One Last Summer Blast

 

We’re entering the sort-of last leg of summer, and I wanted to highlight a summer-themed romantic mystery from the backlist—“The Dirty Blonde” (Vic Fallon Number 3):

 

Former cop Vic Fallon is content to live in Sandusky, Ohio, on his disability settlement and take the occasional private eye job when he isn’t fishing. He doesn’t really want to get involved in a missing persons case, but when Amy Bergen arrives from Tennessee looking for her estranged husband who’s avoiding divorce court, Vic is taken in by her southern charm and agrees to help her. His search brings him into contact with a local gangster wannabe, a crooked cop and a gambling syndicate. When another woman shows up claiming to be the missing man’s wife, the case takes a bizarre turn. Can Vic find the wayward husband before all of his wives catch up with him? Will his feelings for Amy develop into something more than professional?

This story is a throwback to the private eye adventures penned by Raymond Chandler, Ross McDonald, and Donald E. Westlake, but in a contemporary setting—an offbeat tale featuring a wisecracking private eye with a bachelor’s taste for freedom, set in a colorful location, involving an attractive woman (or two), a cheap crook, fast-paced action, and more twists than a rollercoaster.  

 

The hero, Vic Fallon, is a former detective with the Sandusky, Ohio police department who took a disability separation after being wounded in the line of duty. He was also being investigated at the time for using excessive force on a domestic abuser he was arresting. To say that he prefers to settle arguments with his fists is an understatement. Fallon is an interesting character because he has a strong moral code, and he isn’t shy about standing up for those who need help. He knows what the rules are, but he chooses not to follow them because legally, he doesn’t have to. Here’s an excerpt from Vic’s initial encounter with the titular Dirty Blonde in his favorite bar, where he finds himself after a day of fishing on Lake Erie:

 

Vic slid off the bar stool and strolled his lean six-foot frame across the room. He smiled cordially. “Hi. My name’s Vic Fallon. I understand you’re looking for me.”

 

The attractive petite blonde looked him up and down, apparently taking in his wrinkled short and unshaven face. She smiled politely and extended her hand. “Amy Bergen. Won’t you sit down?”

 

Vic took a seat and set his beer mug on the table. Before he could ask what her business was, Amy beat him to the punch. “I must say you’re not quite what I expected.”

 

“Next time I’ll wear a clean shirt.” He sipped his beer. “What can I do for you?”

 

“I was given your card by a Detective David Becker.”

 

Good ‘ol Becker, always throwing some business my way. I wonder what he wants this time? “Why did Detective Becker give you my name?”

 

“I’m from Lenoir City, Tennessee. It’s just outside Knoxville. Have you ever been there?”

 

“Can’t say I have. Is it worth a look?”

 

“It’s okay, I guess. I came up here to find my ex-husband, Carl. I mean, he will be my ex-husband as soon as he signs the divorce papers. That’ll leave me free to be with Aaron Tripplehorn. He’s an assistant undertaker.”

 

An assistant undertaker. How thrilling. “And Detective Becker thought this would interest me why?”

 

“He said he can’t look for Carl because he hasn’t broken any laws. Have you ever heard of such a thing?”

 

“Once or twice. Do you want someone to track Carl down and force him into divorce court under the threat of being thrown into Lake Erie?”

 

Amy looked curiously at him. “You don’t act much like an investigator.”

 

“I’ll try harder to live up to your expectations. Why would your husband come up here from Tennessee?”

 

Amy exhaled a deep breath. “Well, I certainly wouldn’t know. That’s what I want you to find out.”

 

“And to get him to sign your divorce papers so you can hook up with Aaron Tripplehorn, the assistant undertaker.”

 

“Are you mocking me because I’m from the south?”

 

“No, I do this with everyone.”

 

“I’m not sure I care for your manner.”

 

“Gee, you haven’t found one thing you like about me yet, have you?”

 

Amy shrugged. “It’s still early.”

 

 

Will Vic find the wayward husband and allow Amy to get on with her life back home? Will Amy find something about Vic that she actually likes? Read “The Dirty Blonde” to find out. I think you’ll be glad you came along for the ride!

 

Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author of mystery/thrillers and contemporary romantic comedies. His author site is Tim Smith, AllAuthor.com

You can find "The Dirty Blonde," along with Tim's other books, on Amazon Kindle: "The Dirty Blonde" Amazon