Book Review: Twilight at Mac's Place

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Twilight at Mac's Place     Amazon US PB Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB
Ross Thomas
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Dunne, Dec 2003, $13.95, 320 pp.

Unofficial CIA fixer Steadfast Haynes dies of a heart attack. To the shock of his clandestine buddies, word is out that good old trustworthy Steady has done the unthinkable and written a memoir of his unrecognized covert operations. This tome that allegedly exposes many folks has been inherited by his son Granville.

Everyone remotely involved with Steady wants possession of his book though their reasons vary without knowing what the pages expose for all fear the Cold War secrets Steady knew and bared. Someone murders Steady’s beloved Isabelle and retired CIA agent and “friend” Undean, and steals the book is stolen. Though Granny knows his father’s memoirs were mostly blank pages, he wants it back especially since he has two competing large cold cash offer to purchase his dad’s memoirs. As a former homicide detective Granny knows how to investigate a crime and where to get cold war help.

The reprint of Ross Thomas’ delightful TWILIGHT AT MAC’S PLACE should bring the late great writer new fans of thrillers. The story line is action-packed and filled with incredibly exciting twists and turns. However, as is usually the case in a Mr. Thomas tale it is the cast from the deceased to the hero to a waiter, et al that makes for a superb reading experience. That will send readers seeking other master novels by this great author.

Harriet Klausner

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