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Dev Haskell Mystery #37
Online Affair
Private Investigator Dev Haskell receives a phone call from his long-time friend, Mike McManus. Mike's wealthy brother Jerry has been drugged and his home has been ransacked. Items worth hundreds of thousands of dollars have been taken. Dev hurries over to the mansion and things are even worse than he imagined. The only thing he has to go on is the false name an online date used.
As Dev looks into the case he eventually learns this may not have been the first time this happened, two previous cases appear to be incredibly similar. The FBI eventually becomes involved, but they need someone to play the role of a wealthy potential target. Who better to play the role of a target than Dev Haskell . . . Let the games begin!
As Dev looks into the case he eventually learns this may not have been the first time this happened, two previous cases appear to be incredibly similar. The FBI eventually becomes involved, but they need someone to play the role of a wealthy potential target. Who better to play the role of a target than Dev Haskell . . . Let the games begin!
- GenresMystery
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2024
88 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Mike Faricy
132 books240 followersI was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, I still live there as well as in Dublin, Ireland. I've been a soldier, freelance journalist, tended bar, sold designer cakes, owned a painting and decorating company along with a number of other schemes and scams. If that doesn't offend you I also play bagpipes with the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band. All my books stand alone, read them in whatever order you wish. They are filled with the sort of oddballs we are all curious about, but wisely, prefer to keep at a distance. None of my characters will be saving the world from terrorism, international banking conspiracies or coups to take over the government. Rather, they inhabit a world just below the surface of polite society, characters with one foot on either side of the law. The circumstances they find themselves in are usually due to bad decisions, but bad decisions lead to interesting stories. They serve not so much as an example but as a warning to us all. Thanks for taking the time, happy reading.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 13, 2024
What have you done with the cracking wise private eye I have come to love? The best part of the Dev Haskell series has been character development. Over thirty-five books, Dev went from a drunken ne'er do well to a mostly responsible person who sometimes stumbled through life with great results. He had a terrible track record with women despite the fact that he was always polite and brought wine. He became the unwitting puppet on a string for Twin Cities crime boss Tubby Gustafson. The repartee between Dev and his office mate, Louie Laufen, was as funny as it was predictable. And what happened to Fat Freddy and Tubby Gustafson climbing the stairs to the office? Where is the joie de vivre I have come to love and expect? Or — is it me? Have I become jaded?
Since starting this series, a couple of years ago or so, I found myself looking for actual descriptions of Devlin Haskell. From the books, we learn about his clothing, his living quarters, and his beater cars. I have a picture of Dev as an average looking man tending to be rather good looking. I assume these attributes based on his colored success with babes. They love him till they hate him. Now I know that he cleans up well and can pass as a super wealthy businessman — with a little help from the FBI.
No matter how I felt reading the opening chapters of ONLINE AFFAIR, Mike Faricy doesn't disappoint. Fat Freddy may not have given Haskell the usual middle-finger salute, and Heidi didn't pass out on the couch from too much wine, but the plot is tight and the solution to the crime is believable. Picking up where I left off got me reading to the very end — sleep be damned.
Watching Devlin Haskell grow as a character is a journey best enjoyed by starting at the beginning and reading all the books in the series. Mike Faricy has taken a drunk P. I. sitting in a wreck of a car and let us see just how he became the 'couple of beers after work' guy we know and love today. Despite my misgivings at the beginning of ONLINE AFFAIR, I am more than willing to keep reading the Dev Haskell books that are sure to follow.
Since starting this series, a couple of years ago or so, I found myself looking for actual descriptions of Devlin Haskell. From the books, we learn about his clothing, his living quarters, and his beater cars. I have a picture of Dev as an average looking man tending to be rather good looking. I assume these attributes based on his colored success with babes. They love him till they hate him. Now I know that he cleans up well and can pass as a super wealthy businessman — with a little help from the FBI.
No matter how I felt reading the opening chapters of ONLINE AFFAIR, Mike Faricy doesn't disappoint. Fat Freddy may not have given Haskell the usual middle-finger salute, and Heidi didn't pass out on the couch from too much wine, but the plot is tight and the solution to the crime is believable. Picking up where I left off got me reading to the very end — sleep be damned.
Watching Devlin Haskell grow as a character is a journey best enjoyed by starting at the beginning and reading all the books in the series. Mike Faricy has taken a drunk P. I. sitting in a wreck of a car and let us see just how he became the 'couple of beers after work' guy we know and love today. Despite my misgivings at the beginning of ONLINE AFFAIR, I am more than willing to keep reading the Dev Haskell books that are sure to follow.
May 28, 2024
Don’t let the No. 37 throw you, the Dev Haskell books are billed as standalones and can be read out of order.
In this outing, Dev gets really personally involved when he becomes bait for the cops after a string of robberies where the male victims first come in contact with a very hot chick on the web who comes on strong, but quickly leaves them with a huge headache and a lot of shame after robbing them blind. Dev gets to portray one of the potential victims as he helps the FBI and other law enforcement types bring the woman and her partners in crime to justice.
I had such fun reading this. The topical plot (catfishing on the Internet and in person), snappy dialogue, reappearance of some of my favorite characters, and a new friend for Dev’s pork-rind loving dog, Morton, all kept me glued to my Kindle until the end of the story. While I want Dev to find a good woman, his romantic shenanigans are entertaining, as are his run-ins with the cops and his nemesis, Tubby Gufstafson. The Haskell books are purely fun reads and hold my attention all the way through. They don’t keep me up at night and I’ve never had to page past … unpleasant … scenes, but they do keep me completely entertained when I’m at the gym or curled up on my favorite chair. I’m always a little sad when they are over. If you like traditional PI novels, give this series a go.
In this outing, Dev gets really personally involved when he becomes bait for the cops after a string of robberies where the male victims first come in contact with a very hot chick on the web who comes on strong, but quickly leaves them with a huge headache and a lot of shame after robbing them blind. Dev gets to portray one of the potential victims as he helps the FBI and other law enforcement types bring the woman and her partners in crime to justice.
I had such fun reading this. The topical plot (catfishing on the Internet and in person), snappy dialogue, reappearance of some of my favorite characters, and a new friend for Dev’s pork-rind loving dog, Morton, all kept me glued to my Kindle until the end of the story. While I want Dev to find a good woman, his romantic shenanigans are entertaining, as are his run-ins with the cops and his nemesis, Tubby Gufstafson. The Haskell books are purely fun reads and hold my attention all the way through. They don’t keep me up at night and I’ve never had to page past … unpleasant … scenes, but they do keep me completely entertained when I’m at the gym or curled up on my favorite chair. I’m always a little sad when they are over. If you like traditional PI novels, give this series a go.
May 15, 2024
Accomplished and prolific mystery writer Mike Faricy keeps on keeping on. Online Affair is the 37th entry in his constantly engaging and comical Dev Haskell P.I. series, and like all of its predecessors, the book hits the spot. Faricy incorporates Internet crime, romance, and criminal misdoings, which keep the reader involved and help them guess who is doing what and to whom. The familiar cast of long-familiar characters makes their appearances known, from Morton, the loveable golden retriever and pork rind connoisseur, to plodding and predictable office-mate and lawyer Louie.
The victims are wealthy, with much to lose and few people willing to help. Dev takes the case and utilizes his wit, charm, and police contacts to bring down the ring of internet burglars and robbers. Readers must read on to find out who is doing what and how. Reading Online Affair is a great way to spend the weekend and provides superior entertainment for the novice mystery reader through the most sophisticated.
The victims are wealthy, with much to lose and few people willing to help. Dev takes the case and utilizes his wit, charm, and police contacts to bring down the ring of internet burglars and robbers. Readers must read on to find out who is doing what and how. Reading Online Affair is a great way to spend the weekend and provides superior entertainment for the novice mystery reader through the most sophisticated.
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February 5, 2025Best yet
This is the best Dev Haskell book yet and I’ve read them all.
Dev is a very likeable PI but I wonder how he makes enough money to survive. He is always bullied into doing free jobs by the local gangster, Tubby Gustaffsson, who treats him with utter contempt.
He will help anyone but everyone takes advantage of his good nature.
But rarely does anyone help him. He’s very close to being a loser, but not quite.
There is a lot of repetitive phrases used in the book series but it merely illustrates the routine nature of Dev’s life and his pragmatic attitude to life.
This book is a bit different in that a lot goes Dev’s way but will he really come out on top?
It’s a good read and I’m looking forward to book 38.
This is the best Dev Haskell book yet and I’ve read them all.
Dev is a very likeable PI but I wonder how he makes enough money to survive. He is always bullied into doing free jobs by the local gangster, Tubby Gustaffsson, who treats him with utter contempt.
He will help anyone but everyone takes advantage of his good nature.
But rarely does anyone help him. He’s very close to being a loser, but not quite.
There is a lot of repetitive phrases used in the book series but it merely illustrates the routine nature of Dev’s life and his pragmatic attitude to life.
This book is a bit different in that a lot goes Dev’s way but will he really come out on top?
It’s a good read and I’m looking forward to book 38.
January 31, 2026
Robbery, Attack animals and a sexy lady to boot.
Another great book from Mike Faricy! The mysterious woman who has taken an interest in some rich and single men. The men all believe that they have found a lucky break with a beautiful woman who they found on a dating site only to find they are horribly mistaken. Can Dev Haskell PI and his pal LT Aaron LaZelle with the St Paul police solve these mysterious robberies from the woman with the changing name. How many times has she actually pulled the same or similar thing off and who are her accomplices. All questions the FBI also have. It was still pulling me in all the way to the finish. Ready for the next one and hope you enjoy it just as much as I did.
Another great book from Mike Faricy! The mysterious woman who has taken an interest in some rich and single men. The men all believe that they have found a lucky break with a beautiful woman who they found on a dating site only to find they are horribly mistaken. Can Dev Haskell PI and his pal LT Aaron LaZelle with the St Paul police solve these mysterious robberies from the woman with the changing name. How many times has she actually pulled the same or similar thing off and who are her accomplices. All questions the FBI also have. It was still pulling me in all the way to the finish. Ready for the next one and hope you enjoy it just as much as I did.
May 7, 2024
One way or another Dev will solve the crime. This one's close to his heart because it happened to a friend. Devious people, appalling crimes and a cat! Poor Dev, he does not like cats. Read how he and Morton handle Princess - see how Princess handles them. And you know anytime Tubby Gustafson and Fat Freddy enter the picture you are going to laugh out loud. All our friends are here to entertain you so enjoy. Highly Recommended.
May 7, 2024
Dev is asked to investigate a home invasion. A very expensive robbery of items worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. He finds out there have been other robberies that followed the same pattern. Even Tubby gets involved. Oh, and Dev is asked to take care of a cat. With Morton around that makes for some interesting interaction. Another very interesting Dev Haskell read.
May 11, 2024
Fantastic
Again, Mike outdid himself. I read every word in this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. So glad to see Dev make some smart decisions. The cat is a nice touch as well 👌
Mike, I am ready for another book 📖. Can't have too many!
Thank you!
Again, Mike outdid himself. I read every word in this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. So glad to see Dev make some smart decisions. The cat is a nice touch as well 👌
Mike, I am ready for another book 📖. Can't have too many!
Thank you!
June 1, 2024
Terrible book - no plot development at all. Very superficial and trite. Same genre as Rodney Riesel also a terrible writer. It just comes across as something written in about three hours as so much text is repetitive. It was an interesting premise but ruined by not crafting a good story.
June 14, 2024
A great romp with Dev once again
I read Online Affair straight through in a single sitting and loved following Dev as he bumbled through an iffy situation. Rescued by the ever loyal Morton and a little Princess, this is, as always, a fun read.
I read Online Affair straight through in a single sitting and loved following Dev as he bumbled through an iffy situation. Rescued by the ever loyal Morton and a little Princess, this is, as always, a fun read.
July 4, 2024
always fun reading this authors books
I pre order this authors books and read as soon as received. Never have been disappointed, love them. Easy read, smooth flowing, clean and entertaining. Looking forward to his next book …. Tomorrow from the other series
I pre order this authors books and read as soon as received. Never have been disappointed, love them. Easy read, smooth flowing, clean and entertaining. Looking forward to his next book …. Tomorrow from the other series
November 15, 2025
Dev never disappoints!
Mr. Faricy’s P.I. Series is my all time favorite. Each one is just about perfect. Hope Dev has many, many more adventures. Love that he now has two furry buddies.
Mr. Faricy’s P.I. Series is my all time favorite. Each one is just about perfect. Hope Dev has many, many more adventures. Love that he now has two furry buddies.
May 8, 2024
Dev Haskell and his adventures
Love reading Dev's adventures and mishaps. Can't wait for the next book! Mike Faricy deserves kudos for this series of books.
Love reading Dev's adventures and mishaps. Can't wait for the next book! Mike Faricy deserves kudos for this series of books.
May 9, 2024
So real
This was a.wonderful book to read, and I never wanted to put it down. I felt the characters were real and could often identify characteristics with which I could identify.
This was a.wonderful book to read, and I never wanted to put it down. I felt the characters were real and could often identify characteristics with which I could identify.
May 16, 2024
Always a good read
Dev haskell series is a lot of fun. Guilty pleasure, and always a good chuckle or two. Look forward to more.
Dev haskell series is a lot of fun. Guilty pleasure, and always a good chuckle or two. Look forward to more.
May 19, 2024
Love me some Dev!
Dev is my absolute favorite character of all time. I can't wait for the next one! Mike Faricy...please get to writing!
Dev is my absolute favorite character of all time. I can't wait for the next one! Mike Faricy...please get to writing!
May 24, 2024
fun read!
This really was hard to put down once I got started! It’s a great plot, fun characters, and a good close!
This really was hard to put down once I got started! It’s a great plot, fun characters, and a good close!
May 30, 2024
Enjoyable
A fine updated story. Have enjoyed Devlin since beginning of book series. This story was better than the last few. Still look forward to future tales.
A fine updated story. Have enjoyed Devlin since beginning of book series. This story was better than the last few. Still look forward to future tales.
July 9, 2024
Good story.
Dev sure can get in a mess and accidentally comes out on top. Fun read like all of Mike Faricys' are.
Dev sure can get in a mess and accidentally comes out on top. Fun read like all of Mike Faricys' are.
July 10, 2024
Fun Read
The plot was good and the story was interesting. But the dialog was more Joe Friday than Dashielle Hammett. And it could have used some edits to avoid the repetitiveness.
The plot was good and the story was interesting. But the dialog was more Joe Friday than Dashielle Hammett. And it could have used some edits to avoid the repetitiveness.
September 9, 2024
Good read.
Dev always provides distraction and improves my outlook when I need a little while away from my life. Hope you enjoy the book.
Dev always provides distraction and improves my outlook when I need a little while away from my life. Hope you enjoy the book.
April 3, 2025
Easy Read
Fast read. Entertaining. Not real deep for a mystery but still a good story. Ending was a bit anticlimactic. I'd read more from author Faricy.
Fast read. Entertaining. Not real deep for a mystery but still a good story. Ending was a bit anticlimactic. I'd read more from author Faricy.
August 1, 2025
Another fun read
Another fun read from Mike Faricy, but with a twist or two at the end. Great summer reading. I enjoyed it immensely!
Another fun read from Mike Faricy, but with a twist or two at the end. Great summer reading. I enjoyed it immensely!
December 25, 2025
Fabulous
I loved this book. Dev starts looking into a robbery for a friend. Things turn serious quickly. Read on to find out.
I loved this book. Dev starts looking into a robbery for a friend. Things turn serious quickly. Read on to find out.
January 12, 2026
Very entertaining
As usual, Dev gets into all kinds of mischief but somehow he ends up being okay. An interesting escapade. I look forward to his next adventure.
As usual, Dev gets into all kinds of mischief but somehow he ends up being okay. An interesting escapade. I look forward to his next adventure.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews