Just out in paperback, Ford's jaunty first mystery introduces a Seattle sleuth called Leo Waterman -- the rebellious scion of a powerful family who carries the spirit of the '60s around with him like dirty laundry. When an old mobster friend of his father hires him to look for his missing granddaughter, Leo recruits a clutch of homeless people to help in the search. The same lively writing and exciting plotting also add zest to Ford's second Waterman story, Cast in Stone.
From Publishers Weekly
Debut entry in the Leo Waterman series, starring a Seattle-based private eye with an off-beat sense of humor. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
First novelist Ford peoples his little world with an unrepresentative bunch of drunks, punks, and flower-child throwbacks. Veteran private eye Leo Waterman uses the "services" of four alcoholics in staking out an aging gangster's wayward daughter, while Leo himself follows her elusive boyfriend. Leo knows he's on to something bad, though, when someone torches the guy's shack, wires Leo's car, and tortures one of the drunks. A tightly constructed plot, realistic Seattle surroundings, and effortless prose complement an unorthodox protagonist. Recommended.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Aspects of this clever, funny mystery, such as the joke in its title and the wonderfully specific Puget Sound scenes, will be most appreciated by Northwest readers. Everyone will like the story's protagonist, however. Leo Waterman is the kind of private investigator who trips into tin walls when he's trying to sneak up on the bad guys and loses the ensuing fistfight but is never at a loss for a wisecrack. He's persistent, too, especially when a case turns personal. At first, he's not enthusiastic about retrieving the granddaughter of an aging mobster from her association with a decidedly fanatical environmental group in Seattle. When one of the down-and-outs he employs on a stakeout is grotesquely murdered, though, Waterman is determined to track down the killers. Ford doesn't stint on suspense despite his bent for humor, and readers will likely chase this tale to its surprising conclusion as avidly as Waterman. Dennis Dodge
"Welcome G.M. Ford. Here's a yarn spinner with a sense of humor to match his name."
Book Description
... And just who is Leo Waterman?A soft-hearted sleuth with a rebellious streak left over from the '60s, Leo Waterman seems to get entangled in, every oddball situation from Seattle to Puget Sound. So when he's hired to locate Caroline Nobel, an errant mob heiress with an environmentalist's heart, Leo goes with the flow -- leaving behind the familiar sights of Pioneer Square to follow the landscape-loving activist into the rain-soaked Washington woods. But Caroline's conscientious cohorts are dragging her deeper into the murky waters of environmental sabotage. And her hotheaded enthusiasm can't be cooled, even after two people are brutally murdered. Caroline's onto something extremely toxic. And unless Waterman can clear the air, her deadly dedication could poison him as well.
About the Author
G.M. Ford is the author of Fury, the critically acclaimed debut of Frank Corso, as well as six highly praised mysteries featuring Seattle private investigator Leo Waterman. A former creative writing teacher in western Washington, Ford lives in Seattle and is currently working on his next Frank Corso novel.
Who in Hell Wanda Fuca FROM THE PUBLISHER
Leo Waterman was born and bred in Seattle, Washington, and his father had contacts that ranged from the highest offices to the lowest dives. Those contacts are useful in Leo's pursuit of a profession as a private investigator. Of course, as a not-completely-rehabilitated hippie, Leo does go about things his own way. His best legmen (and women) are folks he knows from the kinds of bars the tourist board doesn't acknowledge, and they live wherever they can - including the streets. It makes sense: They're virtually invisible. With all that going for him, it's no wonder that Waterman receives the kind of call he can't refuse from aging mobster Tim Flood. Tim's granddaughter, Caroline, is involved in something and she won't talk about it. Beautiful, willful, and her grandfather's kin, she's been able to get around anyone he's sent after her. So, Leo gets his marching orders: Bring Caroline home. Safe. Unfortunately, the crowd she's running with has its own agenda ... and Caroline really does want to do something about the environment....
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Debut entry in the Leo Waterman series, starring a Seattle-based private eye with an off-beat sense of humor. (Oct.)
Library Journal
First novelist Ford peoples his little world with an unrepresentative bunch of drunks, punks, and flower-child throwbacks. Veteran private eye Leo Waterman uses the "services" of four alcoholics in staking out an aging gangster's wayward daughter, while Leo himself follows her elusive boyfriend. Leo knows he's on to something bad, though, when someone torches the guy's shack, wires Leo's car, and tortures one of the drunks. A tightly constructed plot, realistic Seattle surroundings, and effortless prose complement an unorthodox protagonist. Recommended.
BookList - Dennis Dodge
Aspects of this clever, funny mystery, such as the joke in its title and the wonderfully specific Puget Sound scenes, will be most appreciated by Northwest readers. Everyone will like the story's protagonist, however. Leo Waterman is the kind of private investigator who trips into tin walls when he's trying to sneak up on the bad guys and loses the ensuing fistfight but is never at a loss for a wisecrack. He's persistent, too, especially when a case turns personal. At first, he's not enthusiastic about retrieving the granddaughter of an aging mobster from her association with a decidedly fanatical environmental group in Seattle. When one of the down-and-outs he employs on a stakeout is grotesquely murdered, though, Waterman is determined to track down the killers. Ford doesn't stint on suspense despite his bent for humor, and readers will likely chase this tale to its surprising conclusion as avidly as Waterman.
Art & Photography
Book Info
