Customer Reviews

Lawrence Sander's McNally's Folly: An Archy McNally Novel

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've read every Lawrence Sanders book written, and absolutely loved the Archy series. I was devastated when Lawrence Sanders passed away, wondering if I'd ever enjoy Archy's antics again. The last book, and McNally's Folly were both throughly enjoyable. I just can't get enough of Archy, Al Rogoff and all the zany characters in Palm Beach. Mr. Lardo does an excellent job of carrying on a storyline that makes me smile and giggle out loud at Archy's little adventures. If you're a McNally fan you won't be dissappointed with Vincent Lardo keeping Archy alive. P.S. The Hampton Affair by Vincent Lardo is also excellent. I'm looking forward to his new one coming soon, and hopefully some more of Archy McNally.

OK, OK, it's not Lawrence Sanders. He was great and no one can replace him but this is still a great book. If you love McNally and his cast of S. FL characters you will like this book. If you're only interested in the originals by Sanders that's fine - skip it. I for one love the settings and the characters (and their interaction) and found the book fun and enjoyable. In other words it's a typcial McNally story. Buy it and enjoy it. McNally lives on.

When I saw Vincent Lardos name on the cover of this one, my first reaction was "Oh No! What happened to Lawrence Sanders?" I immediatly feared the worst, but I bought the book and decided to read it with an open mind. My biggest surprise was finding out that Mr. Lardo also penned the last McNally book and I hadn't even realized it. With that said, I found the latest book to be quite good, following Archy's exploits as he unravels a mystery involving the cast and crew of a Palm Beach production of "Arsenic and Old Lace". A very appropriate play considering the fact that cast members keep passing away via arsenic in their drinks. While Mr. Nardo's Archy lacks a bit of the swish that characterized Lawrence Sander's character, I found the book a good read. With Sander's passing we can all be thankful that Archy continues to grace our bookshelves, and I, for one, look forward to the continuing exploits of our hero. "One never knows, do one?

While Lawrence Sanders was writing, the McNally books were always meant to be light hearted capers. A few laughs, a lot of grins, wry dialog and a host of quirky characters (rich and infamous). We still have the basics and it's always a treat to follow Archy's romps thru the Palm Beaches.

At times Mr. Lardo seems to be trying too hard, but overall it is a fun read. I never seem to get enough of Al Rogoff and that didn't change.

The characters were a wonderful rogues gallary, the loose ends neatly tied up and whodunit and how it was done were nifty surprises.

I appreciate Mr. Lardo keeping Archy and the gang alive and will seek out his "Hampton Affair" novel.

Palm Beach playboy and part-time private investigator Archy McNally adds the title of theatre director to his credits in an effort to solve a good old fashion whodunit. The deceased was Archy's client who hired him to unmask a con artist who is selling soothsayer services to the elite island ladies at five hundred bucks a sitting. In between Archy's usual maturations â€" cheating on girlfriend Connie, smoking English Ovals, padding his expense report at Daddy's law firm, and rarely drinking before noon â€" Archy eventually stumbles onto the truth before the evening cocktails. (Yes, the rich are different.)

For McNally fans, all the usual suspects are part of this 'play within a play,' from wing nut Binky Watrous to the bar crowd at the Pelican Club. Their personalities are loony as ever, even though the book series baton has been passed from writer Lawrence Sanders, who sadly died, to Vincent Lardo. For the most part Mr. Lardo has made a smooth transition, although his portrayal of some of the characters differs somewhat from Mr. Sanders.

Rather than dwell on what is missing, much has been added, such as a Hamlet-like play within a play. Its cute and boorish, which is part of the spirit of this series. Kudos for Mr. Lardo for maintaining the fun while 'trying out' some new stuff with the bunch from route A1A.

To take on a deceased author's much-admired creation cannot be an easy task. Yet Vincent Lardo perfectly has caught the flavor of the beloved character of Archy McNally, which originally was created by the late Lawrence Sanders. He's caught the rhythm of the narrative, the sense of place, the voice of the protagonist. So if you loved Sanders' Archy, you won't notice much difference in Lardo's version. And if you like to read a good mystery about the high life, Palm Beach, tropical nights, gourmet foods, and, oh yes, romance, then any of the McNally books should hit the spot. Doesn't matter whether the author was Lawrence or Vince. These are fun reads, the published equivalents of sneaking potato chips. You won't want to stop with just one.

I have been hooked on this series from the start. The author although not Lawrence Sanders is excellent in preserving the tone and feel of the characters in the previous novels. The story kept me interested. I remember being skeptical when the James Bond series was continued after Ian Fleming died, but the new author John Gardner, while unlike Lardo was a known writer on his own, kept me reading. I look forward to more McNally volumes.

Of course nobody can replace the great Sanders but I thought this book did much better than the first one. The first one didn't quite catch the rhythm of the earlier books but I thought this one tripped along quite nicely. Had I not known of Sanders' death, this one might have fooled me completely. McNally is truly a delightful character. Feel sorry for the long suffering Connie, though--I'd like to send her a copy of The Rules! <lol>

Having read all of Lawrence Sanders' McNally Series, I was saddened to learn of his death. Fortunately, his estate has found a writer like Vincent Lardo that has the same magnificent writing talent to continue the Archy McNally adventures. I just received my copy of McNally's Folly and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Hpoefully Archy McNally through Vincent Lardo will continue to entertain us for many years to come.

I am currently reading McNally's Folly. I don't think I have missed an Archy book, and if I have I definitely want to read it next. I have loved following Archy throughout his mysteries. I do, however, think it's time to trade in that shiny, red Miata. Can it still be that shiny? Anyhow, keep up the great work!