The Four Last Things / Everything But the Squeal / Skin Deep

4.1/5 ( ratings)

Do you miss the 1990s? Well, who would? But here they are anyway --- the first three books in Timothy Hallinan's cult-classic private-eye series featuring the seriously over-educated, Topanga-Canyon-dwelling private eye Simeon Grist are now available as a boxed set. On a tsunami of critical praise, they flew onto bookstore shelves everywhere and stubbornly remained there.

But now they're back: "The Four Last Things," "Everything But the Squeal," and "Skin Deep." And you'll save a buck per book over the usual price.

Editorial Reviews:
"High-octane action, baroque violence, humor and pathos in a self-assured manner that mark Mr. Hallinan as a capable new practitioner of the private eye tale." The Wall Street Journal

"Grist is a modern-day successor to Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe." -- New York Newsday

"Terrific, well-crafted, thoroughly satisfying . . . updates Raymond Chandler's vision of life in Los Angeles through Grist's sardonic, often hilarious observations." Los Angeles Herald-Tribune

"Hallinan's prose sparkles. His novels, like Chandler's, are entertaining and occasionally disturbing fantasies." The Virginia Pilot and Ledger-Star

“It's rare to find a first novel in the mystery genre that boasts a smoothly plotted story, crisp dialogue, and excellent characterizations . . . This exciting tale accomplishes all three . . . The book never falters, sustaining suspense and interest throughout . . . a sure winner.” Booklist

"Hallinan has a genuine ability to write effective prose, engaging repartee, sharp and witty characterizations . . . could become a notable series.” The Washington Post Book World