Rating: 
Summary: The Art of the Gimmick
Review: "A Killing Sky" has a quasi-political plot involving hanky panky in high places. Given the last decade in American politics, anything short of the president of the United States concealing a harem of thousands in the Casbah is unlikely to even raise an eyebrow. When Cassidy Drummond consults P.I. Frank Pavlicek about the disappearance of her twin, Cartwright, he is reluctant and remains so though most of the tale. The Drummond twins are daughters of a high-placed politico who has enough clout to subvert any embarrassing investigations.Frank is yet another former homicide cop with a sidekick named Joe Tornado who could easily go by the name Hawk. Frank has a sophisticated love interest, Marcia (read Susan) and his hobby is falconry. (Well, Berretta had a cockatoo.) He lives in beautiful Charlottesville, VA and, like Jonathan Kellerman, a stickler for giving you routes, street names and landmarks. I always thought my lack of enthusiasm for this sort of information was because I did not know Los Angeles. I have lived in Charlottesville, and I can vouch for Mr. Stranka's authenticity, but I spent a lot of time visualizing exactly where I was when it really didn't make much difference to the plot. I know some readers enjoy this very much. I think Mr. Stranka is a good workmanlike writer. He takes care and precision with his plots. "A Killing Sky" just has too much a look of being written from a blueprint of what makes a successful mystery novel. -sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer
Rating:
Summary: The Art of the Gimmick
Review: "A Killing Sky" has a quasi-political plot involving hanky panky in high places. Given the last decade in American politics, anything short of the president of the United States concealing a harem of thousands in the Casbah is unlikely to even raise an eyebrow. When Cassidy Drummond consults P.I. Frank Pavlicek about the disappearance of her twin, Cartwright, he is reluctant and remains so though most of the tale. The Drummond twins are daughters of a high-placed politico who has enough clout to subvert any embarrassing investigations. Frank is yet another former homicide cop with a sidekick named Joe Tornado who could easily go by the name Hawk. Frank has a sophisticated love interest, Marcia (read Susan) and his hobby is falconry. (Well, Berretta had a cockatoo.) He lives in beautiful Charlottesville, VA and, like Jonathan Kellerman, a stickler for giving you routes, street names and landmarks. I always thought my lack of enthusiasm for this sort of information was because I did not know Los Angeles. I have lived in Charlottesville, and I can vouch for Mr. Stranka's authenticity, but I spent a lot of time visualizing exactly where I was when it really didn't make much difference to the plot. I know some readers enjoy this very much. I think Mr. Stranka is a good workmanlike writer. He takes care and precision with his plots. "A Killing Sky" just has too much a look of being written from a blueprint of what makes a successful mystery novel. -sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer
Rating: 
Summary: Hardboiled Political Saga
Review: Andy Straka's "A Killing Sky" is a private detective story loosely based upon headlines from what seems long ago, but is actually less than two years ago. Gary Condit is the real life doppleganger for fictional Virginia Congressman Tor Drummond, a man desperately seeking re-election despite a nasty sex scandal. When one of the Congressman's twin daughters disappears, the other hires Charlottesville Private Eye Frank Pavlicek to determine her wherabouts. Pavilcek is, of course, dubious at the beginning, and not surprisingly ends up with far more than he bargained for as he probes into the Congressman's sleazy life. Anyone who reads a lot of private eye fiction will find plenty of familiarity in Straka's book. Pavilcek cracks wise and has a somewhat mysterious, tough-guy sidekick (his former partner from his days with the NYPD), an emotionally strong and supportive girlfriend and an eccentric hobby (he's a Falconeer). Straka's descriptions of Charlottesville (home of the University of Virginia) are so accurate and inviting that they could have been written by the Chamber of Commerce. As for the mystery, even though some of the minor elements of the book are a bit cliche (the Chief of Police is a jerk, the Feds are the clumsy heavies, the Congressmen's Chief of Staff is cast right out of the movie "No Way Out"), you can forgive it because Straka's prose and storytelling are so fresh and immediate. For example, Pavilcek's relationship with his college age daughter, who sometimes helps him with his cases, never lapses into cheap sentimentality the way it could in a lesser writer's hands. The build up to the climax is well done and when it comes it is explosive and ultimately satisfying climax. Overall, an outstanding work of private eye fiction from a recently bygone era that I'm sure we all wish could return to.
Rating:
Summary: Hardboiled Political Saga
Review: Andy Straka's "A Killing Sky" is a private detective story loosely based upon headlines from what seems long ago, but is actually less than two years ago. Gary Condit is the real life doppleganger for fictional Virginia Congressman Tor Drummond, a man desperately seeking re-election despite a nasty sex scandal. When one of the Congressman's twin daughters disappears, the other hires Charlottesville Private Eye Frank Pavlicek to determine her wherabouts. Pavilcek is, of course, dubious at the beginning, and not surprisingly ends up with far more than he bargained for as he probes into the Congressman's sleazy life. Anyone who reads a lot of private eye fiction will find plenty of familiarity in Straka's book. Pavilcek cracks wise and has a somewhat mysterious, tough-guy sidekick (his former partner from his days with the NYPD), an emotionally strong and supportive girlfriend and an eccentric hobby (he's a Falconeer). Straka's descriptions of Charlottesville (home of the University of Virginia) are so accurate and inviting that they could have been written by the Chamber of Commerce. As for the mystery, even though some of the minor elements of the book are a bit cliche (the Chief of Police is a jerk, the Feds are the clumsy heavies, the Congressmen's Chief of Staff is cast right out of the movie "No Way Out"), you can forgive it because Straka's prose and storytelling are so fresh and immediate. For example, Pavilcek's relationship with his college age daughter, who sometimes helps him with his cases, never lapses into cheap sentimentality the way it could in a lesser writer's hands. The build up to the climax is well done and when it comes it is explosive and ultimately satisfying climax. Overall, an outstanding work of private eye fiction from a recently bygone era that I'm sure we all wish could return to.
Rating:
Summary: Straka On Stride
Review: Andy Straka's novel is a terrific mystery. A year ago, Publishers Weekly declared him a "Rising Star" of the mystery world, and Killing Sky proves their point perfectly. Mr. Straka has a great private detective lead and a wonderful supporting cast. His plot is crisp and the mystery is a swift read. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in his series.
Rating: 
Summary: Lean, Clean, Muscular PI Novel Reads Great
Review: Andy Straka's private eye, former policeman Frank Pavlicek, sprang into existence last year in "A Witness Above." His debut in a briskly paced and well constructed mystery was memorable enough to attract not only the attention of readers, but the judging panels of the Agatha Award and the Shamus Award -- it has received nominations from both. Now, in "A Killing Sky." Straka again demonstrates his prowess in another fully satisfying tale starring Pavlicek. He has taken strands from several recent political scandals and woven them into a fresh, new, and completely ingenious plot that is totally plausible and logical. The dialogue and action rings true every step of the way. Pavlicek lives and works in Charlottesville, Virginia, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. He enjoys, along with his buddy Jake Toronto, another ex-cop, the unusual hobby of falconry, a metaphor of sorts for his own search for prey -- and perps. This novel will give an added frisson of pleasure to anyone familiar with Charlottesville, because it uses real sites as backdrops for much of the action. You can easily follow Frank up and down the city streets and out into Albemarle county, lending added verisimilitude to the action. When I first read "A Killing Sky" I was so engrossed that I raced through it at a dead run, eager to know just how the complex plot twists would play out, and who actually "dunnit." Only on second reading did I become aware of and impressed by Straka's careful craftmanship, and how how lean, clean, and muscular his writing is. "A Witness Above" was an imprssive first novel for any author, and "A Killing sky" only seconds the motion.
Rating:
Summary: Straka's Still Soaring!
Review: I am genuinely impressed by Andy Straka's A KILLING SKY, though, initially, I expected to be disappointed. After all, his debut novel, A WITNESS ABOVE, was simply stunning, and I doubted if he could follow up such a strong work (nominated for an Agatha) with an equally well-written work. His storyline also appeared to be lifted from the headlines (Clinton or Condit, take your choice)with the vanished daughter of a philandering politician taking center stage, and his series set-up bears a strong resemblance to the Spenser series with its literate PI, enforcer-type sidekick, sophisticated love interest, and a pet featured prominently in the story. Finally, having met Andy Straka at a recent mystery convention and having participated on one author panel with the man, I am quite impressed by Mr. Straka as a person and a writer. I didn't want to be disappointed by his sophomore effort so I delayed reading A KILLING SKY. My mistake. In A KILLING SKY, Andy Straka pulls everything together perfecly. Falconry is Frank Pavlicek's trademark, and it is featured prominently. He clearly distinguishes Frank from Spenser, Toronto from Hawk, and Marcia from Susan. His development of Frank's daughter Nicole into a well-rounded sidekick-type character is also a unique touch. The tale he tells, he tells well. The politico Drummond is no Clinton or even a Condit. The story takes several unexpected turns, and the writing is first-rate. A KILLING SKY is a giant step forward for this new mystery series. I am hoping for many more Frank Pavlicek mysteries.
Rating:
Summary: Wow...
Review: I haven't read a detective novel since my Nancy Drew days. Didn't think I'd enjoy them, and besides, my attention span is ridiculously short. I was given a copy of A KILLING SKY last Saturday, so I picked it up, just to have a look, on Sunday evening. It dropped from my hand as I fell asleep in the wee hours of the morning. I picked it up first thing Monday and found myself -- still in my pajamas -- at noontime, when the book ended and finally let me go. If you like the kind of book that grabs you by the lapels and doesn't let go until it's done with you, then A KILLING SKY is just the ticket. -Janis Jaquith, author of BIRDSEED COOKIES: A FRACTURED MEMOIR
Rating:
Summary: More of a good thing
Review: I was very impressed with the author's first novel, A Witness Above. The falconry aspect is unique and very fascinating. That alone sets his books apart from the standard formula for mystery novels. I met the author at our local library and was impressed with him as well. However, given all that I was still apprehensive to read A Killing Sky, fearing that like many authors it he might be a one hit wonder. To my delight, my fears were unfounded. A Killing Sky was terrific! I enjoyed it as much, if not more than, his first effort. Mr. Straka has continuing to flesh out his characters, especially the fascinating Jake Toronto, in a way that makes them more and more compelling. I can't wait for more! I have recommended this author to many fellow readers and will continue to do so........
Rating:
Summary: Political Intrigue
Review: PI Frank Pavlicek has been hired by Representative Tor Drummond's daughter Cassidy to find her twin Cartwright. The college freshman disappeared on her way to break up with her boyfriend. But the boyfriend claims she never made it over. Then her rental car is found with bloody fingerprints. All Frank has to go on is a 20 year old newspaper article about a hit and run car accident. Will that be enough to find her before it's too late? If it isn't already. Meanwhile, he's struggling with letting his red-tailed hawk Armistead return to the wild. I'm not normally a reader of PI novels, but this series is making me rethink that. The storyline is interesting, and the characters are well drawn. I am aware they fall well within PI novel norms, but that doesn't really bother me in the least. The added element of falconry adds another level of interest to an already strong book. This series is certainly worth a look if you enjoy PI novels. And if you don't normally read them, pick these up and give the sub-genre a try.
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