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Fritz Malone #1
Speak of the Devil
“[An] amazing thriller . . . [Richard] Hawke’s dialogue is sharp and snappy and the plot moves with all the energy of New York City.”— Cleveland Plain Dealer
A child of Hell’s Kitchen and the bastard son of a beloved former police commissioner, Fritz Malone is all too familiar with New York City’s rougher side. So when a gunman opens fire at the crowded Thanksgiving Day parade, Fritz steps into action, giving chase. He then learns that someone dubbed “Nightmare” has been taunting the city’s leaders for weeks—and there’s more carnage to come, unless the city meets the madman’s impossible demands. The nervous police need an outside man, and Fritz fits the bill. Racing furiously against time, Fritz finds himself confounded by Nightmare’s multiple masks and messengers. But the dark story behind the story soon begins to emerge, and when Fritz zeroes in on the terrible truth, the killer retaliates by making things personal. Now Fritz must grapple with his deepest Sometimes nightmares really do come true.
Praise for Speak of the Devil
“Hawke razzle-dazzles us with . . . bada-bing narration and quirky, well-drawn characters.” — The Boston Globe
“[Packed] with a breathless pace and hairpin turns.” — South Florida Sun Sentinel
“Fast-moving, first-rate . . . Hawke’s plot grabs us by the throat. . . . He keeps the suspense mounting.” — The Washington Post Book World
“Solidly entertaining . . . Hawke makes a big splash on the thriller scene with his debut novel.” — The Philadelphia Inquirer
“[ Speak of the Devil ] tours the city with unusual streetwise panache . . . but this isn’t a book that coasts on its urban geography. It lives by its wits, and its wits would work anywhere.” — The New York Times
“A bang-bang thriller . . . We are absolutely powerless to stop reading.” — Chicago Tribune
“[A] deftly paced debut that crackles and pops from page 1.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Thrill-a-minute pacing and inspired plot twists.” — Newsday
“A rare combination of intrigue and intensity.” —Michael Connelly
A child of Hell’s Kitchen and the bastard son of a beloved former police commissioner, Fritz Malone is all too familiar with New York City’s rougher side. So when a gunman opens fire at the crowded Thanksgiving Day parade, Fritz steps into action, giving chase. He then learns that someone dubbed “Nightmare” has been taunting the city’s leaders for weeks—and there’s more carnage to come, unless the city meets the madman’s impossible demands. The nervous police need an outside man, and Fritz fits the bill. Racing furiously against time, Fritz finds himself confounded by Nightmare’s multiple masks and messengers. But the dark story behind the story soon begins to emerge, and when Fritz zeroes in on the terrible truth, the killer retaliates by making things personal. Now Fritz must grapple with his deepest Sometimes nightmares really do come true.
Praise for Speak of the Devil
“Hawke razzle-dazzles us with . . . bada-bing narration and quirky, well-drawn characters.” — The Boston Globe
“[Packed] with a breathless pace and hairpin turns.” — South Florida Sun Sentinel
“Fast-moving, first-rate . . . Hawke’s plot grabs us by the throat. . . . He keeps the suspense mounting.” — The Washington Post Book World
“Solidly entertaining . . . Hawke makes a big splash on the thriller scene with his debut novel.” — The Philadelphia Inquirer
“[ Speak of the Devil ] tours the city with unusual streetwise panache . . . but this isn’t a book that coasts on its urban geography. It lives by its wits, and its wits would work anywhere.” — The New York Times
“A bang-bang thriller . . . We are absolutely powerless to stop reading.” — Chicago Tribune
“[A] deftly paced debut that crackles and pops from page 1.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Thrill-a-minute pacing and inspired plot twists.” — Newsday
“A rare combination of intrigue and intensity.” —Michael Connelly
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 10, 2006
42 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 22, 2016
I guess I could stretch to 3 stars but I just cant get myself to do it. The book is painfully average, so a 2.5 is the exact score it deserves.
We all know the genre. A PI, a mystery, a city as a backdrop, in this case NY, almost a character itself. Some smart-ass lines from the PI, a tangled web of lies and in the end, the good guys win.
I love this kind of stuff. Eat it up. So I picked this up with a good feeling. But its a disappointment. The author tried to subvert some of the tropes but by doing so, also lost some of the charm in the genre. The PI, Fritz Malone is in a happy, healthy relationship. He has no flaws. Doesn't drink too much, doesn't flirt with the “dames” and is an all around stand up guy. The problem is that such a decent, good guy is... well boring. There's no conflict. The author tries to give him a back-story but not only is it bland, its only mentioned briefly and honestly Fritz seems at peace with everything in his life! There's also the feeling we're jumping in at about the second or third book about the character, but this is actually his debut. There's a bit about his former partner, now in a wheelchair, and it feels like there's some interesting story back there, but we never get to it. Same with his father, that went missing years ago, without a trace. Nothing is ever expanded upon.
The usual friend, a bit nuts and a badass shows up a bit, kind of a Bubba Rogowski-lite and he's quite entertaining and interesting but then, after a few pages he just never appears again. I was left thinking how much more cooler would be to follow him than Fritz, or how the wheelchair guy seemed a much better character and how I would like to see him working on one of his implied old cases.
That's another problem. The case is also not that interesting. Sure, there's lots of layers to the story, the investigation flows well enough, the stakes are high, but I just didn't care about any of it. It starts as a mass shooting, then a bombing out of nowhere. Again not really hard boiled PI territory. There's no victim “per se” to seek justice for. There's almost no reason for Fritz to even be on the case. Then there's a kidnapping, but the character is so minor, there's no reason to care about his rescue.
There's a decent climax but when all is explained, even the reason for everything seems a bit far fetched. Then all the bad guys go down and our man is happily taking a stroll with his girlfriend. The end.
There's nothing terribly wrong in the book. Its a decent book and a good way to pass a few hours. Its just bland and devoid of character or charm. Just like Fritz Malone.
We all know the genre. A PI, a mystery, a city as a backdrop, in this case NY, almost a character itself. Some smart-ass lines from the PI, a tangled web of lies and in the end, the good guys win.
I love this kind of stuff. Eat it up. So I picked this up with a good feeling. But its a disappointment. The author tried to subvert some of the tropes but by doing so, also lost some of the charm in the genre. The PI, Fritz Malone is in a happy, healthy relationship. He has no flaws. Doesn't drink too much, doesn't flirt with the “dames” and is an all around stand up guy. The problem is that such a decent, good guy is... well boring. There's no conflict. The author tries to give him a back-story but not only is it bland, its only mentioned briefly and honestly Fritz seems at peace with everything in his life! There's also the feeling we're jumping in at about the second or third book about the character, but this is actually his debut. There's a bit about his former partner, now in a wheelchair, and it feels like there's some interesting story back there, but we never get to it. Same with his father, that went missing years ago, without a trace. Nothing is ever expanded upon.
The usual friend, a bit nuts and a badass shows up a bit, kind of a Bubba Rogowski-lite and he's quite entertaining and interesting but then, after a few pages he just never appears again. I was left thinking how much more cooler would be to follow him than Fritz, or how the wheelchair guy seemed a much better character and how I would like to see him working on one of his implied old cases.
That's another problem. The case is also not that interesting. Sure, there's lots of layers to the story, the investigation flows well enough, the stakes are high, but I just didn't care about any of it. It starts as a mass shooting, then a bombing out of nowhere. Again not really hard boiled PI territory. There's no victim “per se” to seek justice for. There's almost no reason for Fritz to even be on the case. Then there's a kidnapping, but the character is so minor, there's no reason to care about his rescue.
There's a decent climax but when all is explained, even the reason for everything seems a bit far fetched. Then all the bad guys go down and our man is happily taking a stroll with his girlfriend. The end.
There's nothing terribly wrong in the book. Its a decent book and a good way to pass a few hours. Its just bland and devoid of character or charm. Just like Fritz Malone.
January 23, 2018
A fast moving thriller that throws the reader into the middle of the action, as a shooter creates havoc at a parade and the protagonist is the first to realise what's going on and sets off to try and catch the shooter.
For some reason, a lid is being placed on the incident and Fitz is asked to look into things in a private capacity.
The story gets more and more murky. Fitz is a typical, appealing gumshoe.
Many twists before the end of the story.
Probably 3.5 stars
For some reason, a lid is being placed on the incident and Fitz is asked to look into things in a private capacity.
The story gets more and more murky. Fitz is a typical, appealing gumshoe.
Many twists before the end of the story.
Probably 3.5 stars
March 31, 2013
A New York City detective at odds with the cops. An unpredictable villain playing havoc with both sides. A simmering backdrop of police and political conspiracy and cops gone rogue. All the cliche elements of the typical New York City crime novel, right? Even the villain's calculated threats pose the familiar gauntlet of cops and the lead character scrambling to meet demands and sort through the villain's madness before his next diabolical strike. This all seems tried, true and tiring, right?
Well, not actually. Not here.
Richard Hawke adds fresh spin to these overused ingredients in "Speak of the Devil." Get past the unimaginative title and all the stock backstory, setting and character traits and you'll settle in for an intriguing, well-developed novel of mystery, suspense and, in limited ways, introspection. The plot moves, and the author layers the clues carefully, making sure to avoid that a-ha see-through moment before he actually winds you there. And what a ride it is, from the opening gunman-at-the-parade scenario, through a restaurant explosion, then on to threats and visceral assurances of the antagonist's cold-blooded murderous scheme. Along the way we even get little doses of comedy via the first-person witticisms of lead protagonist Fritz Malone, a thoroughly likable "on the outside" kind of guy, who's never done things the proscribed way despite his father having once been police commissioner. Fritz helps keep the story entertaining and real, keeping it from veering toward the heavy John Connolly side of dark crime writing. The detective really engages the reader, without resorting to the tiring, unclever "Law And Order" type of street quips that usually beseige such novels. This book flows; the dialogue is reasonable and the author generally does well keeping you guessing, though the more mystery-savvy among us may spot the villain early. Even so, the motive still would come as a complete surprise.
Now I took my time and enjoyed this one, so contrary to the Goodreads timeline, it was way more than a day that I pecked away at this work. Actually it took me about four months. That was no fault of the author's, sometimes life just happens. But I do recommend reading this book at the pace it was designed to be digested -- several careful but enjoyable sittings over about a week. You'll keep the characters fresh and truly get drawn in to Fritz's world -- a slice of New York mystery that will hit the spot better than a midday slice of pepperoni....in Manhattan.
Well, not actually. Not here.
Richard Hawke adds fresh spin to these overused ingredients in "Speak of the Devil." Get past the unimaginative title and all the stock backstory, setting and character traits and you'll settle in for an intriguing, well-developed novel of mystery, suspense and, in limited ways, introspection. The plot moves, and the author layers the clues carefully, making sure to avoid that a-ha see-through moment before he actually winds you there. And what a ride it is, from the opening gunman-at-the-parade scenario, through a restaurant explosion, then on to threats and visceral assurances of the antagonist's cold-blooded murderous scheme. Along the way we even get little doses of comedy via the first-person witticisms of lead protagonist Fritz Malone, a thoroughly likable "on the outside" kind of guy, who's never done things the proscribed way despite his father having once been police commissioner. Fritz helps keep the story entertaining and real, keeping it from veering toward the heavy John Connolly side of dark crime writing. The detective really engages the reader, without resorting to the tiring, unclever "Law And Order" type of street quips that usually beseige such novels. This book flows; the dialogue is reasonable and the author generally does well keeping you guessing, though the more mystery-savvy among us may spot the villain early. Even so, the motive still would come as a complete surprise.
Now I took my time and enjoyed this one, so contrary to the Goodreads timeline, it was way more than a day that I pecked away at this work. Actually it took me about four months. That was no fault of the author's, sometimes life just happens. But I do recommend reading this book at the pace it was designed to be digested -- several careful but enjoyable sittings over about a week. You'll keep the characters fresh and truly get drawn in to Fritz's world -- a slice of New York mystery that will hit the spot better than a midday slice of pepperoni....in Manhattan.
April 10, 2016
this is a new author for me; but I have already downloaded another novel by Richard Hawke. The opening scene of this book is perhaps the best opening scene I've ever read. It is dramatic; it establishes the tone of the novel; it lets the reader know the point-of-view character; it introduces the setting; and it provides background information about the main character.
This author has a very natural style of storytelling, and he makes interesting and effective word choices - showing a very strong facility of language use. Here are a few of the interesting phrases I marked: "...squatty guy shaped like a gumdrop..." (and later referred to this character as "the gumdrop." "I shot him with a finger pistol." "Margo looked like rain on a sunny day." "...(she) pulled out a compact and checked in the little mirror to see if she was still there." "Paul is another story, and not one I'd pick up and read if I had a choice." "Clouds drifted across her eyes."
In discussing a news report, these two gems. "A know-nothing overreacting to a rumor that is false is not news." and "His neighbors had nothing insightful to say about him, but they were allowed to say it anyway."
And about politicians who are constantly only thinking about how actions are going to reflect on them and further or hinder their careers: "...start backing away from the political mirror."
Here's a nice romantic one: "I looked for Margo in my dreams. I had to skirt around that #$@# Jenny Gray and her pearl-white neckline, but at last I found Margo."
This author has a very natural style of storytelling, and he makes interesting and effective word choices - showing a very strong facility of language use. Here are a few of the interesting phrases I marked: "...squatty guy shaped like a gumdrop..." (and later referred to this character as "the gumdrop." "I shot him with a finger pistol." "Margo looked like rain on a sunny day." "...(she) pulled out a compact and checked in the little mirror to see if she was still there." "Paul is another story, and not one I'd pick up and read if I had a choice." "Clouds drifted across her eyes."
In discussing a news report, these two gems. "A know-nothing overreacting to a rumor that is false is not news." and "His neighbors had nothing insightful to say about him, but they were allowed to say it anyway."
And about politicians who are constantly only thinking about how actions are going to reflect on them and further or hinder their careers: "...start backing away from the political mirror."
Here's a nice romantic one: "I looked for Margo in my dreams. I had to skirt around that #$@# Jenny Gray and her pearl-white neckline, but at last I found Margo."
November 29, 2017
I was searching for some new holiday books to read this year. I have lots of audio and eBooks for Christmas but very few for Thanksgiving. So when this came up in Audible I jumped all over it. I like Thrillers/Mysteries/Cozy especially ones with a holiday theme. Unfortunately, this is the second Thanksgiving themed story I've read where the crime takes place at a parade. I enjoyed the plot of this book it had a lot of action and lots of twists and turns! I figured out who the killer was half-way thru the book but knowing it did not take anything away finishing the book. It was the reason behind why "Nightmare" did the things he did. Fritz Malone is the main character/Hero, he is very likable. Not the macho hard-nosed, jilted type of PI that are so popular. Fritz is an every-man, who is honest and takes his job seriously, loves his job (without having to play politics) and his girlfriend. Even the secondary characters are very interesting. I hope there's a second book with a little more background on Fritz and the secondary characters, i.e. his ex-partner, girl-friend and Mother.
Read
February 5, 2009At once a serial-killer and political thriller as well as a portrait of a city, Speak of the Devil excited some critics while disappointing others. Richard Hawke, the pseudonym for mystery writer Tim Cockey, has penned a smart, entertaining whodunit__but how each element fit together raised some questions. Malone, a man with a troubled past and a vanished former-police-commissioner father, offers a good character study. But reviewers disagreed about how well Hawke captured the city's pulse, from the Cloisters to Central Park to the 59th Street Bridge. Too many characters, side stories, predictable relationships, and an implausible plot also detracted from a few critics' enjoyment. Nonetheless, the suspense never wanes and will keep readers turning the pages.
This is an excerpt from a review published in Bookmarks magazine.
May 19, 2008
I consumed this book in less than a day.
It's one of the few this year that hooked me in pretty much from the first few pages, and kept going pretty much throughout. Sure, by the time we're 80% thru the book I was growling "enough already, let's get to the bad guy already", red herrings and dead ends piling up along the way. But it was still really really good.
And this is a debut novel?? Amazing.
The plot you can get off the dust jacket, so I won't bother.
The main character and his girlfriend have goofy interactions that remind me of those between me & hubby. Example: he's just been scratched up and pepper-sprayed, barely escaping with his life.. calls his girlfriend and says "I need you to call me a cab." There's a pause, then she says "Okay. You're a cab."
I love it :-)
Looking forward to more from Mr Richard Hawke.
It's one of the few this year that hooked me in pretty much from the first few pages, and kept going pretty much throughout. Sure, by the time we're 80% thru the book I was growling "enough already, let's get to the bad guy already", red herrings and dead ends piling up along the way. But it was still really really good.
And this is a debut novel?? Amazing.
The plot you can get off the dust jacket, so I won't bother.
The main character and his girlfriend have goofy interactions that remind me of those between me & hubby. Example: he's just been scratched up and pepper-sprayed, barely escaping with his life.. calls his girlfriend and says "I need you to call me a cab." There's a pause, then she says "Okay. You're a cab."
I love it :-)
Looking forward to more from Mr Richard Hawke.
November 24, 2007
This first novel by Richard Hawke was entertaining and compelling enough that I finished it one setting.
The story revolves around the illegitimate son of a former NYC Police Chief who stumbles upon a shooting at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The shooter is killed but the actual mastermind is determined to be someone blackmailing the Mayor and the City for mucho dinero. In order to avoid a panic, the Mayor and current Police Chief enlist our hero in secretly finding the blackmailer.
It was good reading although it left a lot of references to past events that made me think a lot was edited out. Or, it's setting it up for the next book.
Unfortunately, Hawke fell victim to what I call a "Stephen King ending". That's where the entire story rushed to wrap up in the last 10 pages or so.
The story revolves around the illegitimate son of a former NYC Police Chief who stumbles upon a shooting at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The shooter is killed but the actual mastermind is determined to be someone blackmailing the Mayor and the City for mucho dinero. In order to avoid a panic, the Mayor and current Police Chief enlist our hero in secretly finding the blackmailer.
It was good reading although it left a lot of references to past events that made me think a lot was edited out. Or, it's setting it up for the next book.
Unfortunately, Hawke fell victim to what I call a "Stephen King ending". That's where the entire story rushed to wrap up in the last 10 pages or so.
November 12, 2010
Mystery and political thriller set in NYC. Starts with a mass shooting at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and takes off from there, with lots of plot twists and turns involving a private eye, the police commissioner, and the Mayor of NYC. Enjoyable, fairly conventional for its genre, and a quick read. Nothing ground-breaking, but not bad either.
March 11, 2019
Not His Best
This is a relented writer capable of keeping you in a state of suspense. If you like his work than but this book. But this is far from his best, it drags in parts and was surprisingly predictable. Three stars for me is a Meh.
This is a relented writer capable of keeping you in a state of suspense. If you like his work than but this book. But this is far from his best, it drags in parts and was surprisingly predictable. Three stars for me is a Meh.
March 19, 2020
I like to read books with smart-aleck cops with wise cracker one-liners This book was not a disappointment in that genre. This was Mr. Hawke's first novel. I'll be reading more of his books.
If I had a negative to say about it, I'd have to say that there were some paragraphs that were one page long throughout the book. Personally, I prefer shorter paragraphs and short chapters
Wonderful writer, though.
If I had a negative to say about it, I'd have to say that there were some paragraphs that were one page long throughout the book. Personally, I prefer shorter paragraphs and short chapters
Wonderful writer, though.
July 21, 2020
The usual P.I. in NYC, who the police turn to for help. Really? And he does not suspect a thing. Well written, moved right along. I just wish it had not been so unbelievable. And predictable. Can't authors create a new bad guy? And if you are going to go for unbelievable, make one the politicians or policeman a woman. All the women were either the adoring girlfriend, a self centered starlett, reporter, nun or secretary. It was nice that they were all smarter than the P.I.
September 21, 2021
Really good crime fiction.
I actually loved the sarcastic remarks by the main character, Fritz Malone. He kind of made the serious moments seem more real!
Kind of unsatisfied but also satisfied with the ending. Was expecting something bigger. But at the same time it was clever how the villains were the people right in front of the readers eyes the whole time!
All I got to say is the political system is messed up!
I actually loved the sarcastic remarks by the main character, Fritz Malone. He kind of made the serious moments seem more real!
Kind of unsatisfied but also satisfied with the ending. Was expecting something bigger. But at the same time it was clever how the villains were the people right in front of the readers eyes the whole time!
All I got to say is the political system is messed up!
November 28, 2017
Page-turner!
March 19, 2018
the hardboiled crime book of the 50s- style, but updated. Really liked it. Liked the characters and the writing and the wit.
June 3, 2019
Fun book to listen to on my commute. Fast paced, kept me guessing
July 10, 2019
Kept me entertained until the very end, just like the books he wrote as Tim Cockey
December 17, 2020
Sort of an average mystery but I really enjoyed the writing style. Looking forward to and hoping for growth with the story lines in his future novels.
March 10, 2021
Fritz Malone as private eye
April 7, 2023
Loved this book. At the end of the book I learned it was the authors first novel. I will look for more his books.
October 14, 2024
DNF @ 82%. I went back to this audiobook to see about finishing it but can’t remember the book. 1.75 audio.
December 15, 2016
If you enjoy detective literature in a traditional sense then Richard Hawke’s Speak of the Devil is a must read. It takes old techniques from Sherlock Holmes and Dupin and adds a modern twist, allowing the story to be more engaging. This story has it all, corrupt law enforcement, dysfunctional relationships, local thugs and much more. Written in the first person, the reader travels around New York City through the eyes of Fritz Malone the private investigator. Taking many twist and turns, moving throughout the five boroughs of New York, you identify many different relationships, some of which are professional while others are sensual. He investigates the criminal activity that is endangering the strong-hearted city of New York. He stakes his claim on the people of the city by trying to please them all, with his witty charm and caring attitude. However with the surplus of people introduced in the story he can’t possibly do so. This book takes you on an emotional ride, making it hard to put down. Speak of the Devil provides a necessary innovation to the traditional Sherlock Holmes stories; in the way that it incorporates a significant amount of symbolism that makes one think twice about some of Hawke’s authorial choices. Therefore beware and never make assumptions like the great Fritz Malone.
Taking place during the holiday months of November and December, Hawke incorporates many religious and colorful references. In the opening chapters of the book Hawke uses colorism as a main way to reflect the mood and the ever changing atmosphere of the scene. Showing that he is a literary ace in terms of his use of stylistic choices in a rather serious detective story compares to no other. He also depicts religion derived from the title in a sort of magical form when he writes “Behind him, the wings of the angel in the fountain stretched majestically against the blue sky” illustrating that this person's power surpasses those of a normal human being (6). Hawke continues to do this throughout the novel which makes for a better read because it enhances one's deduction skills in seeking further than what surface provides.
This fast paced novel will leave you entranced in Richard Hawkes artful choices, gliding through the pages seeking hidden clues and motives for why this is happening to some of the people in New York City. I would highly recommend that one reads this book especially if you are just exploring the genre because he incorporates older aspects of detective literature as well as applies a modern twist that keeps one hooked in.
Taking place during the holiday months of November and December, Hawke incorporates many religious and colorful references. In the opening chapters of the book Hawke uses colorism as a main way to reflect the mood and the ever changing atmosphere of the scene. Showing that he is a literary ace in terms of his use of stylistic choices in a rather serious detective story compares to no other. He also depicts religion derived from the title in a sort of magical form when he writes “Behind him, the wings of the angel in the fountain stretched majestically against the blue sky” illustrating that this person's power surpasses those of a normal human being (6). Hawke continues to do this throughout the novel which makes for a better read because it enhances one's deduction skills in seeking further than what surface provides.
This fast paced novel will leave you entranced in Richard Hawkes artful choices, gliding through the pages seeking hidden clues and motives for why this is happening to some of the people in New York City. I would highly recommend that one reads this book especially if you are just exploring the genre because he incorporates older aspects of detective literature as well as applies a modern twist that keeps one hooked in.
February 14, 2017
This story has way too many stories going at the same time. The author wants you to believe they are related but it's just too convoluted to work. Even at the end when the author is trying to pull it all together, it just doesn't work.
August 11, 2007
SPEAK OF THE DEVIL (Private Investigator-NYC-Cont) – G+
Hawke, Richard – 1st book
Random House, 2005-US Hardcover – ISBN: 1400064252
First Sentence: If she had known she would be dead in another five minutes, maybe she wouldn’t have swatted her son so hard.
*** PI Fritz Malone went out to buy bagels and has stopped to watch in balloons in the New York City Thanksgiving Day Parade. He didn’t expect to see a gunman take aim at the Mayor’s actress girlfriend and start killing people in the crowd. Fritz gives chase an becomes embroiled in a search for “The Nightmare” who is trying to extort millions from the City of New York and who willing to keep killing to get it.
*** Richard Hawke is the pseudonym for Tom Cockey under which name he writes “The Hearse…” series. Set in New York City, Hawke knows his city well and takes us along with him. I enjoyed Fritz and his girlfriend Margo but there are a lot of characters and it’s not always easy to keep them straight. There is plenty of action, particularly at the beginning then tapering off, twists and suspense. The plot is improbable, the coincidences huge, and the end is abrupt although unexpected. But the book kept moving right along and taking me with it. It’s another good book to pack for a trip.
Hawke, Richard – 1st book
Random House, 2005-US Hardcover – ISBN: 1400064252
First Sentence: If she had known she would be dead in another five minutes, maybe she wouldn’t have swatted her son so hard.
*** PI Fritz Malone went out to buy bagels and has stopped to watch in balloons in the New York City Thanksgiving Day Parade. He didn’t expect to see a gunman take aim at the Mayor’s actress girlfriend and start killing people in the crowd. Fritz gives chase an becomes embroiled in a search for “The Nightmare” who is trying to extort millions from the City of New York and who willing to keep killing to get it.
*** Richard Hawke is the pseudonym for Tom Cockey under which name he writes “The Hearse…” series. Set in New York City, Hawke knows his city well and takes us along with him. I enjoyed Fritz and his girlfriend Margo but there are a lot of characters and it’s not always easy to keep them straight. There is plenty of action, particularly at the beginning then tapering off, twists and suspense. The plot is improbable, the coincidences huge, and the end is abrupt although unexpected. But the book kept moving right along and taking me with it. It’s another good book to pack for a trip.
December 28, 2011
Fritz Malone, a private investigator and bastard son of a former police chief decides to go out for bagels on a beautiful Thanksgiving morning. He lingers to watch the parade and suddenly sees a gunman taking aim on the princess on a float. Fritz throws the bagels at the princess , saving her life and takes after the gunman. Both Fritz and the gunman are apprehended by the police and instead of being driven to the local precinct are driven to a building near police headquarters.
Fritz learns that the city as been under the threats of Nightmare for awhile and this is one of those threats being carried out. The gunman turns out to be only a messenger and the current police commissioner asks Fritz to take this case on before any more threats are carried out.
Speak of the Devil is an intrigue and thriller that reels the reader in and keeps him turning the pages. I did not see the end coming and this makes it a great whodunit for me. Fritz is an engaging detective with loads of baggage and his girlfriend Margo is a perfect counterpoint for him. I will look forward to the next in the series.
Fritz learns that the city as been under the threats of Nightmare for awhile and this is one of those threats being carried out. The gunman turns out to be only a messenger and the current police commissioner asks Fritz to take this case on before any more threats are carried out.
Speak of the Devil is an intrigue and thriller that reels the reader in and keeps him turning the pages. I did not see the end coming and this makes it a great whodunit for me. Fritz is an engaging detective with loads of baggage and his girlfriend Margo is a perfect counterpoint for him. I will look forward to the next in the series.
September 7, 2012
We had previously read all five of Tim Cockey’s light mystery series about mortician Hitchcock Sewell, and for sure enjoyed the author’s sense of humor. So we thought we’d try this first novel in the Fritz Malone set, for which the author switched to the pseudonym Richard Hawke. Fritz is a private eye, son of a former police commissioner, and thus well known in the law enforcement community. While viewing a Thanksgiving day parade that goes awry with shootings and other mayhem, Fritz gets involved in a very complicated affair involving serious blackmail, further killings, and high-level police corruption. One need to know little more to realize this novel is neither light-hearted nor largely comedic, although at times Fritz displays the “Cockey” humor ala the prior set.
While we weren’t expecting such a “high-octane”, complicated crime story, we did find the plot quite suspenseful and the Malone character a go-getter we cared about. Both qualities would motivate us to try further entries in the more serious “Hawke” mystery/thriller bibliography.
While we weren’t expecting such a “high-octane”, complicated crime story, we did find the plot quite suspenseful and the Malone character a go-getter we cared about. Both qualities would motivate us to try further entries in the more serious “Hawke” mystery/thriller bibliography.
April 5, 2012
This was an fantastic novel, and it could be upped in that it was a debut novel from Richard Hawke. Fritz Malone, a former NYC cop now a private investigator, is put in the middle of a massacre during the Thanksgiving Day parade. An innocent spectator at first, he springs into action and captures the sniper. Oh, but that's only the beginning. As he uncovers a vast conspiracy and web of deceit and destruction, he is in pursuit of a serial killer, dubbed the "nightmare". This book had everything I enjoy in a novel: action, drama, suspense, humor, and a little romance. The twist and turns were tight, and the real antagonist was a surprise. For me, it seems Hawke emulates a little Robert B. Parker, Jeffery Deaver, and David Baldacci into his work. Since I enjoy those three author's works, I'll add Hawke to that list. Bravo!
November 5, 2012
I enjoyed this book, but thought the ending could have been done a little differently. It felt like he was rushing to get it done and I didn't really understand what happened. I reread the last couple of pages and I still had questions.
It is hard-boiled and I like that kind of book as it keeps you wondering who the good guys really are. This is #1 in the Fritz Malone series. In a way it reminded me of the Spenser novels. I love Spenser and Hawk. I will read the next one if and when I can find it.
Even though it moved along very quickly, it didn't make me want to stop what I was doing and finish it. That is why I am only giving it 4 our of 5 stars.
It is hard-boiled and I like that kind of book as it keeps you wondering who the good guys really are. This is #1 in the Fritz Malone series. In a way it reminded me of the Spenser novels. I love Spenser and Hawk. I will read the next one if and when I can find it.
Even though it moved along very quickly, it didn't make me want to stop what I was doing and finish it. That is why I am only giving it 4 our of 5 stars.
November 4, 2020
My favorite kind of book. There was good intelligent writing plus some intrigue. A very good read. We have P.I. Fritz Malone the bastard son of a former police commissioner along with Jigs Dugan his shady friend and as always the beautiful girlfriend this time named Margo. All we need is a cat or dog. Throw in some self-righteous politicians and I'm a fan for life...The place, New York City. Malone goes out for bagels and stops for a parade. He sees the man on the low wall with a gun. Shots ring out and Fritz is on the trail of a killer...
July 21, 2015
#1 in the Fritz Malone series. Author Richard Hawke is the pseudonym of Tim Cockey, author of the Baltimore mortician Hitchcock Sewell series.
Fritz Malone, PI and bastard son of former NYC Police Commissioner, chases down a shooter at the Thanksgiving parade. He is taken into custody and then finds that a cop from a suspect precinct in Brooklyn is being given credit for the collar. The shooting was only the first act of an extortion plot and the Mayor and Police Commissioner want Fritz to find the perpetrator.
Fritz Malone, PI and bastard son of former NYC Police Commissioner, chases down a shooter at the Thanksgiving parade. He is taken into custody and then finds that a cop from a suspect precinct in Brooklyn is being given credit for the collar. The shooting was only the first act of an extortion plot and the Mayor and Police Commissioner want Fritz to find the perpetrator.
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