Columbo: The Hoover Files
Betsy Clendenin, a Kitty Kelley^-like master of the unauthorized biography, is to show-biz public relations what Saddam Hussein is to Middle East peace. Her new project concerns J. Edgar Hoover; Betsy has unearthed new dirt regarding information passed between J. Edgar Hoover, the Mafia, and Roy Cohn. Unfortunately, whatever Betsy learned goes up in flames--along with Betsy herself--when her house explodes. Enter everyone's favorite rumpled detective, Lieutenant Columbo of the LAPD. Just like on TV, we know who the killer is almost from the start; the fun is watching Columbo tighten the noose through his special mix of oblique questioning, self-deprecating asides, and shrewd insight into the criminal mind. Harrington continues to do a great job with this series, mixing in historical figures and some very amusing banter between Columbo and everyone else. An additional plus is an attention to forensic detail that matches any of the more serious procedurals. Entertaining reading.Wes Lukowsky