The Detective and the Pipe Girl - Michael Craven

My review of Michael Craven's The Detective and the Pipe Girl first appeared in Shelf Awareness for Readers. It is appearing here today with their permission. Hope you enjoy:

First line: "I was in my office in Culver City, sitting at my desk admiring my new Ping-Pong table, when a man appeared in my doorway."

In classic private eye fiction style, Michael Craven introduces John Darvelle, a no-nonsense detective determined to right the wrongs he encounters in his Southern California practice. Darvelle is hired by a mega-star filmmaker to find Suzanne Neal, a former flame. He’s certain it will be an open-and-shut case--even more so when he easily locates Neal. During his investigation, however, a few details strike Darvelle as “off,” so when Neal winds up murdered, he vows to uncover the truth.

Working out of a warehouse office, complete with a ping-pong table and visiting cat named Toast, Darvelle taps into his network of sources and contacts. Before long, he finds himself in the dark depths of Hollywood’s elite, staring down the business end of a gun. What started out as a simple case just became complicated.

With a fun blend of humor and suspense, Michael Craven follows some of the genre’s traditions while putting his own twist on others, offering mystery fans a fresh approach to the PI novel. And while Darvelle is a fascinating character with endearing quirks, the supporting cast is equally engaging, prompting the hope that they will recur and flush out further in subsequent novels.

Darvelle has a tendency to veer off track in his narration, which may pull some readers out of the story, and detailed explanation of his travels sometimes sound like GPS directions, but the excellent characterization and well-constructed plot make these points inconsequential to the overall reading experience. PI fans can rejoice about this new kid in town.

The Detective and the Pipe Girl is available in paperback (ISBN: 978-0062305596) from Bourbon Street Books. 

Body Copy - Michael Craven

Donald Tremaine is a former champion surfer...no wait, don't tune out...he's a former champion surfer turned private eye. Nina Aldeen is the niece of murdered advertising big wig, Roger Gale. A year after Roger's murder, Nina hires Tremaine to try to find out who killed her uncle since the police were unable to solve the crime. The only problem is...the police didn't solve the crime for a reason; there are no clues, especially a full year after the crime. But, that doesn't keep Tremaine from trying. He takes the case!

"A beautiful dame walked into my office..." Body Copy is definitely a book in the style of classic private eye fiction but with a modern twist. A beautiful woman DOES walk into Tremaine's office, only Tremaine's office happens to be his home, a trailer in Southern California. Tremaine's a good-looking guy who totes around some emotional baggage, but it doesn't come from alcoholism or a war experience.

Of course, every PI needs a good friend in the police department, and Tremaine's friend is John Lopez. Tremaine also has a hysterical, part-time side-kick, Marvin. Marvin isn't a PI, he's Tremaine's helpful, struggling actor neighbor. And finally, Tremaine has an aged English bulldog, Lyle. Poor Lyle, he just wants to lay around and be left alone. I ask you, "What more could your star PI need"?

In following with the classic style, Craven makes use of humor, although at times it tends to be a bit rough around the edges. I'm sure he'll smooth out with more experience. I can hear echos of other writers in his humor; I'd love to see him find his own, unique style in that respect.

Overall I enjoyed Craven's debut, but I have to admit that I kind of wrinkled up my nose at the conclusion. I don't want to include any spoilers but suffice it to say, I had a bit of a hard time buying into it. That disappointed me because I liked Tremaine, Marvin, Lyle, Nina, and the plot was fun. I really wanted Body Copy to go out with a bang. It is a very good book for Craven's first time out, though.

So, if you're a fan of the traditional private eye novel, Body Copy may be one you want to pick up.