Highly Effective Detective by Richard Yancey
Teddy Ruzak, a bumbling but determined detective, employs the help of his loyal secretary--formerly his favorite waitress at a diner--to unravel his first case, a hit-and-run of a family of geese. What can only be called a wild goose chase quickly evolves into an investigation of a vicious murder. Martins Press.
"A spectacular start. . highly entertaining. Ruzak, reminiscent at first of both "A Confederacy of Dunces"'s Ignatius J. Reilly and of Columbo, fast becomes his own uniquely realized character. The narrative takes unforeseen, utterly believable twists that wind to an extremely satisfying close. By turns touching, suspenseful and hilarious, this is sure to be one of the most well regarded-and enjoyed-mystery debuts of the year."- "Publishers Weekly "(starred review)"" "A colorful, memorable detective . . . tells a suspenseful story full of great humor and careful plotting. Highly recommended."- "Library Journal "(starred review) "A compelling protagonist . . . his rambling thoughts contain wonderful truths and bits of brilliant insight. Mature teen readers will enjoy this mystery, especially if they are fans of Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time". Most teens reading this book will probably be more rational than Teddy in many ways, despite his advanced age, which young readers will relish. The story is told with subtle humor and excellent characterizations. It is a solid mystery with the potential to appeal to older teens."- "VOYA""" "Full of wry humor, action, and plot twists. The novel's biggest asset is quirky storyteller-sleuth Teddy Ruzak."- Hallie Ephron, "Boston Globe" "Quick-moving and funny . . . my 14-year-old daughter plowed through the book in one sitting."- "Entertainment Weekly, ""50 Hot Summer Books" pick"" "Move over, Sam Spade. A priceless nebbish has joined the private-eye ranks. An adorably quixotic adventure."- "Kirkus Reviews" "An ironic antihero . . . the story is fun and quick. Teens who enjoy Lawrence Block's 'Burglar' books will find that this one appeals as well."- "School Library Journal""" "Funny the way Donald E. Westlake's novels are funny...Witty remarks abound, and the central character is a keeper."- "Booklist"
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780312347529 |
| ISBN 10 | 0312347529 |
| Title | Highly Effective Detective |
| Author | Richard Yancey |
| Series | Highly Effective Detective Ser |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Thomas Dunne Books |
| Year published | 2006-06-27 |
| Number of pages | 294 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |