What do you think?
Rate this book
Archy McNally #8
McNally's Dilemma
After finding husband number two in a precarious position with an attractive young lady, Melva Williams pulls the trigger --- and readily admits to the crime passionnel. To shield her gorgeous daughter from the press and paparazzi, she turns to her longtime friend Archy McNally.
Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered, Archy stands to lose more than his patient fiancee by playing bodyguard. His reputation as a sleuth extraordinaire is at stake. But the holes in the stories of both mother and daughter are too big to ignore. Dangling between love and lust, PBR (Palm Beach Rumor) and PBF (Palm Beach Fact), Archy must find the one person who knows the truth: the deceased's perky playmate. The hunt for the mystery woman is on ...
Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered, Archy stands to lose more than his patient fiancee by playing bodyguard. His reputation as a sleuth extraordinaire is at stake. But the holes in the stories of both mother and daughter are too big to ignore. Dangling between love and lust, PBR (Palm Beach Rumor) and PBF (Palm Beach Fact), Archy must find the one person who knows the truth: the deceased's perky playmate. The hunt for the mystery woman is on ...
323 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1999
179 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence Sanders
160 books372 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Lawrence Sanders was the New York Times bestselling author of more than forty mystery and suspense novels. The Anderson Tapes, completed when he was fifty years old, received an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for best first novel. His prodigious oeuvre encompasses the Edward X. Delaney, Archy McNally, and Timothy Cone series, along with his acclaimed Commandment books. Stand-alone novels include Sullivan's Sting and Caper. Sanders remains one of America’s most popular novelists, with more than fifty million copies of his books in print. Also published as Mark Upton.
Lawrence Sanders was the New York Times bestselling author of more than forty mystery and suspense novels. The Anderson Tapes, completed when he was fifty years old, received an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for best first novel. His prodigious oeuvre encompasses the Edward X. Delaney, Archy McNally, and Timothy Cone series, along with his acclaimed Commandment books. Stand-alone novels include Sullivan's Sting and Caper. Sanders remains one of America’s most popular novelists, with more than fifty million copies of his books in print. Also published as Mark Upton.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 5, 2023
Misplaced Conceit!
Once again, Archie McNally is called on to solve the case of a high society family’s blackmail and find the mystery woman who witnessed a high society murder.
The Fairhurst family is about to have their Titanic heritage dragged through the mud, when a family secret is threatened to be exposed.
And Melva Williams and her daughter Veronica Manning are taken under his protective armpits when Archie learns that Melva has shot and killed her husband Geoff.
Lots of convoluted activity that could be done with, by just cutting to the chase.
Archie the lascivious, takes too long to figure out the obvious way that the crime occurred, and by whom.
Three stars. ✨✨✨
Once again, Archie McNally is called on to solve the case of a high society family’s blackmail and find the mystery woman who witnessed a high society murder.
The Fairhurst family is about to have their Titanic heritage dragged through the mud, when a family secret is threatened to be exposed.
And Melva Williams and her daughter Veronica Manning are taken under his protective armpits when Archie learns that Melva has shot and killed her husband Geoff.
Lots of convoluted activity that could be done with, by just cutting to the chase.
Archie the lascivious, takes too long to figure out the obvious way that the crime occurred, and by whom.
Three stars. ✨✨✨
March 17, 2020
Let's go back about a quarter of a century to THAT Palm Beach, Florida -- The one that Donald Trump was so anxious to be accepted into. Then, there was still a lot of the old money around and the need to fit in to a society that those recently rich could only aspire to. This is where McNally & Son have chosen to serve their clientele. Father McNally is head of a local law firm and the son, Archy, a Yale failure, is responsible for the firm's “discreet inquiries.”
Educated at the proper Ivy League schools, the McNally family fits in as the well-to-do vassals of the Palm Beach nobility. Sanders successfully walks a very fine line between insipid details (of food, clothing, wine, cars, etc.) and outright burlesque. What we derive are laughs, knowing smiles, a intricate plot with memorable characters and (surprisingly) empathy for Archy despite the following:
He is vain; often, superficial; a social butterfly; a cad; a devotee of the pursuit of the opposite sex; and, less than truthful in many of his relationships.
This is the eighth book in Sanders’ series, or at least the first edition that I picked up at the used bookstore would have you believe. It’s only on the back of the title page in its tiniest print that Putnam’s Sons reveal that this was published a year after Sanders’ death with Vincent Lardo chosen to carry on in his place.
The book has a decent plot that hits all the aspects of Archy’s character noted above. The problem is that Archy is not quite Archy. This is nowhere more clear than in his love life which hardly rings true to the non-introspective rascal that we have come to expect. Don’t feel bad if you can’t guess the guilty party. It isn’t one where you are given enough to solve the case.
Book 8 will be the furthest that I go in this series, but you may feel different.
Educated at the proper Ivy League schools, the McNally family fits in as the well-to-do vassals of the Palm Beach nobility. Sanders successfully walks a very fine line between insipid details (of food, clothing, wine, cars, etc.) and outright burlesque. What we derive are laughs, knowing smiles, a intricate plot with memorable characters and (surprisingly) empathy for Archy despite the following:
He is vain; often, superficial; a social butterfly; a cad; a devotee of the pursuit of the opposite sex; and, less than truthful in many of his relationships.
This is the eighth book in Sanders’ series, or at least the first edition that I picked up at the used bookstore would have you believe. It’s only on the back of the title page in its tiniest print that Putnam’s Sons reveal that this was published a year after Sanders’ death with Vincent Lardo chosen to carry on in his place.
The book has a decent plot that hits all the aspects of Archy’s character noted above. The problem is that Archy is not quite Archy. This is nowhere more clear than in his love life which hardly rings true to the non-introspective rascal that we have come to expect. Don’t feel bad if you can’t guess the guilty party. It isn’t one where you are given enough to solve the case.
Book 8 will be the furthest that I go in this series, but you may feel different.
February 17, 2011
So So McNally story
It was only by reading the fine print that I learned that this novel was Not by Lawrence Sanders. For me Archy McNally will always remain the creation of Mr. Sanders, but I wanted to read another story about one of my favorite characters. The attempt by Vincent Lardo gave an interesting slant to McNally, but his style of writing wasn't the same as Mr. Sanders. For the first time, it was clear how the story would evolve, and that's another indication that Lawrence Sanders did not write this book. In my opinion, Mr. Sanders name should not be on the cover, for it's a total disservice to the legacy of this great writer.
It was only by reading the fine print that I learned that this novel was Not by Lawrence Sanders. For me Archy McNally will always remain the creation of Mr. Sanders, but I wanted to read another story about one of my favorite characters. The attempt by Vincent Lardo gave an interesting slant to McNally, but his style of writing wasn't the same as Mr. Sanders. For the first time, it was clear how the story would evolve, and that's another indication that Lawrence Sanders did not write this book. In my opinion, Mr. Sanders name should not be on the cover, for it's a total disservice to the legacy of this great writer.
February 22, 2018
An oldie but goodie series. I started with Archy in 1993 and read all the ones written by Lawrence Sanders. After his death Vincent Lardo has continued in the same vein - mocking Palm Beach with humor and disrespect. The book is filled with cliches and adages which give it a quaint feeling. Of course I guessed the plot right away (remember Lana Turner) but it was a fun read and I’ll continue with this new author. He even mentioned that Mar-a-Lago had been purchased by a New York realtor, little did he know “the rest of the story”. Since Palm Beach is in the news daily I really got a kick out of all the phony baloney that went on then and still does! Just another bit of Florida foolishness.
September 17, 2023
I had devoured some of the top McNally's series that made an indelible impression on me in my younger years. As a survivor in the stressful corporate world, I yearned to go back to that world of Palm Beach in Florida before technology took over our lives. Where a certain private investigator worked for his father conducting discreet inquiries for the rich and the famous. A world in which I had to often expand my vocabulary to appreciate the author's skill at detailing the mundane with so much vivre and style that I could not help but look at my meals as a drab affair later. When Archy McNally went for his daily evening swim in the sea, I felt rejuvenated and when he jotted his observations at bed time I felt I had done the needful.
I wanted to relive those moments of pure joy and entertainment by gaining into my possession all the McNally's ever written. However, I had to hunt for long - apparently these novels stopped going into print a while ago. I was therefore elated when I found an entire collection (second-hand) in a wonderful book store I stumbled upon in central Bangalore. A real treasure trove, the store had all those books, series and comics that were a regular affair in the 80s and 90s and then vanished from the large book store chains in our current era.
McNally's Dilemma was written by Vincent Lardo after the death of Sanders (it's fine print below, so you may miss that). The book does not match up to Sanders' writing style, however it isn't bad. It's like heading to your favorite vacation destination with the same company, however with them being not as interesting as usual. As I was desperate to read another McNally I managed to enjoy the book. While the sass, wit and descriptions of food, drink and attire are mostly amusing, the mystery wasn't mysterious. It was fairly evident in the beginning who the murderer was. Yet, it was a fun read with the regular characters and Florida's wealthy being mocked through scandals and crime.
Our main protagonist Archie has his quirks and humor. I admire his commitment to fine food and attention to dressing up in style. He may come across as a philanderer, but he values honesty and without losing his professionalism he does not compromise on searching for the truth even when there was no need for him to do that in this story. Respect!
There are better McNally's out there, but I got my fix with this one too :)
I wanted to relive those moments of pure joy and entertainment by gaining into my possession all the McNally's ever written. However, I had to hunt for long - apparently these novels stopped going into print a while ago. I was therefore elated when I found an entire collection (second-hand) in a wonderful book store I stumbled upon in central Bangalore. A real treasure trove, the store had all those books, series and comics that were a regular affair in the 80s and 90s and then vanished from the large book store chains in our current era.
McNally's Dilemma was written by Vincent Lardo after the death of Sanders (it's fine print below, so you may miss that). The book does not match up to Sanders' writing style, however it isn't bad. It's like heading to your favorite vacation destination with the same company, however with them being not as interesting as usual. As I was desperate to read another McNally I managed to enjoy the book. While the sass, wit and descriptions of food, drink and attire are mostly amusing, the mystery wasn't mysterious. It was fairly evident in the beginning who the murderer was. Yet, it was a fun read with the regular characters and Florida's wealthy being mocked through scandals and crime.
Our main protagonist Archie has his quirks and humor. I admire his commitment to fine food and attention to dressing up in style. He may come across as a philanderer, but he values honesty and without losing his professionalism he does not compromise on searching for the truth even when there was no need for him to do that in this story. Respect!
There are better McNally's out there, but I got my fix with this one too :)
April 30, 2018
Fun read, but different than the first seven
August 4, 2023
“Discreet, my dear, is the operative word.”
“The crime passionnel.”
“The lesson learned here is that the only way to perpetuate a lie is with more lies.”
Archy is back!…kind of. I’m torn on this one. I knew, after binge reading a ton of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser novels and then diving right into and being disappointed with Ace Atkins’ version that maybe a break in between would have made a difference. After all, it’s hard to take over the reins of such a well written character. So for Lawrence Sanders’ Archy McNally’s series, I was hoping a long hiatus before reading Vincent Lardo’s version would leave me feeling like this was an authentic Sanders’ book. No, unfortunately, but in some ways Yes.
The No comes about with Archy and the story. In Sanders’ books, Archy is like no one else. So maybe it is an impossible task but the first 2/3 of the book, my head screamed “This is not Archy!” But the last 1/3, he became more Archy-like. And this gives me some hope for any future books. And I did feel like Lardo excelled at his portrayals of Archy’s father, mother, Binky, and some of the other minor characters. So kudos for that.
For the overall story, it was okay. I liked bits and pieces, but ultimately guessed the big reveal pretty early on. Some of the other reveals were pretty good and I liked how it all came together. But since I guessed the main one right away, that left me disappointed.
So in the end, I am still torn. This time, on whether to continue the series or not. And my ultimate hope is to find a new series that takes place in Florida with an Archy-like character that Sanders created.
“The crime passionnel.”
“The lesson learned here is that the only way to perpetuate a lie is with more lies.”
Archy is back!…kind of. I’m torn on this one. I knew, after binge reading a ton of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser novels and then diving right into and being disappointed with Ace Atkins’ version that maybe a break in between would have made a difference. After all, it’s hard to take over the reins of such a well written character. So for Lawrence Sanders’ Archy McNally’s series, I was hoping a long hiatus before reading Vincent Lardo’s version would leave me feeling like this was an authentic Sanders’ book. No, unfortunately, but in some ways Yes.
The No comes about with Archy and the story. In Sanders’ books, Archy is like no one else. So maybe it is an impossible task but the first 2/3 of the book, my head screamed “This is not Archy!” But the last 1/3, he became more Archy-like. And this gives me some hope for any future books. And I did feel like Lardo excelled at his portrayals of Archy’s father, mother, Binky, and some of the other minor characters. So kudos for that.
For the overall story, it was okay. I liked bits and pieces, but ultimately guessed the big reveal pretty early on. Some of the other reveals were pretty good and I liked how it all came together. But since I guessed the main one right away, that left me disappointed.
So in the end, I am still torn. This time, on whether to continue the series or not. And my ultimate hope is to find a new series that takes place in Florida with an Archy-like character that Sanders created.
January 8, 2023
Private investigator Archy McNally is in the thick of things — as usual I suspect — he's helping out Melva Williams, a rich society woman who has shot her husband when finding him in a compromising situation, and been hired to track down a blackmailer who is threatening to tell the world about how the founder of a rich family dynasty escaped death on the Titanic.
And as this is a McNally story, Archy is bewitched, bothers and bewildered as he tries to shield Melva's daughter Veronica from the press following her mothers actions. But it isn't as simple as that — Archy's unofficial fiancee is seeing red about his attentions to Veronica.
Any other sleuth would be wondering how he got himself into this tight jam but its just another day and another case for McNally.
The story is interesting and Lardo is a good writer but I just couldn't get fully into it. The cover of the book promoted this as Lawrence Sanders McNally's Dilemma but it was written after Sanders' death. I kept reading but was always wondering if Sanders wrote the character the same way. It felt wrong somehow. Still, it is a good story with plenty of twists and red herrings and I'm sure that how McNally figures it all out is similar to how Sanders had him do so.
And as this is a McNally story, Archy is bewitched, bothers and bewildered as he tries to shield Melva's daughter Veronica from the press following her mothers actions. But it isn't as simple as that — Archy's unofficial fiancee is seeing red about his attentions to Veronica.
Any other sleuth would be wondering how he got himself into this tight jam but its just another day and another case for McNally.
The story is interesting and Lardo is a good writer but I just couldn't get fully into it. The cover of the book promoted this as Lawrence Sanders McNally's Dilemma but it was written after Sanders' death. I kept reading but was always wondering if Sanders wrote the character the same way. It felt wrong somehow. Still, it is a good story with plenty of twists and red herrings and I'm sure that how McNally figures it all out is similar to how Sanders had him do so.
September 26, 2022
Fun book. The author writes in the first person which I enjoyed! Story line was interesting and surprising!
March 31, 2016
After the death of Lawrence Sanders, Vincent Lardo was picked to continue the Archy McNally series, starting with MCNALLY'S DILEMMA. Archy's long-time friend called Archy to ask for his help, because she has killed her rotter of a husband. Lardo's narratives are a little more racy, but still enjoyable to read. I thought I knew by Chapter 3 what had happened, but I didn't expect the late plot twists. I will continue reading the series.
July 5, 2011
This book had everything action, adventure, mystery, whodunit's, we follow the main character Archy McNally as he investigates both blackmail from a portrait of a great grandfather who was with the Titanic when it sunk. And a wealthy murder. As with any great mystery the ending was a complete twist and I loved it.
August 15, 2016
Mr. Lardo took the names and location from the Archy McNally series, changed every character, removed the panache that Lawrence Sanders infused in each of the original seven novels, and folded this disappointing result into a poorly written murderer mystery novel. I can only hope Lardo's subsequent efforts on the Archy McNally series are better than this first effort.
September 12, 2017
I enjoyed this addition to the series. Not sure this was Mr lardo's first foray but it was a good effort. I found the plot a tad more convoluted than previous books but I will continue this series to its finale as they are highly entertaining.
July 12, 2016
An entertaining read.
March 22, 2019
It has been quite a while since I've read one of the McNally books and I'd forgotten that I get a giggle and enjoy them.
This time 'round, Archy McNally is called on by Melva, an old friend. She is claiming to have murdered her husband. There is the dead body in the house and the story is she found him in disarray with another woman. He does have a reputation as a philanderer and she knows it, but this time it was in their house, so boom! The lady wants Archy to keep her stunning daughter away from the press and away from it all.
The 'child' is a stunning blue-eyed blonde of about 20 named Veronica. She is quite the temptation to Archy, but she is a friend's daughter and he is to keep her from the media circus. Meanwhile, Archy feels that there is more to this murder. That Melva didn't kill her husband, but she is covering up someone. Who? Little things keep bugging.
Archy's snappy combacks, unusual wardrobe, and ability to mingle with the Palm Beach elite keeps the pace going and the surprising revelations of family secrets coming. A light read buy with some good twists and turns!
This time 'round, Archy McNally is called on by Melva, an old friend. She is claiming to have murdered her husband. There is the dead body in the house and the story is she found him in disarray with another woman. He does have a reputation as a philanderer and she knows it, but this time it was in their house, so boom! The lady wants Archy to keep her stunning daughter away from the press and away from it all.
The 'child' is a stunning blue-eyed blonde of about 20 named Veronica. She is quite the temptation to Archy, but she is a friend's daughter and he is to keep her from the media circus. Meanwhile, Archy feels that there is more to this murder. That Melva didn't kill her husband, but she is covering up someone. Who? Little things keep bugging.
Archy's snappy combacks, unusual wardrobe, and ability to mingle with the Palm Beach elite keeps the pace going and the surprising revelations of family secrets coming. A light read buy with some good twists and turns!
March 9, 2021
Simply executed and intelligently carved, Vincent Lardo justified his efforts to McNally series, initially created by Lawrence Sanders. The plot of the book is clear with no ambiguity as such. It highlights the luxury lives of palm beach society and how they function. The jealousy, adultery, pretention, shrewdness, extravaganza and many more were pointed intricately. Archy McNally did has his moments in the story when he used his smartness and connected the puzzle pieces of the mystery murder of Geoffrey William’s by his wife Melva Ashton Manning, to find the real motive. Based on the earlier times of 1980s the story unfolds like a traditional day with good vibes and happy feelings.
I personally read this book because I bought it in a book fair at Pondicherry in year 2019. Though it did not excite me to take up this book earlier but now when I did complete it, I would say it’s a good read.
Find synopsis of book on: https://www.samoohanam.com/books/mcna...
I personally read this book because I bought it in a book fair at Pondicherry in year 2019. Though it did not excite me to take up this book earlier but now when I did complete it, I would say it’s a good read.
Find synopsis of book on: https://www.samoohanam.com/books/mcna...
May 24, 2020
I would give this book a 3.5. I've two other Archy McNally books by Vincent Lardo. This wasn't his best. The story line is so-so and the ending left something to be desired. I noticed in this book that Vincent Lardo has Archy calling his father "mon pere". When Lawrence Sanders wrote the books, Archy always referred to his father as "mein papa". It may be a trivial thing to notice, but if you're going to continue with characters that Lawrence Sanders created, you should keep their behaviors and speech patterns.
February 22, 2022
Originally read it years ago and just read it again to give myself a change of pace from the dark, disturbing and mostly translated novels I have been reading lately. Light, fluffy, fun and entertaining with mentions of some of my favorite Palm Beach venues. Nice to revisit the '90's. I can't compare Lardo's style to the original author's (Sanders) because it has been a long time since I read the previous McNally novels, but I think I will go back and read the series over someday soon.
July 3, 2024
Was feeling really disappointed with Sanders for the repeated and creepy interest of a 37 year old man in a 22 year old that he watched grow up. eventually realized that this was written by someone else after Sanders’ death which restored my faith in him as an author.
annoyed bc this was a good storyline and could’ve been a good book but the plot was fairly obvious and all the sexual comments about veronica were off-putting.
annoyed bc this was a good storyline and could’ve been a good book but the plot was fairly obvious and all the sexual comments about veronica were off-putting.
July 4, 2017
Bigamist tries to rip off a family friend and Archy hired to catch extortionist, but the two cases intersect and Archy's new girlfriend isn't telling the truth. I've enjoyed the Archy McNally series with its light-hearted protagonist with an ability to wiggle into solving the mysteries of Palm Beach society.
September 10, 2018
Not one of the best Archie discrete investigations but is still worth reading. Plot or should l say plots were somewhat convoluted with an ending that seemed somewhat forced. Still enjoyable and I will continue reading the series. Love all of the characters but they do seem to be aging or maybe I am the one aging and want my hero’s to remain the same.
December 20, 2018
Intriguing story and great fun
I love the Archy McNally books. They are fun and funny, and can be read start to finish or just to relax. My vocabulary, which I had thought was quite broad, is ever-growing. I could read these books daily; a most pleasant escape from the world and in to Palm Beach extravagance. Love the references to Mar A Largo!
I love the Archy McNally books. They are fun and funny, and can be read start to finish or just to relax. My vocabulary, which I had thought was quite broad, is ever-growing. I could read these books daily; a most pleasant escape from the world and in to Palm Beach extravagance. Love the references to Mar A Largo!
November 7, 2023
A will written mystery
A will written mystery with interesting well developed characters. Once again the usual characters enter into an entertaining fast moving mystery which Archy manages too bring too a successful conclusion. I would recommend this novel and the series too anyone who enjoys an old fashion mystery. Enjoy reading 2016
I read this as an e-book from the local library
A will written mystery with interesting well developed characters. Once again the usual characters enter into an entertaining fast moving mystery which Archy manages too bring too a successful conclusion. I would recommend this novel and the series too anyone who enjoys an old fashion mystery. Enjoy reading 2016
I read this as an e-book from the local library
May 17, 2024
A fairly typical Archie McNally yarn -- lots of women, lots of cars, lots of privileged lives, lots of once popular drinks -- but an entertaining one with a fairly intricate plot. Easy to see why Lawrence Sanders was such a popular writer but tastes have changed and, unless you're nostalgic for the Floridian glitter of the 80s and 90s, they may not be your glass of gin and tonic.
August 7, 2018
Gotta love a good Archy diversion. The last of Mr. Sanders but I'm hopeful that the new writer keeps it going. Nothing fancy in this one, just fun and that is what I wanted. Still would like to see a TV movie of it sometime…
August 18, 2019
I am ambivalent. Part of me thought it was so-so, but i couldn't put it down. The "humor" got on my nerves, but I still read on. Story was good and I liked all the characters. Of course everyone was good looking in Palm Beach.
January 9, 2023
Interesting ending to a good story that strung out with all of the various complications of who done it.
However it was easy to guess who the "mystery woman" was very early in the book. No surprise there.
However it was easy to guess who the "mystery woman" was very early in the book. No surprise there.
November 5, 2023
It was clear that this was a Vincent Lardo from the first page. Canonical plot elements were absent. There was an over abundance of capitalization and italicization and an under abundance of commas, and it was poorly copyedited.
October 5, 2017
"McNally's Dilemma" is among the best novels I have read. It's characters are well-drawn, believable and yet complex. The book is a page turner and difficult to put down.
March 10, 2019
High on humour and mystery...Sanders stands out...This is my 2nd reading...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews