HALF HEARTED DETECTIVE

Rating:
Summary: WHOLE HEARTED WRITING
Review: I hope this isn't a one-off wonder by author Milton Bass.

Vinnie Altobelli is a likable detective hero even if his speech seems a bit dated for 1993--more like 1953, but maybe he is very well preserved (despite the heart attack) or just plain out-of-touch, or there really are Americans who still talk like characters in the Godfather movies.

There's a strong flavor of Irish Italian ethnic Americana in the characters, their speech, and the domestic settings. It's so prevalent that you can almost smell the patterned wallpaper, worn upholstery and yellowed doilies in addition to Nana's minestrone.

The good old world atmosphere is spiced-up when Vinnie is hired to protect a Harvard-educated crime lord and his peculiar family in a mansion that comes under siege. Thanks to highly competent writing this is an entertaining romp with excellent dialogue and memorable characters. Were there any more Vinnie Altobelli mysteries?