What do you think?
Lou Fleener Mystery #4
The Classy Detective Agency
WHO KNEW FAKING CLASS
WOULD BE SO DANGEROUS?
In Duane Lindsay’s latest action-packed noir thriller, private eye Lou Fleener does what he does best: wisecrack, roam his beloved hometown, and get into a hell of a lot of street fights. It’s 1960 in glamorous Chicago, and Lou and his wife Cassidy (turned sardonic, ever-scheming partner in crime), are broke. In need of fast cash, they devise a scheme to advertise themselves as sophisticated private eyes catering to the city’s elite.
But it turns out they aren’t the only ones running a con. Whip-smart as they are, they aren’t prepared for the stealthy criminals hiding among Chicago’s rich and famous.
While hobnobbing at a fancy party, the Classy Detectives catch the eye of a bored socialite who’s cooking up a scheme with a genius art thief. The conspirators are casing a local exhibit that’s chock full of famous, lucrative paintings. But the larcenous pair need a fall guy: they figure that if they put an appropriate suspect in the right place at the right time, they can breezily lift the loot.
So they hire Lou and Cassidy to “guard” the paintings. The Classy Detectives are over the moon: they think they’ve been hired to eat hamburgers and hang out outside the museum.
One dead cop later, they realize they’ve been set up. Quicker than you can say, “Go Cubs!” Cassidy’s arrested. Even worse, the headline LOU FLEENER: COP KILLER is plastered across newspapers and blaring out of radios. Only too obviously, this is the time to concoct Plan B--and thereon hangs a rollicking tale.
Fans of Donald Westlake will revel in the clever twists and turns and sardonic humor. But mystery fans of every persuasion will love Lou Fleener. Cozy readers will adore the romance, the snappy jokes, and Lou’s spitfire wife Cassidy. There’s also enough fast-moving action for hard-boiled fans, and a quirky brand of noir that will appeal to classicists looking for the next Raymond Chandler.
WOULD BE SO DANGEROUS?
In Duane Lindsay’s latest action-packed noir thriller, private eye Lou Fleener does what he does best: wisecrack, roam his beloved hometown, and get into a hell of a lot of street fights. It’s 1960 in glamorous Chicago, and Lou and his wife Cassidy (turned sardonic, ever-scheming partner in crime), are broke. In need of fast cash, they devise a scheme to advertise themselves as sophisticated private eyes catering to the city’s elite.
But it turns out they aren’t the only ones running a con. Whip-smart as they are, they aren’t prepared for the stealthy criminals hiding among Chicago’s rich and famous.
While hobnobbing at a fancy party, the Classy Detectives catch the eye of a bored socialite who’s cooking up a scheme with a genius art thief. The conspirators are casing a local exhibit that’s chock full of famous, lucrative paintings. But the larcenous pair need a fall guy: they figure that if they put an appropriate suspect in the right place at the right time, they can breezily lift the loot.
So they hire Lou and Cassidy to “guard” the paintings. The Classy Detectives are over the moon: they think they’ve been hired to eat hamburgers and hang out outside the museum.
One dead cop later, they realize they’ve been set up. Quicker than you can say, “Go Cubs!” Cassidy’s arrested. Even worse, the headline LOU FLEENER: COP KILLER is plastered across newspapers and blaring out of radios. Only too obviously, this is the time to concoct Plan B--and thereon hangs a rollicking tale.
Fans of Donald Westlake will revel in the clever twists and turns and sardonic humor. But mystery fans of every persuasion will love Lou Fleener. Cozy readers will adore the romance, the snappy jokes, and Lou’s spitfire wife Cassidy. There’s also enough fast-moving action for hard-boiled fans, and a quirky brand of noir that will appeal to classicists looking for the next Raymond Chandler.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 18, 2025
I know I keep saying Lou and Cassidy are my favourites, but come on, no Monk? That was disappointing. If anything after this one I think I might like Cassidy even more than Lou, she was truly the star of this one. The plot was quite fun and the humour was top-notch as always, but damn, was the ending rushed. It all got resolved way too easily and quickly. I also think it was borderline out-of-character for Lou to let Eddie off the hook so easy. Yes, he did help them in the end but with how protective Lou is always about Cassidy I find it hard to believe that he let THAT slide.
July 18, 2021
Duane Lindsay continues to excel at creating lovable characters, intriguing plots and purely fun action sequences. Lou Fleener can fight like the devil and dance like Fred Astaire. His wife Cassidy, a blonde bombshell with much more than a smattering of brains, becomes more interesting and enjoyable in every book, especially now that Lou has been teaching her how to defend herself.
From the very beginning in "Missing Amanda" and "Seriously," where they take on the Chicago mob and Nazis respectively, these two have delivered delicious entertainment, and "The Classy Detective Agency" is one of the very best. There are numerous lines in this book that made me grin with appreciation, and more than a few that provoked laughter.
Duane Lindsay is at the top of his game and getting better. As for me, I'm off to read the next book in the Lou Fleener series, Ticket to Heaven.
Oh, and don't miss his Dani Silver thriller series about an amazingly gifted con artist who scams bad guys to make the world a better place. Full of wit, humor and fun, those novels are a blast to read. And as of 7/16/21 I see the first five are free as a bundle on Amazon.
From the very beginning in "Missing Amanda" and "Seriously," where they take on the Chicago mob and Nazis respectively, these two have delivered delicious entertainment, and "The Classy Detective Agency" is one of the very best. There are numerous lines in this book that made me grin with appreciation, and more than a few that provoked laughter.
Duane Lindsay is at the top of his game and getting better. As for me, I'm off to read the next book in the Lou Fleener series, Ticket to Heaven.
Oh, and don't miss his Dani Silver thriller series about an amazingly gifted con artist who scams bad guys to make the world a better place. Full of wit, humor and fun, those novels are a blast to read. And as of 7/16/21 I see the first five are free as a bundle on Amazon.
March 19, 2022
I know it's never a good idea to jump into a series in the middle, but I had to know if this was a worthwhile serial. It was a rocky start and the characters seemed cartoonish at first. But I warmed up to Cassidy and Lou in a few chapters, and soon I became real fans of the hard fighting Lou and the cagey Cassidy. Chicago in the 1950's is a gritty town and these two PIs are born to negotiate the back streets and keep the bad guys on the run!
June 16, 2021
Hilarious book! Duane Lindsay just keeps getting better. Lou Fleener, his legendary fighting (and dancing) skills, and his love for his beautiful, brilliant wife, Cassidy, take the reader on a romp through Chicago. One minute they’re in the grimy underbelly of the city and the next they’re rubbing elbows with the creme de la creme - solving crimes on the way. This is a most entertaining diversion from the real world. Enjoy!
June 10, 2021
The .mayhem of these two stumbling thru the day and life faking it were ever they go. adds a lot of laughs to enjoy.
August 8, 2021
Too many anachronisms
First off, I like the characters. They're fun and likeable. The story is pretty good, easy to get into but. . . The author is lazy when it comes to research. There were just too many historical inaccuracies that pulled me out of the world and time he created to the point that I couldn't trust him. When he made an allusion to an item or events I had to stop and look it up. Even when he got it right interrupted the flow of the story. All of these anachronistic inaccuracies could have been avoided with a few minutes of googling. Further, readers aren't all going to start with the first book in the series. A connection was made early in the book comparing hamburgers to In-N-Out. This story is set in Chicago in 1961. At that time, In-N-Out was only a local Southern California company, how could they know to compare? We find out towards the end of the book that they had been to California. How hard would it have been to remind the readers at the time and save our frustration and anger. I almost didn't finish the book but the story pulled me back in. I would have liked to read the series but I don't think I will.
First off, I like the characters. They're fun and likeable. The story is pretty good, easy to get into but. . . The author is lazy when it comes to research. There were just too many historical inaccuracies that pulled me out of the world and time he created to the point that I couldn't trust him. When he made an allusion to an item or events I had to stop and look it up. Even when he got it right interrupted the flow of the story. All of these anachronistic inaccuracies could have been avoided with a few minutes of googling. Further, readers aren't all going to start with the first book in the series. A connection was made early in the book comparing hamburgers to In-N-Out. This story is set in Chicago in 1961. At that time, In-N-Out was only a local Southern California company, how could they know to compare? We find out towards the end of the book that they had been to California. How hard would it have been to remind the readers at the time and save our frustration and anger. I almost didn't finish the book but the story pulled me back in. I would have liked to read the series but I don't think I will.
January 21, 2022
Okay, I will admit it, I missed having more Monk in this story. Before getting input from Monk, who is staying in California waiting to get money owed them by the Leon gang, Lou Fleener and his wife Cassidy Adams decide to go upscale. The Classy Detective Agency is their bid to maintain the lavish lifestyle by taking better paying cases from high class, wealthy people.
Turns out that wealthy people can be just as crazy or as devious as the poor kind. Somehow Lou and Cassidy need to figure out why somebody is shooting at him and why she is framed for an art theft they were hired to prevent. Add in the entire Chicago Police Department, thinking Lou killed a retired cop/ current security guard, wanting him dead, a crooked cop, a couple of New York mobsters, a new Chicago mob boss, and an almost naked woman and you have another great story by Duane Lindsay.
Turns out that wealthy people can be just as crazy or as devious as the poor kind. Somehow Lou and Cassidy need to figure out why somebody is shooting at him and why she is framed for an art theft they were hired to prevent. Add in the entire Chicago Police Department, thinking Lou killed a retired cop/ current security guard, wanting him dead, a crooked cop, a couple of New York mobsters, a new Chicago mob boss, and an almost naked woman and you have another great story by Duane Lindsay.
October 3, 2021
Great read. Fast moving fun mystery.
Love the Lou Fleener mysteries. This is an enjoyable romp with Lou & Cassidy
Setting up shop as Classy Detectives planning to get a better level of client. Unfortunately their second client is not on the up & up and is setting up the detectives as fall guys for an art theft. What follows is another fun adventure as Lou & Cassidy work to get out of their predicament.
Love the Lou Fleener mysteries. This is an enjoyable romp with Lou & Cassidy
Setting up shop as Classy Detectives planning to get a better level of client. Unfortunately their second client is not on the up & up and is setting up the detectives as fall guys for an art theft. What follows is another fun adventure as Lou & Cassidy work to get out of their predicament.
August 22, 2021
Always a pleasure to spend time with Lou and his lovely wife on their adventures as business partners. Trouble always seems to find this couple and they find themselves in a hell of a mess in this story too.
If you love to laugh and spend time with old friends you need to start reading the Lou Fleener mysteries. You won’t be disappointed!
If you love to laugh and spend time with old friends you need to start reading the Lou Fleener mysteries. You won’t be disappointed!
November 30, 2022
Somehow, opening a "classy" detective agency as a way to earn money, while Monk is waiting in California for the monies due to them, does not work quite as Lou and Cassidy plan.
As usual, the quirky characters, the narration style and the plot, together with a great portion of humour, make this an easy and very enjoyable read.
Looking forward to reading the next one!
As usual, the quirky characters, the narration style and the plot, together with a great portion of humour, make this an easy and very enjoyable read.
Looking forward to reading the next one!
October 16, 2021
Fun Book
Another fun book in the Lou Fleener mystery series. Lots of action, per usual. No “spoilers” so I’ll just say it’s nice to get to see Cassidy’s character development. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Another fun book in the Lou Fleener mystery series. Lots of action, per usual. No “spoilers” so I’ll just say it’s nice to get to see Cassidy’s character development. Looking forward to reading the next book.
November 22, 2021
Rags to riches back to rags, Lue and Casedy are at it again. Several bad guys, not working together but work toward each others ends to be rid of Lue and Cas... will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages :-)
January 21, 2022
Long on words, short on suspense
Interesting, well-developed characters. Repetitive action by the main character too many times. Plot is unique, but story could have been shortened to be more suspenseful. Lots of subtle humor.
Interesting, well-developed characters. Repetitive action by the main character too many times. Plot is unique, but story could have been shortened to be more suspenseful. Lots of subtle humor.
September 15, 2022
Absolutely Brilliant
Another zany plot. This time involving the super wealthy, an elusive international art thief and recovering Chicago gangs. Amazingly Cassidy gets shot, Lou gets stabbed and yet they solve everything. And still they nearly end up homeless. Another great read.
Another zany plot. This time involving the super wealthy, an elusive international art thief and recovering Chicago gangs. Amazingly Cassidy gets shot, Lou gets stabbed and yet they solve everything. And still they nearly end up homeless. Another great read.
November 15, 2022
Story is entertaining but the proof-reading was terrible. I'm constantly re-reading sentences while trying to figure out what was intended. It looks like whoever proofed it just ran the spell checker. Wrong words are all over the place!
April 28, 2024
A fun series, nothing too serious, light entertainment at its best. Lou is in dire straight, accused of killing a cop and art theft and on the run. Cassidy is also in a lot of trouble; can they overcome their life-threatening predicaments and clear their names?
July 8, 2024
Typical Lou Fleener
I fell in love with Lou (don't tell Cassidy) while reading the first book in this series. And, I'll probably love him more in the last book. He doesn't take himself too seriously. And, this book is typical Lou Fleener.
I fell in love with Lou (don't tell Cassidy) while reading the first book in this series. And, I'll probably love him more in the last book. He doesn't take himself too seriously. And, this book is typical Lou Fleener.
May 23, 2021
Another winner
I loved this book! As the end of the book got close I seemed to slow down because I didn't want it to end. Please hurry up with the next book.
I loved this book! As the end of the book got close I seemed to slow down because I didn't want it to end. Please hurry up with the next book.
July 30, 2021
I enjoyed the story with interesting characters and novel situations. There are numerous typos which need addressing as they interop the flow.
January 2, 2023
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
January 16, 2024
Classy Action
Lou and Cassidy start the Classy Detective Agency which leads them to much more trouble. They are accused of art theft and murder. A fun, exciting read! Read it!
Lou and Cassidy start the Classy Detective Agency which leads them to much more trouble. They are accused of art theft and murder. A fun, exciting read! Read it!
July 27, 2024
Wow
These stories just keep getting better. What can't Lou, Cassie and Monk do? They take on crooks, gangsters, the cops and thieves.
And keep going...
These stories just keep getting better. What can't Lou, Cassie and Monk do? They take on crooks, gangsters, the cops and thieves.
And keep going...
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews