Book Review: The Irish Sports Pages

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Irish Sports Pages     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Les Roberts
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Private Investigator
Series: Milan Jancovich # 14
Dunne, Jul 2002

In Cleveland, Cathleen Hartigan arranges a meeting between her mother Common Pleas Judge Maureen Hartigan and an almost boy friend private investigator Milan Jacovich. The Judge wants Milan to find Irish con artist Brian McFall, who told Maureen, her brother Hugh Cochran, and his friends that he just came from the "auld" country, but has been unable to find his cousin in Akron. Brian conned Hugh and Maureen out of several thousand dollars and stole some photographs that the Judge wants back.

Finding the vanished Brian through his several identities turns out to be quite easy as someone murdered McFall. Cleveland Police Lieutenant Florence McHargue lectures Milan to stay out of her case, but he cannot remain on the sidelines as Cathleen’s family is suspects and he might be too. Then there is also the real killer targeting Milan for a spot in THE IRISH SPORTS PAGE, better known as the obituaries.

The latest Jacovich mystery like most if not all the other series novels contains an entertaining tour of Cleveland through the ethnic neighborhoods. Though nothing new from the previous dozen Jacovich tales surface, the investigation remains fun to observe as readers know what to expect with Milan retaining his charm as a strong lead sleuth and his greatest enemy Florence somewhat tolerating him at best when it is convenient to her case. Fans of the series will feel fortunate that the thirteenth entry consists of a solid investigative plot starring a steady hero.

Harriet Klausner

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