Review: another zesty page turner
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 15, 2011
Dave Zeltserman introduced  us to the crime double act of Julius Katz and Archie with the stories `Julius Katz,' -which won a Shamus  and a Derringer Award - and `Archie's Been Framed,' which was an Ellery Queen Magazine Readers Choice winner. Both were gems and fans of Katz and Archie will be more than somewhat chuffed to find that Zeltserman has produced a novel featuring our quirky  heroes.For those of you that don't know, Julius Katz is a modern day Sherlock Holmes with a touch of Doc Savage and a smattering of Nero Wolfe. He's also a bit of an idler, and a lot of a bon vivant, who can only be persuaded to take on a case when his funds start dwindling to nothing.And, as Holmes had Watson, Julius Katz has a sidekick, called Archie, who  is a new-fangled super computer that the ever dapper Katz wears as a tie pin.At the start of the novel we find Julius short of cash after a run of bad luck at his regular poker games. Katz and Archie both suspect a new member of the poker group of cheating but have no way of proving it.Archie, as ever, tries to convince Julius to take on any one of a number of high paying cases but Katz refuses. He is, however, is approached by Kenneth J Kingston, an arrogant crime writer who says that he wants to hire Julius to find out who is trying to kill him. This, in fact, turns out to be a publicity stunt to promote the writer's forthcoming novel and boost his waning career.Archie is shocked and exasperated when Julius eventually agrees to take part in the stunt, although only after being offered an expensive bottle of wine as part of the payment.I'll say no more but rest assured this is another zesty page turner choc full of smart twists, colourful characters and laugh out loud moments. Katz is a great creation and he and Archie, the heart of the book, are a smashing team.Dave Zeltserman once again proves himself to be a versatile master-storyteller who is at the top of his game