From Library Journal
Though it doesn't have much of a title, this Lew Archer whodunit finds the gumshoe stopping over in a small town for an inquest. The seemingly quiet community reveals itself to be a hive of incest, corruption, dope dealing, and stolen booze. All in a day's work for a hard-boiled private investigator. This 1954 volume is for all mystery collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
The complex plot of FIND A VICTIM unravels from narrator-hero Lew Archer's investigation into the shooting death of a hitchhiker. Archer exposes a California town mired in corruption. Weakened at times by clichéd dialogue, the book nonetheless finishes strongly with revelations rich in action and ideas. Tom Parker's relaxed, measured delivery suits well this thinking person's detective novel. His leisurely approach facilitates an appreciation of Macdonald's poetic metaphors ("Some random stars began to nail up the edges of the evening..."), and his favorite theme of family guilt. Though not the best of the Archer books, this novel is served well by Parker's effective reading. G.H.
--This text refers to the
Audio Cassette
edition.
