Sanders, Lawrence

Average customer rating:

It implies mathematical background...
Good book on the mathematics of acoustics for engineers
An excellent textbook
Not an introductory text
OK, but better texts available

Fundamentals of Acoustics
Lawrence E. Kinsler , Austin R. Frey , Alan B. Coppens , and James V. Sanders
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Acoustics & Sound | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Qualifying Textbooks - Spring 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Fundamentals of Physical Acoustics
Theoretical Acoustics
Principles of Underwater Sound 3rd Edition
Master Handbook of Acoustics
Random Data: Analysis & Measurement Procedures

ASIN: 0471847895

Book Description

The classic acoustics reference! This widely-used book offers a clear treatment of the fundamental principles underlying the generation, transmission, and reception of acoustic waves and their application to numerous fields. The authors analyze the various types of vibration of solid bodies and the propagation of sound waves through fluid media.

Customer Reviews:

It implies mathematical background..........2007-06-16

This book is full of math and it is for scientist or engineer. If you are looking for good introduction into acoustics, get this Acoustics for producer and musician, includes SoundsAcademy Certification and it will put you on the track (literally). This book should be named "Mathematical foundation of acoustical science" or something of this sort. Because the name it bears is misleading for most of the shoppers.

Good book on the mathematics of acoustics for engineers.......2007-04-28

This book is aimed squarely at engineering students who want to learn the mathematics of acoustics. There is very little in the realm of standing back and asking "So what does this all mean?". From the very first chapter the author dives into deriving equations that use calculus, Laplace transforms, the Fourier series and transform, circuit analysis, digital filters, and the Z- transform as well as some differential equations. There are few examples in the book, but there are problem sets that expect you to understand the theory and math well enough to apply it numerically with more intuitive knowledge than is presented. It can be done, but you'll have to read carefully when doing the exercises to figure out how to get from A to B. If you are interested in acoustics this is probably an essential reference pertaining to the mathematical aspects of the science, but you'll need other books to get the big picture. I'd recommend the old Schaum's Outline of Acoustics by Seto as a companion to this book since it has lots of examples. Unfortunately, it is out of print and you'll probably have to hunt for it.

An excellent textbook.......2004-12-06

This is a classic engineering text on acoustics for upper division college students. It first appeared in 1950. And now it is back fifty years later in a fourth edition. In the meantime, the original two authors have passed away. However, Coppens and Sanders have done a fine job in keeping the book up-to-date.

Plenty of exercises have been added, and answers to many odd-numbered problems are in the back of the book. I think it is an excellent introduction to the field (yes, I expect you to have studied calculus and differential equations as an underclassman). It's my favorite of the classic engineering acoustics textbooks.

Two new chapters have been added in this edition, one on nonlinear acoustics and the other on shock waves. That's a very good idea. If I were teaching an acoustics class with an earlier edition of the book, I'd refer students to Landau Volume 6 (Fluid Mechanics) to get some of this missing information.

Actually, I wish the authors had added a couple more chapters, one on ultrasonics and another on instruments of music. That still would not cover all of acoustics, but I feel these topics are fairly important.

Anyway, I really like the book, and I'd be happy to teach a class using it.

Not an introductory text.......2004-06-17

This text in not an introductory work, it is geared toward upper division college or graduate level engineering work. By this I am referring to the math level in the book. If you are not willing to work with partial differential equations, integrals, dot products, cross products and dell operators stay away from this book, it is intended for engineering students and not for audio, broadcast, or film students looking for a greater understanding of sound/acoustics.

Here is a list of the chapters:
Fundamentals of vibration; Transverse motion - the vibrating string; Vibrations of bars; The two-dimensional wave equation: vibrations of memberanes and plates; The acoustic wave equation and simple solutions; Transmission phenomena; Absorption and attenuation of sound waves in fluids; Radiation and reception of acoustic waves; Pipes, cavities, and waveguides; resonators, ducts, and filters; Noise, signal, detection, hearing, and speech; Environmental acoustics; Architectural acoustics; Transduction; Underwater acoustics.

OK, but better texts available.......2003-04-30

Personally, I was disappointed by the fourth edition of this venerable text, for it has become increasingly mathematical and problem oriented. If you like sitting down and whiling away your afternoon with a problem set -- this is the text for you. But if instead you wish to study acoustics through a pedagogical method that is more verbal and graphical in nature -- better texts are available.

Indeed, in my opinion, prior editions (1950, 1962, 1981) of this same text are superior, particularly the second edition. Although these too have their share of integral calculus and complex algebra, the quantity is more appropriate for a discipline that is mostly science and engineering but with aspects of art to it as well.

Bear in mind that aside from a few specialized areas -- like ultrasonics and its use in non-destructive testing, or the use of digital processing in sound generation and analysis -- little new has come about in the field of acoustics since World War II. Thus unlike with most fields of science, there is no necessity to have the most modern texts to gather a wholly modern understanding of the field.

Indeed, I recently examined almost every text relating to acoustics contained in the circumferential stacks of the Barker Engineering Library under the Great Dome of M.I.T. (and sadly, there aren't as many texts as one might hope). I was surprised both at the age of most volumes in the collection -- and the fact that most had not been checked out of the library in years.

Indeed, from the "Date Due" slips in the back, you could see the field was very popular in the 1960's and 1970's, but popularity seemed to wain in the early 1980's -- approximately contemporaneously, curiously, with the introduction of the digital CD format of audio recording.

By the mid-1990's, at M.I.T., at least, interest in acoustics among faculty and students seem to have declined precipitiously, if the popularity of library texts and the quantity of student theses published in the field is any indication.

Of all the general texts on acoustics that I examined -- to me, one clearly stood out above the others. It was published in 1957 by the lead acoustical scientist at the RCA Research Laboratories in Princeton, New Jersey, Harry F. Olsen, Ph.D. It is entitled, "Acoustical Engineering", although it contains all the fundamental science as well. This text was reprinted in 1991 and is currently available.

Olsen's work is surely a magnum opus, comprising 736 pages and 567 illustrations. It has its fair share of math, but the concepts are often additionally explained through well-crafted line drawings, showing, for example, wave forms drawn in progressive fashion in serial graphs, some of which are designed so that one can even mentally rotate the graphics to gather a three-dimensional perspective. Furthermore, the graphs are often supplemented by equivalent mechanical and electrical analogs, to further assist in understanding.

Best of all, Olsen explains virtually everything acoustical you would ever want to know, from theories of acoustical wave propagation, to an enormous variety of loudspeaker designs, to the mathematical reasoning behind Johann Sebastian Bach's tempered tuning of musical instruments, an artistic practice that is almost universal today.

Book Description

Thoroughly updated and extensively illustrated, the revised reprint of Mosby's Paramedic Textbook, 2nd Edition provides complete coverage of prehospital care in a single, comprehensive text. Its table of contents parallels the new United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) paramedic national standard curriculum, giving readers all the resources they need to pass local, state, and national examinations. The text explains the paramedic's role, the unique characteristics of prehospital care, the how-to's of patient assessment and emergency care for acutely ill and traumatically injured patients, and the principles and practice of emergency cardiac care, emergency pharmacology, infectious diseases, pediatric and geriatric emergencies, and much more. A valuable resource for both paramedic students and practicing paramedics, it keeps the reader abreast of evolving trends in the prehospital emergency care arena while laying the foundation for successful certification or recertification.

Customer Reviews:

Complete and simple!.......2003-04-22

Only two words, complete and verry simple to understand! My first language is french and I've understood every chapiter of this book!

Well written, easy to understand, but..........2001-11-29

Greetings,

I'm 3 months into a paramedic program and we just happened to be talking about this book today (one of our texts) in class. Where this book is most helpful is regarding the instruction of hands on skills such as IV's and Intubation, as well as a good general reference book to find specific basic info fast. Our class has augmented this text with Applegates A+P, Lipencotts basic pharmocology, and will be using a yet to be decided patho text. If you used only this text I feel you'd be missing out on a great deal of background information, that for me, makes the concepts of paramedicine easier to grasp. I would also check with your instructor regarding the workbook, I don't know anyone who has bothered to use it. If anyone is looking for an overview on the scope of paramedicine, to brush up for an exam, this is probably a perfect book.

A limited referrence and course study for the EMT-P prog........2001-08-30

Most people buying this book will not have a choice in which book they choose. I will say that this book is adequate for taking the National Registry. However, I would recommend a practice exam so that you can see where you need to brush up. There is a lot of information presented in this book without extensive description. I find that understanding the physiology of an organ helps in absorbing the information. The Mosby book does NOT go into the detail that I had anticipated in this monster of a book. They will go into great depth on certain topics, while leaving you wondering about others. I ended up buying a Anatomy and Physiology book just to fill in the gaps of this book. All in all, for the purpose of schooling, the book is almost adequate, but if you are the type of person that really wants a thorough understanding, you may be dissapointed. Good Luck

Very Poor Textbook.......2001-08-13

I am currently a Paramedic student about half way through the class and I along with several of my classmates find this book to be very poor. The book will discuss a topic and refer to a diagram or example that will be nowhere near where you are currently. This book is very hard to follow and not at all user friendly.

The must have Paramedic Book!.......2001-05-08

This is the book of the future for all paramedic courses it is only the begining of a more indepth thoroughly trained paramedic. If you buy and study dilligentlyfrom this book you will pass both state and national registry with no problem!

McNally's Chance: An Archy McNally Novel by Vincent Lardo

Average customer rating:

Tenderizing Stew Paints Meaty Character Portrait, "Beauty Lies Here, Somewhere. Slurp."
The best yet inspite of its faults.
Awful addition to a once great series
McNally is still fun
Not a True Archy McNally Book

McNally's Chance: An Archy McNally Novel by Vincent Lardo
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: Putnam Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Hard-Boiled | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

McNally's Alibi: An Archy McNally Novel [Bargain Price] [Hardcover] by Lardo...
McNally's Dilemma: (Archy McNally Novels)
McNally's Dare
McNally's Luck (Archy McNally Novels)
Lawrence Sanders McNally's Bluff (Archy McNally Novels)

ASIN: 0399147322
Release Date: 2001-07-23

Book Description

Palm Beach's premier man-about-crime returns, in a delightfully raucous romp among South Florida's fabulous and felonious.

When Sabrina Wright, bestselling author of sumptuous tales of loves lost and found, asks for Archy McNally's help in finding her missing husband, Archy quickly discovers it's not a simple domestic case. Sabrina's husband did not disappear: rather, her daughter, Gillian, ran off, and Sabrina sent the man, not her father, to find her-and he seems to have gotten lost, too.

Gillian Wright fled to Palm Beach when she learned the true story of her birth: Sabrina had the baby out of wedlock, put her up for adoption, then adopted her. Sabrina has never revealed the name of Gillian's father, having received a large sum of money to keep the whole thing quiet. But when local gossips get wind of the story, three different Palm Beach gents come to Archy to confess their paternity and beg him to protect them from any scandal. Sabrina had committed indiscretions with all three-and collected from all three. When she turns up dead, however, Archy must take a chance-and hope to discover which of these men would kill to conceal his secret.

Customer Reviews:

Tenderizing Stew Paints Meaty Character Portrait, "Beauty Lies Here, Somewhere. Slurp.".......2007-02-02

In McNally's CHANCE Lardo definitely had Archy down and strutting with the same wit and charm which Sanders conjured in the pilot to this series, McNally's SECRET. I was instantly mesmerized by Lardo's opening detailing of The Character of a famous female romance novelist, Sabrina Wright; her evolving situation held my interest with no lulls allowed.

I was still noticing a slight edge of anger to Lardo's Archy (in this 3rd novel from Lardo, 10th in the series) which I hadn't felt with Sanders' version of the man, but the edgy persona continued to work well. I also noticed that some of the characters which Lardo seemed to warm least to, Connie and The Pater, were downplayed or absent through most of this plot.

With Prescott McNally on a cruise with his wife, Archy was set up to make his own decisions about to take or not to take on a client, and in all cases he resisted, through his own terms and qualms. In prior novels, especially those authored by Sanders, Archy's father usually assigned clients to his son (often after dinner, in the "Dickens" den). In this sense, I noticed again the control factor mentioned in my review of DILEMMA which had Archy more at the helm of his life, instead of flowing with it in a sort of Huckleberry Finn style, which Sanders' Archy seemed to do.

This being the third offering from Lardo, I've become adapted to the intenser masculinity in Lardo's Archy, so I was automatically able to flow easily with the mood in CHANCE. Interest in the plot, which successfully attempted a few unique twists and tangs from the norm in detective novels, was maintained steadily at a pleasantly satisfying level. As Sanders had done, Lardo toyed with female types and Archy's automatic responses to them, along with his failed efforts to resist their intrigues and remain faithful to Connie, an effort which was beginning to chafe ominously in CHANCE (if not before).

I was impressed that Archy didn't fall into Sabrina's feminine "spells." In fact, I found it surprisingly refreshing that he maintained a sort of sexual distance this novel. His libido was noticeably dormant during the first half of the story (but not in the last half, in which he didn't have the last laugh). I enjoyed Archy's warm exchanges with Binky, Al, Jamie, Ursi, and the Pettibones, along with the subplot tangles among these characters and the ones new to CHANCE.

However, the subtle, intriguing discontent I sensed in Archy here made me wonder if Lardo may have had a surge of feeling the drain of taking over another author's program, instead of flying on one of his own creations. I empathize with Lardo, as I also admire the skill and dedication with which he's handled this series so far. Selfishly, I'm thankful that I've been able to easily enjoy each novel in this series, and the transition to Lardo's "show" was not only easy, but gave fascinating opportunities to observe this type of take-over situation between two authors holding a paradox of distinctly different, yet somewhat similar personalities and writing styles.

I'm sure I'm not alone in hoping to see evidence soon that Vincent Lardo's almost finished with a new Archy McNally novel, which would be # 14 (Lardo's # 7). At least I have 3 more to go prior to any onset of panic prefacing a second grieving for Archy's demise. Luckily, this series is rich enough to be reread, with possibly more satisfaction than the first time around.

Linda Shelnutt

The best yet inspite of its faults........2004-01-20

This one is probably the best read in the entire McNally series to date. The ending is a bit weak in one or two places, Archie is a little too taken by Bianca Courtney, and I doubt we will hear much more about Henry Peavy, but the book is still a great read. Read, enjoy and savor.

Awful addition to a once great series.......2002-09-29

Like many out there, I fell in love with the McNally books, due to the fun mystery plots and the characters within. However it has gotten "tired." This is part to Lawrence Sanders's death as well as Vicent Lardo's repeated sequels. I find in this latest book, not much enjoyable. It is so hard to put this into words, but with the mystery was lackluster and the characters so two dementional I had to actually "plod" through this book. Thankfully many authors, upon their death, have their characters die with them and I think that is as it should be. I trust like other series characters written in Sanders's life time (Edward X. Delany to name one) that Lardo decide to allow Mr. McNally to go, instead of dying a slow painful death on the stage of his books.

McNally is still fun.......2002-06-03

I, for one, am very thankful that Mr. Lardo has continued the McNally series. I love the characters and while this was not my favorite McNally book it was still McNally and still a fun read. With a few more twists than normal this book requires a little more attention than others in the series. A fun summertime book.

Not a True Archy McNally Book.......2002-01-09

I have very mixed feelings about this book. Although it was an enjoyable read, I think it very unfair to call this an Archy McNally book. So many of our favorite traps that create the mood were missing-- Archy rarely wrote in his diary; he never went for an ocean swim; he did not wear berets or tassled pink loafers; he did not settle down in the evening in a kimono for a marc and a recording of Ella Fitzgerald; he did not sing while he drove; the vivid descriptions of food and clothing were missing; the usual flirting between Archy and Mrs. Trelawny became snide insults; and I could go on and on. In the past women have always flocked to Archy, but here his pursuit of Bianca seemed lecherous. He was nasty to Binky, who in the past Archy has affectionately tolerated. Also I found it annoying the way Mr. Lardo felt it necessary to casually mention things from other books- Dr. Gussie Pearlberg, Hobo-- that had no place here, but show that Mr. Lardo has read the other books. The story was interesting, but the end was a cop out. I had to re-read the last 20 pages twice because it didn't make sense. This book is in no way an Archy McNally novel. I suggest Mr. Lardo re-read all the Lawrence Sanders' Archy novels in one sitting and then try again.

Average customer rating:

Silver Ghost Rolls In Faberge Egg. Roll The Dice
Amusing fluff
McNally eggstracts con artist
A B-List Jeeves
A bit pedestrian but still ok.

McNally's Gamble (Archy McNally Novels)
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Hard-Boiled | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

McNally's Luck (Archy McNally Novels)
Lawrence Sanders McNally's Chance
McNally's Dilemma: (Archy McNally Novels)
McNally's Secret (Archy McNally Novels)
McNally's Puzzle (Archy McNally Novels)

ASIN: 0425162591
Release Date: 2000-06-12

Amazon.com

Archy McNally, the hero of Lawrence Sander's latest whodunit McNally's Gamble is a throwback to an earlier, more gracious age. He lives well, dresses well, and keeps hours that Dashiell Hammet's "Thin Man," Nick Charles, would approve of. When not wining, dining, or driving his fire-engine red Miata around Palm Beach, Archy keeps discreet tabs on the wealthy clients of his father's law firm. Then one day, Edythe Westmore, a well-to-do widow, considers buying a Fabergé Imperial Egg and all hell breaks loose. Her children are displeased, her lawyer (Archy's father) is concerned, and Archy is up to his neck in intrigue.

Sanders writes a serviceable mystery, but the real pleasure in McNally's Gamble is Archy. Imagine Bertie Wooster as a detective, or Lord Peter Wimsey a Floridian, and you'll have some idea of Archy. Though he describes himself as "a frivolous scatterbrain," he has enough discipline to solve the case and, by the end, land the girl, as well.

Book Description

Put your money on Lawrence Sanders' most popular detective... in his latest New York Times bestselling crime caper!

Customer Reviews:

Silver Ghost Rolls In Faberge Egg. Roll The Dice .......2006-03-07

This one opened with a fast-moving, jazzy rescue of a kidnaped child, capturing me with Archy's warmth to the victim's father, and the hint of a crime to come which was billed to be more heinous than a child kidnaping.

Following quickly on the heals of the rescue, I settled into the main plot, riding along with Archy's loving machinations in prep for his father's birthday dinner, after which the family cocktail hour sported the pater's introduction to Archy of his new assignment. The mater was invited into the act by a request from her husband to describe how her friend and contemporary, Edythe Westmore, a client of the McNally law firm, seemed to have been taken in by a flimflam financial advisor with egg on his agenda, which would eventually be on his face, if justice prevailed and Archy's Discrete Investigations got a clue.

No unsettling, Gothic castle with Adams family cast offs in this one. Whereas McNally's CAPER (see my previous review on that devious delight) captured like a dark, luxuriously rich ale, GAMBLE captured with quality champagne easing the pain of a soured budget diminishing in a cash flop (executed by the financial wizard fop).

Archy fizzed nicely through this plot with just the right amount of bubble and bounce, keeping the light hearted intrigue moving until the enigma-of-the-egg enhanced entertainment to arrive at an all time high in this series.

Sanders easily cajoled me into feeling quite a bit of empathy for Walter, who stood the most to lose if his mother, Edythe-of-the-egg-contemplations, continued translating her T-Bills into the devious dead ends devised by, was it Felix Katz or Frederick Clemens who was actually running the condo-based show of the cash con. Walter was established as a thwarted genius in uncovering bipedal beginnings of hominoid critters, through dirt-churning in Africa. He had lost his bases of funding for the necessary continuation of African adventures, and had turned to Mommie Dearest for replenishment and extension of his research there. But Edythe was more impressed with her slick investment-aid-and-abettor's egg, than her son's upturning more dirt around the origins of knuckles lifting up into "sandwiches" instead of dredging, hit-and-miss among rotted leaves on the ground floors of primitive jungles.

Based on the syntax and word choice of my previous sentence, I've sentenced myself by the crime of having indulged in too long of a tour of Archy's series. Be warned: The way Archy talks rubs off. In any case, isn't Palm Beach just another version of Africa, same ole with The Pelican Club and clusters of mansions steaming up the causes of civilization? Of course when comparing Palm Beach to Africa, we all rise a few levels from nests of vipers to first-class cons and prettier palms. Or was that rise a Dante descent in disguise? (Don't get me wrong, here; Sanders has cured me into a Palm Beach fan.)

One of Archy's enduring and endearing characters, the old, moldy, Antique shop owner, Sydney Smythe warmed his way into my heart in this one, worming in through a few choice words from Sanders describing Mr. Smythe's actions and reactions to Archy's interjections. It's amazing how much empathy for a character Sanders develops with light, limited touches of syntax, especially in contrast to the heavyweight, plethora of mouth-fulls he pours through Archy's mug.

Given the entertaining way Archie dances his way through this plot labyrinth and its resolution, if GAMBLE becomes a movie, it may have to be billed as a complexly delightful musical, no con intended.

I particularly enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek interjection of the klutz criminals from Boston (Larry, Moe, and Curly, reduced, cloned and given aliases). Was this an all-in-fun, missing-cross-link reference to Boston based Spenser's gang?

Spenser and Archy couldn't have more divergent styles, yet I enjoy both (see my reviews on Parker's Spenser, too). As their fans know, what these characters' authors have in common is an uncommon skill with syntax; they make words fly and dance with the rhythm of sun. Unadulterated or shrouded in clouds, the sun keeps pace with the effervescence of life, captured by authors at one with their craft.

In the Spirit-of-Fun, may we forever linger in Archy's finesse and enigmas,

Linda G. Shelnutt

Amusing fluff.......2005-08-11

Archie Mcnally, consumate dandy and endearing modern day Berie Wooster, is up to his usual tricks in this tale of murder, con-tricks and extortion. Set in Palm Beach, Florida, Archie is employed by his fathers' law firm to investigate the troubles suffered by the firms' clients in a completely discreet fashion, and to find a way around those troubles without scandal or the need to call in the police. Mrs. Edythe Westmore is a wealthy but rather stupid client of the McNally law firm who is being gulled into the purchase of a Faberge Imperial egg, at the cost of half a million dollars, by a couple of smooth crooks. Her son and daughter are furious at what they consider to be the wasting of their inheritances and beg Archie to help them to expose the financial advisors who are urging their mother to invest with them. For all his foppish ways, Archie isn't quite as wet as everyone believes, and does a creditable job in foiling con men and thugs alike. To me, he seems like a cross between the Scarlet Pimpernel and Dashiell Hammetts' "Thin Man". It's light, amusing fluff with mouth watering descriptions of food, expensive cars and Archies' eclectic taste in dashing clothes...a good, light, fun read.

McNally eggstracts con artist.......2004-05-03

Was this book a fun read? Eggxactly. Archy is employed to discover if a rich woman's proposed Faberge egg investment is on the up and up. Is it? Of course not, and we all know who the good guys and bad guys are all along, but the book is fun nevertheless. The rich woman's kids have motives of their own, which add to the interest. And the crooks are very entertaining, and Archy spends a lot of time dancing with them as he tries to con them as well.

I particularly enjoy McNally books that have less Binky, like this one.

A B-List Jeeves.......2004-02-12

The late Mr. Sanders owes a great deal to P.G. Wodehouse whose Jeeves stories are the style source for Archie McNally, Palm Beach playboy and scion in a stuffy law office. Sanders enjoys the same deft wordplay and skewed insights that make Jeeves and Bertie such a pleasure to follow. This novel has a colorful set of characters ranging from louche to larcenous and a nimble plot. It even has a Pelicans (read: Drones) Club where, as expected, the staff is brighter than the membership. A fast read and diverting.

A bit pedestrian but still ok........2003-12-11

The trick here is not to emulate Travis McGee who is far too free-wheeling with his sex drives. There is still hope for McNally. Except for his petty weaknesses McNally did ok in this novel. The trick is taking him with a grain of salt. If you can't do that read some other sleuth.

Average customer rating:

A formula book with some redeeming features
Sad, Bad, and Mad!
Indeed a disappointment.
Lightweight
Disappointing

The Fourth Deadly Sin
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Men's Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Third Deadly Sin
The Second Deadly Sin
The 1st Deadly Sin
The Second Deadly Sin
The Sixth Commandment

ASIN: 0425090787
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Book Description

The gripping story of a brutally murdered New York psychiatrist, the ex-cop who must crack the case, and only six suspects-the doctor's own patients.

The Fourth Deadly Sin is not to be missed. (Kansas City Star)

Customer Reviews:

A formula book with some redeeming features.......2005-02-12

First things first. Lawrence Sanders was a hack. He wrote fomulaic murder mysteries. This is one of them, but it was really a pretty good book, especially for a hack.

A New York psychologist gets murdered with a ball peen hammer in his own office and a dark and stormy night. A retired detective is pressed back into duty to lead an interesting team of detectives that is sorting through some of his patients, friends, employees and wife to try to figure out who did this dasterdly crime.

The old cop, Delaney, has one interesting vice. Rather than drinking when depressed over the progress their making, he eats cold sandwiches made of leftovers over the kitchen sink, which irritates his wife to no end.

An interesting theme is developed - Delaney asserts that truly beautiful women (in this case the wife - literally everyone comments about her striking looks ) often are (self-)limited in other capacities because they can get by with just their looks. For example, they don't have to develop specialized skills or learn to how to get along with difficult people or situations because everyone caters to them.

Anyway, I'll give this book a "C+" The detectives and their different styles were interesting, but I had pretty much figured out who did it about half way through.

Sad, Bad, and Mad!.......2004-03-05

I loved the first three Sins, but this latest entry makes one feel quite relieved that he didn't do any more, but at the same time, one wishes he'd get his act together. Very little suspense, and one of those where you know the murderer the first time they appear. Delaney and friends are wonderful characters, but in this outing they didn't do themselves much credit. Basically it's a 20 page story that is dragged out in tedious detail until you hit a very unsatisfying conclusion. He wimped out and did a Poirot ending. Which I hated, needless to say! I wish he would have not written this book at all, or waited until he could have done a better job. If more sins are committed in the future, I will certainly read them, and hope they are better than this trite, deadly dull outing.

Indeed a disappointment........2003-05-28

Sanders became a bit tiring with this last entry in the Delaney series. In fact, he probably should have stopped writing altogether. It is also too bad he didn't see fit to write about sins 5, 6 and 7. If Sanders had reinvented himself and kept his style fresh, this novel would have really shown. But as it is it is only lackluster. But still, it is worth reading. Just be prepared to be accused of being a cult fan.

Lightweight.......2002-02-22

First was too detailed and confusing, second one better, smoother on the third, running out of gas by the fourth. OK but not the best.

Disappointing.......2001-08-18

After reading the first 3 deadly sins, and knowing that the 4th was the last one, I was looking forward to reading it. I was disappointed in that it wasn't as suspenseful and action packed as his other Deadly Sins(Actually #1 and #3 were the best, with #2 being a disappointment). I do not want to reveal the ending, and I am glad that Delaney does figure out the case, but I was disappointed in the way the killer is punished. If I had to rank all 4 books, #1 is a 5 star, #3 is a 4 star, and #2&4 are 2 stars. Start with the first- it is a classic detective/killer book.

Average customer rating:

3 Great Novels in 1 Book
MCNALLY'S "TRICKSTER"...

McNally's Files
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Lawrence Sanders McNally's Bluff (Archy McNally Novels)
McNally's Alibi: An Archy McNally Novel [Bargain Price] [Hardcover] by Lardo...
Lawrence Sanders McNally's Chance
McNally's Dare
McNally's Dilemma: (Archy McNally Novels)

ASIN: 0425215032

Customer Reviews:

3 Great Novels in 1 Book.......2007-05-20

This is a great collection of the first three McNally investigations in one nice, inexpensive edition. Please disregard the one star review below. They are just bitter because they didn't do the proper investigation into this book before purchasing it. Archy McNally would be ashamed. Buy this. Read this. Enjoy this. I known you will.

MCNALLY'S "TRICKSTER"..........2007-03-08

I APPARENTLY DID NOT READ THE DESCRIPTION OF THIS BOOK AS WELL AS I SHOULD
HAVE. SHAME ON ME. I HAVE ALL OF THE MCNALLY BOOKS AND WHEN I SAW THIS
TITLE THOUGHT...."UMMM, I DON'T HAVE THAT ONE ON MY LIST??" WHEN I
RECEIVED IT, I WAS SURPRISED THAT IT WAS A COMPILATION OF THREE BOOKS I
HAD ALREADY RECEIVED/READ AND WAS DISAPPOINTED I HAD NOT READ THE REVIEW
BETTER. I AM DONATING IT TO MY LIBRARY.

Average customer rating:

Sanders slipped a bit here.
How To Lose A Guy In One Date
A comfort Sanders novel.
Super police procedural
Simply not as remarkable as his first...but getting there.

The Third Deadly Sin
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Police Procedurals | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Second Deadly Sin
The 1st Deadly Sin
The Fourth Deadly Sin
The Second Deadly Sin
McNally's Secret (Archy McNally Novels)

ASIN: 042510429X
Release Date: 2001-04-10

Book Description

The bone-chilling story of the "Hotel Ripper" who stalks New York's streets after hours-and the retired cop who must stop him.

Customer Reviews:

Sanders slipped a bit here........2003-03-26

This one may be one of Sanders better books over all, but it isn't quite as good as "The First Deadly Sin" or "The Second Deadly Sin". It is unfortunate Sanders didn't see fit to write about the deadly sins 5, 6 and 7. This shows a lack of foresight on his part. Of the four we do have "The Second Deadly Sin" is probably the best. "The Third Deadly Sin" is a bit tiring but still holds one's interest. And lets face it, Delaney will never be a gourmet cook, but he is wild about sandwiches. Amen brother!

One has to have a stalwart stomach to really enjoy the Delaney series. If you aren't particularly bothered by the rather pathetic attempts at psycoanalysis (which Sanders would have done better to have left out) you will probably really like this novel.

Unlike in "The First Deadly Sin" (pride) and in "The Second Deadly Sin" (covetousness), it is difficult to figure out in "The Third Deadly Sin" exactly which sin Sanders is talking about. I figure it is either envy or anger. My choice would be anger.

How To Lose A Guy In One Date.......2003-03-04

This is an interesting serial-killer novel, except for the parts involving sandwiches and Zoe Kohler's suitor, Ernest Mittle. The sandwich stuff makes you feel like you're reading transcripts from The Food Channel, and poor little Ernest Mittle is simply too prim and proper for words. By the time you've known him for about five paragraphs, you yearn for him to meet Irene in a hotel bar very soon, and join the ranks of her victims.

A comfort Sanders novel........2003-01-28

A strange choice for a comfort readI know, but every now and then I come back to read this book again. The familiarity of Edward X Delaney and his delicious sandwiches. The developement of a killer who you grow to like and feel sorry for, even as she continues her murderous adventures. It does not matter that you know she is a killer, it is not even that important how Delaney catches her, I just the style of Sanders writing in this book. It is not similar in any way to his later McNally series, but the one thing Sanders does fantastically is to create characters you believe in.

Super police procedural.......2001-11-29

Maybe Sanders's best book (other choice is First Deadly Sin). Same detective in all the Sin books, but each has a slightly different feel. This is Ed McBain-ish, but (much) better.

Simply not as remarkable as his first...but getting there........2001-03-09

The Third Deadly Sin had a lot of factors that i found resembled the first novel a LITTLE bit too closely, such as the suspect dying of physical deterioration towards the end, the suspect's pathological relation to the act of sex...things like that. Also, the relationship between Monica and Edward Delaney (the detective) really does not clash well with the rest of the story. Who cares what Monica thinks- i think she is a pathetic and dull character- thats also what made the First Deadly Sin much better- it focused more on the detective, not his wife. Otherwise it was a good book. Lawrence Sanders is GOOD, but he was best in "THe Tenth Commandment." If anyone is wondering what one person thinks is his best work, thats it.

Average customer rating:

Am I the only one who is bothered by this?
McNally's secret
Wonderful Mystery Books
Cure Cultural Volcanics with Bubbling Champagne. Design Life To Suit Taste & Times.
A pleasurable romp with a pleasurable chap!

McNally's Secret (Archy McNally Novels)
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

McNally's Luck (Archy McNally Novels)
McNally's Risk (Archy McNally Novels)
McNally's Puzzle (Archy McNally Novels)
McNallys Trial
McNally's Dilemma: (Archy McNally Novels)

ASIN: 0425135721

Customer Reviews:

Am I the only one who is bothered by this?.......2007-01-21

I've read the first 4 books in the McNally's series in sequence. They're all highly formulaic but still enjoyable.

In the first 3 books the main character is a lovable rogue, mostly amoral but still with certain personal limits, so it is not surprising that he sleeps with various available women in the first 3 books.

But -- SPOILER ALERT -- in the 4th book he sleeps with a woman who is married, living with her husband and planning to continue that way. And -- lest you think that he was momentarily carried away by passion -- he sleeps with her two more times.

Suddenly, to this reviewer at least, McNally becomes a less lovable and much more unattractive figure.

McNally's secret.......2007-01-04

to me any McNally book is a good one. You should look for the whole series.

Wonderful Mystery Books.......2006-10-17

I really love the entire series of McNally books by Lawrence Sanders, however the later one's written by Vincent Lardo are not up to par, so make sure you insist on reading a Lawrence Sanders McNally story or you might be put off. I also loved the audio books.

Cure Cultural Volcanics with Bubbling Champagne. Design Life To Suit Taste & Times........2006-05-22

This book didn't merely capture my reading interest. It became a book of my heart...

In McNally's SECRET, the pilot to this series, we're informed that the pater McNally is not an "old-money" man. Okay. I get that and I like it. (That's not the secret.)

Having reviewed 4 of the original 7 McNally books by Lawrence Sanders, I had accepted the face value (not realizing the facade) of the Palm Beach mansion and the genteel lifestyle of pater Prescott McNally, Yale graduate, leather-bound-Dickens-reading, attorney-at-law. Upon reading (in McNally's Secret) the illuminating passages of Archy's grandparent's ways into money, I began to wonder what other Secrets this novel might expose.

Usually, if possible, I prefer to read a series in order, pilot first. I can't explain why, but, in this case I'm glad I read 4 of the original 7 McNally's prior to reading SECRET (though I believe this series can be satisfyingly read in any order).

The opening of this novel was classic, and felt to be the initiation of what Sanders was born and itching to write, beyond the sagas of his other fine works. The introductory remarks were exquisite in mapping the reasons for, "Can't you ever be serious, Archy?" I'd love to quote that paragraph, but maybe I should allow you to read it with the book in hand. I will quote a few other passages, however, which might serve as appropriate appetizers to this banquet of a book.

Comparing himself to S. Holmes, Archy says:

"I can't glance at a man and immediately know he's left-handed, constipated, has a red-headed wife, and slices lox for a living. I do investigations a fact at a time. Eventually they add up - I hope. I'm very big on hope."

Archy's description of the start up of the Pelican Club were the best type of soul food. This is how and why such a club should be started (then survive through a near hit of Chapter 7). Of course you really should read the book to get the whole of that brief history, but here's a prime paring:

"We were facing Chapter 7 when we had the great good fortune to hire the Pettibones, an African-American family who had been living in one of the gamier neighborhoods of West Palm Beach and wanted out."

They "wanted out" and they deserved a chance where their skills could and would save not only themselves, but those who hired them. Isn't that the type of win/win the world needs now?

I almost sobbed at the below passage, I felt such a deep surge of "right on" (definitely did a breath-catch hiccup and heart moan):

"... we formed a six-piece jazz combo (I played tenor kazoo), and we were delighted to perform, without fee, at public functions and nursing homes. A Palm Beach critic wrote of one of our recitals, `Words fail me.' You couldn't ask for a better review than that."

Yep. This is a book of my heart. Words don't often fail me in reviews; too much the contrary. But I'm getting better at refraining from using my critic hat with a steel-studded-bat accessory, which is what Archy was getting at.

Some might wonder why a person in my position, with my un-hidden agendas, would take so much time to write raves on a series by a deceased author. Mostly, I love Archy. But, possibly the live spirits of the dead are sometimes more able to be helpful than dead souls of the living? Keeping my tongue in cheek, I might add that freed spirits probably have better connections for helping an author into the right publishing contacts for a character series with ironic assonance with this one.

Moving quickly onward and upward, though not with wings attached yet...

In contrast to the other 4 I've read, I noticed that this Archy is less bubbly-buffoonish (though the buffoon is always endearing) and slightly more serious, sensitive, and quietly contemplative. I like both versions of Archy, though I prefer the slight edge of peaceful acquiescence in the pilot, and I can't help but wonder, as I do with all series, how much reader feedback, and editor/agents' interpretation of it, directed the progression of balance of certain appealing or potentially irritating qualities. I wonder how each series would have progressed if the feedback had been balanced and pure (as a species, we're not there yet, but forward motion is perceptible), rather than inevitably polluted by the "life happens" part of the sometimes perverted, capricious tastes of us squeaky wheels, and the healthy ego needs of professionals in positions of swallow and sway.

I'm still trying to understand why honesty is the most appealing human quality to me, yet honest criticism does not speak to my heart, nor to my soul, not even to my head. Often, though, it does speak in perfect pitch to my funny bone. And, of course true Honesty (with the capital "H") leaps beyond speaking the "truth" as one happens to "see" it on a good or bad day. Cultural honesty, of the type dramatized by Stephen King, Lawrence Sanders, Tamar Myers, Barbara Workinger, Joanne Pence, Sue Grafton, (and others) is what most often pushes me to stand up and cheer.

Somewhere.

One of the best spots I've found is on the edge of the clear cliff of ozone found in Amazon's sacred forum of Customer Reviewers.

Of course the first lines in SECRET, the sipping of champagne from a belly button would snag the attention of even the most sexually skittish reader of the nose-raised, neck-cricked, personality persuasion. But, truly and honestly, what sunk me with every hook were the few lines exposing why Archy could never be serious. I know I said I wouldn't, but I have to quote this passage, beginning on page 1 chapter 1. For me, it's one of the main selling points of the series:

"I had lived through dire warnings of nuclear catastrophe, global warming, ozone depletion, universal extinction via cholesterol, and the invasion of killer bees. After a while my juices stopped their panicky surge and I realized I was bored with all these screeched predictions of Armageddon due next Tuesday. It hadn't happened yet, had it? The old world tottered along, and I was content to totter along with it."

I'd bet my fortune (which is based on a skill of "make do"; there are no bananas in it) that the above passage is what captured a collection of readers so absolutely in a "right on" agreement that this series spanned the grave of the author and is still spewing pages and stretching shelves. And, of course, this attitude of "if you can't lick `em; flick `em" which Archy aimed toward "kvetch-ers" as he terms them, continues from the above, with relish accumulating, throughout the book.

Archy is a rare sane person swimming along nicely within the insanity of a last-gasp-culture (which is "drowning in The Be Careful Sea" as I described and termed that syndrome in one of my sci fi manuscripts titled MORNING COMES).

To Jennifer, of the champagne sea in her belly button, Archy answered why he wasn't an attorney:

"Because I was expelled from Yale Law for not being serious enough. During a concert by the New York Philharmonic I streaked across the stage, naked except for a Richard M. Nixon mask."

That answer brought to mind the bright side of Howard Roark (from Ayn Rand's FOUNTAINHEAD, see my review posted 10/14/05) who was arrogantly unconcerned about his and the Dean's reasons for Roark's being expelled from architectural school. You'd be right to wonder where I got that comparison, since Roark could never be accused of being anything but serious. Syncopated irony? Assonance?

You be the judge. Get the SECRET of the McNally collection.

As I relished the final chapters and pages of SECRET, I had a thought about the beauty, warmth, lovely literary melancholy, and subtly complex richness radiating from those concluding textual treasures:

In retrospect, this novel doesn't feel like a planned pilot to a mystery series. It feels to be a singular novel, like but not like, the ones Sanders had written prior to it. What it feels like to me is that Lawrence hit upon a "soul speak" story which couldn't halt the cultural conversation it had initiated, however serendipitous that initiation may have been.

Yes, I do recall that in some of my other reviews ("reveries" according to my Amazon Friend, L.E. Cantrell) I speculated on something which could seem contradictory to the above mentioned "thought." I had wondered if Parker's Senser series might have been somehow a spark for this McNally series. I continued to see references to Boston in this book (as in other McNally's I've reviewed), which, of course, is the city for which Spenser did the Walkabout. So possibly SECRET was somewhat an antithetical homage to Spenser, possibly even a hat "doff" with a friendly, competitive "one-better" attempt, meant only to be a single novel rather than a never-die series.

Based on Agatha Christie's official web site, Miss Marple was not originally intended to be another Poirot, and look what happened there (see my Listmania of the Miss Marple series).

To me, Archy appears to be a gatekeeper for pure and primal, hidden wishes and dreams. Living home comfortably, guiltlessly at 37, on the top floor of his parent's mansion in Palm Beach; eating drool-food from a house chef; having established a club like The Pelican as a side atmosphere to partake in daily; working at a cushy, just challenging enough, engaging career for discreet inquiries ... If an author's (or reader's) going to retire that would be da place (or at least an entertaining option).

It'll be interesting to see if/how I'm able to bridge the gap from Lawrence Sanders's Archy to Vincent Lardo's. I'd love to know how that bridge was built and continues to be maintained.

Though a perfectly acceptable, gorgeous reprint in a mass market paperback was (probably still is) available on Amazon's Super Saver Special, I felt lucky to find a vender on Amazon (a-bookworm2) holding a used G. P. Putnam's Sons hardcover of this novel, a first printing of the 1992 copyright. What an honor it will be to have this version of the pilot of such an auspicious series from such a life-perceptive author, Lawrence Sanders. The glossy-black jacket provides a luscious background for the name and title printed in thick, gleaming, copper ink, with the artwork of an antique magnifying glass and fancy-brass scissors weighing down the million-dollar-valued, 1918 US Stamp of the Inverted Jenny.

This pilot is a rare find in a rare series.

Linda G. Shelnutt

A pleasurable romp with a pleasurable chap!.......2004-03-19

Lawrence Sanders' first Archibald McNally novel is much like Arhcy's mother, pleasingly plump and full of delight! Archy is part of McNally & Son Attorney-At-Law, notice the word 'attorney' is singular, not plural. That's because Archy is not a lawyer, though he did go to law school. But he got kicked out. We won't go into that unpleastantness, however.
Dear, dear Archy heads a department of his father's firm called "Discreet Inquiries", he heads it because he's the only person in that particular department. Archy is asked to make some "discreet inquiries" into the disappearance in rich-and-randy Lady Cynthia Horowitz's valuable Inverted Jenny stamps. They could be worth upwards of a cool half a mil. Archy has several suspects, including but not limited to, the Smythes (whom are Lady C's son and wife), Lacy C's daughter Gina Stanescu, including Lady C's other son and wife. And her dear friend the very much gay Angus Wolfson, Lady C's chaffeur and and his girlfriend. But more and more questions arise, like: why is Lady C costantly leaving in her bronze-colored Jag and not telling her social secretary where she's going? Is Wolfson and Lady C's chaffeur having an affair? And what about Archy's personal life? Will the beautiful and astute Jennifer Towley go back to her husband or stick with Archy? One never knows, does one?

Average customer rating:

Mossy-Car-Classic Sunk In Sea-Treasure-Bliss
kept me reading
best 2nd book in a series I ever read
An absolute delight to read!
South Florida sleuth looks for catnapppers and murderers

McNally's Luck (Archy McNally Novels)
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Books on Cassette | Formats | Books

General | Books on Cassette | Formats | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

McNally's Secret (Archy McNally Novels)
McNally's Risk (Archy McNally Novels)
McNally's Puzzle (Archy McNally Novels)
McNally's Dilemma: (Archy McNally Novels)
Lawrence Sanders McNally's Chance

ASIN: 0671769898

Customer Reviews:

Mossy-Car-Classic Sunk In Sea-Treasure-Bliss.......2006-01-21

What I like most about Archy is his warm nonchalance contrasted with his old money manners and deference to his father. I very much enjoy being around for the daily routine luxuries of a casually (yet hugely) wealthy family, whose members have their professional lives and leisure activities precisely balanced for appropriate rhythms in living the good and useful life. It's also interesting to ride along in the mind of a semi-playboy, privy to his ways of looking at and reacting to females who step into his presence.

I have fun wondering how Sanders will jump start my reading rhythm through Archie in each book. In PUZZLE, Sanders gets Archie a shocking slap across the chops; in LUCK Sanders steps Archie out onto the page lamenting cat vomit having spoiled a favorite lavender suede shoe. Actually, Archie's lamenting not as much the vomit as the cat who did it. Of course the cat, Peaches, wasn't the who DONE it. Generally, cat's don't murder people, they kill rats.

Speaking of which, was the victim an angelic lady or a rat. Sander's hint of that question had my mind clicking tumblers to open locks.

One of my favorite scenes was Archy's endearingly gleeful response to an unexpected phone call at midnight from a newly intimate female friend who was giving Consuela a run for her money, with the two women complicating Archy's love life with just the right amount of fun & juggle to avoid him appearing the cad.

And speaking of a character's foibles warming the reader to him instead of etching away from a tentative bond, I find myself continuing to compare Archy's warmth in LUCK to his cooler, crisper presence in PUZZLE. I'm not sure why/how I felt this contrast, but the earlier Archy seemed more youthfully vulnerable than the later character. Both presentations are good, but having received a good dose of the younger personality spice, and genuine love of people, coupled with a full-run of joie de vivre, I'll be able to slip that cozy appeal into the later story's slight and subtle, chilled sophistication.

Speaking of a Florida-type, artistic savoir faire, I like the fact that parrots play a scene in both these stories, though LUCK has them in-plot, highlighting an item of classy clothing, while PUZZLE has the parrot not only on the cover, but he's played up as a suspect, and he's certainly a key figure in the game afoot, sort of like peaches is romping invisibly through the plot here, as a victim of napping (in the "kid" sense).

Mostly what sticks in my mind as the capture in this one, similarly to PUZZLE is the dramatization of a type of simple daily routines of a life which I'd never be able to experience except between the covers of a healthy escape novel. I enjoy being Archy's sidekick and daily guest for dinner and cocktails, along with feeling sympathy for his vulnerability of wanting to impress his "cool as a cucumber" pater. Which reminds me that Archie seems to be evolving toward that chilly description, when I contrast the vulnerability quotient and personality evolution between LUCK and PUZZLE.

After only a few pages into LUCK, I noticed the character temperature difference, and immediately crossed my fingers, hoping that Arch would eventually catch himself by the nut (acorn/oak?) ...

OR, would that be by the core (apple tree)?

Prior to his fall from the proverbial (prodigal?) tree. My fingers were crossed in hopes that he'd get a turbo charge before doing the gravity drift descent from the branch.

Is birth, or sometime after, the time of each of our falls from trees? In which case Archie's paternal stones (or runes) would have been cast long ago, to pop out at a later time, as either pimples or personality pluses.

And, of course THAT reminds me that we have an interesting paranormal element in this plot, which, okay, fits with the word LUCK. The medium/channel lady is indeed a characterization of foibles flickering through the ethereal essence-of-angelic.

Speaking of titles and book cover art reminds me that I've been comparing Archie to Parker's Spenser (see my reviews on POTSHOT, BACK STORY, and BAD BUSINESS). How different could two guys get? Yet. Each has P.I. has a solid, strong style imbued by a male author with personality plus, dialogue-coup, and lifestyle-ambiance in abundance.

So, I wondered as I was getting into the story, "Will LUCK play a significant part in this plot?" And, how would the cover fit in. In Parker's books the title and cover art are richly and intriguingly metaphoric of the stories they "portell" (portray/foretell). Yep. I've been reading Archie, making up words you won't be able to find in the dictionary. But, Archie makes up fitting terms, AND he precisely uses the heck out of the most real and obscure parts of Webster's realms.

Archie's worth reading for no other reason than to have a grin on my face while I'm expanding my vocab, with my waist widening only vicariously from the descriptions of daily breads. No calories in words, whether they're chewed or slurped, just lots of pictures, feelings, and intriguing spaces between.

Since alcohol hasn't agreed with me since I was nine and permanently lost 3/4 of my liver from a long and deadly serious bout of hepatitis, and since I've known and cared deeply about a few too many alcoholics, I've never been able to enjoy the spirit of alcohol, as I sometimes wish I could. In Archie's world, I can sip vintage wine with dinner, without fear or cost. Such a deal. You have no idea. Burp. Hic.

I just WISH these culinary mysteries would tell me more about TASTE and bites. I mean, while they're catching clues, can't they "take a bite of bread, a sip of wine, or a nibble of cheese"?

I realize that a reader complained to Sanders about Archie mentioning every meal, and thankfully Sanders didn't let that whine stop those tasteful sensual inclusions for the successful appeal to his hoards of other hungry readers like me. But, would it truly be a use of too many words, a going too far out on a starving, shaky limb to have characters contemplate clues not only over a luxurious meal with the menu listed, but also to have the characters...

Sink drool-covered teeth into a warm, steamy, yeasty sponge of sourdough bread, chew and swallow; then wallow tongue around a mouth full of a rich red wine, catching every variety of nuance of a dry, violet-skiffed-velvet, toasty-fruity tang of Pinot noir, taking time to sense and remember the slight bitter edge of dark purple, concord-grape skin rolling around the insides of cheeks imitating chipmunks gathering acorns.

And, here, again, we fall. Into a great story with the panache of good taste hitting buds on tongues and in craniums where readers don't fear to dwell. We're in the springtime of the culinary mystery sub-genre, and we've only begun to nibble on the potential for flavor.

Take a bite, Archie, and give me the nuances of flavor. Feed lamb to my taste buds while I'm racking my brain. And do it with DETAIL!

Well, heck. Sanders is gone (so to speak, but maybe the "other side's" not as far as it feels when grief is nigh). So is Virginia Rich (see my Listmania and reviews on Eugenia Potter, some with spotlights). Yet, the craving for flavor is so strong, their eating/cooking characters live on. When will we get a clue about chewing while clue-ing? It's not just the recipes that do it! Might we have senses for a reason?

Maybe they're (senses) the raison d'etre (which is the point I ponder in THE ROSE & THE PYRAMID, see my review of my novel).

At least Davidson goes into detail luxury in cooking processes. Thank you, DMD. See my Listmania blurb on the Goldilocks pilot to see, feel, and sense how a succinct description of herb-enhanced, raw dough sticking to fingers can instantly glue a reader into a plot. Get it.

And, thank you Lawrence for sticking to your guns (and out your tongue), and being faithful to the successful plot ploy of at least MENTIONING Archie's daily meals and cocktails. Oh to have a gourmet chef in residence in a manse in Florida and eat like that! Man. What a life.

I know a paranormal mystery pilot which does what I'm begging for here. When it does the selling like hot cakes thing, I'll be playing among the parrots and flamingos with the spirit of Sanders. Salute! G. P. Putnam & Son's would be a match. Should I strike it?

Megaphone aiming to the zenith, taking a huge breath in prep for a primal,

Linda G. Shelnutt

kept me reading.......2003-10-22

I hemmed over the purchase of the book. When I started to read it [My first Sanders book] I was delighted by the characters. No one is what they seem. The first impression is stereotypes but I found that everyone had depths that you would never have attributed to them [Peaches too]. Archie who seems as feather headed as they come and is up there with the best.

The plot twists are tied together neatly leaving a satisfied feeling at the end. While looking for other McNally's books I discovered that Lawrence Sanders had died. I felt the disappointment I feel when I find that one of my favorite authors has died. It says a lot on the first book to get that feeling.

I almost turned it down when I read the reviews if you love Block you'll love this. I hate Block. I love Sanders. I plan on reading the rest of Sander's McNally books and plan on the others too. It was a pleasing suprise. Try it you might be also pleased and suprised.

best 2nd book in a series I ever read.......2003-05-31

How could you possibly top McNally's Secret? Well, somehow Lawrence Sanders managed to do just that, with this superb second entry in the McNally series. Archy is first hired to find a kidnapped cat (held for $50K ransom!?), but the case soon involves murder as well. The investigation leads to a mysterious fortune teller, who leads Archy through a most entertaining seance. Archy finds and loses love as well. Combining heads with the Palm Beach police detective Sgt Rogoff, Archy untangles this twisted tale through a series of adulterous affairs. I must admit that I was successful in unveiling the first killer, whose alibi fell apart in just the way I suspected. Nevertheless, this book was satisfying, and most of all, FUN!

If you love Lawrence Block's Bernie the Burglar series, you will love McNally.

An absolute delight to read!.......2000-12-28

Lawrence Sanders is one of my favorite authors, and when I first read the McNally detective series, I was instantly hooked. Archie McNally is one of the best characters in mystery fiction that I have ever read (in my "expert" opinion). Archie is a rogue that loves life and all the guilty pleasures that come with it. Yet, Archie has a good conscience, (when he dosen't trip over into the bedroom of latest beautiful woman he encounters). Lawrence Sanders always describes the meals his detective consume in delicious detail. I wish their was a Pelican Inn near where I live, like the one that Archy goes to for lunch and dinner.

In every McNally novel, there is the relationship between Prescott McNally (Archy's father) who probably looked like Lawrence Sanders, Prescott, is the epitome of an "old fashioned Gentleman" who lives in Florida. Yet I believe Sanders was more like Archy in real life.

The first person narrative of Archy is clever. His wit is truely hillarious and the way he describes his detective work, his daily encounter with life and the people he deals with is captivating. I can't speak highly enough of this series. My sincere wish is that a network would make these into a movie of the week, and I would love to see who they can pick to portray Archy. However, until then and long afterwards I will anxiously await the next adventure of Archy, no matter if it is written by another author, since the truely sad passing of the late great Lawrence Sanders.

South Florida sleuth looks for catnapppers and murderers.......2000-11-19

Archy McNally is a charming rogue. He's the son of a wealthy attorney, but is self-deprecating and doesn't take himself too seriously. He is asked to find a cat who belongs to one of Archy's father's wealthy clients and who has been catnapped, complete with ransom note and a demand for money. Later, another client is murdered and Archy suspects that the two cases are connected. He does some discreet inquiry and becomes entangled with a friendly female and an eccentric psychic. These elements cause no end of complications to Archy, both personally and professionally, and he finds himself in big trouble before the case is solved. This is a light and enjoyable read and will provide the reader with a lot of chuckles.

Average customer rating:

This Book Had Me...
Pretty dern good

The Second Deadly Sin
Lawrence Sanders
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The 1st Deadly Sin
The Third Deadly Sin
The Fourth Deadly Sin
McNally's Luck (Archy McNally Novels)
The Anderson Tapes

ASIN: 0425200396

Book Description

First time in a trade edition-- Lawrence Sanders's masterpiece, The 1st Deadly Sin, set a standard for today's novels of psychological suspense. Now, retired Captain Ed Delaney returns to a distinctly urban milieu of paranoia and impulsive violence to solve a brutal murder that shocks New York's unshockable art world.

The victim is Victor Maitland. Long-considered one of the world's greatest artists, he excelled in capturing the beauty of life on canvas. In private, he destroyed whomever he pleased: his wife, his son, his mistress, his dearest friends and family. Fittingly, Maitland has paid for his sins. But in a world where self-delusion is rewarded, where greed triumphs, and where murder is just another art, who else will pay the price?

Customer Reviews:

This Book Had Me..........2005-03-30

Chewing my nails from cover-to-cover. I enjoy books of this genre and would like to say if you are a reader like me...that being one who reads almost anything I can get my hands on...well, then, this is one book you won't want to miss out on!

Pretty dern good.......2004-03-11

Book 2 in the "Heather reads crime novels" series! And this was a much better experience than my first Patricia Cornwell book. While Patricia Cornwell does forensic mysteries, this one is an old-school whodunit. The characters were well written, and the plot believable. Best of all, unlike Cornwell, I didn't figure out the culprit before the Edward X. Delaney did. And that, my friends, is the mark of a good crime novel.

So a famous New York artist is murdered, and everybody has a motive, opportunity, and will. There is not too much action, it is basically just a story of a detective on the hunt. But it was hard for me to put down, all the same.

One amusing sidenote. This book was obviously written pre-women's lib. The only women are dutiful wives who relish their role. When Delaney makes a comment about how his alcoholic partner goes home to leftovers, his wife immediately sets up a blinddate with her friend...every man needs a warm meal from a sacrificing woman, even alcoholics! Anyway, this was not annoying, just funny. I doubt Sanders would attract too much of a female audience with characters like that these days.

Good read.

Authors:

Authors

Authors