Harry Lipkin, Private Eye by Barry Fantoni

Harry Lipkin is an 87-year-old Jewish detective living in Warmheart, Florida. He gets a visit from a Mrs. Norma Weinberger. Mrs. Weinberger is a wealthy widow with a large staff. Small items have been disappearing from her home, and she knows it must be one of her staff. She hires Harry to investigate.

Harry Lipkin, Private Eye by Barry Fantoni is narrated by Harry, and he sounds like a real 87-year-old Jewish detective living in Florida. He describes his days as he goes about investigating the staff. He has a wry sense of humor. He calls on old buddies to get information to further his case. He describes the concessions he makes due to his age.

Towards the end, Harry orchestrates a classic confrontation right out of Agatha Christie. He gathers together the chauffeur, the butler, the gardener, the chef and the maid for the big reveal. This was mildly amusing. In fact, overall I found Harry Lipkin, Private Eye pleasant and mildly amusing, despite figuring out ‘who done it” long before the end. It is not a bad book, but it didn’t grab me. However, I don’t think I am this book’s prime audience. Someone closer to Harry’s life circumstances might really enjoy this book. It is a short 208 pages, very quick and easy to read. I read an advanced copy; it is scheduled to be published on July 10.