Fine Lines [Hardcover]

Jim Lehrer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 10, 1994

Oklahoma's lieutenant governor, One-Eyed Mack, is called in by Governor Buffalo Joe Hayman to investigate once again when a killer begins targeting the state's legislators of both parties for murder. 25,000 first printing. $25,000 ad/promo. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Lehrer's gabby, smartass characters, who are also possessed of depth and originality, will continue to delight those who've read the PBS newscaster's earlier One-eyed Mack mysteries. The pleasure of readers new to the series may be enhanced by surprise. Except for the passing mention of someone named MacNeil, Lehrer leaves off his TV hat to delve into the deep and dirty heart of politics in Oklahoma, where Mack is Lieutenant Governor. When four members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, all Democrats, die in suspiciously quick succession, Mack is soon on the case, his sleuthing only slightly distracted by his entrepreneurial wife Jackie's winning a coveted award and his enterprising stepson Tommy's scheme to power diesel vehicles with a combination of methanol and fast-food grease. The politicians are done in in different ways, but all die after an about-face on a sensitive issue--about which a secretive local millionaire would rather they hadn't changed their minds. Lehrer has infectious fun with his cast of fast-food junkies and conniving politicians, among whom such real folks as violinist Isaac Stern, mystery writer and poet Stephen Dobyns and Henry Kissinger's wife keep popping up. Author tour.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA-The announcement that "Someone croaked the Cluck" heralds a series of unexplained deaths within the Oklahoma state legislature. As Lt. Governor, it is the One-eyed Mack's job to solve the mystery. Usually murders are serious business, but not in the Sooner State Capitol, with its colorful coterie of politicians, law-enforcement people, and others. The antics are wildly improbable yet completely believable because of Lehrer's deft touch and his permanently attached tongue-in-cheek. There is homespun philosophy gently woven into this fun read that should appeal to YAs who appreciate satire.
Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 207 pages
• Publisher: Random House; 1st edition (May 10, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679428232
• ISBN-13: 978-0679428237
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,362,488 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine Lines by Jim Lehrer, September 14, 2000

By 

laura watson (madison, al United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fine Lines (Hardcover)

This is one of the best books I have read. If you like to read about crime, with some politics and humor thrown in, this is it. One eyed Mack, who is the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, who has a wife that owns Jackiemarts and who won the Chocolate Fork award, provide a book full of entertainment. I don't want to give away details. READ THE BOOK. It was so good. I never dreamt Jim Lehrer wrote so many books. There are 6 books featuring One eyed Mack and I can't wait to read the others.

3.0 out of 5 stars good plot, not-so-great narration, January 14, 2005

By 

Sreeram Ramakrishnan (Lynnfield, MA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fine Lines (Hardcover)

In one of his earliest book (released in 1994), Jim shows signs of an author struggling to find a narrative style of his own. The plot, though a very original and well-played out one is marred by lacklustre narration at times. In particular, the use of the exact same sentences over and over again (eg. "After all he is my son") seems a bit tedious. Apart from that, the book is fast paced and will certainly keep the reader's interest alive.

It is stunning what 10 years of experience can do for one's narrative skills. In his more recent book (Flying Crows), Jim provides an absolutely captivating narrative style.

Readers looking for a good mystery novel will not be disappointed, but if you got hold of this book after reading Lehrer's more recent books, this will not stand up to expectations.