Pepper Pike

Milan Jacovich #1

by Les Roberts

#1 in the Milan Jacovich mystery series … “A clever plot, a vibrant Cleveland and rural Ohio setting, and a realistically drawn hero make this series one to watch. It exudes much the same sort of charm as the early Spenser novels did.“ — Booklist Introducing Milan Jacovich (pronounced MY-lan YOCK-ovich), Cleveland’s favorite private eye. Milan, an ex-cop, Vietnam veteran, and former football player, is a private investigator with a master’s degree, a taste for klobasa sandwiches and Stroh’s beer, and a knack for finding trouble. Milan gets a cryptic late-night phone call from high-powered advertising executive Richard Amber, who wants to pay him a thousand dollars for twelve hours of bodyguard service. But when Milan gets to the Amber house in the elegant suburb of Pepper Pike, no one is home. The next morning, Amber’s beautiful but brittle wife hires Milan to find her husband, who, it seems, has disappeared. The search will lead Milan through the haunts of the very rich, including an exclusive country club where the Slovenian American sleuth almost loses his life, and onto some of Cleveland’s meanest streets. He’ll meet Cleveland mob kingpin Don Giancarlo D’Allessandro and his sophisticated but deadly nephew Victor Gaimari, and even cross paths with the governor of Ohio. “Roberts handles the private-eye format with aplomb and takes full advantage of his Cleveland scene . . . Best of all is his Slovenian sleuth, vulnerable and fallible, whom we are likely (and would like) to see more of.” — San Diego Union Tribune

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Les Roberts is the author of 15 mystery novels featuring Cleveland detective Milan Jacovich, as well as 9 other books of fiction. The past president of both the Private Eye Writers of America and the American Crime Writer's League, he came to mystery writing after a 24-year career in Hollywood. He was the first producer and head writer of the Hollywood Squares and wrote for the Andy Griffith Show, the Jackie Gleason Show, and the Man from U.N.C.L.E., among others. He has been a professional actor, a singer, a jazz musician, and a teacher. In 2003 he received the Sherwood Anderson Literary Award. A native of Chicago, he now lives in Northeast Ohio and is a film and literary critic."

Reviews

[Mary Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just love Milan Jacovich.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

PROTAGONIST: PI Milan Jackovich
SETTING: Cleveland
SERIES: #1 of 17
RATING: 4.25
WHY: Milan Jacovich is a Slovenian private eye working in Cleveland. An ex-cop and Vietnam vet, he has just separated from his wife and having a hard time adjusting. Late one evening, he gets a call from Richard Amber, a very successful PR guy, asking him to come right away and serve as his bodyguard. When Milan does so, Amber is no where to be found. He is then hired by Amber's wife, Judith, an heiress and real cold fish to find Richard. Milan is a great character, down to earth with an appealing vulnerability. Only a bit of stupidity at the conclusion of this book when Milan faces the villain stops me from rating this book more highly.

[Sue Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Les Roberts. If you live or have ever lived in the Cleveland, Ohio area you are at home with the story as the plot thickens.

[Rowena Hoseason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A proper old-fashioned American gumshoe investigation - not saddled with post-modern irony, explicit intimacy or an overdose of political cynicism. Instead, a clever private investigation into a mysterious disappearance, with a puzzle the reader can actually solve and a well wrapped-up resolution. Written and set a quarter-century ago, so no www, cellphones or quick-fixes using hi-tech trickery. Just old-fashioned bare-knuckled encounters with slimeballs and minor mafia guys.
A bit like a Kinsey Millhone 'alphabet' mystery, but with a middle-aged Slovenian as the ex-army, ex-cop investigator. Thoroughly enjoyable, an easy read which clips along and doesn't scare any horses. An author to rank alongside Lawrence Block and Robert B Parker.
7/10

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milan Jacovich is a rather eccentric private investigator in Cleveland, Ohio, and he receives a strange call one night from Richard Amber, a big wig in the advertising business. Amber wants to hire Milan as a body guard for twelve hours. The pay is good; Milan has nothing better to do; so off he goes to meet Amber at his house in ritzy Pepper Pike. If the call wasn't strange enough, when Milan arrives, Amber is no where to be found.

The next morning, Milan receives yet another call. This time the call is from Amber's wife, Judith. She's also calling to hire Milan. Judith Amber wants Milan to find Richard Amber; he's missing. Richard Amber's disappearance may turn out to be more than your basic "missing person" case for Milan.

PEPPER PIKE is the first book in the popular Milan Jacovich series, originally published in 1988. Being from the Cleveland area, it's about time I got around to reading Cleveland's favorite P.I. If you've never been to the Cleveland area, believe me when I say that Les Roberts is not only true to the flavor and feel of this part of Ohio, but his love of the region radiates from the pages. I shivered actually feeling the wet and cold when Milan was trekking through some residential back yards.

In addition to the physical geography, Roberts does a stellar job illustrating class distinction and the sharp contrast that can exist in the Cleveland region. One needn't drive far to see the struggling working class and then the obscenely wealthy: from a bar where everyone is hanging their hopes on the night's lottery numbers to homes costing in the range of the mid six figures (remember it's the 80s). Even organized crime has a face in the urban sprawl of Cleveland.

The realism doesn't stop at the setting. Roberts is also a master crafter when it comes to his characters. Milan exhibits many of the traits of the traditional P.I. He's witty, a loner and has a knack for finding trouble even when he isn't looking for it. But he also has some traits unique to the P.I. character. As a female reader, the one I most admire is his respect for women, which is probably a reflection of his creator because the female characters in the novel are also worthy of respect. PEPPER PIKE is not full of beautiful women with empty heads, nor damsels in distress who are saved through sex. Roberts' emphasizes Milan's intelligence, thoughtfulness and vulnerability, not brute strength. Milan is also principled, encouraging the reader to develop a strong faith in Milan, cheering him on when the odds are against him.

PEPPER PIKE was an enjoyable read, and I'm glad I finally managed to remove it from the "to be read" pile and check it off the "read" list. I will also be adding the remainder of the series to my must read list. The biggest benefit of discovering a series late? Not having to wait for the next book to be published! Les Roberts published the fourteenth Milan Jacovich novel last year, so I'll have plenty of Milan to keep me reading for awhile.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had heard about this series and I thought it would be interesting to read a mystery set in a place I know. Since much of the action takes place on the East Side of Cleveland, a lot of it is very familiar to me. It is interesting to see where the author is describing a real place (an apartment above the Mad Greek where Cedar and Fairmount join) and when he decides to fictionalize areas (Chagrin Valley Police rather than Hunting Valley or Gates Mills). The protagonist is fairly interesting, a smart character. At times he seems more the classic tough guy, but often times he relies more on being sly. A strong character and interesting settings, so I think I'll read a few more of this series.

[Moriah Venable · Rating 4 out of 5]

While looking for an in between novel to read, (waiting for the eight book in the Hannah Swensen series), I thought I would try reading the Milan Jacovich series. Not only was I attracted to the plot but the setting. My home. Cleveland Ohio. It was so great reading all the familiar places as well as some true stuff about Cleveland that all Clevelanders know.

Set in 1988, (I believe)Milan Jacovich is an ex-cop, Vietnam veteran, and former football player. He is currently a private detective, trying to get his bearing after the divorce from his wife who he had been married to for 14 years and has two boys with.

He lives in tiny place with just enough room to eat and sleep not bothering to really have a social life other than drinking beers at bars. Two years after the divorce he is pinning after his wife who has moved on. We first see Milan at the bar, waiting on the lottery ticket numbers, only to be disappointed when they are not called.

While returning home, Milan get a phone call from a man by the name of Richard Amber who needs a bodyguard for 24 hours and request for him to his house in Pepper Pike. When he arrives Richard Amber doesn't appear to be home. Milan waits for him until midnight and then heads home. The next day, Richard's wife, hires Milan to find her husband. And the winners of the lottery are announced. There are three but one has not claimed their money yet.

While looking into Richard's life, he finds out that he is a high-powered advertising executive with secrets of his own. Although married, he has other relationships, and his wife does too. The more he looks into the life of Richard Amber, the more danger he gets in. While getting shot at, threaten by the mafia, squeezed by the police and snubbed by agency types, he starts to realized that this case is more complex then he initially thought it was going to be.

While reading this book, it gave me a film noir vibe to it. Especially all the insight into his marriage and how he viewed the world. I wasn't all the way sure I was going to like this book, but the plot really caught my attention. While I am not overly sure I when I will be continuing the series, I do want to know how his romantic life evolves after realizing, that he wasn't moving forward, he was standing still with the way he living. And that he now time to change that.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an addictive series! Milan Jacovich (MY-lan YOK-o-vitch) is a Cleveland gumshoe who solves case after case only on the merits of his dedication, street savvy, and constant ability to think and/or punch his way out of any situation. Pepper Pike is the first, The Dutch is the best I've read so far, followed by Deep Shaker. You don't need to know Cleveland as well as Milan, but you definitely won't be saying "Cleveland" in that snarky tone of voice after reading his adventures.

[Jan Aldergate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE Les Roberts. This was one of the earlier ones and I really enjoyed it. I always like books set in my area and he really gives you a feeling for Cleveland and its quirks. This one was a little more hardboiled than the later ones, lots of shootings and beating up. I had worked out part of the puzzle, but the villain was a surprise.

[Sheya · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you're from cleveland read this

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fun read! A good mystery, and such a blast to read about local settings. I have read many of these books and enjoyed them all.

[Robert Ries · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********3.75 Stars****************

This novel by Les Roberts has a bit of a screenplay vibe....a bit superficial but still entertaining. It does offer snappy dialogue between the characters. It also offers interesting development of the story and plotlines. There is a nice development and characterization of the feel for living and working in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. There are also some humorous moments that tie in well to the overall storyline.

There are some slightly thin characterizations and a bit of a stale premise at various points in the story.

Overall, an interesting initial effort in the Milan Jacovich series!

Robert Frank Ries

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goes a little heavy on the Cleveland nods and references at the start, making it almost feel like an outdated tour guide, but once the plot starts moving it becomes a fairly fun detective tail. The answers to one of the central questions is fairly obvious to the audience early in the novel, but it's to the book's credit that that doesn't derail the experience nor strip it of any intrigue.

Particularly recommended for anyone with ties to Cleveland, as some of the then-contemporaneous references are pretty neat to read 35 years later, like the Rock Hall commission scouting for a location to start building.

Looking forward to reading more of Milan's adventures.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I chose this because I was looking for a mystery set in Cleveland while I was staying in Cleveland during my dad's heart surgery. It definitely gave some interesting character and feeling for Cleveland (though Cleveland of 30 years ago, as this was written in 1987 - but led to some interesting conversation with nurses in the hospital about what is the same and what is different). Was pleasantly surprised (since this was a somewhat random choice) that the mystery was well done and the main character was interesting. I'll likely try the next in the series as well.

[Dkolacinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived in Cleveland, I was attracted to Milan Jacovich, all the characters in the series, and most importantly, the exquisite detail of the places in and around greater Cleveland. This is the first of the series, and it's much more hard-boiled than when I first read it last century. But like an old friend you you reunite with decades later, you remember what drew you to him or her, and overlooked his or her flaws. I will always remember Cleveland. I will always remember Milan Jacovich. I will always remember Les Roberts, long may he live.

[RICK D'AMICO · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I'm from Cleveland originally and have been living in Arizona for over 30 years, but Cleveland has always been my "home town." Loved the characters and the shading of the scenes by the author and especially the reference to the all the landmarks which I am familiar with. Great murder mystery and cool the way Milan unraveled the truth. However we all know there is no Channel 12-TV in Cleveland. ha ha.

Rick D'Amico (Retired Fox-TV News Anchor)

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic private eye fiction with a totally believable plot. Enough action, danger and beautiful women to satisfy the classic gumshoe traditions and the setting (Cleveland of all places) adds to the overall depth of the read. How could I be a reader of mystery fiction for the last 40+ years and never had read Les Roberts? Shame on me. I'll be on the lookout for #2 soon.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty good. Even though it's the first book, I read it second. I read Full Cleveland first. I see a pattern starting, where Milan sets out investigating one thing and ends up chasing a completely different mystery that he fell into along the way. Not sure how many I will read with this formula. I plan to read Deep Shaker and then take a break from him.

[Scott Geisel]

I was just at Fireside Book Shop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Great book store, great small town, waterfall right in the middle. I asked for recommedations of local mystery writers. That got me to the Milan Jacovich series. Halfway through the first novel and I like Milan, and I like the story. I will come back for more.

[Stacielynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fun to revisit this series and spend time in cleveland with Milan. Some aspects haven’t aged well but it’s a pretty good snapshot of the cleveland I knew during the 80s and 90s. And while our hero isn’t perfect he isn’t an irretrievably damaged human as so many detectives are in contemporary fiction!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun PI series set in Cleveland with a stereotypical lead character. Milan Jacovich is a veteran turned cop turned PI. Divorced and feeling sorry for himself he gets a call for a job to be a bodyguard. When he arrives at the house, the guy is gone.

Knowing Cleveland makes it a fun read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in the Milan Jacovich series, a "who done it" mystery that keeps you guessing to the end. A wife hires Milan to find her missing husband. It is obvious to Milan that the wife is not in love with her husband so why doesn't she report it to the police, why hire a private eye?

[Jean W-L · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first PEN (private eye novel). Fun because it was set in Cleveland, and mentioned areas I know firsthand. Good enough when you just want something light, but the plot seemed kind of formulaic. 2.5 ⭐️s rounds up to three stars.

[Sally Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of this author or series until recently, and having grown up in the Cleveland area I really enjoyed the first of this long series, all of which take place in the city and its suburbs. Beach read, but pretty well written.

[Linda Sespico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and since I live in this general area of Ohio it was intriguing as well. Finished the book in 3 days, it kept my interest at every twist and turn. A friend recommended this series to me and now I'm well into #2. Highly recommend for pleasure reading.

[Cyber Dot · Rating 4 out of 5]

CLEVELAND, OHIO. The Milan Jacovich series is a great trip back in time. A very relaxing read.

[Lynn Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in a series of 13. Being familiar with Cleveland and Pepper Pike made it interesting. Great ending!

[Debbie Stirling]

Read in 2004 and 2013, then again in 2023

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this a 3 but it should be a 2. I am reading the next in the series. It's entertaining because it is in Cleveland. Recommended by Sue Dingle from Mary Ann Goff.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery with a complex plot and main character. Definitely a good choice for Harlan Corbin fans. I look forward to reading the next one.