Labyrinth (Hardcover)

The Nameless Detective is referred to that way because Mr. Pronzini never supplies a name until Twospot, the prior book in the series, when police lieutenant Frank Hastings tells what his poker playing friends call Nameless, employing a first name. But it's never acknowledged by Nameless that this is his name . . . so it's probably a nickname. That name is not then used again until much later in the series. You can learn about why Nameless has no name in an author's note in Case File, which comes later in the series.

Mr. Pronzini presents a world in which people take evil actions to further selfish interests, and many innocents struggle because of that selfishness. The police and private investigators suffer along with the victims, for evil-doing has painful consequences for everyone. Mr. Pronzini's plots are complex, yet he provides plenty of clues to help you identify the evil-doer on your own. Despite the transparency of many of the early plots, he successfully uses plot complications to keep the action interesting and fresh. Beginning with Labyrinth, the plots become less simple.

But the reason to read the books is because of the character development for the Nameless Detective. Nameless is a former police officer in San Francisco who collects pulp fiction about tough private detectives. Overcome by the evil he sees as a police officer and drawn to the complex imagery of the strong, silent hero who rights wrongs, Nameless tries to live that role as a private detective. But he has trouble getting clients, and operating as a one-man shop causes him to lead a lonely existence. In his personal life, his career keeps women at a distance. Like a medieval knight errant, he sticks to his vows and pursues doing the right thing . . . even when it doesn't pay. At the same time, he's very aware of art, culture and popular trends. And he doesn't like much of what he sees. He's in his 50's, could stand to lose some weight and is really messy.

The books are also written in a more sophisticated version of the pulp fiction style, employing a better writing style and greater range through language and plot. The whole experience is like looking at an image in a series of mirrors that reflect into infinity.

These books are a must for those who love the noir style and the modern fans of tough detectives with a heart of gold like Spenser . . . and can live without the wise cracks and repartee.

Labyrinth is Mr. Pronzini's most elaborate plot, and one that will probably keep you fascinated up until the last few pages. It starts simply enough. Nameless is called in by his friend, police lieutenant Eberhardt, when a dead woman's purse contains Nameless's business card. Nameless has never met her, and cannot make a connection. Next, Nameless is hired to track and protect a disturbed man, Martin Talbot, who may be harmed by the husband of a woman who died when Talbot's car collided with theirs after Talbot fell asleep at the wheel. Despite keeping a close tail, things go horribly wrong. Convinced that Talbot needs his help, Nameless tries to figure out what really happened. In the process, he learns that the son of the woman Talbot killed was engaged to the young woman who had his card. What could this mean? From there, the connections between the Cardings and Talbot's family quickly multiply.

Most people will not be able to unravel this mystery. It contains a lot of unexpected elements and delicious complexity. From an amateur sleuth reader's point of view, this book is a delight for that reason.

The book has another appeal, which is trying to make some sense of all the synchronicity in the story. I found it haunting and intriguing at the same time. Mr. Pronzini wisely leaves it up to you to assign meaning to the connections.

After you finish this fascinating tale, take a little time to consider what strange coincidences might mean in your life. Are they from the hand of Providence? Or is it just randomness?