McNally's Puzzle

Archy McNally #6

by Lawrence Sanders

Hiram Gottschalk is a wealthy widower with a paranoid son and heir, twisted twin daughters, and shady employees. Owner of bird store Parrots Unlimited, he hires Archy McNally and sidekick Binky for protection. But he is stabbed in his sleep; two clerks are killed in the Everglades. Who has the motive?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Mystery Thriller, Detective, Crime, Cozy Mystery

343 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

There 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.

Reviews

[Zain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Episode Six.

Another episode of tart-tongued, quick-witted solipsisms from the smarmy brain power of the surmisings of Archibald McNally.

In this episode our hero, Archy, is called upon to investigate the harassment of a bird salesman (parrots, that is).

Someone is sending Mr. Hiram Gottschalk horrific letters, damaging his favorite items and someone even strangled one of his birds.

Was it the sultry housekeeper, who crawls shamelessly all over Archy, the creepy Gottschalk twins who despise the world, their brother Peter who is behaving irrationally, or the flawlessly dressed manager of the bird store?

With so many suspects and so much suspicious behavior, Archy has to do a lot of eating and cheating and ruminating to get his brain slanted in the direction of success.

[Daniel Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the exact book I needed for the moment: something breezy, fun, that would make me nostalgic for Florida and all its crazy characters. I got all that and more. What I wasn't counting on was how smart and crisp the writing was. Sanders is confident and at ease with this character. I feel like McNally is a flesh and blood person, full of charisma and character quirks. A book like this might have been beneath my dignity ten years ago, but now, like McNally himself, I wish to live sock-less, unmarried, with a cocktail hour in the evening, and a fireball Latina waiting in the wings. A two-mile swim in the Atlantic in the afternoon? I can see no reason why not. The backdrop: a decadent Palm Peach high society. That will do for the time being. And for good measure, I should be transported to the late 1990s. Yes, that will all do quite nicely. The next McNally book to read? Well, that's a secret. McNally's Secret.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

A master’s look at the foolishness of Palm Beach society. No one dresses (would love to see him in those speedos!) or eats better than Archy McNally as he pokes fun at everything. Just clean fun, amazing that Sanders was a best selling author without lurid sex and vile language. It’s the same old, same old, but still entertaining. I’m reading this series for the second time round, 20 years later for a Trump-free Palm Beach!🌴

[Murrill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of my "palate cleansers": A quick, light read to referesh me following some heavier tomes. I was not as entertained by this one, perhaps because the back-drop---exotic birds and people I didn't come to know--was less intriguing. Even Archy seemed bored.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You’re awake?” he said. “And sober?”
“Of course I’m awake and sober,” I said. “And working I might add. ‘Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.'”
“You work for the post office?”
“It’s Herodotus, Al.”
“Thank you. I won’t forget it for at least five minutes.” (297)

[Aiisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny, would read more books by this author

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wealthy bird shop owner, Hiram Gottschalk feels his life is threatened. He can not contact the police because there are no definite threats. The Gottschalk are to say it mildly dysfunctional. The son and heir is mentally unstable and the twin daughters are very twisted and not at all nice. To round out the menagerie there is the housekeeper who could organize the military and the manager of the bird shop who makes Archy look slovenly.

I found this one a bit repetitive. The first 25 pages were the same as the other books in the series. I do like Archy and his irreverence. His girlfriend, Connie is nowhere to be seen this time as she is mad at Archy for thinking 'dirty' thoughts. He needs to be kicked to the curb but not for this reason.

The plot was funny in parts and had a satisfying number of twists. The only niggle was that it was summed up too fast. The villain tried to kill Archy in the end and it just didn't make sense that that is what would happen. It was almost as if the author was running out of paper and had to get it ended then and now.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Archie - he's such a flip guy and I relate to him even better now that I reside in southern Florida (constantly reread the books for fun - "one never knows, do one!"). I must admit that Lawrence Sanders only produced one other series I found worth reading and that's his character Timothy Cone. I am in the market for a first of "The Timothy Files" if anyone out there has one for sale. I'm not interested in any of "in the style of Saunders" Archie books - sorry, it's just not the same.

[Jacob Hochstetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book and finished it in one day because this book embodies what I love about the McNally series. I would have to say that my favorite part of this novel is when they adopt Hobo. I do not know if others agree, but Hobo is one of my favorite characters in this series along with Archy and Rogoff, of course. I love how Archy is just... funny with his witty remarks and how he knows a tune to fit any moment. To Lawrence Sanders, I say, these books are some of the best that I have ever read.

[Bud Hewlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the most exciting or engaging detective novel I've ever read. I got the impression that the author had a contract to provide a certain number of pages and padded the content with a lot of fluff. For instance, there was way too much about the content of every meal in the protagonists daily routine, as well as about his alcoholic drink and wardrobe selections. Archie McNally seemed to be something of a snobbish dandy, certainly not a typical hard edged detective. That said, I liked the fact that the book didn't have a lot of gratuitous sex of bad language. Just mildly entertaining.

[Julie C-F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost have all McNally books and though the plots are basically the same, and the food, clothes and homes described in details, I still feel that more of these should be written.

[Gabbiadini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous writing. Reminds me so much of PG Wodehouse . Love this guy.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Archy. The story was a bit silly with the parrot smuggling but I don't have a single other author that makes me laugh this much. A true pleasure

[Irv Kantrowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. The writer is a little quirky, the characters are a little quirky.
The story is delightful.

[Lukasz Pruski · Rating 2 out of 5]

"We all have our wonts, do we not, and one of mine is to dither when faced with a difficult decision. I was tempted to delay a confrontation with Peter Gottschalk to another day. [...] But that I realized was an ignoble snivel and so, as the Reverend Spooner might say, I lirded my groins and phoned the Gottschalk residence."

I love reading this kind of prose, ornate, flowery, full of circumlocutions, puns, and even clever spoonerisms. But boohoo! McNally's Puzzle (1996) is the last Archy McNally novel written by the original author, signed as Mr. Lawrence Sanders. (One cannot be sure about the authorship: the seven McNally novels are so much better than most other works by the author who used Lawrence Sanders' name that it is hard to imagine they were all written by the same person.) Mr. Vincent Lardo continued the series after Mr. Sanders' death, and one day I will find courage to try one of the "posthumous" novels.

In this installment we meet the intrepid and suave Archy as he retrieves - 'steals back' would be a more proper term - a valuable baseball card from an ex-wife of McNally law firm's client. I need to add that - true to Archy's common modus operandi - the retrieval is achieved after seducing the thief and consummating a short affair with her. Yet this is only a teaser and Archy's distinguished father, the head of the firm, gives Archy - who's in charge of 'discreet inquiries' - a new job. Another client of the firm, Mr. Gottschalk, requests precisely such a discreet inquiry as he fears someone has been trying to kill him.

The beginning pages are wonderful to read:

"I occasionally suffer an attack of the guilts and have found the best cure is a good night's sleep, when a mambo with Morpheus dilutes crass behavior to impish mischief."

Alas, quite early in the story "the King of Duncedom", Binky Watrous, makes his entrance into the plot, which made me groan 'Ugh.' To me, Binky's presence in a story significantly reduces its readability. Oh well... The cliché persona of Binky is almost balanced by the presence of parrots and by the author's attention to all "matters psittacine," (check it out in a dictionary!)

Ornate prose rules until the end of the story - who cares about the plot and denouement when one can read:

"I donned a new pongee robe embroidered with Chinese characters. I had been told by the merchant the calligraphy could be translated as: 'May you have a happy life.' But I suspected it meant, 'Suffer, you miserable schlub,' or some other invidious imprecation."

Marginal recommendation, only for the prose.

Two-and-a-half stars.

[Bryan Higgs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is different. I've read a number of other Lawrence Sanders' novels, but this one was very different from the others. I think the whole book is intended to be satire. The main character, Archy McNally, is a self-indulgent offspring of a rich lawyer. He apparently got ejected from Harvard Law School (or was it Yale? No matter...), for unspecified reasons. He now works, with no credentials, as a kind of para-legal/private detective for his father's law firm. His affectations are legion, from his dress style(s), to his pompous, affected speech, and related witticisms. Apparently, he has all kinds of affairs with various members of the fair sex, but seems to have settled on one particular member of that class with whom he is out of favor during this entire book, only to get back together with her at the end. The novel is written in the first person (him), and initially I thought I wouldn't be able to stand his style of speaking/writing for long. Well, I made it through, but I was certainly glad to come to the end of the book. I certainly won't continue with any others in this series (and there are others).

I was glad to have read this book in Kindle form, because I could look things up easily -- both words with which I was unfamiliar, or needed refreshing on, expressions, and references to various things (his particular brand of cigarettes, the drink he is partial to (which I had never heard of, and starts with a lower-case letter), plus literature references. I learned a lot of new words, but I doubt I'll remember any of them.

[Mary Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was much lighter weight than I expect. Perhaps that is why I enjoyed it after two heavy duty books. Set in Palm Beach coast of Florida, there are lots of wealthy people including our hero Archy McNally. But wealthy seems to encourage greed. If you have ever seen the old "Thin Man" movies with Nick and Nora Charles, the style of humorous dialogue will seem familiar in this series.
In the movies Asta is their outstanding dog. McNally's dog is the brilliant Hobo. Nora's character kept me guessing but resolves before the last page. McNally works in his father's law firm as an investigator. They are hired to find the person threatening a wealthy man who is enthralled with rare parrots. Archy doesn't get on the case soon enough and the client is murdered. Interesting set up.

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again a thoroughly delightful chronicle from the life of Archie. I do so enjoy his chats with us - the food he is eating, the clothes he is wearing, his problems with love. This book adds a wonderful new character, Hobo, and no, the dog doesn't die! The mystery is almost incidental to the fun I have. This book he used a word I have never heard, and I regret to say I don't remember the word. But his comment was that it is a beautiful word and the reader should look it up. I did and it is, a $50 word for "sanctuary."

[Бранко · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK read for a beach or, in my case COVID lockdown in London. The story is mildly interesting, nothing special, an investigator trying to find out stolen collectible stamps. The main character is conducting “Discrete Investigations “ on behalf of his fathers law firm. McNally is bon vivant, lady’s man, witty, funny and shallow, nothing I can identify with.
However, this is decent pulp, light and quick read, two evenings, if you need one to relax. Might read another McNally book if I get depressed and anxious during lockdown or just need to relax. Otherwise, not a priority.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, but too long

Read some books in this series years ago. The Kindle version of this one was on sale and I was looking for something light to read. Archy McNally is a mostly a fun character, and my vocabulary has improved because of the way Archy speaks. There was, however, too much time spent describing what he is eating and wearing. I like his relationship with Al Rogoff, but Conny Garcia is annoying.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I get bogged down in reading heavy, dense books, I always check out for a bit and read some favorites. Like Rumpole, an Agathia Christie, or better still, Dorothy Sayers. Or Archy McNally. for some relief. However, this time, my choice of McNally and the parrot mystery, was a let down. Started off in great style, and ended okay. But, the middle of the book was a slog.

Never mind, I will try a different McNally book when I need a smile or a mystery. Not to worry!!

[Anne Vandenbrink · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time for a lighthearted, entertaining read. A murder mystery that could have been condensed to a few chapters. Typical of the McNally character, most of the book is filled with his little amusing scenarios of daily life. He rescues and adopts a dog and his girlfriend is not speaking to him. He describes what he decides to wear for certain occasions and his daily meal menu. A fun read.

[Kim Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story mostly because the main character, Arch McNally’s, diction was particularly entertaining and fun to read. I sometimes just had to stop and go back and reread what he said just because it made me think. And chuckle. It’s also a fairly good mystery. Kind of Sherlock Holmesy style.

[Nancy Fink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever used the term “foppish” is everyday conversation, but there’s no better word to describe Archy. He’s the perfect contrast to his detective friend and provides an entertaining dialogue for the reader. Reading a bunch of these books in a row would be a bit like eating a whole basket of Easter candy: delicious in small doses.

[Michael Pantelis]

Very interesting and intriguing author. I have never read a book that was so intensely pitted with the new words I needed a dictionary to decipher. The man is definitely an Etymologist. The story line is light, cute, with it's shares of twists and turns. I enjoyed it and will delve into other novels he has written. I can thank my local post office clerk for suggesting this author to me.

[Wendy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked Lawrence Sanders' Sin & Commandment books years ago but was NOT a fan of McNally! Archy is so pretentious person, and every piece of clothing worn by every one and every bit of food & drink is detailed in verbose language. I did get involved in the murder so I finished the book, but no more McNallys for me!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 2011

I read this as an e-book from the local library

[Jean Boobar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sanders is entertaining and enlivens his story-telling with unexpectedly erudite comments and references to history and literature along with the basics of a "who-done -it" sprinkled with sex and violence.

[Chris Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great whodunit from Lauence Sanders. I love the Archy McNally novels...guilty pleasure, fun reads, awesome characterization, and sometimes just hilarious.

Anyone who loves good characters, snark, food, humor, and murder mystery should read this series.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The McNally series is just so much fun to read. I also enjoy the fact that I always find the need to have a dictionary by my side as the protagonist narrates using language that is somewhat archaic but very expressive and humorous.