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Sam McCain #6
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
With nuclear holocaust always threatening in the background, in this mystery novel--sixth in the popular Sam McCain mysteries--the private investigator struggles to the defend the daughter of his nemesis from charges of murder.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
7 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Ed Gorman
468 books120 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Edward Joseph Gorman Jr. was a prolific American author and anthologist, widely recognized for his contributions to crime, mystery, western, and horror fiction. Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Gorman spent much of his life in the Midwest, drawing on that experience to set many of his novels in small towns. After working over two decades in advertising, political speechwriting, and industrial filmmaking, he published his first novel, Rough Cut, in 1984 and soon transitioned to full-time writing. His fiction is often praised for its emotional depth, suspenseful storytelling, and nuanced characters. Gorman wrote under the pseudonyms Daniel Ransom and Robert David Chase, and contributed to publications such as Mystery Scene, Cemetery Dance, and Black Lizard. He co-founded Mystery Scene magazine and served as its editor and publisher until 2002, continuing his “Gormania” column thereafter. His works have been adapted for film and graphic novels, including The Poker Club and Cage of Night. In comics, he wrote for DC and Dark Horse. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2002, he continued writing despite his illness until his passing in 2016. Critics lauded him as one of the most original crime writers of his generation and a “poet of dark suspense.”
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Edward Joseph Gorman Jr. was a prolific American author and anthologist, widely recognized for his contributions to crime, mystery, western, and horror fiction. Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Gorman spent much of his life in the Midwest, drawing on that experience to set many of his novels in small towns. After working over two decades in advertising, political speechwriting, and industrial filmmaking, he published his first novel, Rough Cut, in 1984 and soon transitioned to full-time writing. His fiction is often praised for its emotional depth, suspenseful storytelling, and nuanced characters. Gorman wrote under the pseudonyms Daniel Ransom and Robert David Chase, and contributed to publications such as Mystery Scene, Cemetery Dance, and Black Lizard. He co-founded Mystery Scene magazine and served as its editor and publisher until 2002, continuing his “Gormania” column thereafter. His works have been adapted for film and graphic novels, including The Poker Club and Cage of Night. In comics, he wrote for DC and Dark Horse. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2002, he continued writing despite his illness until his passing in 2016. Critics lauded him as one of the most original crime writers of his generation and a “poet of dark suspense.”
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 25, 2012
This is another in Ed Gorman's series featuring lawyer/private investigator Sam McCain who lives and works in the small town of Black River Falls, Iowa. The stories are all set in the late 1950s and early '60s and, like this entry, take their titles from popular songs of the era. McCain is a likeable guy and the books contain numerous references to the popular culture and historical events of the era. In this case, the book is set in the fall of 1962, with the Cuban missile crisis playing out in the background.
The story opens when a mysterious character hires McCain to deliver a package to a woman. The job seems simple enough until McCain finds the recipient dead in the bomb shelter of one of the town's most prominent citizens, Ross Murdoch. It turns out that Murdoch and three other men had been supporting the woman financially and sharing her sexual favors. Her death and the discovery of her body in Murdoch's bomb shelter would be embarrassing under any circumstances, but especially so when Murdoch is running for election to the Iowa governorship.
Murdoch is the prime suspect and is quickly arrested for the murder by the town's dimwitted police chief. Even before that, Murdoch hires McCain to find the real killer and clear him at least of the murder charge. McCain proceeds to investigate, annoying lots of people in the process as is his usual habit. In and around his investigation, he also attempts to make sense of his tangled love life.
This is a light entertaining story, set in a much simpler if not more entertaining era. McCain is an affable protagonist and the story itself simply allows us to watch him navigate through the investigation and through the small Midwestern town that he calls home. It's always fun to follow along with him.
The story opens when a mysterious character hires McCain to deliver a package to a woman. The job seems simple enough until McCain finds the recipient dead in the bomb shelter of one of the town's most prominent citizens, Ross Murdoch. It turns out that Murdoch and three other men had been supporting the woman financially and sharing her sexual favors. Her death and the discovery of her body in Murdoch's bomb shelter would be embarrassing under any circumstances, but especially so when Murdoch is running for election to the Iowa governorship.
Murdoch is the prime suspect and is quickly arrested for the murder by the town's dimwitted police chief. Even before that, Murdoch hires McCain to find the real killer and clear him at least of the murder charge. McCain proceeds to investigate, annoying lots of people in the process as is his usual habit. In and around his investigation, he also attempts to make sense of his tangled love life.
This is a light entertaining story, set in a much simpler if not more entertaining era. McCain is an affable protagonist and the story itself simply allows us to watch him navigate through the investigation and through the small Midwestern town that he calls home. It's always fun to follow along with him.
February 1, 2015
This is a very special 'private eye' series built around a lawyer and special court investigator, Sam McCain, in a small town in the midwest (Iowa) in the fifties and sixties. I absolutely love this series for several reasons:
1. the wonderful immersion into a different time, spanning a decade from the late fifties to the late sixties. The descriptions are detailed, evocative, engaging and realistic. They are exceptionally well done.
2. The protagonist is a likeable average joe, who is easy to identify with and tells the stories in the first person. His back story is as engaging and interesting as the murder mysteries he gets involved in, and has become the main reason why I have become hooked on this series.
3. There are plenty of connections to the pop culture of the fifties and sixties, which is a bonus for any lover of music, books, cinema and culture of the period.
4. The mysteries are well crafted and keep you guessing until the end.
5. Every single one of the entries in these series is excellent without exception and well worth the read.
Give this a try, you won't regret it. I read all 9 books in 2 months and can't wait for the 10th entry, 'Riders' on the Storm', that will appear in October 2014! I hope Mr. Gorman gets the opportunity to write several more before he retires.
1. the wonderful immersion into a different time, spanning a decade from the late fifties to the late sixties. The descriptions are detailed, evocative, engaging and realistic. They are exceptionally well done.
2. The protagonist is a likeable average joe, who is easy to identify with and tells the stories in the first person. His back story is as engaging and interesting as the murder mysteries he gets involved in, and has become the main reason why I have become hooked on this series.
3. There are plenty of connections to the pop culture of the fifties and sixties, which is a bonus for any lover of music, books, cinema and culture of the period.
4. The mysteries are well crafted and keep you guessing until the end.
5. Every single one of the entries in these series is excellent without exception and well worth the read.
Give this a try, you won't regret it. I read all 9 books in 2 months and can't wait for the 10th entry, 'Riders' on the Storm', that will appear in October 2014! I hope Mr. Gorman gets the opportunity to write several more before he retires.
October 9, 2013
Another good entry in the always excellent Sam McCain series. In this one a woman kept by four different men is killed in the bomb shelter of one of them. Their careers are finished and they become laughing stocks of the town. Then the brother of the murdered woman is found killed and Sam must figure out what is going on. There is one time error in the book which takes places during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962; Sam laments the recent death of Patsy Cline which didn't take place until 1963. Highly recommended.
January 8, 2008
One of my new favorite mystery series...Sam McCain.
March 23, 2008
this concludes the serie for me. interesting to have social or political issues or both included in murder mysteries. good job!!!
November 18, 2024
Seekord toimub tegevus 1962. aasta raketikriisi ajal, kui pommivarjendid ühtäkki populaarseks muutusid. Sam lahendab juhtumit, kuulates poole kõrvaga uudiseid Kuuba blokaadi arengute kohta. Vahepeal toimub kohalikus kirikus ühispalvus, et jumal Hruštšovile aru pähe paneks. Nagu me kõik teame, siis sellest oligi abi.
Kubernerivalimiste favoriidil Ross Murdochil on keldris täitsa korralik varjend, aga häda on selles, et keegi on seal mõrvanud eskordi, kes temale ja veel kolmele jõukale demokraadile osutatud teenete eest raha välja pressis. Piinlik lugu ühesõnaga. Kui saabub kohalik šerif Clifford Sykes (ühtlasi paadunud vabariiklane), läheb asi veelgi hullemaks.
Möödaminnes selgub, et Linda, too eelmise osa traagiline kangelanna, ongi Sami maha jätnud oma arsti pärast (üsna irooniline lahendus). Osa tegelasi, kes vahepeal tagaplaanile nihkusid, on jälle tagasi – Sami sõber Kenny Thibodeau, kahtlast žanrit viljelev kirjamees, katsetab seekord infokoguja ametit. Sami vana silmarõõm Pamela Forrest seab end sisse tema kodus, siis lepib oma mehega ära ning nad ostavad Samile tänutäheks uue voodi. Märksa ootuspärasem on see, et ka Mary Travers kohale ilmub ning tema ja Sami armastus lööb taas eredalt leekima.
Kui algus meenutab Rex Stouti lugu „Too Many Clients“ (1960/71), siis keskkoht ja lõpp on jälle Raymond Chandleri moodi. Kogu Janice Wilsoni tegevusliin on tegelikult mõttetu – ta annab täiesti tarbetut infi, pole otseselt juhtunuga seotud ja ometi püüab keegi teda maha lüüa. See keegi ei saanud olla Irene ega Deirdre Murdoch, nii et kes teda siis ründas ja miks? Ehtne Raymond Chandler 2.0 (meenub too „Sügava une“ autojuht, kelle tapja jäi samuti välja selgitamata). Süüdlase viimasel hetkel väljavahetamine on ka tüüpiline Chandleri võte.
Ajastutruudus on muidu Gormani tugev külg, aga selles loos kipub ta paaris kohas libastuma. Purjus Pamela släng on pärit juba kaheksakümnendatest, mitte Kuuba kriisi päevilt. See, kui üleolevalt Sami muidu nii kombekas ema räägib mõrvatud call girl’ist, meenutab kangesti käesoleva sajandi algust. Kui lugeda Maureen Callahani „Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed“, jääb mulje, et kuuekümnendatel suhtuti sedasorti üleastumistesse üsna karmilt, isegi siis, kui patustaja oli õigest parteist/president.
Kubernerivalimiste favoriidil Ross Murdochil on keldris täitsa korralik varjend, aga häda on selles, et keegi on seal mõrvanud eskordi, kes temale ja veel kolmele jõukale demokraadile osutatud teenete eest raha välja pressis. Piinlik lugu ühesõnaga. Kui saabub kohalik šerif Clifford Sykes (ühtlasi paadunud vabariiklane), läheb asi veelgi hullemaks.
Möödaminnes selgub, et Linda, too eelmise osa traagiline kangelanna, ongi Sami maha jätnud oma arsti pärast (üsna irooniline lahendus). Osa tegelasi, kes vahepeal tagaplaanile nihkusid, on jälle tagasi – Sami sõber Kenny Thibodeau, kahtlast žanrit viljelev kirjamees, katsetab seekord infokoguja ametit. Sami vana silmarõõm Pamela Forrest seab end sisse tema kodus, siis lepib oma mehega ära ning nad ostavad Samile tänutäheks uue voodi. Märksa ootuspärasem on see, et ka Mary Travers kohale ilmub ning tema ja Sami armastus lööb taas eredalt leekima.
Kui algus meenutab Rex Stouti lugu „Too Many Clients“ (1960/71), siis keskkoht ja lõpp on jälle Raymond Chandleri moodi. Kogu Janice Wilsoni tegevusliin on tegelikult mõttetu – ta annab täiesti tarbetut infi, pole otseselt juhtunuga seotud ja ometi püüab keegi teda maha lüüa. See keegi ei saanud olla Irene ega Deirdre Murdoch, nii et kes teda siis ründas ja miks? Ehtne Raymond Chandler 2.0 (meenub too „Sügava une“ autojuht, kelle tapja jäi samuti välja selgitamata). Süüdlase viimasel hetkel väljavahetamine on ka tüüpiline Chandleri võte.
Ajastutruudus on muidu Gormani tugev külg, aga selles loos kipub ta paaris kohas libastuma. Purjus Pamela släng on pärit juba kaheksakümnendatest, mitte Kuuba kriisi päevilt. See, kui üleolevalt Sami muidu nii kombekas ema räägib mõrvatud call girl’ist, meenutab kangesti käesoleva sajandi algust. Kui lugeda Maureen Callahani „Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed“, jääb mulje, et kuuekümnendatel suhtuti sedasorti üleastumistesse üsna karmilt, isegi siis, kui patustaja oli õigest parteist/president.
August 5, 2025
Mysteries set in earlier eras are one of my weaknesses. So, I liked the idea that Ed Gorman set Breaking Up is Hard to Do during the Cuban Missile Crisis of October, 1962. I well remember being glued to KNX News Radio (at that time, all news all the time) as a pre-teen, realizing that one false move from either side could ignite the conflagration to destroy the world. And womanizer who cheated on the beautiful, elegant Jackie or not, it was at that moment that JFK became “my” president.
But Gorman’s protagonist, hard-boiled and underpaid private eye Sam McCain, did not become “my” detective. There is only so much even a pulp mystery can do with a private eye who is supposed to be a loser and not all that attractive who seems to be a magnet for every female in the story. Sure, romantic—even lustful—involvements are part of the formula. They are part of escape reading. But having every past flame descending on the protagonist (along with waitresses and daughters of clients) just didn’t ring true.
Breaking Up is Had to Do had a certain amount of poetic justice in the way the lives of certain unsavory characters are destroyed, but the perpetrator was unsatisfying and the emotional involvement with the main characters was virtually non-existent. I’m sure many people would like this book, but as the old Gershwin lyric goes: “But not for me!”
But Gorman’s protagonist, hard-boiled and underpaid private eye Sam McCain, did not become “my” detective. There is only so much even a pulp mystery can do with a private eye who is supposed to be a loser and not all that attractive who seems to be a magnet for every female in the story. Sure, romantic—even lustful—involvements are part of the formula. They are part of escape reading. But having every past flame descending on the protagonist (along with waitresses and daughters of clients) just didn’t ring true.
Breaking Up is Had to Do had a certain amount of poetic justice in the way the lives of certain unsavory characters are destroyed, but the perpetrator was unsatisfying and the emotional involvement with the main characters was virtually non-existent. I’m sure many people would like this book, but as the old Gershwin lyric goes: “But not for me!”
December 30, 2024
Set during the height of the Cuban missile crisis, this story shines most in its period flavor. The mystery is fairly simple,but I felt that the hero was pretty lackluster in his efforts to investigate. Often, instead of investigating he is picking up a paperback book to read-- and he mentions the titles in a sort of back-handed recommendation for these books.
The plot is something like an early 60's comedy picture, except it isn't played for laughs. Four rich gentlemen set up a girl in an apartment so that they can each share her sexual favors. However, the woman is found murdered in the newly built bomb shelter belonging to one of the men. Of course, all of the men are suspects and each one of them is going to be ruined by the revelation of their immoral relationship.
Despite the identity of the murdered being so blatantly obvious as to make this not much of an important addition to the mystery genre, the period flavor and observations of the hero are extrremely interesting.
The plot is something like an early 60's comedy picture, except it isn't played for laughs. Four rich gentlemen set up a girl in an apartment so that they can each share her sexual favors. However, the woman is found murdered in the newly built bomb shelter belonging to one of the men. Of course, all of the men are suspects and each one of them is going to be ruined by the revelation of their immoral relationship.
Despite the identity of the murdered being so blatantly obvious as to make this not much of an important addition to the mystery genre, the period flavor and observations of the hero are extrremely interesting.
June 18, 2025
This is the sixth book in Mr. Gorman's Sam McCain series, and the second I've read. I've been searching for just the right words to describe what it is that illuminates these books, and I've arrived at compassion and economy. Gorman has great compassion for his characters, and it makes them all very accessible and human, without having to go on at length about anyone, unless it's to make a specific point. His women are fabulous, smart, vulnerable, with so much to give and so many missed chances. Reality kind of gets in the way. What makes a mystery superior is more than just the pursuit of a case, it's what the case does to those who live it.
September 24, 2018
Our return of the intrepid attorney/lawyer brings about some very unusual circumstances this trip around. A young woman is found dead in a bomb shelter not long after a test for everyone who thinks Castro is going to hombRes US. Sam does not have the time to worry about Castro as another victim is found and Sam begins to wonder if the four man are being set up. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
March 19, 2019
Ongoing discussion of the Cuban Missile Crisis rather ruined the book for me... but if not for that, there'd have been no stashing the body of the shared mistress in the popular gubernatorial candidates' newly built bomb shelter.
Four men, one shared mistress, blackmail, & a greedy brother makes for an interesting who-done-it and a very fast read.
Four men, one shared mistress, blackmail, & a greedy brother makes for an interesting who-done-it and a very fast read.
June 14, 2020
Pamela is back and hiding out in Sam's apartment while Mary is getting a divorce. Sam is helping the prominent businesswoman who found his shared prostitute dead in his bomb shelter.
Was it one of the other three who paid for her to move to town? or one of the men? or her brother?
All this amid the background of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Was it one of the other three who paid for her to move to town? or one of the men? or her brother?
All this amid the background of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
October 2, 2025
The plot was a little sloppy, and the beginning was a little slow. But it was entertaining.
November 3, 2012
It's October 1962, and the Cuban missile crisis is looming large in the minds of the residents of Black River Falls, Iowa. Some residents are even constructing bomb shelters as precautionary measures. One such resident is Ross Murdoch, a well-known community figure who is planning to run for governor. His plans are scotched, however, when a dead woman turns up in his newly built bomb shelter. He hires Sam McCain to investigate and try to clear his name. Of course, that might be a bit difficult, since as her lover, he is one of the prime suspects.
I hadn't read any Sam McCain books in a while, but it was easy to slip back into the rhythm of life in small-town Iowa. McCain's narration is amusing and friendly but never flippant about really important things -- he comes across as a stand-up guy. I also enjoyed the scene with his parents, who are probably the source of his sense of humour. He also displays some talent with description but does not overdo it when it is not needed; it is mainly employed for the scenery when he's driving or for very dramatic moments.
This was a short book but did not feel padded or too thin: it was just the right length, and the pace was even throughout. I would recommend this more for people who have already started the series, because there are some developments in McCain's personal life that will make more sense if you're familiar with the characters.
I hadn't read any Sam McCain books in a while, but it was easy to slip back into the rhythm of life in small-town Iowa. McCain's narration is amusing and friendly but never flippant about really important things -- he comes across as a stand-up guy. I also enjoyed the scene with his parents, who are probably the source of his sense of humour. He also displays some talent with description but does not overdo it when it is not needed; it is mainly employed for the scenery when he's driving or for very dramatic moments.
This was a short book but did not feel padded or too thin: it was just the right length, and the pace was even throughout. I would recommend this more for people who have already started the series, because there are some developments in McCain's personal life that will make more sense if you're familiar with the characters.
August 26, 2008
I read the first four Sam McCain books several years ago, but have not been able to find new ones until recently. Since there is a different publisher, this may have been the problem. Whatever the reason for the delay, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do was worth the wait. Everything I enjoyed about the small Iowa town and its residents is faithfully preserved here. Gorman does not rely on pure nostalgia, though; this book may be set in 1962, but his use of the Cuban Missile Crisis and a quartet of dirty old men make for an entertaining read. The book is also interesting for the ways in which Sam is growing into a world-weariness that fits his character. He still loves his hometown, but it feels less like a protective cocoon all the time for him.
February 27, 2011
These are intertaining books. Easy to read. However, as I read them in order I find that the author is not necessisarly consitant in his carrying his facts over from one book to the next. If you can look over these inconsistant facts, they are light murder mystery reading.
July 23, 2008
See my notes on "Everybody's Somebody's Fool."
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews