Poverty Bay

Thomas Black #2

by Earl Emerson

Emerson is at the top of his game, and very few are better.--Mostly MurderAs sole heir to his beloved granddaddy's fortune, noble and naive Lance Tyner wants to use the money for the good of mankind. But some not-so-good specimens of the species--including Lance's conniving father, sleazy brother, and spoiled sister--have much more selfish plans in mind.Now Lance has vanished. And P.I. Thomas Black must follow his trail into the sad and scary places where the dregs of humanity struggle to stay alive--and where men like Lance and Black too often end up dead. . . ."Emerson is carving his own special niche among a new generation of private eye writers."--The Washington Post Book World

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Detective

Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 1985

About the author

Earl Emerson is a lieutenant in the Seattle Fire Department. He is the Shamus Award-winning author of Vertical Burn, as well as the Thomas Black detective series. He lives in North Bend, Washington.

Reviews

[aPriL does feral sometimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely pitch perfect for an also good murder mystery genre. Wise-cracking, cynical PI Thomas Black is a dangerous teddy bear, with cool friends, and this case has him investigating the usual dark venues for clues while some pretty strange people that are remarkably true to life entertain Black and us readers. I like this series very much.

[Bud Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better the second time

I had read this in paperback form years ago. It was interesting to reread it now and see landmarks like Issaquah Skysports mentioned. Fond memories, if you have not read any Earl Emerson books you are I for a treat.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I've already read several of the Thomas Black series, I knew it would be great and it was. I'm enjoying going back and reading the ones I missed along the way - helps to learn the history of some of the characters.

[Bright Boy Books]

2 mass, copy in box O #003 is autographed

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertainment at it's best

What a fast paced read. Very enjoyable, entertaining at it's best. Thomas Black what a wonderful lead character. Enjoy this read

[Bill Yarbrough · Rating 4 out of 5]

8 out of 10 stars. Mr. Emerson continues his style in this book. I liked this book.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

POVERTY BAY - EX
Emerson, Earl - 2nd in series

As sole heir to his beloved granddaddy's fortune, noble and naive Lance Tyner wants to use the money for the good of mankind. But some not-so-good specimens of the species--including Lance's conniving father, sleazy brother, and spoiled sister--have much more selfish plans in mind.

Now Lance has vanished. And P.I. Thomas Black must follow his trail into the sad and scary places where the dregs of humanity struggle to stay alive--and where men like Lance and Black too often end up dead. . . .

This is an excellent series.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#2 in the Thomas Black series.
1986 Shamus Award for Best Paperback
Finalist 1986 Edgar Award for Best Paperback
Finalist 1986 Anthony Award for Best Paperback

Thomas Black series - Kathy Birchfield hires Black to find heir Lance Tyner on behalf of Tyner's father, an obnoxious client of her law firm. He finds Lance, assaulted and unconscious on a beach. When Lance disappears again, Black is retained by Lances's black fiance, Lucy, to find him again. Lance is killed; by his family, Lucy's family, or his skid row friends?

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up from a friend, who was preparing to donate it. When it came time to read it, I was a bit hesitant. However, it turned out quite well. This is an old-school private-dick story, set in Seattle of the 1980s. The detective turns out to be likeable, and the story was relatively well crafted (I didn't love the final solution), and I enjoyed reading it. I also got a kick out of reading about the struggling Seattle of that time period.

[Monty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the Thomas Black mystery series written Earl W. Emerson beginning in the mid 1980s. I really enjoyed Rainy City, the first book, and liked this one as well though not quite as much. It wasn't until about 80 pages that all the subplots and charachter clicked together allowing for the action to take place. I think I'll continue with the next book, Nervous Laughter.

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good Thomas Black novel. Young homeless, idealistic hippy inherits $15,000,000 and then is murdered. Black investigates hobos and racists to determine what happened. Recommended to fans of good mysteries.

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely shows how greed can warp some people. I love the books based in the northwest as I know the areas described. Lots of stereotyping and prejudice but the book was written in the 80s and it is easy to forget how those feelings were present at that time.

[Jenene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series. Good old-fashioned gumshoe!

[Dale Rosso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, have both read and listened to this one on audio tape. Excellent addition to the series.

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dreary, predictable mystery set in Tacoma Washington.

[Jack Heath]

Synopsis: as heir to his grandfather's fortune, Lance Tyner had noble objectives. But then he vanished and PI Black must follow his trail.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I had read all his books. I must have missed one.