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archergal's review against another edition
3.0
I just looked up the date this book was first published. It looks like it originally came out in 1977. That makes a lot of sense to me, because it has the same feel as a bunch of mysteries I read back in the 80's. There are references to payphones that cost a dime, the Russians were still the bad guys, and the Cold War was still very much a thing.
Into all this steps steps Dr. Robert Frederickson, aka "Mongo the Magnificent." Frederickson is a criminology professor; a genius; a former circus acrobat; a private investigator; a black belt in karate; and, a dwarf. And he's also an irresistible character.
Mongo gets called on to investigate whether a famous architect that was presumed dead 5 years ago is actually, indeed, dead. The kicker, as we slowly discover, is that maybe the architect has some abilities that MIGHT make it easier for him to "disappear" -- and which would also make him an invaluable asset in intelligence-gathering in a Cold War scenario.
Machinations happen. The plot is a little convoluted. It's a good ride. And if Mongo seems a little too good to be true, who cares? Because you come to like him a lot.
Into all this steps steps Dr. Robert Frederickson, aka "Mongo the Magnificent." Frederickson is a criminology professor; a genius; a former circus acrobat; a private investigator; a black belt in karate; and, a dwarf. And he's also an irresistible character.
Mongo gets called on to investigate whether a famous architect that was presumed dead 5 years ago is actually, indeed, dead. The kicker, as we slowly discover, is that maybe the architect has some abilities that MIGHT make it easier for him to "disappear" -- and which would also make him an invaluable asset in intelligence-gathering in a Cold War scenario.
Machinations happen. The plot is a little convoluted. It's a good ride. And if Mongo seems a little too good to be true, who cares? Because you come to like him a lot.
lakecake's review against another edition
4.0
This book was hilarious...Mongo is amazing! Or maybe I should say he's magnificent. Former circus performer turned criminology professor and private eye on the side, Mongo takes care of business like a dwarf on a mission. I really enjoyed this, looking forward to the rest of the series.
blountjc2010's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
whathillarygraceread's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was written in the mid 70s and I think it's a madcap thriller that reflects the politics of the day. I originally picked this book up because I was looking for books that feature disabled lead characters and I didn't know much about Chesbro or the Mongo series. I was a little bit apprehensive about an average height person writing a dwarf character (I have a form of dwarfism), but I think Chesbro mostly does a good job. I was initially conflicted about Mongo's past as a circus performer, but it actually serves as a fairly empowering plot device later in the book. I did, however, chuckle every time Mongo was able to rent a car without adaptations or hassle. This is not my reality nor that of any of my friends who have a form of dwarfism.
The story itself is what I would classify as international espionage with a side of low tech sci fi. ESP features prominently in the story and I found out after I finished the book that Chesbro was very interested in the occult and what I would kindly categorize as conspiracy science. These interests all collide for a fun book with a loveable main character.
The story itself is what I would classify as international espionage with a side of low tech sci fi. ESP features prominently in the story and I found out after I finished the book that Chesbro was very interested in the occult and what I would kindly categorize as conspiracy science. These interests all collide for a fun book with a loveable main character.
archergal's review
3.0
I just looked up the date this book was first published. It looks like it originally came out in 1977. That makes a lot of sense to me, because it has the same feel as a bunch of mysteries I read back in the 80's. There are references to payphones that cost a dime, the Russians were still the bad guys, and the Cold War was still very much a thing.
Into all this steps steps Dr. Robert Frederickson, aka "Mongo the Magnificent." Frederickson is a criminology professor; a genius; a former circus acrobat; a private investigator; a black belt in karate; and, a dwarf. And he's also an irresistible character.
Mongo gets called on to investigate whether a famous architect that was presumed dead 5 years ago is actually, indeed, dead. The kicker, as we slowly discover, is that maybe the architect has some abilities that MIGHT make it easier for him to "disappear" -- and which would also make him an invaluable asset in intelligence-gathering in a Cold War scenario.
Machinations happen. The plot is a little convoluted. It's a good ride. And if Mongo seems a little too good to be true, who cares? Because you come to like him a lot.
Into all this steps steps Dr. Robert Frederickson, aka "Mongo the Magnificent." Frederickson is a criminology professor; a genius; a former circus acrobat; a private investigator; a black belt in karate; and, a dwarf. And he's also an irresistible character.
Mongo gets called on to investigate whether a famous architect that was presumed dead 5 years ago is actually, indeed, dead. The kicker, as we slowly discover, is that maybe the architect has some abilities that MIGHT make it easier for him to "disappear" -- and which would also make him an invaluable asset in intelligence-gathering in a Cold War scenario.
Machinations happen. The plot is a little convoluted. It's a good ride. And if Mongo seems a little too good to be true, who cares? Because you come to like him a lot.
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