he gets into scrapes but he has friends to help him. Would recommend.
May 31, 2020
I would actually give this book 3.5 stars - it wasn't quite 4 star material, but it was entertaining, pretty well-written, and had characters that were believable and relatable.
I enjoyed it and will check out the other books in the series.
I enjoyed it and will check out the other books in the series.
June 4, 2020
Okay read
Rafferty, the main character, hardboiled ex-cop turned private eye shows softer side toward his client as he tries to find her missing husband and keep her from learning her husband is not who she believes him to be.
Rafferty, the main character, hardboiled ex-cop turned private eye shows softer side toward his client as he tries to find her missing husband and keep her from learning her husband is not who she believes him to be.
June 9, 2020
Patty Akister hires Rafferty to find her husband. According to her he is away on a secret mission but he is overdue. Rafferty investigates but it seems like bee is always one step behind. Unfortunately there will be more deaths, but can he keep Patty safe.
An enjoyable murder mystery
An enjoyable murder mystery
June 17, 2020
Where's the connection between the title of the book and the storyline . It was so confusing when coming to the end and realizing there was nothing . Wasn't bad but wasn't great either .
July 11, 2020
Fun and entertaining
I have read several of the Rafferty series and I find them fun and entertaining. The characters are well written and the noire aspect just adds to the enjoyment. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good story.
I have read several of the Rafferty series and I find them fun and entertaining. The characters are well written and the noire aspect just adds to the enjoyment. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good story.
December 13, 2020
Rafferty is called a hardboiled PI and he is ... kinda. He's happy to track the bad guys even if they are connected to the mob but would rather not have to kill them.
He also wants to protect a widow's memories of her late husband.
Not too much violence.
He also wants to protect a widow's memories of her late husband.
Not too much violence.
February 27, 2022
Not Your Regular Sisters
I truly loved this book. It had me hooked immediately. What I enjoyed about the book right away was his embellishments of their
characters.
Bravo ~W. Glenn Duncan
I truly loved this book. It had me hooked immediately. What I enjoyed about the book right away was his embellishments of their
characters.
Bravo ~W. Glenn Duncan
August 24, 2019
I like this P.I. and will finish the series with the next book. These are really good reads.
May 24, 2020
Excellent!
May 25, 2020
Good plot, plenty of twists, easy to read.
May 27, 2020
Rafferty
I felt it was a bit repetitive. A fast and easy read. I did enjoy the dialogue between Hilary and Rafferty.
The story line was unrealistic .
I do not recommend this book.
I felt it was a bit repetitive. A fast and easy read. I did enjoy the dialogue between Hilary and Rafferty.
The story line was unrealistic .
I do not recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews