Draconian New York

Hob Draconian #2

by Robert Sheckley

Ex-hippie Hob Draconian returns to New York, where his only plans are to finalize his divorce and get the $10,000 he needs to pay off his mortgage, but he ends up in an adventure that could get him arrested or killed

Genres: Science Fiction, Humor, Mystery

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1996

About the author

One of science fiction's great humorists, Sheckley was a prolific short story writer beginning in 1952 with titles including "Specialist", "Pilgrimage to Earth", "Warm", "The Prize of Peril", and "Seventh Victim", collected in volumes from Untouched by Human Hands (1954) to Is That What People Do? (1984) and a five-volume set of Collected Stories (1991). His first novel, Immortality, Inc. (1958), was followed by The Status Civilization (1960), Journey Beyond Tomorrow (1962), Mindswap (1966), and several others. Sheckley served as fiction editor for Omni magazine from January 1980 through September 1981, and was named Author Emeritus by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2001.

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

PROTAGONIST: Hob Draconian, “alternative detective”
RATING: 3.25
WHY: Hob Draconian is leading his dream life in Ibiza when he receives notice that he must pay $10,000 in a month’s time or lose his property. He runs an unprofitable “alternative” detective agency with his employees being a cast of misfits. He travels to New York to finalize a legal agreement about the property with his ex-wife and gets offered a job to escort a model to Paris for the amount he owes. Unbeknownst to him, drugs are packed in his bag and all sorts of trouble ensues. An interesting protagonist and some humor. The plot was weak and conclusion convenient.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast fast read. Keeps you interested but nothing spectacular.

[Michael Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book of the Alternative Detective series by Robert Sheckley. P.I. Hob Draconian continues to be one of the most passive protagonists I’ve ever encountered. This story is not as compelling as the first book, but overall a fun read.

[Yuriy.bylinkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

В русском переводе этот роман называется "Между Сциллой и Харибдой". Читается несколько живее, чем первая книга серии.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, Hob is a quirky / interesting character ? Story was ok. Would try another with this character.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

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