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Columbo (Tor Series) #6
Columbo: The Hoover Files
When a biographer threatens to reveal secrets buried in the Hoover files, Lt. Columbo must determine if a former FBI agent will stop at nothing--including murder--to keep those secrets hidden.
217 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
William Harrington
57 books10 followersWilliam Harrington is mainly known as the author of Murder at the President’s Door, his specialty was mainly in detective stories. He was a lawyer from 1958 to 1976, an electoral adviser from 1962 to 1965 in Columbus, and finally an attorney from 1978 to 1980. His first novel The Justice Which, Which the Thief, published in 1963, received positive critics. It was a real case story about a couple of jewelry robberies in Ohio.
His other popular book was published in 1982, The English Lady, it is an espionage novel about Winston Churchill and her confidante spying on the Germans during the Second World War. Between 1993 and 1998, he wrote the Columbo series, inspired by the television series American Columbo. He Co-authored with Elliot Roosevelt on the investigations of Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of the US president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Between 1963 and 2001, he has written over 20 interesting and captivating books.
His other popular book was published in 1982, The English Lady, it is an espionage novel about Winston Churchill and her confidante spying on the Germans during the Second World War. Between 1993 and 1998, he wrote the Columbo series, inspired by the television series American Columbo. He Co-authored with Elliot Roosevelt on the investigations of Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of the US president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Between 1963 and 2001, he has written over 20 interesting and captivating books.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 14, 2019
William Harrington *really* knows how to write Columbo. This is the second I've read, and you can absolutely picture Falk saying every single line. The mannerisms are all there. This one was interesting because it had the usual Columbo format (we know who the murderer is, but we follow Columbo along as he figures it out for himself), but it also had another murder mystery thrown in that was only a tiny bit related to the original case.
The villain of this piece referred to every woman he came into contact with as "that whore," and that got a bit jarring to hear every single time he was in a scene. I guess this was to highlight the fact that he was a total prick in addition to being a murderer, but it could have been toned down a bit. But overall, a great mystery with my favorite American detective.
The villain of this piece referred to every woman he came into contact with as "that whore," and that got a bit jarring to hear every single time he was in a scene. I guess this was to highlight the fact that he was a total prick in addition to being a murderer, but it could have been toned down a bit. But overall, a great mystery with my favorite American detective.
November 21, 2021
The last of the series and really the only one where reading the others first may be a good ideal. The others don't really mention the other books, though this one did quite a bit for mainly background purposes. In this case, Columbo is after the killer who took out a journalist who was writing a book that was going after J Edgar Hoover. The killer (it's like the Columbo show, the killer isn't a spoiler) is a retired FBI agent and thus could be a worthy adversary.
It's a solid book and I did enjoy it, though I do think it was the weakest. Even though there were plenty of suspects, Columbo seemed to solve this one fairly easily. While solving other important cases along the way. I can see why this was the end it seems that there were just out of ideals. However again I did enjoy it, it does portray the old TV chatacter well and is well written.
Highly recommended, the whole series is.
It's a solid book and I did enjoy it, though I do think it was the weakest. Even though there were plenty of suspects, Columbo seemed to solve this one fairly easily. While solving other important cases along the way. I can see why this was the end it seems that there were just out of ideals. However again I did enjoy it, it does portray the old TV chatacter well and is well written.
Highly recommended, the whole series is.
June 16, 2026
I believe this is the final volume in this series. It was bittersweet to read it. But much as I can rewatch the episodes I could see rereading some of the volumes in this series again in the years to come. Over nearly a year I watched the complete run of Columbo, while researching an article I wrote as an overview on the series I discovered this novel and the other 5 in the series. I also found about casebooks, and even a cookbook. I thought I would try tracking down these books and give them a try. They do not disappoint. It was almost like watching an episode, his mannerisms, his process, and even his favourite foods. This was the sixth and I believe final in the series I have read in the series. I cannot see any fan of the series not enjoying this book and series; they were very good, I am thankful for some great reads! There is a little sadness that the series is coming to an end. I really wish there were more books available in this series.
The description of this book states:
“When a biographer threatens to reveal secrets buried in the Hoover files, Lt. Columbo must determine if a former FBI agent will stop at nothing--including murder--to keep those secrets hidden.”
Another description is:
“Tell-all biographer Betsy Clendenin was many celebrities' worst fear. But when she began writing a book that would expose secrets buried in the notorious Hoover files, someone decided she'd gone too far. A mail bomb soon sends her, and the evidence she's unearthed, up in flames. The killer thinks he's pulled off the perfect crime, but what he doesn't realize is that "perfect crimes" are Columbo's specialty.”
The dust jacket of the hard cover edition stated:
“For more than twenty-five years, Columbo has been the most popular, and persistent, detective on television. Columbo TV movies are as popular as ever, while the TV show is syndicated and continues to appear on cable. Now the lovable LAPD lieutenant is back at work in the land of the powerful and glitzy, armed with his keen wit, rumpled raincoat, and unlit cigar.
Betsy Clendenin is a tell-all biographer to whom nothing is sacred. Her latest project threatens to expose scathing secrets buried in the notorious Hoover files.
Frederick Kloss is a wealthy, retired FBI agent. To him, J. Edgar Hoover is nothing short of a god, and he never refers to Hoover except as "The Director." Kloss will stop at nothing to protect Hoover's memory— including murder.
Kloss has even more to lose than he realizes. Clendenin might uncover the fact that he personally helped Hoover assemble the files holding the key to America's biggest scandals and secrets. When Betsy Clendenin is killed by a mail bomb that blasts her house — and her damaging research — into oblivion, the LAPD turns to its most notable detective, Lieutenant Columbo.
Retired crime expert Kloss may be the perfect criminal, but if there's the tiniest clue, the famous Lieutenant Columbo will find it. Nothing gets past this rumpled, distracted detective, who always innocently asks "just one more little question."”
I have started a rewatching of the Columbo Television Series, mainly while cooking or eating to have something on in the background. I remembered I had two volumes in the series to finish. When I picked it up I devoured it in under 24 hours, over 2 sittings. I spent most of a Monday afternoon and evening reading later than I should have to finish it.
The first three stories in this series are based on real people and real events, even if extrapolated further out in time. The next two are completely fictional, and this one returns to a historic tie in. But this one also ties very closely to previous books in the series with a lot more crossover in characters and elements then previously. And it was masterfully executed.
This story has a lot of twists and turns. But the biggest if a former FBI agent trying to protect ‘The Director’s’ reputation, even years later. A sensational murder and a lot of writer who is working on a new book. A side case with a missing girl, a star with proclivities, and more. As Columbo digs he finds some people who may have wanted the writer dead for what she had already published, but feels certain it is more something new in the works. Can he gather the evidence needed to make an accusation of that nature. To find out you will need to read this excellent mystery!
This is in my opinion the best novel in the series. Unlike the tradition chapter method, each section of the story starts with a date and time or just the time, if on the same date. The story spans from Wednesday December 16 at 2:41 PM to Wednesday January 20 at 2:47 A.M. The epilogue takes the events out into the future but not as far as some of the others, this is the near future.
While researching for the review of the first volume in this series I discovered that there were also 6 Columbo novels in the 1970; 2 new stores and 4 novelizations of episodes and also a collection called The Columbo Collection of 12 stories by William Link. These 6 novels came out overlapping with the 6 of the last 8 episodes of the TV Movie Special Era.
This was another great read, in a good series. Fans of the series or for those who just like a good mystery or crime detective novel. I greatly enjoyed all the novels in this series, but 1 and it was good, just not great. I can recommend this book and series.
The description of this book states:
“When a biographer threatens to reveal secrets buried in the Hoover files, Lt. Columbo must determine if a former FBI agent will stop at nothing--including murder--to keep those secrets hidden.”
Another description is:
“Tell-all biographer Betsy Clendenin was many celebrities' worst fear. But when she began writing a book that would expose secrets buried in the notorious Hoover files, someone decided she'd gone too far. A mail bomb soon sends her, and the evidence she's unearthed, up in flames. The killer thinks he's pulled off the perfect crime, but what he doesn't realize is that "perfect crimes" are Columbo's specialty.”
The dust jacket of the hard cover edition stated:
“For more than twenty-five years, Columbo has been the most popular, and persistent, detective on television. Columbo TV movies are as popular as ever, while the TV show is syndicated and continues to appear on cable. Now the lovable LAPD lieutenant is back at work in the land of the powerful and glitzy, armed with his keen wit, rumpled raincoat, and unlit cigar.
Betsy Clendenin is a tell-all biographer to whom nothing is sacred. Her latest project threatens to expose scathing secrets buried in the notorious Hoover files.
Frederick Kloss is a wealthy, retired FBI agent. To him, J. Edgar Hoover is nothing short of a god, and he never refers to Hoover except as "The Director." Kloss will stop at nothing to protect Hoover's memory— including murder.
Kloss has even more to lose than he realizes. Clendenin might uncover the fact that he personally helped Hoover assemble the files holding the key to America's biggest scandals and secrets. When Betsy Clendenin is killed by a mail bomb that blasts her house — and her damaging research — into oblivion, the LAPD turns to its most notable detective, Lieutenant Columbo.
Retired crime expert Kloss may be the perfect criminal, but if there's the tiniest clue, the famous Lieutenant Columbo will find it. Nothing gets past this rumpled, distracted detective, who always innocently asks "just one more little question."”
I have started a rewatching of the Columbo Television Series, mainly while cooking or eating to have something on in the background. I remembered I had two volumes in the series to finish. When I picked it up I devoured it in under 24 hours, over 2 sittings. I spent most of a Monday afternoon and evening reading later than I should have to finish it.
The first three stories in this series are based on real people and real events, even if extrapolated further out in time. The next two are completely fictional, and this one returns to a historic tie in. But this one also ties very closely to previous books in the series with a lot more crossover in characters and elements then previously. And it was masterfully executed.
This story has a lot of twists and turns. But the biggest if a former FBI agent trying to protect ‘The Director’s’ reputation, even years later. A sensational murder and a lot of writer who is working on a new book. A side case with a missing girl, a star with proclivities, and more. As Columbo digs he finds some people who may have wanted the writer dead for what she had already published, but feels certain it is more something new in the works. Can he gather the evidence needed to make an accusation of that nature. To find out you will need to read this excellent mystery!
This is in my opinion the best novel in the series. Unlike the tradition chapter method, each section of the story starts with a date and time or just the time, if on the same date. The story spans from Wednesday December 16 at 2:41 PM to Wednesday January 20 at 2:47 A.M. The epilogue takes the events out into the future but not as far as some of the others, this is the near future.
While researching for the review of the first volume in this series I discovered that there were also 6 Columbo novels in the 1970; 2 new stores and 4 novelizations of episodes and also a collection called The Columbo Collection of 12 stories by William Link. These 6 novels came out overlapping with the 6 of the last 8 episodes of the TV Movie Special Era.
This was another great read, in a good series. Fans of the series or for those who just like a good mystery or crime detective novel. I greatly enjoyed all the novels in this series, but 1 and it was good, just not great. I can recommend this book and series.
September 18, 2023
I don't know how William Harrington died, but I suspect that his contract for this series ended with this final book because he was ill. He died only two years after its completion.
I enjoyed the series, but there were things that I didn't like in this novel. One of them was Harrington trying to create a Columbo-verse of recurring characters. I had no problem with team members; the coroner, co-workers, and boss reappearing, that all makes sense. I didn't mind the inclusion of Adrienne Boswell either. In the TV show a lot was conveyed by Peter Falk's acting that isn't easily transferable to the printed page in the same way. Having a part-time partner to help with advancing the story made sense.
What I didn't like was revisiting characters (particularly murderers) from the previous books. For people entering the series, every book should be a standalone, just like each TV episode was. This one referred to many previous stories from the series and made Ai-Ling Cooper-Svan, the villain of the last volume almost into a hero. In this novel it says she murdered her "abusive" husband, but as I remember it, he cheated on her and stole money from her. Not the same thing. Possibly the author was thinking about showing redemption or correction, but this didn't work for me, especially since the Ai-ling seems to be getting out of prison in less than five years for first-degree murder.
I enjoyed the series, but there were things that I didn't like in this novel. One of them was Harrington trying to create a Columbo-verse of recurring characters. I had no problem with team members; the coroner, co-workers, and boss reappearing, that all makes sense. I didn't mind the inclusion of Adrienne Boswell either. In the TV show a lot was conveyed by Peter Falk's acting that isn't easily transferable to the printed page in the same way. Having a part-time partner to help with advancing the story made sense.
What I didn't like was revisiting characters (particularly murderers) from the previous books. For people entering the series, every book should be a standalone, just like each TV episode was. This one referred to many previous stories from the series and made Ai-Ling Cooper-Svan, the villain of the last volume almost into a hero. In this novel it says she murdered her "abusive" husband, but as I remember it, he cheated on her and stole money from her. Not the same thing. Possibly the author was thinking about showing redemption or correction, but this didn't work for me, especially since the Ai-ling seems to be getting out of prison in less than five years for first-degree murder.
could-not-finish
June 4, 2022Just couldn't do it. I was reading it and it seemed kind of... workmanlike. Just... there.
A self-centred guy kills someone and Columbo is assigned the case. But Columbo isn't Columbo. His jokes and general patter are too normal, without the character's, well... character.
I wasn't getting around to finishing it, so I took it back to the library.
A self-centred guy kills someone and Columbo is assigned the case. But Columbo isn't Columbo. His jokes and general patter are too normal, without the character's, well... character.
I wasn't getting around to finishing it, so I took it back to the library.
February 21, 2021
Just one more thing!
February 12, 2023
I love these Columbo mysteries it is just like watching the Columbo movies. This one dealt with the FBI and J Edgar Hoover and someone who didn't want some information to be published.
March 12, 2018
This series never really managed to catch what I like about the show. Like Grassy Knoll before it, this book connects Columbo to a major historical event and its just unnecessary. Not a great finale to the series, but I guess that fits.
November 14, 2025
Voor velen - net zoals voor mij - blijft de figuur van insoecteur Columbo voor altijd onverbrekelijk verbonden de de televisiereeks met Peter Falk in de hoofdrol. Dat zorgt er natuurlijk voor dat de boeken er automatisch een visueel element bij krijgen. De regenjas, de oude Peugeot en de typische manier van de extra vraagstelling bij het weggaan...
Het merkwaarrdigste en mogelijk unieke van de Columbo-verhalen is dat er helemaal geen spanning zit in het te weten komen van wie de dader is of hoe hij/zij de moord pleegde. Dat is immers het onderwerp van het eerste hoofdstuk waarmee elk verhaal begint. Hoe Columbo vanuit het niets de steeds - bijna - perfekte moorden oplost is de essentie van het boek.
De hier veel minder bekende en ondertussen aktueel gezien totaal achterhaalde figuur van J. Edgar Hoover, ex-directeur van de Amerikaanse binnenlandse veiligheidsdienst FBI, is de spilfiguur waar alles om draait. Ook homoseksualiteit en travestie zijn niet langer taboe en/of strafbaar.
Toch kunnen deze zaken makkelijk ge-extrapoleerd worden naar onze tijd, denk maar aan de klimaathysterie, het identitair verzet, de omvolking, islamitisch terrorisme, ...
Het is een plus om de tv-serie bekeken te hebben maar geen absolute voorwaarde.
Aangenaam om lezen, leerzaam zelfs, intellectuele spanning.
Het merkwaarrdigste en mogelijk unieke van de Columbo-verhalen is dat er helemaal geen spanning zit in het te weten komen van wie de dader is of hoe hij/zij de moord pleegde. Dat is immers het onderwerp van het eerste hoofdstuk waarmee elk verhaal begint. Hoe Columbo vanuit het niets de steeds - bijna - perfekte moorden oplost is de essentie van het boek.
De hier veel minder bekende en ondertussen aktueel gezien totaal achterhaalde figuur van J. Edgar Hoover, ex-directeur van de Amerikaanse binnenlandse veiligheidsdienst FBI, is de spilfiguur waar alles om draait. Ook homoseksualiteit en travestie zijn niet langer taboe en/of strafbaar.
Toch kunnen deze zaken makkelijk ge-extrapoleerd worden naar onze tijd, denk maar aan de klimaathysterie, het identitair verzet, de omvolking, islamitisch terrorisme, ...
Het is een plus om de tv-serie bekeken te hebben maar geen absolute voorwaarde.
Aangenaam om lezen, leerzaam zelfs, intellectuele spanning.
April 29, 2013
Enjoyed the story. It kept my interest all the way through. I thought that because of how all the loose ends are being tied together during the last 1/4 of the book, the very end of the book was a bit of a let-down for me. Still good overall though.
May 19, 2011
Kind of like the Castle books.
Want to Read
November 17, 2018Synopsis: did tell-all biographer Betsy Clendenin go too far into the Hoover files? She received a mail bomb. Columbo shuffles in.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews