Dead Stick (Lucas Hallam #2) by L.J. Washburn

A couple of months ago, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Livia Washburn’s first book in the Lucas Hallam series, Wild Night. I knew I would return to the character and series soon and so I’ve made it a point to do so. There’s something about early Hollywood, the Prohibition era, and detectives that always stirs my soul and it doesn’t hurt when you have a high-quality writer behind the story.

This second novel is, I believe, even better than the first. Lucas, former Texas Ranger and current private detective (in addition to working as a stuntman/extra in western movies) is hired by a studio to determine what is behind some recent sabotage. It seems somebody doesn’t want the latest picture to be complete, perhaps because of the subject matter as evident in its title: “Death to the Kaiser!” The incidents of sabotage have gotten worse and may be aimed at one of the stunt pilots who just happens to be a former WW1 German ace.  But when a young pilot is killed, Lucas knows the stakes are high and the culprit(s) must be brought to justice. 

As in the first novel, this one seamlessly meshes the detective genre with that of a western novel. Lucas is an old cowboy and lives up to the high standards of hard, honest work while standing firm in the face of danger. A side plot surrounds his evolving relationship with his main squeeze, but Lucas gets the distinct feeling that may be headed in the wrong direction.

Looking forward to book number three.

Wild Night (Lucas Hallam #1) by L.J. Washburn

Lucas Hallam used to be a cowboy, but the 1920s finds him in the role of private investigator. His beat is the rising acreage of Hollywood, complete with prima donna film producers, shady backlots, and plenty of greedy folks wanting to get in on the profits. But when an obnoxious firebrand preacher gets accused of murder, Lucas reluctantly takes him on as a client, despite his distaste for the man. Lucas comes to believe the man was setup but just who and why…well, the possibilities are endless.

L.J. Washburn has created an intriguing character in Lucas Hallam. He’s an authentic throwback to the stalwart western cowboys of the previous century, complete with a Colt 45 and a hunting knife on his hips. A former Texas Ranger and Pinkerton agent, he spends his spare time as an extra in Western pictures. He has all the skills required for dangerous PI work and plenty comes his way in the first novel in the series.

But despite the western trappings, this is actually a nicely developed mystery/PI yarn to be sure. I’ve always been drawn to old Hollywood and reading this book was just what I was yearning for. I found the characters to be realistic and their interactions fun to watch. Historical Hollywood stars like Tom Mix and William S. Hart make an appearance here and there which just adds to the fun. The mystery plot itself is sufficiently complex without being mind boggling, lending an air of intrigue with every page. Originally published in 1987, it is not surprising to learn that it won the Private Eye Writers of America (Shamus Award) for best paperback original as well as the American Mystery award. Quite an accomplishment for her very first mystery novel. Thankfully, Rough Edges Press has re-released it, along with the rest of the series in handsome new covers.

Above all, reading this first novel in the series served well to whet my appetite for more. As of this writing, there are two more novels as well as a collection of short stories so I can guarantee there will be more Lucas Hallam in my future.