Gumshoe On the Loose

Mortimer "Mort" Angel is hired by a distressed damsel who finds him in a bar in Reno. She is being blackmailed by someone and wants him to find out who is to blame. Mort finds more than he bargains for when he discovers the body of famous rapper Jonnie Xenon in her garage. She fires him, but her father, who is on the police force and interested in Mort's unconventional and sometimes illegal ways of getting the job done, rehires him. Mort’s search to clear her name finds him on his way to Las Vegas where he picks up a beautiful and spunky assistant. With her help, they find their way to the bottom of a convoluted mystery.

"Gumshoe On The Loose" is a quirky, witty, amusing tale. Mort is a shady bloke at best which adds some intrigue. His character is well balanced with his assistant that he picks up along the way. There is a sub-plot of romance which adds a nice angle. The mystery is well thought out and well executed; it keeps the reader turning the pages. There are lots of surprises along the way holding one's interest. Mort is not a likable character as the story starts, and the beginning is a bit confusing. The end is not wholly satisfactory as a significant component of the mystery is not resolved. Mortimer and his unconventional ways will keep one engaged. There are many surprises along the way making this a worthy read.

Jessica Samuelsen