Rating: 
Summary: Close, but no Archy McNally
Review: I was initially exhilarated to read that there would be a last novel forthcoming from one of my favorite authors, Lawrence Sanders, and his terrific and entertaining "Discreet Inquiries" sleuth, Archy. The book is actually authored by Vincent Lardo.This book is a tremendous disappointment. After reading it, I would rather the Archy McNally series was left alone as Lawrence Sanders' legacy to millions of spellbound, laughing readers. I'm sure that Vincent Lardo found the offer to continue Sanders' very lucrative McNally series more than he could resist. At the same time, though, the writing isn't anywhere near the level of Sanders'. Mr. Sanders' obvious love for the nutty characters that populate McNally novels (and his painstaking descriptions of Archy's culinary feasts and sartorial misdeeds,) isn't anywhere to be found. The endearing personality traits of our hero Archy are gone, along with the man who created them. If you want a fantastic read, pick up any of the McNally series, but don't bother with this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice, but not particularly great.
Review: As this novel demonstrates there is a slight but noticeable difference in the writing styles of both Sanders and Lardo. Lardo himself seems to be a bit of a mystery man in that there isn't much publically known about him. He certainly doesn't have the reputation as a mystery writer that Sanders does. MeNally amply demonstrates in this novel that he has very little common horse sense when it comes to women. He needs to learn how to be more selective. If you really want to read this book borrow it from the library and read. Then move on to something else.
Rating: 
Summary: Lousy - Please Get Better
Review: Read and loved the whole series as written by Sanders. I thought with Lardo's second effort (I think) we'de see a lot more progress on his writing. I liked seeing another famous Sanders character named Delaney show up in this book. So far, Lardo hasn't made the cut. PLEASE take it seriously and give it another shot - I'll give you one more as well.
Rating:
Summary: Close, but no Archy McNally
Review: I was initially exhilarated to read that there would be a last novel forthcoming from one of my favorite authors, Lawrence Sanders, and his terrific and entertaining "Discreet Inquiries" sleuth, Archy. The book is actually authored by Vincent Lardo. This book is a tremendous disappointment. After reading it, I would rather the Archy McNally series was left alone as Lawrence Sanders' legacy to millions of spellbound, laughing readers. I'm sure that Vincent Lardo found the offer to continue Sanders' very lucrative McNally series more than he could resist. At the same time, though, the writing isn't anywhere near the level of Sanders'. Mr. Sanders' obvious love for the nutty characters that populate McNally novels (and his painstaking descriptions of Archy's culinary feasts and sartorial misdeeds,) isn't anywhere to be found. The endearing personality traits of our hero Archy are gone, along with the man who created them. If you want a fantastic read, pick up any of the McNally series, but don't bother with this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Pleased and disappointed
Review: As a huge fan of the whole McNally series, I was saddened that Lawrence Sanders had passed away and disappointed to discover that another "ghost writer" had written this book based on Sanders' series. However, I think we as fans should be happy that at least we have some semblance of the McNally series continuing on after Sanders' death. To be honest, this new book was almost, but not quite, as entertaining as the previous McNally books. The new author has captured most of Archie's wit and personality and gives us a pretty entertaining read. It was distracting, however, to learn that Archie is suddenly engaged to Connie Garcia, yet there is no mention of a wedding or true commitment to her on Archie's part. I think the author threw the readers a real curve ball with that one, which was really quite inexcusable. But for the most part, I don't see how anyone can be anything other than happy that there will continue to be novels published about our favorite man about town, Archie McNally.
Rating: 
Summary: Lardo succeeds - best McNally book yet!
Review: Although I have fond memories of Lawrence Sanders' writing style, I don't understand the criticism for Vincent Lardo's continuation of this excellent series. This book is outstanding. The plot twists are intriguing and clever. I was mesmerized by the intertwined stories of Melva and Fairhurst, as Archie discovered more and more connections between the death of the dispicable Geoff Williams, and the blackmail of Fairhurst the III. The romantic dilemma for Archy was also an interesting side story. In my mind, this book had it all. Archy was in top form, jousting with the pater and his beloved Connie, dealing with the inept Binky on occasion (not too much, thankfully), and enjoying several medium rare steak tartares at the Pelican Club.
Rating:
Summary: Fact-checking needed
Review: Famous authors, even DEAD famous authors, should check their facts before including bloopers in their books. The plot revolves around a law firm needing to get "imperative" corroborating evidence to a homicide, because without it supposedly the killer's "word is pure hearsay." That ain't so, if the character is using the "hearsay" in its legal sense. The bloopers don't stop there -- he continues with erroneous pronouncements about the effect of an insanity plea.
Rating:
Summary: McNally's Dilemma
Review: In all, I liked the book. I don't believe Vincent Lardo has the feel for Archie or Palm Beach as yet, but hopefully things will improve over time. What is missing is the precision and detail that Sanders used in describing not only the characters, but Palm Beach on the whole. With Sanders, you could see and most of all important feel the place. This is missing in Dilemma. Archy appears to be growing up. He has enough sense to where clothes appropriate to the occasion (e.g, meeting an important and conservative client), but Prescott McNally has gone from a class act to a money grubber. Trying to be a match maker with Archie and Veronica is also out of character for him. I don't think Lardo knows Palm Beach. One would never go to Ta-boo if one did not want to be seen, and eating in the bar area is the last place you'd go if you're looking for privacy. You have to pass through it to get to the important dining room (the one with the fireplace). The Breakers would have been a better choice. Every there is so old they can't see across the room. I hope Lardo continues with the series. He'll get better and Archy will live on.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing, at best
Review: I am an avid reader of the McNally series and I was as overjoyed as any that it would continue after Sander's passing. Unfortunatly after reading this tomb I must say that it would have been better to die with the author. Lardo does not possess any of the charm that made Sander's character so endearing and lovable. The quick wit and intelligence I always assocated with Archy was truly lacking leaving little more than a one dementional character.
Rating:
Summary: Yuck!
Review: I was so disappointed in this book. Please, by all means, give Vincent Lardo credit.Did you even read the other books? What happened to Archie? Wearing black Levis? And when did he get engaged to Connie? He always said that if he was ever engaged or married he would be faithful. That was part of his rakish charm. Nothing to tell us how, when or where this engagement happened. Why would he change his life so dramatically without one word in this "book". I want Lawrence Sanders! This is a sham and a travesty.
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