Harriet Klausner's Review Archive
As a licensed private detective, he can carry a gun, but has no plans to use his "profession" except as a tax dodge. When Pete Amsterdam came into some money, he retired to a small Key West cabin. He plays a lot of tennis and rides a bicycle. When he wanted to install a wine cellar in his home, his accountant suggested Pete advertise as a shamus so he can claim a deduction for an "office".
While Pete relaxes in his hot tub in the buff, a woman approaches him to beg him to help her. Pete refuses, but the woman strips to reveal she is a male, Kenny Lukens, who allegedly killed himself some years ago. Apparently, Kenny stole two satchels containing money belonging to his boss, but one of the bags held something else. Kenny vanished when his boss threatened to kill him. With his boss dying, Kenny wants to regain the satchels, but Pete still says no. Kenny dies in an attempt to secure the two bags. Kenny's friend Maggie visits Pete next. Although he tries to stay out of sleuthing, Pete ends up in the middle of alligators.
Imagine Woody Allen starring as Jim Rockford and you will understand the satirical essence of the NAKED DETECTIVE. The anti-hero is a delightful odd duck. He behaves valiantly even as his gut pleads with him to remain mellower than Major Bummer by staying out of the mess. Additionally, Laurence Shames paints an inviting picture of Key West. Readers who enjoy a reluctant sleuth tale will receive much pleasure from this tale and want more stories starring Pistol Pete.