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Dev Haskell Mystery #31
Surprise, Surprise!
Private Investigator Dev Haskell watches a gorgeous woman strut across the street and head into his building. A moment later she knocks on his office door.
Beautiful, sexy, Phoenix Starr hires Dev to investigate her husband, Sterling Kozlow. She thinks he might be having an affair.
After following Kozlow for days Dev waits for him to meet a woman in a bar. Unfortunately, he never shows, at least until Dev finds him…
Meanwhile Crime Lord Tubby Gustafson has an unwanted visitor… his sister. Tubby makes it clear Dev Haskell will be dealing with this problem.
Dev deals with the problem, just not the way Tubby may have considered.
Beautiful, sexy, Phoenix Starr hires Dev to investigate her husband, Sterling Kozlow. She thinks he might be having an affair.
After following Kozlow for days Dev waits for him to meet a woman in a bar. Unfortunately, he never shows, at least until Dev finds him…
Meanwhile Crime Lord Tubby Gustafson has an unwanted visitor… his sister. Tubby makes it clear Dev Haskell will be dealing with this problem.
Dev deals with the problem, just not the way Tubby may have considered.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2022
188 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Mike Faricy
130 books240 followersI was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, I still live there as well as in Dublin, Ireland. I've been a soldier, freelance journalist, tended bar, sold designer cakes, owned a painting and decorating company along with a number of other schemes and scams. If that doesn't offend you I also play bagpipes with the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. All my books stand alone, read them in whatever order you wish. They are filled with the sort of oddballs we are all curious about, but wisely, prefer to keep at a distance. None of my characters will be saving the world from terrorism, international banking conspiracies or coups to take over the government. Rather, they inhabit a world just below the surface of polite society, characters with one foot on either side of the law. The circumstances they find themselves in are usually due to bad decisions, but bad decisions lead to interesting stories. They serve not so much as an example but as a warning to us all. Thanks for taking the time, happy reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 12, 2022
PI Dev Haskell gets lured to almost certain doom – again – by a gorgeous woman who hires him to investigate her husband, whom she thinks might be having an affair. Haskell has to do his day job while entertaining the sister of his nemesis, crime lord Tubby Gustafson. Quinnie Gustafson leads him astray too, but in a good way. There’s a fun subplot involving Haskell’s golden retriever, Morton, and the sister’s labradoodle that I hope continues in the next book.
This was another great ride from Mike Faricy. He writes some of the best traditional PI mysteries going. The dialogue is snappy, and the fast-paced plots hold my interest all the way through. I know I’m going to be thoroughly entertained when I pick up a Haskell book (or any of the author’s other works for that matter). Haskell annoyed me at first, because he was hapless and chock full of bad judgment, but over the course of the series, he’s gotten older and wiser, and more fun. Now when he makes a bad decision, he’s doing it for the right reason.
This series can be read out of order. The author provides enough back story to be able to follow the current story and not feel lost. If you’re looking for light, entertaining, escapist detective fiction, give this a go.
Faricy also writes the U.S. Marshall Jack Dillon novels, the Corridor Man Series, and the Hot Shots series. All are equally entertaining like the Dev Haskell books.
This was another great ride from Mike Faricy. He writes some of the best traditional PI mysteries going. The dialogue is snappy, and the fast-paced plots hold my interest all the way through. I know I’m going to be thoroughly entertained when I pick up a Haskell book (or any of the author’s other works for that matter). Haskell annoyed me at first, because he was hapless and chock full of bad judgment, but over the course of the series, he’s gotten older and wiser, and more fun. Now when he makes a bad decision, he’s doing it for the right reason.
This series can be read out of order. The author provides enough back story to be able to follow the current story and not feel lost. If you’re looking for light, entertaining, escapist detective fiction, give this a go.
Faricy also writes the U.S. Marshall Jack Dillon novels, the Corridor Man Series, and the Hot Shots series. All are equally entertaining like the Dev Haskell books.
September 20, 2022
A good book which kept my attention. A couple of things at the end where I wished had been explained more but it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
May 5, 2022
Another amusing read in my favorite detective series. This was book 31 in the series and I believe that I have read them all. Amazing with that many books the author is able to keep them coming and keep them fresh. Our hero, private detective Dev Haskell, takes on a new client and of course she's a gorgeous blonde named Phoenix Starr. She hires Dev to look into whether her older husband, an accountant, is having an affair. However she acts nothing like a worried wife which arouses Dev's suspensions, among other things, and her husband appears to be a model citizen. Dev has barely begun that investigation, when gangster Tubby Gufstafen summons Dev announces that his sister is coming to town for their mother's funeral. He wants Dev show her the sites around town to keep her occupied and away from him. Seems that he and his sister do not get along. Quinnie Gufstafen looks nothing like her brother, but seems to have his less than winning personality. She is known by Tubby's goons as the "Evil Woman". Qunnie immediately tears up the list of sites that Tubby had given Dev and demands that Dev take her shopping. She brought her dog Muffin along and soon Muffin and Dev's lovable mutt Morton are pals and Quinnie begins to relax and lighten up a bit. But things are not going so well in his other case and Dev soon finds himself in hot water with the police and one of Tubby's rivals. Another fun and enjoyable adventure from the master, Mike Faricy.
April 30, 2022
Surprise, Surprise! by talented and entertaining author Mike Faricy again delivers the goods in spades. His loveable and less-than-perfect characters abound as the story unfolds as only Faricy can compose. Dev Haskell, our favorite private investigator, is summoned by his non-paying, dangerous client and criminal Tubby Gustafson to escort Tubby's daughter around town. Meanwhile, Dev picks up an attractive yet unpredictable female who claims her husband is cheating on her. Dev gladly takes on this seductive client but finds no wrongdoing. Matters heat up in both cases while Dev consults with Louie, his long-time office partner, and Mort, his ever-present pork rind eating Labrador retriever.
Surprise, Surprise! is Number 31 in this long-running, entertaining, and well-put-together series. Read every one of them. There is no better way to spend your time.
Surprise, Surprise! is Number 31 in this long-running, entertaining, and well-put-together series. Read every one of them. There is no better way to spend your time.
April 21, 2022
There is more than one Surprise, Surprise in this one. How do you have 31 books in a series and still keep it interesting? I have no idea, but I am glad the author does. Simple case to start the day, a gorgeous blond hires Dev to find out if her husband is cheating on her. She is not exactly the bashful type. Tubby's sister is coming to visit! Affectionately know as The Evil Woman, he volunteers Dev to show her around town and keep her out of his hair. Fortunately, she looks nothing like Tubby and she is really very nice. Plus she has a dog, Muffin, which makes Morton happy. That husband Dev is investigating is murdered and Dev is the one to find him, which makes Dev a suspect. Aint we got fun?
May 21, 2022
Haskell gets in hot water again but comes out looking cool. He's everybody's mate and women are drawn to him and Morton and he is in touch with both sides of the law in an advantageous way for a PI so when he is framed (quite ineptly) he is in front of the bad guys and when he is taken hostage his criminal allies are there to save the day (the money any way) and the police are there to save him and the damsel (Tubby's aka Jerker sister Quinny) The genius criminal mastermind Damien Dambella does a good job of saving the cost of a trial committing suicide by coal barge. Dev also finds Morton's son using Tubby's crew earning more Brownie points. Good action and fast pace.
May 27, 2022
Another great Dev Haskell story
I’m glad to see Dev maturing from story to story. It’s a shame he doesn’t get much respect from Tubby. It would be nice if Dev’s office mate (Louie) took more of a role in one of his stories, and maybe bettered himself in some small way. In addition to Dev, I enjoy the plots. It’s nice to see stories that have a basic routine, day to day. What I always struggle with, is that Dev seems to have the funds he expenses; or never seems to collect what’s owed. He does get lucky with surprise gifts, but they never match his outlay.
I’m glad to see Dev maturing from story to story. It’s a shame he doesn’t get much respect from Tubby. It would be nice if Dev’s office mate (Louie) took more of a role in one of his stories, and maybe bettered himself in some small way. In addition to Dev, I enjoy the plots. It’s nice to see stories that have a basic routine, day to day. What I always struggle with, is that Dev seems to have the funds he expenses; or never seems to collect what’s owed. He does get lucky with surprise gifts, but they never match his outlay.
January 27, 2025
This was a very interesting read from Mike. It kept my attention all the way through the book, I didn't set it down until I finished it.
It started out with Dev investigating a man suspected of cheating on his wife, turns out it was the other way around. In the process of this case, his nemesis Tubby tells him he has to babysit his sister that is coming into town for a few days, which without fail, Dev manages to end up in bed with her and thought he had Tubby fooled that nothing happened between them. The one good thing, at least she didn't tell him to never ever call her again, Lol.
It started out with Dev investigating a man suspected of cheating on his wife, turns out it was the other way around. In the process of this case, his nemesis Tubby tells him he has to babysit his sister that is coming into town for a few days, which without fail, Dev manages to end up in bed with her and thought he had Tubby fooled that nothing happened between them. The one good thing, at least she didn't tell him to never ever call her again, Lol.
November 4, 2022
Wow, the events in this one live up to the title - not one but two wins for Dev. I dread seeing Tubby appear in the plot, but this situation shows him having an almost-human emotion! Dev has progressed from a bumbling, unlucky protagonist in the first few books to a, well, less-bumbling and wiser PI! I'm sure he will still face his nemesis (es?) in future adventures, but perhaps a truce is on the table for at least one of them. Another fast-paced page-turner from Mike Faricy!
May 25, 2022
A good read with fun aspects
My first Faricy book has been interesting. With the backgrounds of Dev, Funny and others, the story held my attention. Although the murderer was easily identified, the story and its happenings made the book a goid, fun read. I will definitely be reading more of the author's books. I highly recommend the Dev Haskell series! Goid job, Mr. Faricy!
My first Faricy book has been interesting. With the backgrounds of Dev, Funny and others, the story held my attention. Although the murderer was easily identified, the story and its happenings made the book a goid, fun read. I will definitely be reading more of the author's books. I highly recommend the Dev Haskell series! Goid job, Mr. Faricy!
May 27, 2022
Only a few quibbles
A good solid detective story. I was happy the standard tropes didn't show up. The policeman that irrationally hates the detective, etc.
Could have used more description of the main character.
The ending did not surprise me. The main character didn't give much backstory. A little more depth please Mike.
A good solid detective story. I was happy the standard tropes didn't show up. The policeman that irrationally hates the detective, etc.
Could have used more description of the main character.
The ending did not surprise me. The main character didn't give much backstory. A little more depth please Mike.
May 20, 2022
Who murdered Mr. Kozlow? How will Dev handle Tubby's crabby sister, Quinnie? And where does Phoenix Starr fit into the mix? It's another rollicking adventure for Dev and Morton, one you will not want to miss out on. Mr. Faricy has written one more 5 Star book. Highly Recommended.
May 24, 2022
Surprise
Dev Haskell, series is intriguing. I have been following this character for several years and third - one novel on my library shelves. Worthy alert to other reads whom enjoys investigators storyline. Worthy pick up and Mike Faricy won't let you down.
Dev Haskell, series is intriguing. I have been following this character for several years and third - one novel on my library shelves. Worthy alert to other reads whom enjoys investigators storyline. Worthy pick up and Mike Faricy won't let you down.
June 6, 2022
Excellent read.
Fast moving story. Very real characters. A perfect book for a rainy day in the house with a good cup of coffee. First book I have read about Dev Haskell. I'm looking forward to seeing more.
Fast moving story. Very real characters. A perfect book for a rainy day in the house with a good cup of coffee. First book I have read about Dev Haskell. I'm looking forward to seeing more.
June 21, 2022
Pleased to meet you, Dev Haskell
Dev fits right in with With the classic private eyes. A little on the edge, maybe a bit over. His dog, Morton, makes him more relatable. I look forward to other adventures.
Dev fits right in with With the classic private eyes. A little on the edge, maybe a bit over. His dog, Morton, makes him more relatable. I look forward to other adventures.
September 25, 2022
If you can get around the fact that this guy appears very stupid around women's wiles, the stories are great and move right along. And he's a nice guy, even though he for some reason is a go-for for the local mob boss.
April 23, 2022
Great fun story.
One
More fun to read story. Hope the next one will be soon.
And they just keep getting better and better.
One
More fun to read story. Hope the next one will be soon.
And they just keep getting better and better.
April 24, 2022
Great read
I've enjoyed all of Target's books and look forward to the next one
He always has some unusual characters in his books
I've enjoyed all of Target's books and look forward to the next one
He always has some unusual characters in his books
May 12, 2022
Always Excellent
Am never disappointed in the quality of the writing or the story line. Truly a great read. Look forward to many more.
Am never disappointed in the quality of the writing or the story line. Truly a great read. Look forward to many more.
May 21, 2022
awesome
Loved seeing what dev could get into each time I read one of farcies books good job.oh and Morton a good partner along with Louie.
Loved seeing what dev could get into each time I read one of farcies books good job.oh and Morton a good partner along with Louie.
May 22, 2022
Really enjoyable read
I really enjoyed this book. Difficult to put down, just had to keep on reading the next chapter.
Typical Dev Haskell women and plenty of action.
I really enjoyed this book. Difficult to put down, just had to keep on reading the next chapter.
Typical Dev Haskell women and plenty of action.
Read
May 29, 2022Unbelievable
The author is unbelievable in twists and turns. Quite the story teller. Tough putting it down! Can not wait for next one.
The author is unbelievable in twists and turns. Quite the story teller. Tough putting it down! Can not wait for next one.
May 30, 2022
Fun Read
These Mike Faricy books are always crazy and fun. And there is always a cast of interesting characters. Never disappointing.
These Mike Faricy books are always crazy and fun. And there is always a cast of interesting characters. Never disappointing.
May 30, 2022
When is the next one???
Dev Haskell is my all time favorite character. I love this series and I hate that I have to wait for more!! Come on Mike....Hurry up!!
Dev Haskell is my all time favorite character. I love this series and I hate that I have to wait for more!! Come on Mike....Hurry up!!
June 1, 2022
Great surprise as always
Always love this series funny and light hearted just a fun read. With all the crazy things going on in the world Dev is a nice needed break
Always love this series funny and light hearted just a fun read. With all the crazy things going on in the world Dev is a nice needed break
June 6, 2022
Fun read
Enjoyed the characters and the plot. Nice read. Well written and will check out the other books by the author.
Enjoyed the characters and the plot. Nice read. Well written and will check out the other books by the author.
June 8, 2022
Family affair
Dev has a babysitting job and a surveillance job. How the two weave in and out of each other makes for a good read.
Dev has a babysitting job and a surveillance job. How the two weave in and out of each other makes for a good read.
July 8, 2022
Another great Haskell story
A really good tale with plots within plots. Dev does get himself in some strange tangles. All the usual supporting characters play their part. Spot on.
A really good tale with plots within plots. Dev does get himself in some strange tangles. All the usual supporting characters play their part. Spot on.
July 22, 2022
Fast Action
A good book and an easy read. Fast paced and hard to put down. Had to like our main character, his girl pal and especially the dogs!
A good book and an easy read. Fast paced and hard to put down. Had to like our main character, his girl pal and especially the dogs!
November 7, 2022
A greedy conniving wife, a corrupt businessman, murder, kidnapping and Tubby Gustafson.
Another Dev Haskell adventure always an entertaining read.
Another Dev Haskell adventure always an entertaining read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews