10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The ultimate Kinky Friedman mystery, March 19, 2005
The Kinkster is having a really bad patch. Losing his cat has sent him into a sliding depression. He doesn't care about much of anything. Out of concern for his mental health, his friends convince him that maybe he needs a vacation. After all, he has no cases, no cat, not even the lesbian dance class upstairs that historically provided at least something to gripe about. To Kinky, his life feels empty and he needs rejuvenation before he makes good on his suicide threat. So off he flies to Texas, to visit the Friedmans, happily communing with the four-legged ones at the family ranch.
Unfortunately, his respite doesn't last long. A few short mornings after his arrival, he answers the "blower" and discovers Sgt. Cooperman of the NYPD on the other end, demanding that he return to the Big Apple to explain a dead man's wallet in Kinky's apartment.
The good news is that, after submitting to the cops' interviews, he is still allowed to walk out of the police station unshackled. But four --- or is it five now --- bodies have shown up in the Village, and they just keep mounting. Beginning his own investigation into the murders not only serves as a self-defense against the growing suspicions of the police, but also gives him a case to work on. This might just save his life --- if, that is, he can stay out of jail.
Kinky's inquiries turn up some bizarre stuff, but no solid clues. "Now it truly was a ship of fools, I thought. Here were Ratso and I, playing at being Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, interviewing this Harry Felcher person, who was, to put it kindly, playing at being Judy Garland. Maybe none of us were playing at all. Maybe this was life and life only. Maybe the only thing that was real was the guy who had died in this building." His footwork, however, does set him off in the right direction and he soon formulates a theory, one that disturbs him a great deal. Even Kinky has trouble believing the conclusion to which his investigation leads him.
Every Kinky Friedman book has a deliciously irreverent tone. Each novel involves a new --- and occasionally absurd --- adventure, with a cast of characters even Seinfeld's producers would envy: Ratso, Rambam, McGovern, the cat, the puppethead and, last but not least, the lesbian dance class. Kinky, the author, always packs loads of fun into the space between the covers. This time, though, he has a little surprise for his readers. Okay, a big surprise. Be ready: TEN LITTLE NEW YORKERS ends spectacularly. For Kinky newcomers, read every one of his books, quickly, then grab this one. For die-hard Kinky fans (is there any other kind?), this is not just a must-read --- it's an absolutely-no-kidding-you've-really-gotta-read-it read.
--- Reviewed by Kate Ayers
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Please, Kinky, don't stop now!, February 25, 2005
In what our "master of destinies", and the true master of metaphors calls his last go at the murder mystery genre in favor of an opportunity to save the state of Texas from the traditional empty suits that call themselves "public servants", Kinky Friedman has crafted one of the most entertaining reads of his or anyone elses writing career. Ten Little New Yorkers has everything we have come to love and look forward to in a Kinky novel and much, much more.
It is a page turner in the truest tradition. One is drawn in at once, and happily trapped in Kinkyland the entire literary trip. It is at once poignant with Kinky's own brand of life's lessons, and at the same time crazy enough to hold the interest of the most discerning reader. His genius is as always his wordcraft, and a use of the language that will never be duplicated. There is a warmth in Kinky's prose that grabs you, and makes you think about where you are in your own life, where you've been, and where you are going. Where I'm going now is back to re-read this wonderful, thoughtful, and fascinating book.
Buy it. Treasure it. But don't share it with your friends. That would't exactly be a financial pleasure for the Kinkster!
On with the campaign! Good luck, Kinky, the state of Texas is way overdue for someone of your insight, and a common sense approach to government that would blow a refreshing breath of fresh air into those stale back rooms replete with political doldrums...and thoughtless dolts. Thank you.
Butch Huff
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Has the Kinkster lost it?, January 2, 2008
Kinky Friedman has been entertaining me for years until I read Ten Little New Yorkers. I found it very boring for nearly sixty pages before any mystery developed. Then inserting filler about other things maintained the boredom right to the end which was very upsetting. The culprit was pretty obvious from the very beginning of the mystery, and it was a pretty weak plot at that.
Kinky still has a way with words which always makes his writing fun to read. But even his wit couldn't maintain my interest... I just wanted to finish the book.
Yes, the ending was a hugh surprise, but I hope the Kinkster and his friend can rise above this mess. Perhaps he'll be motivated to return with a new adventure without the chaff!
Norm
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