The Secrets of Harry Bright

OMG what a ridiculously funny romp. It's my first Wambaugh, although I have seen TV and movie works adapted from his novels. For a murder mystery it's a bit tame, and has an ending I'm still not sure I understand and which may very well have been the point. Wambaugh creates some incredibly humorous characters alongside some laugh out loud storytelling.

Have been a fan of Joseph Wambaugh for years but finding his books is becoming more of a challenge. During one move maybe 15 to 20 years ago a few of my book boxes never arrived including the one containing most of my unread Wambaugh. For years have been haunting used book stores trying to pick up all of his books that went astray. This is one that I cannot remember ever having and was surprised when I ran across it.

There is something real about the stories Wambaugh writes and they obviously reflect his real world experience with the LA Police department. His first The Blue Centurions was one of the best police stories I have ever read (Im not a fan of police stories) and hooked me on his writings. His non fiction stories give one show more insight to understand the criminal investigation process and present a human side to those who are caught in and affected by crime including those who are doing the investigations.

As for this one while interesting was a disappointment it felt like it was being written to fulfill an obligation. The story was interesting and the crime intriguing, it was the writing and dialogue that wasn't up to Wambaugh's usual standards. The principle character was ok but felt tired and used up even as he was so described in the story. When we found Harry Bright it felt like he was there for an obvious solution to an occurrence that was far less than it appeared to be on the surface. The answer to all the questions was not a solution but a very sad human experience that left no one with what they wanted.

Would recommend this to a devoted Joseph Wambaugh fan but if you have never read Joseph Wambaugh it would not be the place to start. show less

A California gumshoe goes after the person who killed the son of a rich man, who has offered the gumshoe lots of money to tell the law whodunnit. The tec has problems with this case because it rubs a sore spot in his own recollection.

As always, Wambaugh is superb. Don't miss it.