Mildred Pierced

Toby Peters #23

by Stuart M. Kaminsky

That down-at-the-heels gumshoe Toby Peters again proves to be “an unblemished delight,” as the Washington Post Book World put it, while his creator, Stuart M. Kaminsky, continues to “make the totally wacky possible” in a zany new Hollywood adventure. Having survived the hire of such movie luminaries as Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, Charlie Chaplin, and Cary Grant, tinsel-town detective Toby finds himself in the employ of an edgy Joan Crawford. Actually, Toby needs Miss Crawford as much as she needs him. His longtime friend and office mate, the mad dentist Sheldon Minck, has been jailed for murder—the victim, his estranged wife, Mildred; the motive, a $200,000 inheritance; the weapon, a crossbow. Only Miss Crawford, the single witness to the crime, can attest to hapless Minck’s innocence. But the former MGM movie queen has just been offered her first film in two years, as the title character in Mildred Pierce, so she is anxious to avoid unpleasant publicity that could cost her the role. So it’s up to Toby to solve the crime, save Minck, and thus keep Miss Crawford’s famous name out of the daily papers.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Historical Mystery

230 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Stuart M. Kaminsky wrote 50 published novels, 5 biographies, 4 textbooks and 35 short stories. He also has screenwriting credits on four produced films including ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, ENEMY TERRITORY, A WOMAN IN THE WIND and HIDDEN FEARS. He was a past president of the Mystery Writers of America and was nominated for six prestigious Edgar Allen Poe Awards including one for his short story “Snow” in 1999. He won an Edgar for his novel A COLD RED SUNRISE, which was also awarded the Prix De Roman D’Aventure of France. He was nominated for both a Shamus Award and a McCavity Readers Choice Award.

Kaminsky wrote several popular series including those featuring Lew Fonesca, Abraham Lieberman, Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov, and Toby Peters. He also wrote two original "Rockford Files " novels. He was the 50th annual recipient of the Grandmaster 2006 for Lifetime Achievement from the Mystery Writers of America.

Received the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievement award) in 2007.

His nonfiction books including BASIC FILMMAKING, WRITING FOR TELEVISION, AMERICAN FILM GENRES, and biographies of GARY COOPER, CLINT EASTWOOD, JOHN HUSTON and DON SIEGEL. BEHIND THE MYSTERY was published by Hot House Press in 2005 and nominated by Mystery Writers of America for Best Critical/Biographical book in 2006.

Kaminsky held a B.S. in Journalism and an M.A. in English from The University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Speech from Northwestern University where he taught for 16 years before becoming a Professor at Florida State. where he headed the Graduate Conservatory in Film and Television Production. He left Florida State in 1994 to pursue full-time writing.

Kaminsky and his wife, Enid Perll, moved to St. Louis, Missouri in March 2009 to await a liver transplant to treat the hepatitis he contracted as an army medic in the late 1950s in France. He suffered a stroke two days after their arrival in St. Louis, which made him ineligible for a transplant. He died on October 9, 2009.

Reviews

[James Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The penultimate Toby Peters mystery. Damn it.

Toby's friend, office mate, and all-around idiot dentist, seems to have accidentally killed his estranged wife, with a crossbow. Joan Crawford, who witnessed it, wants her name kept out of the press, as she tries to secure her comeback film. Both are Toby's clients.

Phil, his brother, is leaving the police force, the only job he's even wanted to do.

This one ends with a major change, for Toby! I really wish I could say that I look forward to the continued adventures, in the new setup... but there's only one more left and no more to ever follow...

After the next, I'll be on to Kaminsky's other series. Still a lot of books, even if none of them are with Toby.

[F.R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joan Crawford is the guest star this time around, and the portrayal is interesting. More sympathetic and not as hard as she's normally perceived as being. So maybe more real.

The actual mystery here is so complex it defies credibility. However, the book earns an actual star for daring to go somewhere real and sad.

[Tim Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

The penultimate chapter of the Toby Peters saga sees some significant changes to the cast of characters. A minor supporting character is murdered and Sheldon Minck is accused. And the witness is Joan Crawford. Of course Toby has to try to prove that Shelly didn't commit the murder. And he's hired by Crawford to try to keep her name out of the papers as she does not want to lose the upcoming role in Mildred Pierce.

The enjoyment in this one mostly comes from the supporting cast that Kaminsky has slowly grown as the series progressed. The actual mystery was pretty self evident about half-way in and was blazingly obvious by the 2/3 point. But that didn't matter that much. It was the character moments that mattered. And the ending would have actually been a perfect send-off for the series. I'm wondering if Kaminsky can top it in the final book.

[Mike Cuthbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

After many weeks and months of pursuing Scandinavian mysteries, I decided to switch gears for a moment and go American. I stumbled across one of the many Toby Peters mysteries by Kaminsky and had a good, fun, though not memorable experience. The charm of Kaminsky’s Peters is that he’s cast from the old mold of the grubby PI and sets his story in the 1940s, shortly before the end of WW II. Sprinkled throughout the novel are references to old ways of life that I still remember. I can’t remember, however, the last time I had farina for breakfast! Attorneys dress in sharp sharkskin suits, talk tough, over-charge their clients--$20 for an hour of work!!!!—and Peters himself keeps forgetting his .38 in his car and when he remembers to take it along to forestall danger, it’s taken from him almost immediately! There are no swaggering, sultry blonds and few sexual references unless you count his somewhat drooling approach to Joan Crawford’s legs, comparing them to a then-pregnant Betty Grable with the edge going to Crawford. Crawford, you see, about to win an Oscar with her performance in “Mildred Pierce,” is the sole eyewitness to a murder by crossbow bolt. Shelly Minck, the awkward and about-to-be-divorced myopic dentist, is charged with the murder but, since he can hardly see twenty feet in front of him, there is a lot of doubt as to whether or not he could accomplish the shot to the heart that killed Mildred, his wife. Peters protects Lucille Fay LeSueur (Crawford’s name at birth) from public scrutiny that would come from her being identified as the witness. He also runs into a small but determined survival group that turns out to be the place from which the crossbow that killed Mildred originated. It belonged to Shelly, of course and, since he comes into a lot of money from an invention of his, his own death becomes a factor in the crime. Peters is eventually attacked by blowgun and goes on to confront other dangers in the 1940s intrepid style. We are kept up-to-date on the latest war news, given a tour of Los Angeles and Peters confronts the usual corrupt cop, Cawelti, who has a grudge against the Peters family. It all stays neatly bound and fun to the end. It is not great mystery writing but, if you enjoy it, there are more than seventy other Kaminsky novels in print! Great for end of summer snooze-reading.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prolific Stuart Kaminsky has several series that I enjoy whenever possible. He's a very gifted and humorous author, but one that can also weave a pretty tight plot as well. Mildred Pierced is yet another example of such blending-- humor and a few nice plot twists, all told with tongue in cheek wry delivery by our beloved and much put upon hero, PI Toby Peters (nee Pevsner). With his cast of supportive friends, ranging from Gunther, a 3-foot tall former circus act, now a nattily dressed translator of books and journals, to Jeremy, his gargantuan but intellectual and poetic former pro wrestler pal and office landlord, Phil, his gruff, always grumpy and sometimes dangerous brother who is a lieutenant in the LAPD (who in this book retires and reluctantly agrees to join Toby in the confidential investigations business), and of course, Sheldon Minck, a myopic and totally inept dentist, Toby takes on cases involving Hollywood's most famous personalities, set around WWII. Oh, and dare not forget the memorable Mrs. Plaut, Toby's landlady; an elderly woman who weighs no more than "a sponge cake" and is hard-of-hearing, who is convinced beyond reason that Toby is both an exterminator and a book editor. The interactions between these two are priceless and worth the reading of the book alone. I love Kaminsky's humor and encourage anyone who enjoys a touch of loony-tunes quirkiness, zaniness, and a unique blending of history (he is pretty accurate with 1940's culture and Hollywood's stars) and fiction, to give the Toby Peters series a try. Of course, if a more ethnic humor style is what you seek, then pick up one of his Abe Lieberman mysteries-- my favorite, but a more serious style of book entirely.

[Jon Ziomek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Kaminsky is clearly winding down this series. He's starting to tie up loose ends in this book. I won't give anything away, but let's just say that Toby Peters gets a surprising new partner. The celeb in this one is Joan Crawford, who doesn't have as prominent a role in this as, say, Cary Grant did in the previous book, "To Catch A Spy."

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one stars Joan Crawford who witnesses Toby's dentist friend and former office mate Shelly apparently kill his wife with a crossbow. It gets into dealing with a survivalist group. The usual group of misfit assistants to Toby are involved.
Fine reading for travel

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

the penultimate one after several decades of enjoying

[Nikki in Niagara]

DNF

[Raquel Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

O penúltimo de 24 livros, sem que tenha tido um que fosse inferior em qualidade.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the saddest, most touching one so far. I love this series.

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. The characters are well done and the plot moves along at a nice pace.

[Bridgit · Rating 2 out of 5]

This writer has multiple-author-disorder.

He writes a series based on Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov, a Moscow police officer. It's truly engaging and the writer is a clear master of his craft.
He writes two other series: this one based on Hollywood PI Toby Peters and the third, based on veteran Chicago police officer Abe Lieberman. The latter two are unreadable.
You'd expect this book, set in Hollywood, to entertain at least by adding old Tinseltown gossip. Ha! Apparently the author's imagination does not extend that far.
This book was too boring to finish. I'll carry a book around for months in an effort to finish reading it. But As I've gotten older, I've realized that this approach cuts into the time I have left to complete books I could enjoy. If I can't finish the book in 3 months, I regretfully conclude that it's not me; it's the author who could not write a book worth finishing, and I move on. I've long since moved on from this one.

[Jennifer Garlen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is great, but if you pick up the hard cover version be aware that typos are rampant. There are so many that they distract from the story itself. As for the continuing misadventures of Toby Peters, this installment wraps up a few lingering character arcs and features the indomitable Joan Crawford as the star client. Kaminsky does a great job capturing the steely nature of Crawford's personality, and the recurring characters have some very good scenes, especially Gunther, Mrs. Plaut, and Toby's brother, Phil.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book in 2012 by mistake, thinking it was Mildred Pierce. When I realized my mistake, I just left it on my queue, never getting around to reading it. Finally decided to try it, just to clear out older books. And it turned out to be a really good read. It was a very entertaining book, and I would like to read some other books in this series. If you like the older detective shows like Rockford Files and Columbo, you would probably enjoy this series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tide has turned for the Allies in World War II, but Joan Crawford's career still needs a boost. When she witnesses a murder, she hires Toby Peters to keep unpleasant publicity away. But Crawford identifies Peters' friend dentist Sheldon Minck as having killed his unfaithful wife with a crossbow. Peters finds himself involved with a group of survivalists who can't decide if they want to rescue Minck, or kill him.

[Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

What an odd man. Kaminsky has created an old(ish) Hollywood detective who constantly works for movie stars. In the last one I read, he worked for Judy Garland. In this one Joan Crawford. (Did I mention I was gay?)

They're enjoyable to read just because of the odd context and fictonalization of real, larger-than life people. But the mysteries are kind of lame.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A typical Sam Spade-type detective story. It is nicely embellished with period detail from WWII Hollywood, but I would have liked more character development. This is one of the later books in the series, so perhaps Toby's character at least is better illuminated in the first books. At any rate it is a nice light read.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read the first of Kaminsky's Toby Peters series and was not overly impressed. With a title like Mildred Pierced, for crying out loud, could I possibly resist another try?!? This one, nearly the last in the series, was clever, funny, and rather exciting. His references to 1940s Hollywood were occasionally a bit strained, but overall it was quite enjoyable.

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Good; Continuing character: Toby Peters; Peters' dentist friend may have killed his wife, with Joan Crawford as a witness, but a bigger plot related to survivalists and substantial money might be afoot

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funky period mystery, involving Joan Crawford and a fat dentist who gets mixed up with a gang of survivalist weirdos, in early 40s Los Angeles. Funny situations, absurd plot, good dialogue. Enjoyable.

[Charlene Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toby Peters is an odd detective, but he leads an extremely interesting life!! He is always getting mixed up with movie stars and other notables. His friends are mostly weird and funny and the books are quick, easy reads.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slight tale with witty dialogue and interesting characters. One character is the actress Joan Crawford.Something to read to while away the hours without requiring much thought.

[Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, well written.

[Lynn Kearney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing. Even though occasionally funny, the best thing about it is the title.

[Hapzydeco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy an historical or should I say hysterical romp through the Hollywood of the 30's and 40's.

[Poobah1]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/10367612

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately most of my favorite authors seem to be passing away. I loved this series. I loved the way the author could combine the reality of 40's movie stars/icons with his fiction.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a couple of books by this author and this was the best. I have always been a Joan Crawford fan and he captured her ways very well.

[Martha]

poor plot but interesting story line with movie star Joan Crawford