Review: My Kind of Detective: Tough & Tenacious Sam Flanagan
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 8, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book by Author Judith White I have read. The first book,Sins of the Father (The Case Files of Sam Flanagan), was an enjoyable read. In that book, I took a liking to Detective Sam Flanagan, taking on the role of "sidekick". I tried vainly to pin the murder on the butler, but the butler was innocent. It would have helped if there had been a butler, there was none. Would there be a butler in this book?Before we go looking for a butler, let's deal with "Page One". On page one the author creates desire to read. Let me share the words from page one, which caught my attention: (Quote) "In my line of work, you never leave the job until it's finished; or rather, it never leaves you. You eat it, drink it and sleep with it. And sometimes, after the case is long over with, the story still lives on in your soul. This was one such case." (end of quote)You can see why I identify with the narrator of those lines, Detective Sam Flanagan. He's tough, tenacious, and totally consumed by his work. Personally, I'm like that too, tough and tenacious about my work. Sort of like a terrier, that just keeps coming back at you, relentlessly, until you are worn down. That description defines Sam Flanagan, the protagonist. Listen to Sam fill you in on the case:Sam is speaking: (Quote) "It occurred in the winter of 1943. I was a private detective, and after the solution to this puzzle was discovered I carried all the "what ifs" and "whys" around with me. The guilt of not being able to prevent a death haunted me; it probably would for the rest of my days, however many I had left. I felt as though I had unwittingly played a big part in helping to carry out the tragedy... (end of quote)Again, this quote is from page one. Author Judith White has masterfully captured the reader's imagination. You must start turning pages. I didn't stop turning pages until I knew what the tragedy was, and why Detective Sam Flanagan, was blaming himself. If you truly love detective stories, you will enjoy this book. Buy this book, buy, buy, buy. It will make a wonderful Christmas gift for you or someone you love.Reviewed by Thomas Jerome BakerAuthor ofPublic Speaking: What Amazing Nonsense You Are Talking!