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The Highly Effective Detective #1
The Highly Effective Detective
From the critically acclaimed author of Confessions of a Tax Collector and The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp comes The Highly Effective Detective--a hilarious and thrilling series debut featuring a lovable but bumbling private investigator.
Meet Teddy Ruzak, the oversized, over-his-head P.I. whose first case begins with the hit-and-run killing of a gaggle of goslings. After his ailing mother dies, Teddy quits his job as a night watchman to fulfill his childhood dream of being a detective. With little planning and even less foresight, he hangs up his shingle and hires his favorite waitress from the local diner to be his Girl Friday. And his first case? Bringing to justice the thoughtless driver who mows down six baby geese. Not the most exciting assignment--until Teddy's "wild-goose chase" quickly evolves into an investigation of a vicious murder.
Meet Teddy Ruzak, the oversized, over-his-head P.I. whose first case begins with the hit-and-run killing of a gaggle of goslings. After his ailing mother dies, Teddy quits his job as a night watchman to fulfill his childhood dream of being a detective. With little planning and even less foresight, he hangs up his shingle and hires his favorite waitress from the local diner to be his Girl Friday. And his first case? Bringing to justice the thoughtless driver who mows down six baby geese. Not the most exciting assignment--until Teddy's "wild-goose chase" quickly evolves into an investigation of a vicious murder.
294 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
March 20, 2010
My beloved sister-in-law has been berating me for buying books (even when I buy them used at the library: $1 for hardcovers, 50¢ for paperbacks), so the last time I got a book catalog I picked out a couple books I thought I would like to read but then instead of sending in an order went down to the library to see if the library had them on the shelves or at least some book(s) by the sane author ... which is how I came across this volume, which turns out to be the first in a series. I had never read anything by Yancey before, so I opened this slim volume with mild anticipation ... and suddenly thought I heard Lynn Anderson singing in the background ("Telling my whole life with his words, killing me softly with his song …"). No, I don't recall that I have ever felt like opening a detective agency, but in most other respects reading Teddy Ruzak's first-person account of changing his career from a night watchman (I used to be a night watchman) to :"the highly effective detective" was like looking into a mirror. He is me! (Yeah, I know, that's ungrammatical). On every page I found a reflection of his past that was a mirror image of my own; in almost every statement I found an echo of things I have said or thought. The one big difference, from my point of views, is that Teddy Ruzak is funny, and I am generally not considered to be so.
The laughable thing about the highly effective detective, of course, is that he is not. He is a bumbling, overly shy guy whose circuitous way of thinking is about as far away from his beloved model of Sherlock Holmes as one can get. He can quote from every great author who ever lived (night watchmen get lots of time to read), but he cannot seem to pass the test to get his Private Investigator license. He is in love with his snippety secretary, who bosses him around like a flunky and holds him off at arms' distance with complete ease. He clearly has no idea of what to do about developing his business ... and yet, as he stumbles along through life, he keeps stepping into the solutions of each problem that comes along, so that he turns out to be effective, in the end. This is Inspector Rousseau without bravado, Inspector Columbo without a raincoat. Teddy Ruzak is a bit overweight, but cannot seem to drive past a Krispy Kreme doughnut store without picking up a boxful; since I have a similar problem with Dunkin Donuts, I feel a strong bond.
In addition to Teddy Ruzak, moreover, the book is filled with other engaging characters, making it a fun read from beginning to end. His first client is a doddering old retired banker who wants him to find the "murderer" of a group of goslings. His second client is a college student who cannot afford him but who has a real problem, since her stepmother has disappeared, and it turns out there were some unanswered questions about her real mother's death, a few years back. His most frequent office visitor is an elderly woman who is determined to confess to everything. He gets lots of help from a policeman who does not seem to recall that there is supposed to be animosity between real policemen and private detectives.
The real fun, however, is in trying to follow the complicated thinking process that Teddy Ruzak applies to everything, from masking the odors of the dry cleaning business on the first floor, below his office, to kissing a pretty girl. Some of the dialog is reminiscent of Abbot and Costello's best routines, and the action is complex enough to keep the reader wondering what on earth is going to happen next.
The laughable thing about the highly effective detective, of course, is that he is not. He is a bumbling, overly shy guy whose circuitous way of thinking is about as far away from his beloved model of Sherlock Holmes as one can get. He can quote from every great author who ever lived (night watchmen get lots of time to read), but he cannot seem to pass the test to get his Private Investigator license. He is in love with his snippety secretary, who bosses him around like a flunky and holds him off at arms' distance with complete ease. He clearly has no idea of what to do about developing his business ... and yet, as he stumbles along through life, he keeps stepping into the solutions of each problem that comes along, so that he turns out to be effective, in the end. This is Inspector Rousseau without bravado, Inspector Columbo without a raincoat. Teddy Ruzak is a bit overweight, but cannot seem to drive past a Krispy Kreme doughnut store without picking up a boxful; since I have a similar problem with Dunkin Donuts, I feel a strong bond.
In addition to Teddy Ruzak, moreover, the book is filled with other engaging characters, making it a fun read from beginning to end. His first client is a doddering old retired banker who wants him to find the "murderer" of a group of goslings. His second client is a college student who cannot afford him but who has a real problem, since her stepmother has disappeared, and it turns out there were some unanswered questions about her real mother's death, a few years back. His most frequent office visitor is an elderly woman who is determined to confess to everything. He gets lots of help from a policeman who does not seem to recall that there is supposed to be animosity between real policemen and private detectives.
The real fun, however, is in trying to follow the complicated thinking process that Teddy Ruzak applies to everything, from masking the odors of the dry cleaning business on the first floor, below his office, to kissing a pretty girl. Some of the dialog is reminiscent of Abbot and Costello's best routines, and the action is complex enough to keep the reader wondering what on earth is going to happen next.
February 16, 2025
I only gave this one 3 stars because it ended better than it started. Lots of meandering thoughts that seem to tumble off the paper plate of nonsense. Much like this review. Glad I survived this one. Not great for a $.25 find. I expect more for that kind of money.
June 23, 2017
Liked the premise and felt like it was a fun story. However, the language was a little strong (R rated) for my taste.
April 4, 2008
Despite picking up a copy of this book in the Teen Mystery section, I wouldn't call it a teen book. Sure, you could argue that the lead character has the maturity of a 19 year old, but he is in fact 33. There is a big difference between a 19 year old and a 33 year old who'd been working the same security guard job (he flunked out of the Police Academy), having no relationships, social or otherwise, and still living with his mom. The result is a man-child with an emphasis on the CHILD. Our main character is overly trusting, naive, simplistic, and has far less apathy or sarcasm than the typical 19 year old.
Having said that, I adored this character. One of Teddy's signature traits is free association thinking, which easily becomes free association talking. Almost no one in this book other than reader has any idea what Teddy is talking about. That style goes well with his generally sweet, marshmallowy interior (at one point he's referred to as a bulldog, and I was reminded of my neighbors' bulldog who tries to run and hide when confronted with people/cats/squirrels).
The plot chugs along as slowly as the narrator, and nothing really exciting happens until about 2/3rds of the way in. Again, this is a bit much to ask of teen readers. The climax isn't spectacular, but it is realistic, in the same pedantic way that the narrator is pedantic. I guess the real mystery is how the author was able to make a book that turned that last sentence into a compliment instead of an insult.
Having said that, I adored this character. One of Teddy's signature traits is free association thinking, which easily becomes free association talking. Almost no one in this book other than reader has any idea what Teddy is talking about. That style goes well with his generally sweet, marshmallowy interior (at one point he's referred to as a bulldog, and I was reminded of my neighbors' bulldog who tries to run and hide when confronted with people/cats/squirrels).
The plot chugs along as slowly as the narrator, and nothing really exciting happens until about 2/3rds of the way in. Again, this is a bit much to ask of teen readers. The climax isn't spectacular, but it is realistic, in the same pedantic way that the narrator is pedantic. I guess the real mystery is how the author was able to make a book that turned that last sentence into a compliment instead of an insult.
October 25, 2010
I'm happy that I read this book, but I found that my impression of it was more uneven than most. While some passages seemed good and "tight", others either left "long" or just tedious. That's not a very charitable thing to say, but overall I liked it enough to consider reading the next book in the series.
Why? Well, for two reasons:
a) has the author pulled the next book together better (yes, I know it's not his first novel) and
b) having waded through a lot of the "who are our leading characters and how do they interact" material, the follow-on books should be able to avoid some of these plot distractions.
I was not a big fan of the micro-length chapters that are used. It gave me the impression that the book was even more "fluffy" than it really is. Not that light reading is bad - I just think that this story could have felt and read "meatier" than it does.
I will look for the next book in the series and I will also consider other books (the adult line) that the author has written. If you like detection no matter how awkwardly the protagonist goes about his business, you should try reading this for yourself. There are a couple of good mystery solutions that "Mr. Highly Effective" pulls off!
Why? Well, for two reasons:
a) has the author pulled the next book together better (yes, I know it's not his first novel) and
b) having waded through a lot of the "who are our leading characters and how do they interact" material, the follow-on books should be able to avoid some of these plot distractions.
I was not a big fan of the micro-length chapters that are used. It gave me the impression that the book was even more "fluffy" than it really is. Not that light reading is bad - I just think that this story could have felt and read "meatier" than it does.
I will look for the next book in the series and I will also consider other books (the adult line) that the author has written. If you like detection no matter how awkwardly the protagonist goes about his business, you should try reading this for yourself. There are a couple of good mystery solutions that "Mr. Highly Effective" pulls off!
June 4, 2014
Humorous mystery about a sweet lunkhead and failed police academy cadet, Teddy, who decides to become a real detective by opening up shop as a private detective. He rents office space above a dry cleaners and recruits smart aleck waitress, Felicia, who looks "just like Lauren Bacall" as his secretary/girl Friday and presto(!), he's a detective. His first case: finding The Gosling Killer (he ran over six baby ducks with his SUV.)
Three things saved this series from being a run of the mill Stephanie Plum clone:
1. Teddy's not as dumb as he looks (or sounds.) He's no Sherlock but he never falls in to the "too stupid to live" category.
2. Teddy is genuinely sweet. He struggles to have "good moral character" and do what's best for the people around him, even at a cost to himself.
3. This book made me laugh. I w
Three things saved this series from being a run of the mill Stephanie Plum clone:
1. Teddy's not as dumb as he looks (or sounds.) He's no Sherlock but he never falls in to the "too stupid to live" category.
2. Teddy is genuinely sweet. He struggles to have "good moral character" and do what's best for the people around him, even at a cost to himself.
3. This book made me laugh. I w
January 23, 2019
This is the first in a series of cozy mysteries by Rick Yancey. His sleuth is Teddy Ruzak. When Teddy's mother dies and leaves him some money, he quits his job as a night security officer to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a detective. Although he names his agency The Highly Effective Detective agency, he is the exact opposite -- unqualified and naive with little life experiences. He bumbles his way through this case to an "effective" close, providing the reader with a book filled with humor and good fun. I probably wouldn't pick this up to read, but a Highly Effective Detective sequel could make a good audiobook read.
July 3, 2014
Well, at the beginning I had my doubts. But as it went on it kept getting better. As any good mystery should, by the end the plot had taken many surprising twists and turns that weren't predictable (at least not to me, anyway). This qualifies quite nicely for something that's quick reading, light, and entertaining. If the series continues I'll read more of them.
August 19, 2020
Some of my favorite things: Rick Yancey, Knoxville as the setting, and someone dying an unnatural death. ; )
November 13, 2019
I truly enjoyed this book!! It had humor, suspense, depth of characters, and hope! I'm going to read the other books in this series!
February 11, 2018
I enjoyed this book while reading it. The characters are unique and well drawn, and the mystery is just quirky enough to hold my attention. To great degree, the narrative mystery is not presented as the primary purpose of the story, but rather more as an engaging background against which the character drama of the primary character and his engagements with the world plays. This works for me as Teddy Ruzak and his Gal Friday, Felicia, are by far the most interesting aspects of the tale, particularly in terms of their complex and often overtly manipulative relationship with one another. The unreliable narrator aspects of Teddy's deeply flawed perceptions and perspectives are extremely well rendered, and reading between the lines to discover a more accurate representation of Teddy's exchanges with others than his interpretation of those exchanges as he relates them in the narrative is the real mystery here, and a worthwhile one to engage.
I found the Who-Done-It aspects of the story far less satisfying. The initial whimsy of Teddy's case becomes more capricious as it evolves, the charming drollery of its original tone giving way to a more sophisticated cynicism that is far less entertaining. I suspect this is an intentional evolution on Yancey's part as it serves an effective mirror to the difference between the initial charm of dealing with someone of Ruzak's nature versus the harsher realities of coping with their idiosyncrasies long term; but the way it is handled feels more tonally uneven than evolutionarily effective. As the narrative mystery opens itself to the eventual process of resolution, it reveals itself a darker tale than initially advertised, and that reveal does not deepen the engagement with the material as one might hope it would so much as it feels a bit bait-and-switch of the original covenant engaged.
That being said, I still found this an enjoyable read. The author has an excellent command of language and a deft hand with both character and plot. I found it engaging enough, in fact, to read the second book in the series in hopes that, having revealed his truer agenda to articulate Ruzak's nature as a character study over a whimsy played for entertainment value, Yancey would find a mystery more suited to his tone to a more fully integrated and satisfying end.
I found the Who-Done-It aspects of the story far less satisfying. The initial whimsy of Teddy's case becomes more capricious as it evolves, the charming drollery of its original tone giving way to a more sophisticated cynicism that is far less entertaining. I suspect this is an intentional evolution on Yancey's part as it serves an effective mirror to the difference between the initial charm of dealing with someone of Ruzak's nature versus the harsher realities of coping with their idiosyncrasies long term; but the way it is handled feels more tonally uneven than evolutionarily effective. As the narrative mystery opens itself to the eventual process of resolution, it reveals itself a darker tale than initially advertised, and that reveal does not deepen the engagement with the material as one might hope it would so much as it feels a bit bait-and-switch of the original covenant engaged.
That being said, I still found this an enjoyable read. The author has an excellent command of language and a deft hand with both character and plot. I found it engaging enough, in fact, to read the second book in the series in hopes that, having revealed his truer agenda to articulate Ruzak's nature as a character study over a whimsy played for entertainment value, Yancey would find a mystery more suited to his tone to a more fully integrated and satisfying end.
December 19, 2017
The Highly Effective Detective was not quite what I expected. I picked it up at a library sale because I love mysteries (both suspenseful and cozy), and I loved the ducks on the cover and the premise that a guy opened a detective agency and started tracking down a gosling killer. How delightfully quirky! I figured it would be a fluffy cozy-type mystery. Not quite.
I thought the main character, Teddy Ruzak was an interesting character, but not one I particularly related to. Or maybe I did relate to him, but not in ways that I wanted to. He's an underdog with a big heart that's gone out on a limb that can't hold his weight/is in over his head/pick your favorite metaphor for someone who is woefully unprepared and under-qualified. They all apply. And as the story unfolds, even Ruzak himself is aware of this. However, his tenacity and ethics won't let him back down, which creates an interesting tension within the character. He's actually quite well-developed through his erratic thought processes; he's just not my favorite guy.
There were surprises along the way, some related to the case, others to other characters. I may be a particularly oblivious reader, but there were a number of reveals I never saw coming. In that respect, it was an excellent novel. It just wasn't what I was expecting, and not really what I was in the mood for, if you will.
I thought the main character, Teddy Ruzak was an interesting character, but not one I particularly related to. Or maybe I did relate to him, but not in ways that I wanted to. He's an underdog with a big heart that's gone out on a limb that can't hold his weight/is in over his head/pick your favorite metaphor for someone who is woefully unprepared and under-qualified. They all apply. And as the story unfolds, even Ruzak himself is aware of this. However, his tenacity and ethics won't let him back down, which creates an interesting tension within the character. He's actually quite well-developed through his erratic thought processes; he's just not my favorite guy.
There were surprises along the way, some related to the case, others to other characters. I may be a particularly oblivious reader, but there were a number of reveals I never saw coming. In that respect, it was an excellent novel. It just wasn't what I was expecting, and not really what I was in the mood for, if you will.
August 13, 2020
#1 in the Highly Effective Detective series
I can't make up my mind about this book. Overall, it left me feeling annoyed. Teddy is kind of cute, but I was frustrated that he made his life so difficult for himself and was so incredibly self-deprecating, even allowing himself to be looked down upon by those around him. He took everyone he met at face value, then went off "half-cocked," as he put it, to try to solve the gosling case. Often when he went off on a conversational tangent, I'd get lost but didn't bother to go back and reread it to figure out what he said. I guess that way of speaking gave us some insight into his personality, but I thought it bogged things down. And don't get me started on Felicia, who is an obnoxious bully who takes advantage of Teddy and didn't seem to add any value to the story (or to Teddy, for that matter). On the plus side, I loved the vocabulary and the way he spoke. And the mystery started out silly but turned out to be pretty interesting. The book began slow but ended up reading fairly quickly towards the end. I'll probably read the next in the series just to see if it gets better, but it won't be anytime soon.
I can't make up my mind about this book. Overall, it left me feeling annoyed. Teddy is kind of cute, but I was frustrated that he made his life so difficult for himself and was so incredibly self-deprecating, even allowing himself to be looked down upon by those around him. He took everyone he met at face value, then went off "half-cocked," as he put it, to try to solve the gosling case. Often when he went off on a conversational tangent, I'd get lost but didn't bother to go back and reread it to figure out what he said. I guess that way of speaking gave us some insight into his personality, but I thought it bogged things down. And don't get me started on Felicia, who is an obnoxious bully who takes advantage of Teddy and didn't seem to add any value to the story (or to Teddy, for that matter). On the plus side, I loved the vocabulary and the way he spoke. And the mystery started out silly but turned out to be pretty interesting. The book began slow but ended up reading fairly quickly towards the end. I'll probably read the next in the series just to see if it gets better, but it won't be anytime soon.
April 25, 2019
Naïve and self-effacing Teddy Ruzak has bumbled his way into the ranks of my favorite detectives. Author Richard Yancey has created a lovable klutz who manages to solve crimes despite having none of the usual attributes of a successful detective. The endearing hero is surrounded by a vivid cast of associates and adversaries with strong distinctive personalities. The dialog sparkles with humor and the plot is stimulating. As soon as I closed the cover on Teddy’s quest for justice and donuts, I raced out to snare more of Mr. Yancey’s books. (Hint to Hollywood: Richard Yancey’s Highly Effective Detective would make a highly entertaining television series.) If you are seeking a book that blends crime with charm, make friends with Teddy Ruzak.
April 30, 2023
Richard (Rick) Yancey is a favorite of mine. When he writes a fun story, it's a fun story.
The Highly Effective Detective is a book about Teddy Ruzak, a night security guard-turned detective. His first case involves a hit and run on a gaggle of baby geese. He finds out that there's an actual case involved in this"fowl" crime. (I couldn't help the pun).
Overall this book is a three star book for me, the story was fine- but I had to bump it up to four stars because Teddy is your favorite lovable idiot and I had such a fun time reading this book. It's been a long time since I read something so fun.
If you're into dumb comedy and mysteries- you would like this book just add much as I did.
The Highly Effective Detective is a book about Teddy Ruzak, a night security guard-turned detective. His first case involves a hit and run on a gaggle of baby geese. He finds out that there's an actual case involved in this"fowl" crime. (I couldn't help the pun).
Overall this book is a three star book for me, the story was fine- but I had to bump it up to four stars because Teddy is your favorite lovable idiot and I had such a fun time reading this book. It's been a long time since I read something so fun.
If you're into dumb comedy and mysteries- you would like this book just add much as I did.
October 31, 2019
I was looking for something else but the title caught my eye & I ended up checking this out of the library instead & it was a pleasant surprise. A very different `detective' & a rather unusual story. The plot had unexpected twists although little real action, but the dialog was fabulous & had me laughing out loud at times. Not the October book I was looking for at the time but glad I happened upon it & will probably look for the second in the series
April 17, 2023
Debated if I should even finish the book or not and I'm sorry I did. The characters are generally unlikeable. The main character rambles on incessantly and although he's meant to come across as a naive but loveable guy, he's too irritating. The commentary on every female's attire was unnecessary and his ramblings were plain insulting at times. The plot and ending didn't come to close to making up for the rest of the book. I'm sorry to say but it was a waste of my time.
May 23, 2017
So enjoyable to read. In real life, the main character probably would be someone I avoid. He sounds so tiresome. But the author has described him and his thinking process in such a way that makes you love him and feel sorry for him. I really like the way it was written and how the story untold. It was quite hard to put down once you started. I feel pleased with the ending too.
March 31, 2019
This is an interesting mystery with a Forrest Gump-like main character who spouts philosophies and wisdoms, and although he has little self confidence, manages to solve a double murder. There is some self-deprecating humor that brings a few smiles. The pace is not speedy, but the book is nonetheless ultimately compelling and, as noted, interesting.
December 13, 2019
An unusual protagonist who eventually figures things out, but reading about his mishaps along the way is sometimes entertaining and sometimes a little too painful. Kinda like Columbo crossed with Mr. Bean.
February 9, 2022
Teddy Ruzak is part Walter Mitty and part Sad Sack who dreams of being Sam Spade. He gets his wish and then his troubles begin to show up at his door.
Comment:
This novel tries to be light and funny but it does not always succeed. The novels of Donna McAndrews would be a better choice.
Comment:
This novel tries to be light and funny but it does not always succeed. The novels of Donna McAndrews would be a better choice.
June 26, 2018
Great book
January 4, 2020
This story and the protagonist really charmed me. A good mystery and characters to actually like are exactly what I like in some good ol' escapist fiction.
March 10, 2020
Began not liking it but ended up being taken with Teddy.
April 1, 2020
I thought this book, when I first started it, was going to be a bit juvenile, but as I continued I was pleasantly surprised. Teddy Rizak was a bit like Columbo. I liked it!!!!
February 20, 2021
The blurb on the cover lured me in but I was disappointed.
June 24, 2022
What a fun read. I liked the quirky characters. Ted seems dumb but he is really smart. I love his strong moral compass.
August 27, 2022
Wry, witty humour, but tiring as well.
January 13, 2024
tough to get into this book. i just couldn't get involved with a virtually broke wanna-be private detective spending more than $26,000 on an interior designer for his office. not my cup of tea.
January 22, 2024
Not the most profound or elegant mystery I have read in a while, but the detective is strangely irresistible, even though he lacks finesse.
I may give #2 in this series a try.
I may give #2 in this series a try.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews