Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Loose Coins
Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Joe L. Hensley
, Guy M. Townsend
Class/Genre: Mystery Legal Setting Hobbies
St. Martin's, Nov 1998, $20.95, 197 pp.
In Memphis, Al Sears is a recovering alcoholic, who plans to remain sober for the rest of his life because he knows how much the drink cost him. His spouse left him. His law practice died. Finally, his beloved coin collection disappeared during a haze of booze. Getting his life back on track, Al works part-time at Ralph's Coin shop and as a private investigator. Bottom line is that at least for now Al is the poster boy for AA.
However, an individual holding a shotgun tries to abduct Al from his weekly poker game. With the help of his cronies, the culprit is killed. Later, Al learns from the police that the deceased was a professional hit man. Someone, probably from his boozed past, has targeted Al for death. Since he already is climbing up from the bottom, Al decides to uncover the identity of his enemy before his new lease on life is permanently ended.
LOOSE COINS is a well written who-done-it that introduces readers to an interesting and appealing character, filled with flaws and a mistake-laden history. The story line is straight forward, making for an easy, enjoyable experience. However, because of the streamlined plot, the support cast (including the city of Memphis) never displays depth or motivation. Still, Joe L. Hensley and Guy Townsend scribes a fast reading and absorbing novel that will appeal to mystery buffs who want a fast read.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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