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Archy McNally #1-3
The McNally Files
Paperback in very good condition, cleaned pages. Fast shipping...(H-24)
496 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
243 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence Sanders
160 books374 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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 9, 2017
It can at times be tricky to review compendiums, but here it is easy enough: Archy McNally is a young-ish American male of the wealthier layer in Palm Beach, (circa 1980-1990 at a guess).
Having failed law school, his father has set up a small branch in the law firm "Discreet Inquiries" to enable clients to have various personal issues looked into. In this one volume of three separate novels, Archy investigates a catnapping, a ransom-murder and conducts an investigation into a proposed fiance that does not end at all as expected.
The style of writing is easy and challenging, very well done for it's specific genera with witty (too witty to be wholly believable) banter and a glimpse at the wealthy layer of society that will intrigue many readers. It is not groundbreaking but it is pleasant, easy and fun to read.
Have you noticed that fictional detectives tend to come in two models? One is gritty, in financial trouble, often romantically challenged. The second is debonair, well-heeled and a playboy, gourmet and high lifer. Archy is definitely in that second category with an immensely developed sense of style to book. He is a lot of fun to read and if he can at times be somewhat repetitious, well, that is part of the fun with this type of franchise, is it not?
The list of Americanisms was a bit off-putting at times. Sometimes I could figure the out from the context but other times I had no notion what they were meant to convey, with no desire to google and find out. Examples include; lalapalooza, (I guessed that one from context), red Mole sauce (really? the poor moles), bumbershoot (wtf), and many others that I don't remember. My personal favourite, which I did understand and made me chuckle was 'a jeroboam of annelids' I loved it, but how many people studied annelids at uni?
Anyhow, lots of fun for it's genera.
Having failed law school, his father has set up a small branch in the law firm "Discreet Inquiries" to enable clients to have various personal issues looked into. In this one volume of three separate novels, Archy investigates a catnapping, a ransom-murder and conducts an investigation into a proposed fiance that does not end at all as expected.
The style of writing is easy and challenging, very well done for it's specific genera with witty (too witty to be wholly believable) banter and a glimpse at the wealthy layer of society that will intrigue many readers. It is not groundbreaking but it is pleasant, easy and fun to read.
Have you noticed that fictional detectives tend to come in two models? One is gritty, in financial trouble, often romantically challenged. The second is debonair, well-heeled and a playboy, gourmet and high lifer. Archy is definitely in that second category with an immensely developed sense of style to book. He is a lot of fun to read and if he can at times be somewhat repetitious, well, that is part of the fun with this type of franchise, is it not?
The list of Americanisms was a bit off-putting at times. Sometimes I could figure the out from the context but other times I had no notion what they were meant to convey, with no desire to google and find out. Examples include; lalapalooza, (I guessed that one from context), red Mole sauce (really? the poor moles), bumbershoot (wtf), and many others that I don't remember. My personal favourite, which I did understand and made me chuckle was 'a jeroboam of annelids' I loved it, but how many people studied annelids at uni?
Anyhow, lots of fun for it's genera.
June 21, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley to read and review.
“THE ARCHIE McNALLY SERIES VOLUME I” is a compilation of the first three books in the Archie McNally series, McNally's Secret, McNally's Luck, and McNally's Risk.
Archie is the young playboy son of a well respected attorney in the Palm Beach, FL area who specializes in “Discreet Inquiries”, and Archie is the investigator in those cases assigned to him by his father.
Seemingly content to devote the majority of his time to a life of leisure and womanizing that his life of privilege makes possible, he occasionally is required to take time to investigate the above mentioned cases and report his findings to his father.
Successfully solving cases is often made possible by Archie utilizing the long list of acquaintances he’s known over the years, but most often relying on his friend Al Rogoff, the rough detective from the PBPD who overlooks the fact Archie is often a thorn in his side making his job more difficult.
Lovable and charming, Archie somehow maintains his relationship with the lovely Connie who has been able to forgive his dalliances with attractive women he comes in contact with in his investigations.
Humorous dialogue taking place with others along with quips by Archie really make these books a pleasure to read, and it’s surprising how light hearted these reads can be in the midst of the murders that take place.
Highly recommended to fans of humorous situations present in investigations by a lovable but hopelessly flawed leading character, the books in this series will not disappoint.
4 stars.
“THE ARCHIE McNALLY SERIES VOLUME I” is a compilation of the first three books in the Archie McNally series, McNally's Secret, McNally's Luck, and McNally's Risk.
Archie is the young playboy son of a well respected attorney in the Palm Beach, FL area who specializes in “Discreet Inquiries”, and Archie is the investigator in those cases assigned to him by his father.
Seemingly content to devote the majority of his time to a life of leisure and womanizing that his life of privilege makes possible, he occasionally is required to take time to investigate the above mentioned cases and report his findings to his father.
Successfully solving cases is often made possible by Archie utilizing the long list of acquaintances he’s known over the years, but most often relying on his friend Al Rogoff, the rough detective from the PBPD who overlooks the fact Archie is often a thorn in his side making his job more difficult.
Lovable and charming, Archie somehow maintains his relationship with the lovely Connie who has been able to forgive his dalliances with attractive women he comes in contact with in his investigations.
Humorous dialogue taking place with others along with quips by Archie really make these books a pleasure to read, and it’s surprising how light hearted these reads can be in the midst of the murders that take place.
Highly recommended to fans of humorous situations present in investigations by a lovable but hopelessly flawed leading character, the books in this series will not disappoint.
4 stars.
October 29, 2017
http://www.anurseandabook.com/2017/08...
For the last week, I've been sucked into the Archy McNally series by Lawrence Sanders. I read Volume One of the series, which is the first three books. They were just as good as I remembered - just fun, lighthearted mysteries. It made me want to keep going through the series again. Sanders really was a great writer - and I'm not sure if it was harder or easier to be a best selling writer back then. If you've never read these books, take a look, I think you'll enjoy them!
For the last week, I've been sucked into the Archy McNally series by Lawrence Sanders. I read Volume One of the series, which is the first three books. They were just as good as I remembered - just fun, lighthearted mysteries. It made me want to keep going through the series again. Sanders really was a great writer - and I'm not sure if it was harder or easier to be a best selling writer back then. If you've never read these books, take a look, I think you'll enjoy them!
October 18, 2025
Light-hearted mysteries that poke fun at the Palm Beach lifestyle. Archie performs discrete inquiries into the problems of the Palm Beach aristocracy. He is a bit of a dandy who enjoys his drink and the ladies. I have read most of these already, but I enjoy reading them. I still laugh at the humor, probably because I've visited the Lake Worth side of Palm Beach in my younger years in the eighties, roughly the same time as the setting of these stories.
January 22, 2020
Archy's humour, sense of fashion, healthy appetite, silly adventures, The pater and let's not forget Binky and his shenanigans, always keeps me coming back for another McNally Novel. Big time comic relief for me😊
November 12, 2025
Lighthearted readjng
I love the Archie books. They are a quick read, lighthearted , amusing, and just plain fun reading. Archie is a Mischievous sleuths and a devil may care individual. A must read for anyone who likes quirky characters.
I love the Archie books. They are a quick read, lighthearted , amusing, and just plain fun reading. Archie is a Mischievous sleuths and a devil may care individual. A must read for anyone who likes quirky characters.
September 9, 2024
ha ha!
This is my second reading of the series and much to my amazement. I am enjoyed every bit as much as the first reading. It’s always a pleasure to learn new vocabulary words and Sanders never fails to enlighten me.
This is my second reading of the series and much to my amazement. I am enjoyed every bit as much as the first reading. It’s always a pleasure to learn new vocabulary words and Sanders never fails to enlighten me.
January 21, 2025
They don't write um like this anymore.
I find myself rereading these old classics because recently written novels of this genre do not measure up. Sad but true
I find myself rereading these old classics because recently written novels of this genre do not measure up. Sad but true
January 27, 2025
fabulous series
As someone who grew up in South Florida, and retains a closet full of Lilly Pulitzer, I love Archie. In all his sartorial splendor.
As someone who grew up in South Florida, and retains a closet full of Lilly Pulitzer, I love Archie. In all his sartorial splendor.
April 22, 2025
Original
The main character is fresh,
original & believable. The story has many twists & turns but keeps you involved. I will look for more of this author & character.
The main character is fresh,
original & believable. The story has many twists & turns but keeps you involved. I will look for more of this author & character.
August 7, 2017
The first three books in the Archy McNally series - great fun!
In the grand pantheon of literary detectives Archy McNally falls closer to the realm of a Hercule Poirot or Ellery Queen rather than someone like a Sam Spade or Lew Archer. Which is to say that Archy is not really a rough and tumble "put up your dukes" type of guy. He's more a lover than a fighter who, while romancing the ladies to the best of his abilities, finds time to investigate cases for his father's company McNally and Son, Attorney-at-law (notice the singular 'attorney'). Archy heads up the Discreet Inquiries department for his father's law firm. He is, in fact, the only member of that department. The McNally name is well known and respected by the Palm Beach elite with whom they hobknob on a regular basis and who form the basis of their investigative clientelle.
Archy is a bit of a fop or a dandy. A playboy of the old school. He is an effective detective but he goes about things in his own peculiar way, tongue-in-cheek, taking very little seriously. He is good friends with detective sergeant Al Rogoff and often works closely with the police (though seldom with full disclosure). He associates with people who have names like Pinky Schatz, Lolly Spindriff, and Binky Watrous.
In these days of reality TV superstars and billionaire presidents these books read more than ever like a parody of the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
-- McNally's Secret, The Archy McNally Series, Book 1
This first in the series is basically modelled after the old English manor mysteries. A block of rare postage stamps is stolen from a wealthy neighbor and Archy must determine which of her houseguests is responsible... while being as descreet as possible.
I wasn't all that crazy about this first story. It's okay. A little more on the cozy mystery side than the rest (though not a cozy!)
-- McNally's Luck, The Archy McNally Series, Book 2
A simple catnapping turns to murder in this second book of the series.
-- McNally's Risk , The Archy McNally Series, Book 3
Archy is hired to check out the bona fides of a wealthy client's prospective daughter-in-law.
These stories fall into a category I refer to as "soft-boiled", meaning they are nowhere near gritty or tough enough to be considered Hard-boiled but they have an edge to them and can't rightly be put in the cozy mystery mold. There is some adult language in use, and a suggestive sexual situation here or there. Should be okay for most readers.
I recommend these books/this collection to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a dose of humor.
***Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this collection of McNally books by Lawrence Sanders
In the grand pantheon of literary detectives Archy McNally falls closer to the realm of a Hercule Poirot or Ellery Queen rather than someone like a Sam Spade or Lew Archer. Which is to say that Archy is not really a rough and tumble "put up your dukes" type of guy. He's more a lover than a fighter who, while romancing the ladies to the best of his abilities, finds time to investigate cases for his father's company McNally and Son, Attorney-at-law (notice the singular 'attorney'). Archy heads up the Discreet Inquiries department for his father's law firm. He is, in fact, the only member of that department. The McNally name is well known and respected by the Palm Beach elite with whom they hobknob on a regular basis and who form the basis of their investigative clientelle.
Archy is a bit of a fop or a dandy. A playboy of the old school. He is an effective detective but he goes about things in his own peculiar way, tongue-in-cheek, taking very little seriously. He is good friends with detective sergeant Al Rogoff and often works closely with the police (though seldom with full disclosure). He associates with people who have names like Pinky Schatz, Lolly Spindriff, and Binky Watrous.
In these days of reality TV superstars and billionaire presidents these books read more than ever like a parody of the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
-- McNally's Secret, The Archy McNally Series, Book 1
This first in the series is basically modelled after the old English manor mysteries. A block of rare postage stamps is stolen from a wealthy neighbor and Archy must determine which of her houseguests is responsible... while being as descreet as possible.
I wasn't all that crazy about this first story. It's okay. A little more on the cozy mystery side than the rest (though not a cozy!)
-- McNally's Luck, The Archy McNally Series, Book 2
A simple catnapping turns to murder in this second book of the series.
-- McNally's Risk , The Archy McNally Series, Book 3
Archy is hired to check out the bona fides of a wealthy client's prospective daughter-in-law.
These stories fall into a category I refer to as "soft-boiled", meaning they are nowhere near gritty or tough enough to be considered Hard-boiled but they have an edge to them and can't rightly be put in the cozy mystery mold. There is some adult language in use, and a suggestive sexual situation here or there. Should be okay for most readers.
I recommend these books/this collection to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a dose of humor.
***Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this collection of McNally books by Lawrence Sanders
September 20, 2017
Really 3.5 stars - a fun series
Archy McNally skates through the world of society Florida, romancing and dining while he detects. The action and characters draw you in, but I found the ultra-arch (sorry) language a bit off-putting. Archy sounds like a refugee from a 1930's mystery: Dorothy Sayers leavened with a bit of Dashiell Hammett, which jars when we're in the present day. Actually, he sounds like Archie Goodwin in the Nero Wolfe books, which is worrisome with the name similarity. If you can accept the florid prose as a character trait of the protagonist, then the tales are enjoyable and amusingly told.
Archy McNally skates through the world of society Florida, romancing and dining while he detects. The action and characters draw you in, but I found the ultra-arch (sorry) language a bit off-putting. Archy sounds like a refugee from a 1930's mystery: Dorothy Sayers leavened with a bit of Dashiell Hammett, which jars when we're in the present day. Actually, he sounds like Archie Goodwin in the Nero Wolfe books, which is worrisome with the name similarity. If you can accept the florid prose as a character trait of the protagonist, then the tales are enjoyable and amusingly told.
March 6, 2018
If you want something different- try this series.
If murder mysteries can be called lighthearted the Archy McNally series would be it. I read these years ago as they came out and decided to revisit them again when this set was on sale. Make no mistake these are full on mysteries but the main character has very tongue in cheek humor that sometimes had me laughing out loud. If you want something different- try this series.
If murder mysteries can be called lighthearted the Archy McNally series would be it. I read these years ago as they came out and decided to revisit them again when this set was on sale. Make no mistake these are full on mysteries but the main character has very tongue in cheek humor that sometimes had me laughing out loud. If you want something different- try this series.
July 15, 2018
What a bargain!
Sanders's third (and most light-hearted) series. Mystery series, volumes 1 to 3. Sanders is always careful to be sure that enough of the background and main characters are explained enough so that any book in the series can be read as a stand-alone. Some characters are on the fringe of many of the books. Always satisfying. Archy's catchphrase is:
"One never knows, do one?"
Sanders's third (and most light-hearted) series. Mystery series, volumes 1 to 3. Sanders is always careful to be sure that enough of the background and main characters are explained enough so that any book in the series can be read as a stand-alone. Some characters are on the fringe of many of the books. Always satisfying. Archy's catchphrase is:
"One never knows, do one?"
March 8, 2015
Love this series! My wife is from the Palm Beach area and Mr. Sanders' details of the area is spot on. I like to open up Google Maps whenever he mentions a location I'm curious about. The characters ate hilariously witty and fun. Definitely a great series for suspense lovers looking for intellect and sass at the same time. On to #4!
October 18, 2017
This is the beginning of Archy McNally and his discreet investigations. To introduce him Mr. Sanders has chosen a set of three almost Novella length stories. I am not sure that Archy's bon vivant character will be one that I can take for very many episodes. Already there seems to be a formulaic style emerging. I'll check out another one, but then decide whether to continue.
December 26, 2015
When detective Archy McNally is called to retrieve a set of rare stamps known as "Inverted Jennies" from one of Palm Beach's wealthiest and most curvaceous matrons, he unexpectedly becomes entangled in something far more dangerous.
April 23, 2008
McNally leads an interesting life.But he needs to quit cheating on Consuela!He.s such a whore!
September 9, 2010
Quick read, always entertaining.
Read
July 15, 2015WHAT ARE YOU READING?
MCNALLY'S RISK. IT'S MY FAVOURITE OF THE SERIES.
MCNALLY'S RISK. IT'S MY FAVOURITE OF THE SERIES.
October 20, 2017
I own this whole series in paperback, and it was good to revisit. Light-hearted and funny. Fluffy but well done. A little dated now, since I think they were written in the early 90s.
July 21, 2018
Lots of fun
Lots of fun, especially for a former South Floridian of the legal community. So much to create to.
Get this series.
Lots of fun, especially for a former South Floridian of the legal community. So much to create to.
Get this series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews