Tug Wyler is embroiled in the mysterious medical malady of a sexy stripper who slipped on a banana peel during her signature act
Cookie, an angel in stiletto heels, is by far the most popular performer at Jingles Dance Bonanza. To her devoted audience, she’s a friend, therapist, and shoulder to cry on, all rolled into one. While meeting an old pal at the club, Tug doesn’t expect to pick up a new client but quickly realizes the gallant Cookie—dancing in a neck brace, each leg kick potentially her last—is in need of a committed champion.
Righting wrongs is never a simple task for Tug, a sharp-witted and unorthodox trial lawyer who repeatedly finds himself in the middle of unusual cases and causes. But that doesn’t stop him from trying. Believing that Cookie is the victim of a spine surgeon with a sloppy touch, Tug takes her case. But as he seeks both medical remedy and a fair shake for Cookie, he realizes—a tad too late—that sinister sights are now trained on him. In Cookie’s Case, this offbeat attorney will go farther for justice than he ever has before.
When I start reading a book full of quirky characters, I usually decide immediately that I am not going to like the book. I like my fiction relatively realistic, or at least with characters I can identify with. I know there are many quirky people in real life, but they are scattered around, mixed in with us normal folks. In some novels, including this one, just about everyone we run into is quirky.The farther I got into this book, the more I had to revise my prejudices. Tug Wyler may be dealing with a weird family, and more than one bizarre set of clients, but he is a nice guy and some of his clients are lovable and fun to be around.
It is the character of Tug Wyler that makes this book so enjoyable. He is the type of lawyer that is generally called an ambulance chaser, but he has a good heart. My favorite case in this book is the pro bono case he takes on while working on Cookie's case. Robert is a mentally disabled man living with his grandmother, who is concerned that he learn a trade and be able to support himself when she is gone. Tug is interested in representing Robert on a case related to a car accident which injured his ankle.
This book is humorous and that kind of mystery doesn't appeal to me and most of the humor just passes me by. Nevertheless, I am glad I got the opportunity to read and review Cookie's Case. There is more depth to the story than I expected, and a couple of twists at the end. I am not saying I am going to go for a steady diet of comic novels with unbelievable, bizarre circumstances, but I will look for a copy of Suzy's Case, the first book in the series. And I hope that Andy Siegel continues to publish books.
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Publisher: MysteriousPress.com/Open Road, 2015
Length: 281 pages
Format: ebook
Publisher: MysteriousPress.com/Open Road, 2015
Length: 281 pages
Format: ebook
Series: Tug Wyler Mysteries, #2
Setting: New York City
Genre: Legal mystery
Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Setting: New York City
Genre: Legal mystery
Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
10 comments:
Humour is such a personal thing but in the past I have really enjoyed some comic mysteries by the likes of Andrew berg,man, Michael Avallone and Stuart Kaminsky, though I will say, the initial precis didn't sound so great to me either (I mean, really, who calls their son 'Tug'?! Glad it was worth sticking with though - is this available in print as we as e-versions?
Tracy - I'm glad you found some things to enjoy in this book. I have to admit that a comic story with very quirky characters has to be really well-constructed for me to enjoy it. I've liked some (e.g. Carl Hiassen). But in general I agree with you. Still, it sounds like this one is a good 'un.
Probably something I would enjoy given the chance. Not enough time though!
Col, I did think this was one you would at least find acceptable. I would push more if the e-book was bargain price but it isn't. However, I was happy that I liked it. Sometimes it pays to try something outside of my comfort level.
That is the problem with humor in mysteries for me, Sergio. What others find hilarious leaves me cold. I like Reginald Hill's humor, although I can remember some mysteries I laugh at loud at. Got to keep better notes. Tug's name did not bother me but the stripper's scenes did. But overall, it kept me interested, and that is what I want.
Yes, the book is available in trade paperback. I appreciate that Mysterious Press usually gives both options.
Margot, I have not tried Carl Hiaasen yet. I do have one of his earlier mysteries, Tourist Season.
Tracy, I don't know what to make of this book. From your review I have mixed feelings about it. My mood at the time would probably dictate whether I read it or not.
I sympathize, Prashant, it was a hard book to review for that very reason. For me it was a good experience to move outside of my comfort zone. It gets enough good reviews at Goodreads and Amazon that I don't think it is just me who likes it.
Interesting review Tracy, but I don't think it would be my thing.
Moira, I would not push it on anyone, it really isn't even my type of book. But I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Sometimes I get irritated with plot issues or characters, but this time, once I got into it, I had no complaints.
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