Book Review: Ghost of a Flea

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Ghost of a Flea     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
James Sallis
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Lew Griffin # 6
Walker, Jan 2002, $23.95, 224 pp.

New Orleans street corner philosopher Lew Griffin knows first hand that life stinks. However, though he expects the worst and life is hell, Lew surprisingly believes that to be human, at least in his mind, means to keep on fighting regardless of what destiny tosses at you.

A neighborhood lunatic is poisoning the local pigeons so Lew appoints himself as the savior of the park denizen. He begins to investigate his style, resulting in a cerebral evaluation of the murders so fowl. He also feels strongly that he must protect his friend’s daughter, an apparent victim of a stalker, and re-find his son who has pulled another Houdini vanishing act. While being the self-proclaimed neighborhood amateur sleuth and recovering from a stroke, Lew ultimately, in his meandering style, investigates Lew. This is all in a days work for one who firmly concludes that Murphy is an optimistic idiot.

The sixth and last Griffin tale, GHOST OF A FLEA, is a fabulous ending to one of the weirdest but delightful series of the past decade. The wild but entertaining story line is all over the place, especially when it wanders through Lew’s mind leaving those readers who enjoy a classic amateur sleuth needing to go elsewhere. Anyone who has kept up with James Sallis’ books will want to read this novel to gain closure. Those who have not read the previous books, will enjoy this strange tale, but will probably be better off perusing the previous novels first. Mr. Sallis’ pulls off quite a heptagon with the grand finale answering many questions left from the previous five.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner