Customer Reviews

A Killing Sky (Frank Palvicek Mysteries)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am genuinely impressed by Andy Straka's A KILLING SKY, though, initially, I expected to be disappointed. After all, his debut novel, A WITNESS ABOVE, was simply stunning, and I doubted if he could follow up such a strong work (nominated for an Agatha) with an equally well-written work. His storyline also appeared to be lifted from the headlines (Clinton or Condit, take your choice)with the vanished daughter of a philandering politician taking center stage, and his series set-up bears a strong resemblance to the Spenser series with its literate PI, enforcer-type sidekick, sophisticated love interest, and a pet featured prominently in the story. Finally, having met Andy Straka at a recent mystery convention and having participated on one author panel with the man, I am quite impressed by Mr. Straka as a person and a writer. I didn't want to be disappointed by his sophomore effort so I delayed reading A KILLING SKY.

My mistake. In A KILLING SKY, Andy Straka pulls everything together perfecly. Falconry is Frank Pavlicek's trademark, and it is featured prominently. He clearly distinguishes Frank from Spenser, Toronto from Hawk, and Marcia from Susan. His development of Frank's daughter Nicole into a well-rounded sidekick-type character is also a unique touch.

The tale he tells, he tells well. The politico Drummond is no Clinton or even a Condit. The story takes several unexpected turns, and the writing is first-rate. A KILLING SKY is a giant step forward for this new mystery series. I am hoping for many more Frank Pavlicek mysteries.

Andy Straka's private eye, former policeman Frank Pavlicek, sprang into existence last year in "A Witness Above." His debut in a briskly paced and well constructed mystery was memorable enough to attract not only the attention of readers, but the judging panels of the Agatha Award and the Shamus Award -- it has received nominations from both. Now, in "A Killing Sky." Straka again demonstrates his prowess in another fully satisfying tale starring Pavlicek. He has taken strands from several recent political scandals and woven them into a fresh, new, and completely ingenious plot that is totally plausible and logical. The dialogue and action rings true every step of the way. Pavlicek lives and works in Charlottesville, Virginia, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. He enjoys, along with his buddy Jake Toronto, another ex-cop, the unusual hobby of falconry, a metaphor of sorts for his own search for prey -- and perps. This novel will give an added frisson of pleasure to anyone familiar with Charlottesville, because it uses real sites as backdrops for much of the action. You can easily follow Frank up and down the city streets and out into Albemarle county, lending added verisimilitude to the action. When I first read "A Killing Sky" I was so engrossed that I raced through it at a dead run, eager to know just how the complex plot twists would play out, and who actually "dunnit." Only on second reading did I become aware of and impressed by Straka's careful craftmanship, and how how lean, clean, and muscular his writing is. "A Witness Above" was an imprssive first novel for any author, and "A Killing sky" only seconds the motion.

Have you ever tried to pull into the traffic lane using an underpowered vehicle? Gosh, I would really like this vehicle if it just had a little more ump. Straka has a good outline story plot that needed some excitement to make it click. Frank Pavlicek, Straka's main character is a private investigator who takes a case with little enthusiasm. Frank's friends also have a negative take on the client. There are hints of bad things that might happen and bad people in high places, but not much to keep you on edge. You find that you are nearly at your final destination before your cruising in the fast lane. Good material that just needs that extra kick to get it above average.

Andy Straka's "A Killing Sky" is a private detective story loosely based upon headlines from what seems long ago, but is actually less than two years ago. Gary Condit is the real life doppleganger for fictional Virginia Congressman Tor Drummond, a man desperately seeking re-election despite a nasty sex scandal. When one of the Congressman's twin daughters disappears, the other hires Charlottesville Private Eye Frank Pavlicek to determine her wherabouts. Pavilcek is, of course, dubious at the beginning, and not surprisingly ends up with far more than he bargained for as he probes into the Congressman's sleazy life.

Anyone who reads a lot of private eye fiction will find plenty of familiarity in Straka's book. Pavilcek cracks wise and has a somewhat mysterious, tough-guy sidekick (his former partner from his days with the NYPD), an emotionally strong and supportive girlfriend and an eccentric hobby (he's a Falconeer). Straka's descriptions of Charlottesville (home of the University of Virginia) are so accurate and inviting that they could have been written by the Chamber of Commerce.

As for the mystery, even though some of the minor elements of the book are a bit cliche (the Chief of Police is a jerk, the Feds are the clumsy heavies, the Congressmen's Chief of Staff is cast right out of the movie "No Way Out"), you can forgive it because Straka's prose and storytelling are so fresh and immediate. For example, Pavilcek's relationship with his college age daughter, who sometimes helps him with his cases, never lapses into cheap sentimentality the way it could in a lesser writer's hands. The build up to the climax is well done and when it comes it is explosive and ultimately satisfying climax.

Overall, an outstanding work of private eye fiction from a recently bygone era that I'm sure we all wish could return to.

I was very impressed with the author's first novel, A Witness Above. The falconry aspect is unique and very fascinating. That alone sets his books apart from the standard formula for mystery novels. I met the author at our local library and was impressed with him as well. However, given all that I was still apprehensive to read A Killing Sky, fearing that like many authors it he might be a one hit wonder. To my delight, my fears were unfounded. A Killing Sky was terrific! I enjoyed it as much, if not more than, his first effort. Mr. Straka has continuing to flesh out his characters, especially the fascinating Jake Toronto, in a way that makes them more and more compelling. I can't wait for more!

I have recommended this author to many fellow readers and will continue to do so........

When Frank Pavlicek received the call from a person claiming to be Cassidy Drummond, daughter of the Charlottesville, Virginia Congressman, he thought it a prank. However, Cassidy persuades Frank that she is for real so the former New York detective agrees to meet with her and hear her reason for needing a private detective.

Cassidy believes her father Tor has done something to her missing twin sister Cartwright. Though the evidence is flimsy and Wright is probably warm and comfortable with some guy, Frank begins to make inquiries. Perhaps he would have reconsidered taking on the case if he knew the danger to those he loves from uncovering family secrets and betrayals. However, by threatening the birds he and his associate Jake Tornado cherish as much as any falconer does only makes Frank dig all the deeper.

Though less involved in falconry than its predecessor (see the mega-excellent A WITNESS ABOVE), A KILLING SKY is a delightful investigative tale. The action-packed story line focuses mostly on Frank, who firmly believes he is wasting his time and that of his client even as he begins to uncover clues re the disappearance of Cartwright. The secondary cast adds depth to the investigation though to his family Tor, a Clintonesque-like player, seems so nasty that one wonders if his charisma is enough to keep getting him reelected. Still Andy Straka soars to wonderful heights with his latest Pavlicek tale.

Harriet Klausner

I really enjoyed reading this book. Enough of a mystery to keep me guessing and a bit of educational material about falconry to peak my interest. The author develops very interesting characters that seem very real. At times I felt like I was almost a part of the book, envisioning the locale and working along with Frank to solve the mystery. A recommended read.

The Frank Pavlicek series is enjoyable reading. The Kindle edition is plagued with careless, laughable errors, obviously the result of using spell-check instead of one's own brain. Examples: a character carrying a "cupboard" when clipboard is meant. A character named "Dworkin" changes to "Working" at least three times. It's just careless.
I can't give the book a bad rating because I did still enjoy it very much. I hope the errors will be fixed.

I picked up this book because I was interested in falconry. Unfortunately, little of that is shown in the book. Still, it's a good mystery, with a complicated plot full of twists, which doesn't depend on scattering bodies left and right in order to keep up the tension. Private Detective Frank is an easy-going, understated hero with the necessary streaks of stubbornness and idealism. The story is well-written (with a few typos) and makes for a smooth read. Fans of Spencer or the Dick Francis books should enjoy this one.

This was a pretty pedestrian mystery. Pavlicek is a retired NY cop moved to Virginia hired by a Congressman's daughter when her twin sister disappears. Pavlicek walks the usual tightrope with local cops and the FBI, always, of course, one step ahead of them. He has the usual sidekick of few words who is the master of all trades relating to breaking and entering, intimidating, wisdom and shadowy acts of security. he also has a girlfriend who is amazingly without personality. He also has a college daughter who wants in on a partnership. The characters all somehow lack depth, which is surprising since there is so much in the relationships. Frank Pavlicek himself is rather colorless.

The plot is okay. Again, nothing out of the ordinary. Without reason - other than P.I. gut instinct, I guess - Frank is concentrating on one swarmy suspect. The FBI on another. The ending plot twist is pretty good.

All in all, this is a pretty ordinary mystery. I was disappointed there was not more information about Frank's hobby of raptor which could have been very interesting. This is a fine value for $.99. There are many reasons why it did not become a mainstream big seller, though. Mostly because it is just ordinary. Good value. Fair book.