Book Review: Heckler

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Heckler     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Dan Barton
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Biff Kincaid # 2
St. Martin's, Apr 2001, $22.95, 288 pp.

A desperate Rick Partino calls stand-up comedian Biff Kincaid to plead with him to bail him out. Rick, the booker at the Palace Hotel's Comedysino, needs an act in five hours as his headliner Tiger Moore is in the hospital. After some fast negotiations, Biff agrees even if he is two hundred and eighty miles form the Vegas Strip.

Upon arrival, Biff learns that Tiger has been stabbed to death following life-threatening notes from "The Heckler". The murderer has also singled out another comedian for death. Unable to resist an investigation, Biff begins to make inquiries into why the killer is giving the permanent hook to comedians.

In his second appearance on the amateur sleuth stage (see KILLER MATERIAL), Biff continues to engage readers with his detective skills rather than his comedic work. It is also why HECKLER and its predecessor are amusing yet taut who-done-its. Dan Barton shows talent and intelligence as he allows his hero to employ humor as part of his responses to situations and people, but does not try to feed us Biff's stage act even if he is regarded as a professional by insiders. Sub-genre fans that want an amateur detective who could make a living from his "hobby" while starring in a strong story line should catch Biff's act because he is a clear headliner.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner