Julius Katz is a renowned private investigator who has some expensive habits. He only agrees to work when he needs the cash flow for his expensive poker habit or to acquire a rare wine for his cellar. Julius has a partner, Archie. Archie is a very small piece of computer technology that Julius uses as a tie tack. Archie makes all of the appointments, all of the information digging and tries valiently to solve a case before Julius. To date, he hasn't.
Archie has been trying to figure out who is cheating as the poker tables, as Julius has lost badly the last few times. He really needs to get some funds in as there is a new vintage of wine he wants to acquire. So, when an author whose last four books have not sold well, approaches Julius about taking his case, Archie is skeptical. The author, Kenneth Kingston, asks Julius to find out who is trying to kill him. But upon further discussion, it is revealed that Kenneth doesn't really have any threats to his life, he mearly wants the publicity. Julius declines, stating he won't sell his dignity for any price.
But then the next day, Kingston returns with a rare wine that Julius has been trying to acquire for years. He agrees to take the case, much to Archie's dismay. But when Kenneth winds up dead, the investigation heats up as Julius and Archie race to find the killer.
Another superb Julius Katz and Archie mystery! Their are clues revealed through-out for the reader to try and figure out who the killer is, with Archie leading the way. But Julius always does something "off-screen" to trip Archie up. The plot it tight and sound, having this reader guessing the whole way while being thoroughy entertained! Archie is one of the best characters out there in mystery and suspense. Very cleverly written -- I can't wait for the next one!
After reading Zeltserman's Caretaker of Lorne Field I was impressed. This book might not be up my alley, but if he wrote I'd be inclined to give it a chance. For now, I have his book Blood Crimes on my TBR pile.
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