Customer Reviews

McNally's Secret

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Archy McNally is a charming rogue. He's the son of a wealthy attorney, but is self-deprecating and doesn't take himself too seriously. He is asked to find a cat who belongs to one of Archy's father's wealthy clients and who has been catnapped, complete with ransom note and a demand for money. Later, another client is murdered and Archy suspects that the two cases are connected. He does some discreet inquiry and becomes entangled with a friendly female and an eccentric psychic. These elements cause no end of complications to Archy, both personally and professionally, and he finds himself in big trouble before the case is solved. This is a light and enjoyable read and will provide the reader with a lot of chuckles.

I'm an avid Archibald McNally fan and McNally's Luck is another fine example of Lawrence Sanders' wit, sense of humor and clever mystery writing. It's sad Mr. Sanders has passed away and we can no longer look forward to his delightful McNally books.

Man this cat is suave. I purchased the "book on tape"version and listened to it going to and from my job and while runningerrands. Completed 2 tapes in 3 days. I especially focused mythoughts on Archie's wit and behaviour. The one liners aregreat... The lifestyles of the people of Palm Beach, FL. are a far cryfrom Elian and ballot counting. Which supplied to me a refreshing newlook on characters and plot. I must say this book kept me glued to mycasette player and mindful of the story even while not listening.Recommend it to people 35+ yrs.

I hemmed over the purchase of the book. When I started to read it [My first Sanders book] I was delighted by the characters. No one is what they seem. The first impression is stereotypes but I found that everyone had depths that you would never have attributed to them [Peaches too]. Archie who seems as feather headed as they come and is up there with the best.

The plot twists are tied together neatly leaving a satisfied feeling at the end. While looking for other McNally's books I discovered that Lawrence Sanders had died. I felt the disappointment I feel when I find that one of my favorite authors has died. It says a lot on the first book to get that feeling.

I almost turned it down when I read the reviews if you love Block you'll love this. I hate Block. I love Sanders. I plan on reading the rest of Sander's McNally books and plan on the others too. It was a pleasing suprise. Try it you might be also pleased and suprised.

How could you possibly top McNally's Secret? Well, somehow Lawrence Sanders managed to do just that, with this superb second entry in the McNally series. Archy is first hired to find a kidnapped cat (held for $50K ransom!?), but the case soon involves murder as well. The investigation leads to a mysterious fortune teller, who leads Archy through a most entertaining seance. Archy finds and loses love as well. Combining heads with the Palm Beach police detective Sgt Rogoff, Archy untangles this twisted tale through a series of adulterous affairs. I must admit that I was successful in unveiling the first killer, whose alibi fell apart in just the way I suspected. Nevertheless, this book was satisfying, and most of all, FUN!

If you love Lawrence Block's Bernie the Burglar series, you will love McNally.

This book is very appealing and well written. It has a likeable protagonist, a series of interesting suspects, and a nice second plot theme (Archy's lovelife). Near the end, we are led to a shocking revelation which explains some of the strange behavior which puzzles Archy through most of the book. Archy uses his secret to his advantage, as he solves a tangled set of problems in a clever way. Overall, I would say this book reminds me of the tone of Lawrence Block's Bernie the Burglar series, which is also excellent.

Lawrence Sanders' first Archibald McNally novel is much like Arhcy's mother, pleasingly plump and full of delight! Archy is part of McNally & Son Attorney-At-Law, notice the word 'attorney' is singular, not plural. That's because Archy is not a lawyer, though he did go to law school. But he got kicked out. We won't go into that unpleastantness, however.
Dear, dear Archy heads a department of his father's firm called "Discreet Inquiries", he heads it because he's the only person in that particular department. Archy is asked to make some "discreet inquiries" into the disappearance in rich-and-randy Lady Cynthia Horowitz's valuable Inverted Jenny stamps. They could be worth upwards of a cool half a mil. Archy has several suspects, including but not limited to, the Smythes (whom are Lady C's son and wife), Lacy C's daughter Gina Stanescu, including Lady C's other son and wife. And her dear friend the very much gay Angus Wolfson, Lady C's chaffeur and and his girlfriend. But more and more questions arise, like: why is Lady C costantly leaving in her bronze-colored Jag and not telling her social secretary where she's going? Is Wolfson and Lady C's chaffeur having an affair? And what about Archy's personal life? Will the beautiful and astute Jennifer Towley go back to her husband or stick with Archy? One never knows, does one?

Thrilling well worded book! Suspenseful and delightful! Mc Nally has his best words for life!

Lawrence Sanders is by far the most brilliant author. His characters are very interesting. Please bring back the Deadly Sins books, especially Edward X Delaney. The McNally books are frivilous and a joy to read, Archie comes across as a very lovable character. Once started on a Lawrence Sanders book you just want to keep reading and reading and reading ....... Sometimes I just wish the story would be never-ending. However, that is not practical, so will settle for what is there! Don't you ever dare give up writing Mr Sanders!

The McNally books are sexy, witty, and fun mysteries. The answers to the questions raised are surprising enough. For a fast, entertaining read, go for McNally.