Review: Not particularly hard-boiled or humorous
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 16, 2014
Tubby Dubonnet is certainly a complex man, but not hard-boiled, and his actions are not very humorous.  However, the depths of Tubby's sometimes inexplicable complexity drive a story line that is compelling and full of truly unexpected twists.  Tubby is neither a tough guy nor a wimp.  He is not particularly clever as a lawyer, but maintains a steady cash flow by representing the down and out, but not with a sizeable retainer up front.  He is capable of kindness and responsibility, but not of commitment or love, it seems.  When faced with an opportunity to steal, he takes it, but then regrets it.  But when death rears its head, he has no regret or remorse.At this novel's end, it's difficult for the reader to figure out whether he or she would hire Tubby.  But that seems to be the author's aim.