Fatal Games [Paperback]

Robert C. Nienkemper (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 341 pages
• Publisher: Briarwood Pubns (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892614006
• ISBN-13: 978-1892614001
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,011,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ultra-entertaining amateur sleuth tale, March 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fatal Games (Paperback)

Prich Hale is the son in the prestigious law firm of Hale & Son. However, Prich realizes that the only reason he is a partner (in name only) is because of his family tree and the fact that he was born before his sister. His father, the ultra conservative and proper Winfred, thinks his footloose son is a poor excuse for an attorney. Still, he keeps Prich with the firm, handling garbage control. In other words do not let any hint of scandal hurt their clients.

Mr. Evans, a CPA at the successful software company of Rogers and Emory Development, consults with Winfred and Prich about strange happenings at the firm. After Evans leaves, Winfred assigns his son to peripherally look into the goings-on at the company. However, the quiet inquiry takes a twist when someone murders the computer firm's silent partner Joseph Emery. Though his father emphatically stated peripheral without any scandal, Prich begins to investigate the murder. His actions are a form of insubordination that places him in the path of killer who wants to remain anonymous.

FATAL GAMES is an interesting amateur sleuth tale that cleverly combines DC eccentricity with an entertaining who-done-it and an insiders' look at the politics of scandal control. However, this novel is clearly owned by Prich. He is a classic underachiever, who exemplifies the best and worst qualities of the Gen-Xers (at least in the eyes of the Boomers). He has no desire to emulate his workaholic father as he feels pub time is critical in a world that could expire tomorrow. No question that the amateur sleuth crowd will demand that Robert C. Nienkemper return with more tales starring the glib, witty, and hearty Hale.

Harriet Klausner

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine first novel hits the mark for charm, wit & danger., November 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Fatal Games (Paperback)

The reader has an immediate attraction to Prich Hale who succeeds in a splendid narrative that is reminescent of Jim Rockford, in a rollicking dialogue that is smartly written with charm and humour. Set nearby the nations capitol, the local pub becomes a familar place that breathes a life its own. All the while, the suspense of the corporate whodunit includes steely and suspicious family and staff of a successful software firm, Rogers & Emory. It's easy to get caught up in the intrigue of family affairs where the action sends Prich to their corporate office, and includes a memorable countryside outing. Prich encounters power and elite in a mystery that staves to the very end.

5.0 out of 5 stars Robert Nienkemper has written a fine first novel., October 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Fatal Games (Paperback)

Prich Hale, attorney in the powerful law firm of his father, wants to be all that his reserved, reticent father is not. Full of a zest for living, his playground is Washington, DC, and his job in his father's firm is to keep their well known clients' indiscretions secret. He enjoys mixing with the best of society, and can be just as comfortable with the worst of it. His friends, including his often long-suffering, disenchanted girlfriend, are unusual and absolutely loyal. Prich oozes charm and a great sense of humor which he uses without guilt or remorse in solving the mysteries of creative financial movement, incest, and murder.

I enjoyed reading this first novel. It kept me interested up to the end, and I look forward for the next book in the series.