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"Challenges are what make life interesting, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."
—Joshua J. Marine�

And the challenge continues... ;-)

I do have to remember when I'm reading these books that this is "gay fiction" and not m/m romance. And there's nothing wrong with that--I just have to remember it. The mystery is, by far, more important than Dave's love life, which may be unfortunate in this case, since I found the mystery rather slow moving.

Of course, much of that slowness may be due to the time this book is set. Although it was present day when written, the lack of quickly available information and quick communication really struck me here. Dave calls someone for information, and then he has to wait around near a phone for them to call back. He has to drive here and there to collect his clues, and not just at the murder scene.

I don't believe I noticed this as much in the first two books. Perhaps because the rest of the story was stronger?

One thing I had to laugh about as we found out more of what happened the night of the murder. The suspect and the victim were supposedly totally alone at the time of the shooting, and then we discover it was like Grand Central Station there that night. :-)

Marge wrote: "One thing I had to laugh about as we found out more of what happened the night of the murder. The suspect and the victim were supposedly totally alone at the time of the shooting, and then we disco..."

LOL! So, true. I had a grin at that, also. =)

Marge wrote: "Although it was present day when written, the lack of quickly available information and quick communication really struck me here. Dave calls someone for information, and then he has to wait around near a phone for them to call back. He has to drive here and there to collect his clues, and not just at the murder scene."

Oh yes. :-) It seems unbelievable that we've only used mobile phones in our everyday lives for... how long? 15 years? 20 years?

Marge wrote: "One thing I had to laugh about as we found out more of what happened the night of the murder. The suspect and the victim were supposedly totally alone at the time of the shooting, and then we disco..."

Yes! LOL.

I went through the post-its I had used on the Troublemaker and I realized that many of the bits I had marked were the parts where Joseph Hansen sketches his characters. For example I love the lines that start the book describing Mrs. Wendell:

She wore jeans, high-top work shoes, an old pullover with a jagged reindeer pattern. Somebody's ski sweater once, somebody even bigger than she was. Her son? She was sixty but there was nothing frail about her. The hands gripping the grainy rake handle were a man's hands. Her cropped hair was white. She wore no makeup. Her skin was ruddy, her eyes bright blue. Hearty might have described her. Except for her mouth. It sulked. Something had offended her and failed to apologize. Not lately � long ago. Life, probably.

Can you imagine all the stories between those lines? A whole lifetime worth of events and memories that had left their displeased lines on Mrs. Wendell's face?

And the old pullover with a jagged reindeer pattern? Can you imagine the Christmas when that present was unwrapped? And all the years between that moment and this?

Another woman character whose fate made me extremely melancholic � even though she was only introduced to us very briefly � was Lillian Drill. Here is the part where Dave goes to Lucky's (bar) to find out more about Billy Wendell's whereabouts on Monday night (chapter 10, page 250-251 The Complete Brandstetter):

"[...] Hell, we had a celebration Monday. Birthday Party. For Lilian. Lilian Drill and her old man. They been coming in here must be five, six years. Lilian's just the most fun. Everybody loves Lilian. No � Billy was here till two, till closing. All the regulars was here. Billy especially. They're a set, him and Lilian."
"How's that?" Dave asked.
"The Beautiful People," the pudgy woman said. "You heard the expression. Naw, I don't mean these days, but once. Lilian was in pictures in the thirties. And Billy � everybody's seen his photos, polo playing, horse shows, yachts. He was handsome. Money, high life. Yup, him and Lilian. They're a set."
"What time did he get here Monday? Late?"
"Five in the afternoon. He built sandwiches while I frosted the cake. I always bake the cakes myself. Store bought, they're sawdust. Baked it, decorated it myself. My old man was a baker. Before he decided there was more money in booze." She poked inside the apron and brought out a crushed pack of cigarettes. She lit one with a paper match and blew the smoke at the pavement. She wore tennis shoes, child size. "Thing he couldn't remember was the booze was for customers. Killed him. Anyway, I decorated the cake." She gestured in the air. "Lucky's Own Movie Queen � that's what I wrote on it." She gave a little sad laugh and shook her head. "Lilian cried."

What a wonderful scene, isn't it! So ordinary, yet so powerful. The fact that it ends with the words Lilian cried is so... excruciating. Those two words definitely make me think that Lilian's tears weren't tears of joy. Or am I the only one who things this way? And why on earth am I even feeling this strongly for a character I know next to nothing about? That's brilliant writing!

I also loved to witness how Dave's eyes follow the apron lady's moves and the direction she blows her smoke and how that makes Dave to notice her tennis shoes, child size. There is just something utterly touching about those child sized shoes! :-)

Have you finished the book already, Marge? Because I'd like to discuss something that was on the very last pages. Let me know when you are all the way through. :-)

the prose may be super but the title is really dumb because there are all these titles with the same letters how can you market a thing that sounds like a lot of other things with the same name???
rjray

Johanna wrote: "Can you imagine all the stories between those lines? A whole lifetime worth of events and memories that had left their displeased lines on Mrs. Wendell's face?"

This is what i find so brilliant about his writing. He can give you a vivid picture of something in just a few words, and he always talks so...casually, but then this image hits, or melancholy, like the lines above, seemingly innocent words, but then it's like a wave a emotion knocks you down, sometimes it's as if you can feel all the burdens from someone's shoulders almost as if they were transferred to yours. I find it so interesting, but i feel like i need to read something cheerful on the side to balance.
And at other times, he can say something so unexpectedly funny.
But most of all, Dave's just so...real, isn't he? he feels like a real human being with worries and moments of all sorts in his life.

Robert wrote: "the prose may be super but the title is really dumb because there are all these titles with the same letters how can you market a thing that sounds like a lot of other things with the same name???
..."

I, too, find it interesting that some of the books of the series have quite plain and common titles and then on the other hand there are books like The Little Dog Laughed and The Boy Who Was Buried this Morning. Does anyone know why the titles vary so?

KC wrote: "But most of all, Dave's just so...real, isn't he? he feels like a real human being with worries and moments of all sorts in his life."

Yes, I agree with you. Dave is so human, so real, so... flawed. Like anybody of us. And that seems to be the beauty of him. :-)

Johanna wrote: "Have you finished the book already, Marge? Because I'd like to discuss something that was on the very last pages. Let me know when you are all the way through. :-)"

Yes, I have finished the book, and would be happy to discuss things at the end of it. :-)

Johanna wrote: "Anyway, I decorated the cake." She gestured in the air. "Lucky's Own Movie Queen � that's what I wrote on it." She gave a little sad laugh and shook her head. "Lilian cried."..."

Yes, that was so touching. It made both Lillian and the apron lady seem so real. People who have feelings and not just somebody providing background information.

KC wrote: "But most of all, Dave's just so...real, isn't he? he feels like a real human being with worries and moments of all sorts in his life.
..."

I really agree. While the cases and the mysteries are interesting, it's the small glimpses of Dave's life that keep me reading. Doug, Dave's father, the strange business with Kovacks--these touches are what make Dave a real person.

Speaking of Doug, Dave's not dropping everything to go help with Doug's mom at the end of the book doesn't bode well for the future of the relationship, does it? :-)

Marge wrote: "Speaking of Doug, Dave's not dropping everything to go help with Doug's mom at the end of the book doesn't bode well for the future of the relationship, does it? :-) "

Well, it's complicated... and he does help (in book 4) but nothing is simple with Dave, i find. Or Doug for that matter. I just finished book 4, and all i can say is that it answers your question, but i think the answer will continue in book 5. I now need a break before book 5, because as much as i love these books, they're very melancholy.

Marge wrote: "I really agree. While the cases and the mysteries are interesting, it's the small glimpses of Dave's life that keep me reading. Doug, Dave's father, the strange business with Kovacks--these touches are what make Dave a real person."

Yes, the mysteries are interesting for sure, and i like the way that he slowly questions and picks up clues, and does that classic investigation thing.

The writing itself also keeps me coming back. He has this way of describing a place - bleakly sometimes, i would say, but compelling, and it's so easy to picture these places. And then the way he describes people - just a few words and you get someone whole life flashing before your eyes.

But most of all, it is, as you said, the glimpses of Dave's life. And here again, a thought that Dave has, expressed in just a few words, says so much about what he's going through.

The relationship with his father is very interesting - the softness in both of them comes through in those short conversations they have, the love and respect and care.

Marge wrote: "Speaking of Doug, Dave's not dropping everything to go help with Doug's mom at the end of the book doesn't bode well for the future of the relationship, does it? :-)"

Well, this was the part I wanted to discuss with you guys. :-) Because it left me wondering if that actually would be the end of their relationship.

Hmm... even though these Brandstetter Challenge threads haven't been crowded with people so far, I'm going to keep setting them up if that's alright with you guys.

KC just finished reading #4 and there are many of us who have read 2 or 3 books. John and LR are in their own league with 9 and 7 books. :-)

I think I'll start reading #4 The Man Everybody Was Afraid Of tonight and I'm going to set up a thread for it and #5 Skinflick. Does that sound ok?

Johanna wrote: "Hmm... even though these Brandstetter Challenge threads haven't been crowded with people so far, I'm going to keep setting them up if that's alright with you guys.

KC just finished reading #4 and ..."

Sounds great to me. I have #4 on my Nook, but I will probably read a few others in my backlog before I get to it. But pretty soon!

Johanna wrote: Well, this was the part I wanted to discuss with you guys. :-) Because it left me wondering if that actually would be the end of their relationship. ..."

Between various people's comments and reading blurbs and a few reviews from later books, I haven't been able to remain totally spoiler free from things that happen in the future. But I guess it's like real life--some things are happy and some are sad. Hopefully, Hansen's descriptions of the journey will make the whole trip worth taking.

Marge wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Hmm... even though these Brandstetter Challenge threads haven't been crowded with people so far, I'm going to keep setting them up if that's alright with you guys.

KC just finished..."

Cool. I'm awful slow reader and I'm currently reading various books at the same time, so I wouldn't be surprised if you'd finish #4 before I do. :-)

Marge wrote: "Johanna wrote: Well, this was the part I wanted to discuss with you guys. :-) Because it left me wondering if that actually would be the end of their relationship. ..."

Between various people's c..."

Yes. The brief phone conversation Dave had with Doug in the very last pages of the Troublemaker stayed with me and kept squeezing my heart long time afterwards filling me with an uneasy feeling. Both Hansen's and Josh's writing seem to have that kind of effect on me. A wonderful, profound quality in writing, that is. I'm really looking forward to see how life will treat Dave and Doug.

Johanna wrote: "Hmm... even though these Brandstetter Challenge threads haven't been crowded with people so far, I'm going to keep setting them up if that's alright with you guys.

KC just finished reading #4 and ..."

Sounds good, thank you, Johanna! :-)

A lot going on in this book � new and returning characters, the contrast between Dave's "on the street P.I." life and the scenes with his dad in those fancy offices, Dave playing matchmaker (and pest control?) setting up Kovaks and Lollard, Toshiba's prejudice-deflecting comic asides. Then there's the impact of the darker side of gay life at the time � Vern's arrest record, and Dave's dad saying that when he's gone his company's board of directors will get rid of Dave (because of his homosexuality).

This is a darker story than the first two. Dave is more prickly; he suffers fools even less gladly. The scenes with Doug's mom are poignant, surreal. When she talks with Dave after her first major incident she understands a lot of what she thought and did in her state of dementia, and even sees some humor in it. Later, the visual imagery evoked by the "liberated" pet shop has a sort of terrible, absurd beauty. We can only imagine her distress if/when she is lucid again.

The plight of animals is interwoven, Heather's rescued horses, the mismatched trio of dogs at Tom's place, how their presence/absence assists putting together a likely timeline, Barney's death, the "delicate" rabbit, how I oddly find myself as concerned about what will happen to the animals in the pet shop as I am for Belle and Dave and Doug.

And who is the troublemaker? The word is casually used to describe Huncie, but it's Dave who seems to stir up the most "trouble." Also, there's the issue of how the choices, actions, or inaction of various characters may have made the murders possible.

(This doesn't happen that often, but I picked the murderer early on in this one and even predicted something of the motive.)

Such an insightful post, Karen. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I did pondered over the Troublemaker title, too. I really like your thought of Dave actually being the one who stirs up the most trouble. :)

Just finished this one. I've been backed up with other books since the second, but things should be open now for me to read more of this series. Woot!

I have to keep reminding myself, too, about when this was written as to the fact that there are no cell phones or anything like that. But I do remember those times, so it's not a stretch of my imagination. I actually like the fact that it's not in our current times for some reason. Not really sure why though.

My favorite part was when Dave finds the kiln on the deck and has that conversation with Kovaks and Doug and Kovaks is completely clueless as to what's going on. I noticed that he and Doug seemed to be communicating as if they'd been together a lot longer than they have been. Though there was a bit of silent questioning from Doug for a bit, I still rather enjoyed this one.

As for that phone conversation at the end, yeah, it spells trouble, but Dave had a very good excuse for not rushing to the shop. Doug was already there and had said one form of help was on the way. His mother was in better hands than Tom, I think. And I think Doug will forgive him, eventually.

Jordan wrote: "My favorite part was when Dave finds the kiln on the deck and has that conversation with Kovaks and Doug and Kovaks is completely clueless as to what's going on. I noticed that he and Doug seemed to be communicating as if they'd been together a lot longer than they have been. Though there was a bit of silent questioning from Doug for a bit, I still rather enjoyed this one."

Oh yes, that was an intriguing scene (chapter 9). And definitely a lot of nonverbal communication going on there. Great, awkward atmosphere, too. Also chapter 4 has some deliciously intense moments between Dave, Doug and Kovaks. I enjoyed those a lot � they were both entertaining and harrowing, weren't they.

Really looking forward to see you on the The Man Everybody Was Afraid Of thread later on, Jordan!

Jordan wrote: "I have to keep reminding myself, too, about when this was written as to the fact that there are no cell phones or anything like that. ..."

I actually put a historical tag on this one myself. All the long hair, and the flower children, and especially all the smoking--yes, I remember those days, too. LOL

Oh the smoking! Lol, there certainly is a lot of it, isn't there? I loved the scene with his dad whose doc said he needed to quit. I was almost surprised by that. Sometimes these books seem like they were set further in the past than they actually were.

I'll get to the next one soon as I can... Perhaps in three books. Must finish all these library books, preferably before Nano starts!

Marge wrote: "I do have to remember when I'm reading these books that this is "gay fiction" and not m/m romance. And there's nothing wrong with that--I just have to remember it."

I'm currently reading #5 Skinflick and I keep reminding myself about this � that it's not a romance novel I'm reading. Why is it so hard to remember? ;-)

And like you said nothing wrong with it being gay fiction, quite the contrary. It actually feels very refreshing. Not to be able to depend on the happily ever after.

But I still want that happy ending!!!!

Jordan wrote: "But I still want that happy ending!!!!"

:-)

But "happy ending" is so relative... ;-)

Johanna wrote: "Jordan wrote: "But I still want that happy ending!!!!"

:-)

But "happy ending" is so relative... ;-)"

True.

I keep wanting to call this series the Troublemaker Series since reading that book. I think it's because the next title is so long I just never remember what it is. But Troublemaker is also more easy to remember than Brandstetter for some reason. I'm trying to train my brain to get it right and remember his last name when I'm not reading about him. :-P

Jordan wrote: "I keep wanting to call this series the Troublemaker Series since reading that book. I think it's because the next title is so long I just never remember what it is. But Troublemaker is also more ea..."

LOL. This reminds me... It's hilarious how almost in every book there is someone who can't remember and get Dave's surname right at first. I regret not writing down all the variations of Brandstetter in this series! That would be a delightful list. :-)

Karen wrote: "And who is the troublemaker? The word is casually used to describe Huncie, but it's Dave who seems to stir up the most "trouble." Also, there's the issue of how the choices, actions, or inaction of various characters may have made the murders possible."

I agree with the troublemaker definition for Dave, at least he is seen as such by the people he ''disturbs'' with his quest for the truth.

Johanna wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I keep wanting to call this series the Troublemaker Series since reading that book. I think it's because the next title is so long I just never remember what it is. But Troublemaker ..."

It would be... but then someone would have to be paying attention. :-P

These are so bleak I can't read them back to back. Finally getting to this one, so I'm way behind.

Finished this one last night, and right after I posted an update commenting on the bleakness, I laughed at something. From then on I found a lot to chuckle about. This one was almost a comedy of unlikely and comic characters. The poor guy who loved Owen couldn't get anything right, could he? Hansen is a very fine writer. Am now looking forward to the next one.

I'm recuperating from surgery so am having a lot of time for non stop reading without feeling guilty about it, ha.