Customer Reviews

McNally's Alibi (Chivers Sound Library American Collections)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Renowned collector Deci Fortesque hires Palm Beach private sleuth Archy McNally to find an alleged original complete text of Truman Capote's Answered Prayers. Archy quickly learns that Claudia Lester asserts that she possessed the manuscript, but her former lover Matthew Harrigan stole it from her. Matthew insists he took nothing and that Claudia is just a former lover causing him trouble.

Antiques dealer Rodney Whitehead informs the sleuth that neither Claudia nor Matthew is credible not that Rodney is any better. The search turns nasty when the supposed owner of the Capote manuscript is found dead in the sleazy Crescent Hotel not long after Archy visited the place. Police Lieutenant Georgia O'Hara knows Archy is holding out on her, but he refuses to reveal anything that might interfere with completing his client's assignment as the fee is too good.

When Lawrence Sanders died a few years ago and Vincent Lardo took over the McNally franchise, this reviewer howled about another series of lite books. Several novels later, this reviewer still howls that Mr. Sanders would have been proud to claim the Lardo books as his own. The latest MCNALLY'S ALIBI is a strong novel containing an intriguing investigative story line and three women making Archy's life miserable in different ways. Fans of Mr. Sanders, McNally, or a strong private investigative novel will want to read Mr. Lardo's latest take and like this reviewer demand early release of another Arch book ASAP.

Harriet Klausner

The arrival of a new Archy McNally is always a welcome event.

While "McNally's Alibi" is the easily the most densely plotted of the eleven in the series, it still retains its "mystery-lite" quality and is great fun.

It is a tongue-in-cheeky romp amongst the rich and infamous in Palm Beach.

Highway Patrol Lt. Georgia O'Hara is introduced and is a character I hope will stay in the series. She is a much better paramour for Archy then the tedious Connie Garcia.

Double dealing, double crossing, a sting operation as well as a counter sting revolve around the whereabouts of the original manuscript of a Truman Capote novel that an ardent rich collector desires.

Archy and his excellent supporting cast sort out the truth and lies and save the day.

A good time to be had for the reader.

I am so glad that Vincent Lardo has done such a splendid job of taking over where Lawrence Sanders left off. Another job well done. Are there more to follow?

In this latest adventure I must admit to being a bit confused over the characters who may or may not have the manuscript of the late Truman Capote. And the story of the Beaumont family tragedy seems like a bit of a red herring, but interesting nonetheless, especially when Archie is told the real story of the Beaumont twins at the end.

And now Georgy has entered the picture. Good for Archie, and the story line as well! I was getting a bit tired of his on again/off again affair with the jealous Cuban hot-head. Connie should have moved along several books ago, in my opinion. If he had been my boyfriend he would have been toast after the second dalliance, client or no client! And I just don't see her fitting in with the Anglo-Saxon background of the McNally brood. Georgy is like a breath of fresh air. Hope to see more of her in future novels (hint, hint!). All in all, a good read once again.

I hated Lardo's last McNally, but Alibi is another story. Very good plots, interesting characters, and first-rate writing. I'm delighted. I hope this means Lardo will continue with the series.

I'm glad to see Georgy enter the mix. The character seems smart and likeable, and could be developed into someone interesting. I hope the author does this.

All of the characters received the right amount of exposure. I thought the exchanges between Archy and his father were among the best in the series.

I hope there are no wedding plans in the future for Archy. He is very effective and enjoyable as a single man-about-town, so why mess with success? Could you see Archy married to Connie, who has spies everywhere? And, of course, goodby to late nite sessions with Ella, marcs, English Ovals.

I look forward to your next book, Vince Lardo.

I think Vincent Lardo has done a wonderful job in taking over the Archy McNally series where Lawrence Sanders left off and I really enjoyed this latest book in the series. On the positive side, I was happy to see the wonderful descriptions of Ursi's marvelous cooking as well as Archy's eclectic wardrobe. On the negative side, I would have liked to have seen more dialogue with Lolly Spindrift and I was annoyed at how much he "dumbed down" Al Rogoff. Any true Archy McNally fans will be very disappointed at how stupid Al is portrayed in this latest novel and as anyone knows, Archy would never associate with someone that "low rent".

With each additional McNally novel, Vincent Lardo keeps getting better and better! This book - and in fact the whole series - is best described as "Fun!". What a perfect summer read! While some people will forever complain that this isn't "Lawrence Sanders" count me as among the group thankful that Mr. Lardo has kept the McNally series alive. I will be waiting patiently for the next installment but in the meantime this book is HIGHLY recommended.

When confidential investigator Archie McNally is hired to deliver a blackmail payment, he figures it is money in the bank. But Archie hadn't been counting on ...

Fans of Archie McNally will be overjoyed to see him back in action. His off-again-on-again relationship with the beautiful Connie is more off than on in this novel and Archie continues to battle with the question of his single status. That Archie got a little bit back from his co-workers and friends kept McNally's Alibi from being as smug or superior as some other novels in this series.

Author Vincent Lardo delivers a fast-paced and enjoyable read. Archie's observations on the personalities of Palm Beach, Florida, the foibles of the rich, and Archie's own reasoning to wear another pink shirt add to the depth of the novel.

This entry in the McNally Saga is a bit of a let-down -- especially coming right after Lardo's "McNally's Dilemma" which is probably the all time best McNally novel. In "McNally's Alibi" we get to see Archy take leave of his senses. The only time he seems to do anything right is in trying to pick up Officer Georgy O'Hara, which he does quite nicely. I agree with those who think Connie Garcea needs to take a hike. That one has outlived her welcome. It is time Archy got a new love interest.

Hopefully what we saw in this novel won't happen again.

If you really must read this book then do so. But borrow it from the local library instead of buying it and spend your money on something more worthy of your attention.

Archy NcNally, Discret Inquirer, goes from the search of Truman Capotes alleged missing manuscript "Unanswered Prayers", on behalf of a collector of salacious transcripts to being a suspect in a murder at a seedy motel. The characters that claim ownership of this transcript are all, according to each other, not to be trusted.

As this case deepens, Archy can think only of the beautiful, green-eyed, blond State Tropper Georgia O'Hara who suspects him of murder!

This novel has twists and turns that include blackmail, murder and fraud. It is the fouth novel that Vincent Lardo has written on behalf of Lawerence Sanders. I was afraid that Ursi's magnificent cooking skills, Archys' lady skills or his dapper dressing styles would not be described as completely as they had when the creator had written them. Over time, Vincent Lardo has surpassed all of my fears. I no longer see him as a character resuscitated but a character contined. Wonderful writing!

I think Vincent Lardo has done an excellent job in keeping the McNally's novels alive. The plot of this one is entertaining and keeps you guessing. I can't wait for the next one. Highly recommend!