Housewright, David – PRACTICE TO DECEIVE

[LJ Roberts]

PRACTICE TO DECEIVE (Private Investigator-St. Paul, Minn.-Cont) – VG Housewright, David
– 2^nd in series
Foul Play Press, 1998 – Hardcover

PI Holland Taylor agrees to look into the case of an elderly woman who was cheated out of her life savings. With the help of a computer-expert friend, he begins a harassment campaign against the investment counselor who handled the woman's investments. The counselor finally agrees to give Taylor the money, but turns up murdered and the money missing. But Taylor knows he's in real trouble when the harassment campaign begins against him and a contract is put out on his life.

I only recently discovered Housewright, and what a great find it is. I love the character of Taylor and his ex-stripper, now attorney girlfriend, Cynthia, as well as his parents and friends. There is excellent sense of place and dialogue and the emotions are well done. Even though I figured out the killer, I didn't mind as I so enjoyed the journey along the way. If you've not yet tried Housewright, do. He is a pleasure to read.