Review: A hair below the first one, but still very good
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 27, 2014
The second installment of the Stanley Bentworth chronicles. After surviving a drive-by shooting, he learns another man was not so lucky, and it turns out the victim was a dead ringer for Stanley (no pun intended.) Soon he is contacted by the guy's widow, who has other issues related to the shooting, and hires Stanley to investigate. Without giving away too much of the story, let's just say another intricately-woven web is soon formed, with Stanley at the middle of it all, in a way he never could have imagined. I love this character and the way these books are written, especially when his inner thoughts appear as part of the ongoing conversation. Several times I actually laughed out loud, and many other times I laughed inwardly. Quite a relatable character, this Stanley is. Although the secondary character of Sanford is larger-than-life, he is also one of the favorites in this series, as he is always around when needed. And nephew Rodney continues his role as the eager yet naive assistant. This book is somewhat heavier than the first, with some surprising familial issues and history as a very prevalent part of the story, and the initial investigation is tied in to this plot line. Lots of serious dramatic moments, but enough humor that keeps things tempered. Can't wait to move on to the 3rd installment!