Friends and Other Perishables
Dale Whisman
Five Star, Dec 2004, $25.95, 215 pages, ISBN: 1594142599
reviewed by Harriet Klausner

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, private investigator Carl Jacobs meets with his childhood friend, informant Jimmy Jay late at night, but instead of information and friendship, the "Blue Jay" tries to kill the sleuth. Carl takes a bullet to the shoulder, but kills Jimmy. Afterward, Carl explains to the police that he does not know why a man who slept in his home and knew his wife and two daughters would try to kill him.

The next day Carl learns that another private investigator was killed last week by the weapon that Jimmy used on him. Other attempts on Carl’s life follow, but this time by a professional hit man. As Carl investigates a couple of cases for Underhill Insurance, where his wife is employed, he begins to uncover a multi million dollar insurance scam in which killing those making inquiries into claims is acceptable and if that proves too tough go after their loved ones.

This exciting private investigative tale contains a strong mystery, but what makes it unique is that Carl is a cross between an urban noir hero and a househusband/doting father. Besides being shot (remarkable recovery aside), he makes breakfast for his three beloved females. FRIENDS AND OTHER PERISHABLES is a solid cozy starring a likable champion who handles being shot at and wounded with aplomb, but goes a bit crazy when his family comes under attack.