Jonathan K (Max Outlier)'s Reviews > A Man Named Doll

To quote liner notes on the inside cover, "Happy Doll is a charming, if not occasionally inexpert, private investigator living one sheer cliff drop beneath the Hollywood sign with George, his half Chihuahua, half terrier".. pretty much describes what we're dealing with and makes him one of the more unique PI characters you'll encounter.

He supplements if flailing PI business by working as a quasi-bouncer at Thai 'massage parlor' that offers 'special services' to select clientele. When his close friend Lou shows up to announce the need for a kidney transplant, Happy aka Hank, deliberates and finally decides he'll help. But things turn dark when he goes to Lou's house and discovers he's been shot, and finds a tiny blue envelope with a 7 carat diamond and a note asking he sells it. As with most detective mysteries, each step takes him deeper into a chasm where he's beaten, cajoled, out-witted and confused. The author does a great job of throwing an unexpected curve ball toward the end, and its one that's worth keeping secret.

Having read several of the Walter Mosley, Leonid McGill stories, this was refreshing, unique and often funny, which was welcome in all respects. I'll be reading the sequel and am hoping its as good as this one. Fans of mystery, detectives and fun will enjoy this!