I dissimulatori

Nameless Detective #35

by Bill Pronzini

Se qualcosa deve andare storto, lo farà nel modo che non ti aspetti. L'incarico pareva abbastanza semplice e tutto era filato liscio. Si trattava solo di rintracciare la prima delle tre ex mogli di David Virden, il cliente, e farle firmare le carte per l'annullamento. A Virden servono per poter sposare la figlia di un riccone, devota cattolica. Il problema? Che hanno sistemato la cosa con la donna sbagliata. Stesse iniziali, forse, magari una vaga somiglianza, ma il cliente sostiene che non è affatto lei. E adesso per giunta è scomparso. Davvero un bel risultato, per degli investigatori privati come Bill e Tamara, sarà il caso di impegnarsi un po' di più. Anche perché nel frattempo il terzo membro dell'agenzia, Jake, ha la sua quota di grattacapi. La sua nuova compagna sospetta che il figlio di nove anni subisca violenze fisiche dal padre, e lui vuole vederci chiaro. Soprattutto se ad alzare le mani sul bambino risulta essere un'altra persona. Che l'apparenza inganni non è una novità, ma quando proprio nessuno è quello che sembra... be', è in arrivo una montagna di guai.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Detective

206 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Mystery Writers of America Awards "Grand Master" 2008
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1999) for Boobytrap
Edgar Awards Best Novel nominee (1998) for A Wasteland of Strangers
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) for Sentinels
Shamus Awards "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) 1987
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1982) for Hoodwink

Married to author Marcia Muller.

Pseudonyms:
Robert Hart Davis (collaboration with Jeffrey M. Wallmann)
Jack Foxx
William Jeffrey (collaboration with Jeffrey M. Wallmann)
Alex Saxon

Reviews

[The Shayne-Train · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've reached the end of the epic 35-books-in-a-row run, and it's bittersweet. I must now go to a book here and there, as the end is looming. But this book, like all the others, was near perfect.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a fan of this series, and this one took a decidedly darker turn. It took me a while to get used to the shifting points of view — the "Nameless" narrator (whose name is Bill) in first person, and the third-person narrative of the other characters.

There was one glaringly dumb thing in this book, however — the description of how Alex Chavez keeps himself amused on stakeouts by listening to "right wing hate radio." There follows a litany of complaints about Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck that is straight out of Media Matters and MSNBC.

That's fine, although I disagree with the sentiments. But the rant doesn't advance the story and it doesn't fit in with anything about the character, who is a pretty law-and-order kind of guy. It's like sticking a tuba in the middle of a string quartet, just for the hell of it.

You want to write about talk radio, send a letter to the editor.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remain an avid fan of Bill Pronzini's Nameless Detective series, and Camouflage, for my money, is one of the better of the newer titles. Jake Runyon, Nameless's partner, deals with one case while Nameless works a different one. Both mysteries are genuine puzzle-type whodunits, but the storyline returns to a grittier, darker tone which is the series' hardboiled roots. This time out, the tough-minded Tamara, now a full partner in the PI firm, is relegated to a support role. The prose is stylish, the pace fast, and I just enjoyed the read.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#35 in the Nameless Detective series. In this 2011 series entry by author Pronzini, the two story arcs do not intersect and the novel is almost two novellas with alternating chapters. Nameless handles a case involving identity theft and mentions that his friend Sharon McCone (the PI creation of Pronzini's wife Marcia Muller) recently had a case involving identity theft - The Dangerous Hour (2004). Agent Jake Runyon gets involved in a personal investigation involving child abuse. A good quick read but hardly the best of the series.

David Virden's case is simple enough: Nameless must find his ex-wife and deliver some papers to her. But she refuses the papers, sends a message to Virden to never contact her again, and slams the door. His colleague, Tamara, tells Nameless that Virden threatens to sue and stops payment on his checks, claiming that the woman they located isn't his wife. Then he disappears and his fiancée hires Nameless to find out why. Meanwhile, Jake Runyon's case has a personal aspect - his new love interest, Bryn Darby, believes that her nine-year-old son, Bobby, is being abused by her ex-husband, but can't get Bobby to confirm her fears.

[Charlie Eckhaus]

Another multi-case entry which Pronzini handles so well, along with the personal involvements of the detectives and suspense. Had I not been following other series, I'd be devouring this one constantly.

[Alecia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this a 3.5/5. I always enjoy Bill Pronzini, and Camouflage is a very nicely written mystery. The same characters from the Nameless Detective series populate this book, and two stories are told concurrently. As usual, Nameless narrates his story in the first person, and Jake Runyon's part is narrated in the third person. It's a very enjoyable read.

[John Biddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good mystery and was an enjoyable read. What I don't understand is why some authors insist on including smears of politicians and parties thy don't like gratuitously into everything they write. When it's germane to the story, sure, but gratuitous posturing for a sense of moral superiority in an otherwise unrelated venue isn't welcome to me or many others.

[LeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Bill Pronzini that I have read and look forward to reading more of his books. Camouflage was overall a great detective story.

[John Grazide · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this one. I think the narrative voice made it more enjoyable. Still broken into parts with Nameless, Tamara and Runyon. But the voice (I can't remember it from past books) was the difference. Nameless is hired to found a clients first ex-wife for an annulment, but when the client goes the the ex, he claims Nameless and crew messed up. Then he disappears. Along with that one, Jake lady friend is struggling with her son and the obvious abuse he's suffering. Until the perpetrator is murdered. But by who? Camouflage!

[Peter Herrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Pronzini book I've tried. Page turner - with 1 or 2 interesting plot twists ; and which I'd have liked to recommend to my wife to read but for the fact that it would be a bit too dark for her taste (and was slightly so for mine); but I gather from other reviews posted here that this is uncharacteristic of most of his 'nameless detective' series - so I'll try another. Certainly not 'literature', but a page turner has it's place.

[Ramona Jennex]

Read
This book was a well written crime story with lots of well thought out plot lines.... HOWEVER I cannot recommend a book that shows such blatant sexism and discrimination. The way the author writes about women and describes women is beyond cringeworthy and his protrayal of the woman who is obese is unforgiveable.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reminds me of the first few books in the series...with a twist.

I love that the title is another was of saying stolen identities in plain site. From a child abuser to murderer/swindler to simply regular folks being someone outside ofv themselves at home.

And Bill is evolving...I like it!!!!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

fast-paced and enjoyable

[Harry Addington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery starring the Nameless Detective.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Pronzine and Nameless Detective. Always find them fun and fast paced with interesting characters. I found Camouflage to have an interesting plot.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have to agree with Patrick on January 2012, there is no place for the authors reaction to his latest exposure to talk radio. May not read anymore in the series if the narrative continues as such.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 2013

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast read focusing on two stories...both pretty nasty.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best ones!

[D. Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stories but what was the point of the talk radio diatribe?

[Nanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

An almost perfect mystery with a film noir feel to it, set in San Francisco.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by Bill Pronzini and I really wasn't impressed. The characters just were not compelling; some were boring. At least Alex Chavez bled; the other detectives just seemed to be going through the moves.

Fortunately, there are two mysteries operating at the same time, requiring the skills of different members of the detective agency. Detective Jake Runion is emotionally involved with a stroke-victim who is divorced and who believes that her son is being abused by her former husband. Bryn didn't do well during the determination of the custodial arrangements for their child, Bobby. This nine-year-old lives with his lawyer-father instead of with his mother as he would prefer. The relationship between the parents is antagonistic.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch: David Virden comes into Nameless's office with a simple problem: Find his first wife and give her some papers. But Virden's former wife isn't interested in his problem, refuses to help and tells the detective and Virden never to contact her again. When Nameless tells Virden the result of his visit with the former Mrs. Virden, David decides to go see her, to explain the seriousness of his need. After his confrontation, David calls the detective agency in a royal snit. He says that the person he met was NOT his former wife. Then David disappears.

With these two problems, it would seem that there's plenty to do. The characters go through the motions, but I wasn't convinced that anyone cared. Fortunately, the author kept the action coming so the plot moved at a fast clip.

[Gloria Feit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nameless Detective in this long-running series is supposed to have semi-retired. It just isn’t so. He’s still working four or five days a week, and it’s a good thing, because it makes for good reading. In the first of two cases described in this novel, he takes on a new client with what at first appears to be a simple ‘trace’ case. The oft-married client asks Nameless to locate his ex-wife so he can get her to sign a Catholic Church form to pave the way for an annulment, so he can marry the next, an apparently well-to-do prospect. Tamara, who is now running the agency in wake of Nameless’ “semi-retirement,” locates the ex-wiife, and after she refuses to sign the papers the client visits her, after which he storms into the office saying that it’s the wrong person. This leads to the ensuing mystery to be solved.

The second plot line involves Jake Runyon, Nameless’ partner, who has finally developed a relationship with a woman, Bryn, who has a nine-year-old son who is in her ex-husband’s custody. It appears that the boy is being abused, but by whom? The father, or his fiancée, who is living with him and the child? The complication of the girl’s murder and the subsequent admission by Bryn of having committed the deed lays the groundwork for some detective work by Jake to find the real culprit.

As in the previous more than two score books in the series, the tightly written novel, accompanied by terse dialogue and seamless transitions, take the reader forward effortlessly. The author’s eye for detail is penetrating, and the novel is recommended.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

We’ve got two basic plots running in parallel. The first looks to be a simple case of tracking down an ex-wife yet, when the husband calls round to the address Tamara has found, he’s on his cell moments after leaving, denying this woman’s identity. As is required in stories like this, he disappears almost immediately afterwards, and our hero is instructed by the worried fiancee to help find him. Not unnaturally, this increasingly looks like a murder and, by the time we get to the end of this story arc, it’s all suitably bloodthirsty as our hero and Alex Chavez are forced to defend themselves. In the other thread, Jake Runyon is getting increasingly close to Bryn Darby and her young son, Bobby. Checking back through the summaries of the intervening novels, this relationship has been a slow burner for several novels and only now comes to the forefront. The trigger is what appears almost certain to be abuse. Bobby spends the week with his father, a family law attorney, and the weekends with his mother. I thought this difficult subject area was handled with considerable sensitivity and, although it’s all rather predictable, everyone emerges from these tragic events wiser than before.
There’s nothing particularly original about the crimes to be solved in Camouflage, but Bill Pronzini puts the package together with commendable skill. Whatever minor cavils one might have about some of the opinions expressed, the plot moves along at a good pace and resolves everything without any loose ends.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a list of all the books (in order) Happy Reading.

1971 The Snatch Random House
1973 The Vanished Random House
1973 Undercurrents Random House
1977 Blowback Ramdom House
1978 Twospot Putman
1980 Laybrinth St. Martin's Press
1980 A Killing In Xanadu Waves Press
1981 Hoodwinked St. Martin's Press
1982 Scattershot St. Martin's Press
1982 Dragonfire St. Martin's Press
1983 Bindlestiff St. Martin's Press
1983 Casefile St. Martin's Press
1984 Quicksilver St. Martin's Press
1984 Nightshades St. Martin's Press
1984 Double St. Martin's Press
1985 Bones St. Martin's Press
1985 Grave Yard Plots St. Martin's Press
1886 Dreadfall St. Martin's Press
1988 Shackles St. Martin's Press
1988 Small Fellonies St. Martin's Press
1990 Jackpot Delacorte
1991 Breakdown Delacorte
1992 Quarry Delacorte
1992 Epitaths Delacorte
1993 Demons Delacorte
1995 Hardcase Delacorte
1996 Spadework Crippen & Landru
1996 Sentinels Carroll & Graf
1997 Illusions Carroll & Graf
1998 Boobytrap Carroll & Graf
1999 Sluths Five Star
1999 Duo Five Star
2000 Crazybones Carroll & Graf
2002 Bleeders Carroll & Graf
2003 Spook Carroll & Graf
2003 Scenarios Five Star
2005 Nightcrawlers Forge
2006 Mourners Forge
2007 Savages Forge
2008 Feaver Forge
2009 Schemers Forge
2010 Betrayers Forge
2011 Camouflage Forge
2012 Hellbox Forge
2012 Kinsmen Cemetery Dance
2012 Femme Cemetery Dance
2013 Nemesis Forge

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me long enough to get started on this series (I've actually had copies of various of the novels in the to-read stacks for some time) and my second toe-dip into the series turned out just as interesting as the first. The series is relatively light on the mystery element -- good solid procedural mysteries -- and long on the characterization. We get to find out a lot about Nameless (aka Bill; Pronzini makes no secret that the character is an author avatar -- far from being a Gary Stu, however) and the various and shifting members of his San Francisco-area detective agency, usually via A and B plots running concurrently through the books.

In this outing, Bill takes on a seemingly minor case involving a serial monogamist seeking to have one last marriage formally annulled, only to find the case turning into something far different and far worse. The parallel story sees senior agency man Jake Runyon drawn into the ugly travails of his girlfriend's life, ending up having to figure out who really killed Bryn's ex-husband's girlfriend.

As with Schemers, I read this in audiobook form (I'm dealing with some visual impairment at the moment, which has slowed me down considerably with dead tree books) and thoroughly enjoyed the reader's performance, which did an excellent job of capturing the characters vocally.

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted a book set in San Francisco to read during a recent vacation to the city, so I picked up this entry in the Nameless Detective series. With a detective of mysterious identity in the spotlight, I expected more of a lone wolf detective exploring darkened alleys and twisty, Noir-inflected puzzles. But while the Nameless Detective can be described as hard-boiled, he's far from a lone wolf. He's the semi-retired head of a detective agency with three other folks working under him. Perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised, because with more than 30 books in his series, he wouldn't be a very good detective if he hadn't garnered some measure of success by this point.

Even though he's not flying solo, the cases he and his team try to solve offer plenty of pathos and twists to spare, so I'd say it's closer to Noir than Agatha Christie, but farther than Raymond Chandler. This time around they've got an abusive step-mother and a possible case of stolen identity to wrestle with. If you'd like a solid detective story with no frills, the Nameless Detective is your guy.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camouflage hits the right buttons. Nameless, supposedly semi-retired but still working four or five days a week, has two cases at the moment. Camouflage hits everything right on the button. The dual plots are wonderfully paced with just enough information and nothing more.

Pronzini strikes a perfect balance and catches the horror of violence. Each character in the book is believable.

I loved "discovering" this "new to me" author. He has a lot of clout:

Mystery Writers of America Awards "Grand Master" 2008
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1999) for Boobytrap
Edgar Awards Best Novel nominee (1998) for A Wasteland of Strangers
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) for Sentinels
Shamus Awards "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) 1987
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1982) for Hoodwink