Fatal Games

Rating:
Summary: Ultra-entertaining amateur sleuth tale
Review:

Prich Hale is the son in the prestigious law firm of Hale & Son. However, Prich realizes that the only reason he is a partner (in name only) is because of his family tree and the fact that he was born before his sister. His father, the ultra conservative and proper Winfred, thinks his footloose son is a poor excuse for an attorney. Still, he keeps Prich with the firm, handling garbage control. In other words do not let any hint of scandal hurt their clients.

Mr. Evans, a CPA at the successful software company of Rogers and Emory Development, consults with Winfred and Prich about strange happenings at the firm. After Evans leaves, Winfred assigns his son to peripherally look into the goings-on at the company. However, the quiet inquiry takes a twist when someone murders the computer firm's silent partner Joseph Emery. Though his father emphatically stated peripheral without any scandal, Prich begins to investigate the murder. His actions are a form of insubordination that places him in the path of killer who wants to remain anonymous.

FATAL GAMES is an interesting amateur sleuth tale that cleverly combines DC eccentricity with an entertaining who-done-it and an insiders' look at the politics of scandal control. However, this novel is clearly owned by Prich. He is a classic underachiever, who exemplifies the best and worst qualities of the Gen-Xers (at least in the eyes of the Boomers). He has no desire to emulate his workaholic father as he feels pub time is critical in a world that could expire tomorrow. No question that the amateur sleuth crowd will demand that Robert C. Nienkemper return with more tales starring the glib, witty, and hearty Hale.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Superb diolog - compelling story.
Review: Author Robert Nienkemper weaves a binding yarn of the contemporary hero: flawed but loveable, brave but not stupid. The dialogue causes endless guffaws. An intimate knowledge of the Washington area, the financial world, classic cars and most every item touched is exhibited. A suspense story told with humor.

Rating:
Summary: A fine first novel hits the mark for charm, wit & danger.
Review: The reader has an immediate attraction to Prich Hale who succeeds in a splendid narrative that is reminescent of Jim Rockford, in a rollicking dialogue that is smartly written with charm and humour. Set nearby the nations capitol, the local pub becomes a familar place that breathes a life its own. All the while, the suspense of the corporate whodunit includes steely and suspicious family and staff of a successful software firm, Rogers & Emory. It's easy to get caught up in the intrigue of family affairs where the action sends Prich to their corporate office, and includes a memorable countryside outing. Prich encounters power and elite in a mystery that staves to the very end.