Read Red Gardenias (1991)

Red Gardenias (1991) - Plot & Excerpts

This, the last of Latimer's Bill Crane novels, is one of the best. It lacks the breakneck pace, the convoluted bravura plot, and the non-stop wisecracking of some of the others, but there is still plenty of wisecracking to be found . . . and plenty of drinking too. What is new in "Red Gardenias" is that Crane has a real love interest--Ann, the beautiful blonde who is the boss's daughter, assigned to play the role of his wife in an an undercover investigation. They are often at odds, but she disapproves of his heavy drinking, and this makes us suspect she loves him. The plot is clever, with a lot of exciting cinematic scenes, and a satisfying and entertaining resolution. Latimer is not exactly one of the old masters (Hammett, Chandler, Ross MacDonald), but as far as I'm concerned he's in fifth place. Right after Rex Stout.

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