The Hoover Files - William Harrington - TOR Columbo Series Book 6

The Hoover Files 

TOR Columbo Series Book 6

William Harrington

TOR

Forge

ISBN 9780812562743

ISBN 0812562747

I believe this is the final volume in this series. It was bittersweet to read it. But much as I can rewatch the episodes I could see rereading some of the volumes in this series again in the years to come. Over nearly a year I watched the complete run of Columbo, while researching an article I wrote as an overview on the series I discovered this novel and the other 5 in the series. I also found about casebooks, and even a cookbook. I thought I would try tracking down these books and give them a try. They do not disappoint. It was almost like watching an episode, his mannerisms, his process, and even his favourite foods. This was the sixth and I believe final in the series I have read in the series. I cannot see any fan of the series not enjoying this book and series; they were very good, I am thankful for some great reads! There is a little sadness that the series is coming to an end. I really wish there were more books available in this series. 

The description of this book states:

“When a biographer threatens to reveal secrets buried in the Hoover files, Lt. Columbo must determine if a former FBI agent will stop at nothing--including murder--to keep those secrets hidden.”

Another description is:

“Tell-all biographer Betsy Clendenin was many celebrities' worst fear. But when she began writing a book that would expose secrets buried in the notorious Hoover files, someone decided she'd gone too far. A mail bomb soon sends her, and the evidence she's unearthed, up in flames. The killer thinks he's pulled off the perfect crime, but what he doesn't realize is that "perfect crimes" are Columbo's specialty.”

The dust jacket of the hard cover edition stated:

“For more than twenty-five years, Columbo has been the most popular, and persistent, detective on television. Columbo TV movies are as popular as ever, while the TV show is syndicated and continues to appear on cable. Now the lovable LAPD lieutenant is back at work in the land of the powerful and glitzy, armed with his keen wit, rumpled raincoat, and unlit cigar.

Betsy Clendenin is a tell-all biographer to whom nothing is sacred. Her latest project threatens to expose scathing secrets buried in the notorious Hoover files.

Frederick Kloss is a wealthy, retired FBI agent. To him, J. Edgar Hoover is nothing short of a god, and he never refers to Hoover except as "The Director." Kloss will stop at nothing to protect Hoover's memory— including murder.

Kloss has even more to lose than he realizes. Clendenin might uncover the fact that he personally helped Hoover assemble the files holding the key to America's biggest scandals and secrets. When Betsy Clendenin is killed by a mail bomb that blasts her house — and her damaging research — into oblivion, the LAPD turns to its most notable detective, Lieutenant Columbo.

Retired crime expert Kloss may be the perfect criminal, but if there's the tiniest clue, the famous Lieutenant Columbo will find it. Nothing gets past this rumpled, distracted detective, who always innocently asks "just one more little question."”

I have started a rewatching of the Columbo Television Series, mainly while cooking or eating to have something on in the background. I remembered I had two volumes in the series to finish. When I picked it up I devoured it in under 24 hours, over 2 sittings. I spent most of a Monday afternoon and evening reading later than I should have to finish it. 

The first three stories in this series are based on real people and real events, even if extrapolated further out in time. The next two are completely fictional, and this one returns to a historic tie in. But this one also ties very closely to previous books in the series with a lot more crossover in characters and elements then previously. And it was masterfully executed.

This story has a lot of twists and turns. But the biggest if a former FBI agent trying to protect ‘The Director’s’ reputation, even years later. A sensational murder and a lot of writer who is working on a new book. A side case with a missing girl, a star with proclivities, and more. As Columbo digs he finds some people who may have wanted the writer dead for what she had already published, but feels certain it is more something new in the works. Can he gather the evidence needed to make an accusation of that nature. To find out you will need to read this excellent mystery! 

This is in my opinion the best novel in the series. Unlike the tradition chapter method, each section of the story starts with a date and time or just the time, if on the same date. The story spans from Wednesday December 16 at 2:41 PM to Wednesday January 20 at 2:47  A.M. The epilogue takes the events out into the future but not as far as some of the others, this is the near future.  

While researching for the review of the first volume in this series I discovered that there were also 6 Columbo novels in the 1970; 2 new stores and 4 novelizations of episodes and also a collection called The Columbo Collection of 12 stories by William Link. These 6 novels came out overlapping with the 6 of the last 8 episodes of the TV Movie Special Era. 

This was another great read, in a good series. Fans of the series or for those who just like a good mystery or crime detective novel. I greatly enjoyed all the novels in this series, but 1 and it was good, just not great. I can recommend this book and series.

I will not I am trying to track down some of the other Columbo novels apart from this series that are mentioned above.

 

Books about Peter Falk or Columbo:

Beyond Columbo: The Life and Times of Peter Falk - Richard A. Lertzman and William J. Birnes

Columbo Phile - A Casebook - Mark Dawidziak

Cooking With Columbo Suppers With The Shambling Sleuth - Jenny Hammerton 

Just One More Thing - Peter Falk

Shooting Columbo - David Koenig

The Columbo Companion, 1968-78: Investigating Every Detail of All 45 'Classic Era' Columbo Adventures - The Columbophile

...

Related Posts:

Columbo Series Overview

...

Columbo Books:

A Christmas Killing - Alfred Lawrence

The Dean's Death - Alfred Lawrence

Any Old Port in a Storm - Henry Clements

By Dawn's Early Light - Henry Clements

Murder by the Book - Lee Hays

A Deadly State of Mind Book - Lee Hays

The Columbo Collection – William Link

…

Columbo Novels by William Harrington:

Grassy Knoll (1993)

The Helter Skelter Murders (1994)

The Hoffa Connection (1995)

The Game Show Killer (1996)

The Glitter Murders (1997)

The Hover Files (1998)

…

Other Books by William Harrington:

Which the Justice, Which the Thief (1963)

The Power (1964)

     aka The Gospel of Death

Yoshar the Soldier (1966)

     aka One Over One

The Search for Elisabeth Brandt (1968)

Trial (1970)

The Jupiter Crisis (1971)

Mister Target (1974)

Scorpio 5 (1975)

Partners (1980)

The English Lady (1982)

Skin Deep (1983)

The Cromwell File (1986)

Oberst (1987)

For the Defense (1988)

Virus (1990)

Endgame in Berlin (1991)

Town on Trial (1994)

Murder at the President's Door (2001)

     with Elliott Roosevelt published posthumously. 

…

The Glitter Murder - William Harrington - TOR Columbo Series Book 5

The Glitter Murder 

TOR Columbo Series Book 5

William Harrington

TOR

Forge

ISBN 9780312861612

ISBN 0312861613

Over nearly a year to be more accurate, I watched the complete run of Columbo, while researching an article I wrote as an overview on the series I discovered this novel and the other 6 in the series. I also found about casebooks, and even a cookbook. I thought I would try tracking down these books and give them a try. They do not disappoint. It was almost like watching an episode, his mannerisms, his process, and even his favourite foods. This was the fifth of 6 I have read in the series. I cannot see any fan of the series not enjoying this book, and if the last remaining in the series is as good I am thankful for some great reads! There is a little sadness that the series is coming to an end. I really wish there were more books available in this series. 

The description of this book states:

“For over twenty-five years, Columbo has been the most popular, and persistent, detective on television. New Columbo TV movies are as popular as ever, while the syndicated TV show episodes still appear on cable. Now the lovable LAPD lieutenant is back at work in the land of the powerful and glitzy, armed with his keen wit, rumpled raincoat, and unlit cigar.

Looking at the scene of the murder and the body, it is obvious to everyone that famed motion-picture director Gunnar Svan has been murdered by someone who broke into his house and bludgeoned him to death in the course of a robbery—obvious to everyone but Lieutenant Columbo.

Columbo has a few questions, even one or two for the distraught widow, the wealthy and exotically beautiful magazine publisher Ai-Ling Cooper-Svan.

Set in the glamour spots of Hollywood and in the world of scandal-sheet publishing, The Glitter Murder offers a fascinating background for another effort by the rumpled, distracted detective, who always innocently asks "just one more little question."”

Another description is:

“Looking at the scene of the murder and the body, it is obvious to everyone that famed motion-picture director Gunnar Svan has been murdered by someone who broke into his house and bludgeoned him to death in the course of a robbery - obvious to everyone but Lieutenant Columbo. Columbo has a few questions, even one or two for the distraught widow, the wealthy and exotically beautiful magazine publisher Ai-Ling Cooper-Svan.”

I have started a rewatching of the Columbo Television Series, mainly while cooking or eating to have something on in the background. I remembered I had this volume on my Kindle but had not got around to it. When I picked it up I devoured it in under 24 hours, over 2 sittings. I spent most of a Sunday reading, and my morning coffee on Monday on the porch finished it. 

The first three stories in this series are based on real people and real events, even if extrapolated further out in time. This story from my research appears to be completely fictional.

This story follows a business woman who discovers not only is her husband cheating on her, but doing so with a minor a prostitute, and others he is also stealing from her. She comes up with a plan for what she believes will be a perfect murder. And it might have been if Columbo had not caught the case. This story has a lot of intriguing elements and is one of the bets in the series, if not the best. Columbo trying to get a connected criminal Jacky Di Giacomo who got off with murder previously. Adrienne Boswell whom we have encountered in other volumes, is pulled in as an alibi and subplot in the story. And a few young women are taken advantage of at least 2 were under age. Overall an excellent plot with great characters and several elements rolled into a great case.  

This is in my opinion the best novel in the series that I have read to date. Unlike the tradition chapter method, each section of the story starts with a date and time or just the time, if on the same date. The story spans from Thursday July 2nd to Friday August 14th 7:11 A.M. The epilogue takes the events at least 7 years out into the future as well.  

While researching for the review of the first volume in this series I discovered that there were also 6 Columbo novels in the 1970; 2 new stores and 4 novelizations of episodes and also a collection called The Columbo Collection of 12 stories by William Link. These 6 novels came out overlapping with the 6 of the last 8 episodes of the TV Movie Special Era. 

This was a great read, in a good series. Fans of the series or for those who just like a good mystery or crime detective novel. I greatly enjoyed 3 of the other 4 novels in this series so far, and I look forward to the remaining story. I can recommend this book and series. 

  

Books about Peter Falk or Columbo:

Beyond Columbo: The Life and Times of Peter Falk - Richard A. Lertzman and William J. Birnes

Columbo Phile - A Casebook - Mark Dawidziak

Cooking With Columbo Suppers With The Shambling Sleuth - Jenny Hammerton 

Just One More Thing - Peter Falk

Shooting Columbo - David Koenig

The Columbo Companion, 1968-78: Investigating Every Detail of All 45 'Classic Era' Columbo Adventures - The Columbophile

...

Related Posts:

Columbo Series Overview

...

Columbo Books:

A Christmas Killing - Alfred Lawrence

The Dean's Death - Alfred Lawrence

Any Old Port in a Storm - Henry Clements

By Dawn's Early Light - Henry Clements

Murder by the Book - Lee Hays

A Deadly State of Mind Book - Lee Hays

The Columbo Collection – William Link

…

Columbo Novels by William Harrington:

Grassy Knoll (1993)

The Helter Skelter Murders (1994)

The Hoffa Connection (1995)

The Game Show Killer (1996)

The Glitter Murders (1997)

The Hover Files (1998)

…

Other Books by William Harrington:

Which the Justice, Which the Thief (1963)

The Power (1964)

     aka The Gospel of Death

Yoshar the Soldier (1966)

     aka One Over One

The Search for Elisabeth Brandt (1968)

Trial (1970)

The Jupiter Crisis (1971)

Mister Target (1974)

Scorpio 5 (1975)

Partners (1980)

The English Lady (1982)

Skin Deep (1983)

The Cromwell File (1986)

Oberst (1987)

For the Defense (1988)

Virus (1990)

Endgame in Berlin (1991)

Town on Trial (1994)

Murder at the President's Door (2001)

     with Elliott Roosevelt published posthumously. 

…

Cooking With Columbo Suppers With The Shambling Sleuth - Jenny Hammerton

Cooking With Columbo: 

Suppers With The Shambling Sleuth: 

Episode guides and recipes from the kitchen of Peter Falk and many of his Columbo co-stars

Jenny Hammerton

ISBN 9781981417421

ASIN B079QW5SFM

I ran across this volume while working on a piece on the TV Series. Over nearly a year I watched the complete run of Columbo, while researching an article I wrote as an overview on the series I discovered this cookbook, two series of novels and other volumes related to the sleuth. 

The description of this book states:

“Grab your rumpled raincoat, chomp down on a cigar, and rattle those pots and pans!  It’s time to braise, broil, chop, chill, grill, roast, and poach with world’s most beloved sleuth!   

Columbo super-fan, Jenny Hammerton, offers an episode by episode guide to the food and drink so prominently featured throughout the greatest television detective series ever made.

She guides you through cherry-picked, episode-specific recipes, and suggests ways to make your Columbo party, the talk of the town. Beyond the expected hard-boiled eggs and chili, you’ll find many other ideas for delicious dinners that are sure to entice every armchair detective.

Jenny is the proprietress of the wildly popular, Silver Screen Suppers blog site. She has plundered her archive (of more than 7000 movie star recipes) for the favorites of The Lieutenant himself, Peter Falk, and those of his many stellar co-stars.”

Another description is:

“Grab your rumpled raincoat, chomp down on a cigar, and rattle those pots and pans! It’s time to braise, broil, chop, chill, grill, roast, and poach with world’s most beloved sleuth! Columbo super-fan, Jenny Hammerton, offers an episode by episode guide to the food and drink so prominently featured throughout the greatest television detective series ever made. She guides you through cherry-picked, episode-specific recipes, and suggests ways to make your Columbo party, the talk of the town. Beyond the expected hard-boiled eggs and chili, you’ll find many other ideas for delicious dinners that are sure to entice every armchair detective. Jenny is the proprietress of the wildly popular, Silver Screen Suppers blog site. She has plundered her archive (of more than 8,000 movie star recipes) for the favorites of The Lieutenant himself, Peter Falk, and those of his many stellar co-stars. Rustle up a big batch of Johnny Cash’s perfectly-seasoned Chili for a screening of Swan Song (with lots of chums). Serve Dick Van Dyke’s delectable Breast of Chicken Florentine to your sweetie, while watching Negative Reaction. Pamper yourself with Janet Leigh’s heavenly Cheese Soufflé, an indulgent dinner for one, with Forgotten Lady to entertain you.

“Food is an ever-present and enjoyable ingredient of the show. I can only commend author Jenny for her passion for the subject matter and her devotion to the Columbo cause. What you have here, is a fantastic collection of recipes suitable for every occasion. ”The Columbophile, internationally renowned Columbo expert.”

About the author we are informed:

“Jenny Hammerton is a film archivist who is obsessed with what her Hollywood film idols liked to eat and drink. She's been collecting the signature dishes of her favourite actresses and actors for many years and has been writing about them since 2006 on the Silver Screen Suppers website.

She runs worldwide monthly Dinner and a Movie events on Substack - everyone is welcome! Visit the Silver Screen Suppers website to find out more.”

I have started a rewatching of the Columbo Television Series, mainly while cooking or eating to have something on in the background. 

Some of the recipes in the volume are:

Anne Baxter’s Genuine Swiss Quiche

Anthony Andrews’ Chicken in a Brick

Ben Gazzara’s Leg of Lamb, Sicilian Style

Billy Connolly’s Stuffed Trout

Celeste Holm’s Celestial Chicken

Dick Van Dyke’s Breast of Chicken Florentine

Donald Pleasance’s No-name Curry

Eddie Albert’s Butterfly Leg of Lamb

Gene Barry’s Kibbee

George Hamilton’s Ginger Snap Dandy

Hector Elizondo’s Famous Pasta Pomodoro

Ida Lupino’s Hot Pot Casserole

Jack Cassidy’s City Chicken

Jack Cassidy’s Quickie Green Bean Casserole

Jack Cassidy’s Rainbow Trout in a Pouch

Jackie Cooper’s Curried Eggs and Macaroni

Janet Leigh’s Cheese Souffle

Jeanette Nolan’s Sizzling Liver with Walnuts

John Cassavetes’ Minted Beef

Johnny Cash’s Chili

Jose Ferrer’s Eggs Ferrer with Fried Potatoes

Laurence Harvey’s Chicken Pie

Lee Grant ’s Malibu Chicken

Leonard Nimoy’s Potatoes La Jolla Chez Jay

Nicol Williamson’s Steak Mince and Stovie Potatoes

Oscar Werner’s Weiner Schnitzel

Patrick O’Neal’s Ragout de Boeuf Bourguignon

Peter Falk’s Barbecued Spare Ribs

Peter Falk’s Pork Chops and Vinegar Peppers

Peter Falk’s Pumpkin Lasagna

Peter Falk’s Simple Avocado

Peter Falk’s Veal Scallopini and White Wine

Ray Milland’s Chicken Chow Mein

Ray Milland’s Lobster Salad

Ricardo Montalban’s Asparagus Soup

Richard Basehart’s Beans and Frankfurters

Robert Conrad’s Infamous Hangover Eggs

Robert Vaughan’s Mushroom Stuffed Zucchini

Rod Steiger’s Chicken Grand Marnier

Ross Martin’s Beef in Anchovy Cream

Ruth Gordon’s Zucchini Omelet

Shera Danese’s Italian Stuffed Peppers

Susan Clark’s Shrimp Curry

Theodore Bikel’s Glorified Meatloaf

Trish Van Devere’s All Day Chilli in the Pot

Valerie Harper’s Summer Squash

Vera Miles’ Mexican Casserole

Vincent Price’s Hollandaise Sauce

William Shatner’s Lime-Garlic Broiled Chicken

William Shatner’s Steak Picado

The chapters in the book are:

Foreword 

Introduction 

Prescription: Murder - 1968 

Ransom For A Dead Man - 1971 

Murder By The Book -1971 

Death Lends A Hand - 1971 

Dead Weight - 1971 

Suitable For Framing - 1971 

Lady In Waiting - 1971 

Short Fuse - 1972 

Blueprint For Murder - 1972 

Etude In Black - 1972 

The Greenhouse Jungle - 1972 

The Most Crucial Game - 1972 

Dagger Of The Mind - 1972 

Requiem For A Falling Star - 1973 

A Stitch In Crime - 1973 

Th6 Most Dangerous Match - 1973 

Double Smock - 1973 

Lovely But Lethal- 1973 

Any Old Port In A Storm - 1973 

Candidate For Crime - 1973 

Double Exposure - 1973 

Publish Or Perish - 1974 

Mino Over Mayhem - 1974 

Swan Song - 1974 

A Friend In Deed - 1974 

An Exercise In Fatality - 1974 

Negative Reaction - 1974 

By Dawn’s Early Light - 1974 

Troubled Waters - 1975 

Playback- 1975 

A Deadly State Of Mind - 1975 

Forgotten Lady- 1975 

A Case Of Immunity - 1975 

Identity Crisis - 1975 

A Mater Of Honor - 1976 

Now You See Him - 1976 

Last Salute To The Commodore - 1976 

Fade In To Murder - 1976 

Old Fashioned Murder- 1976 

The Bye-Bye Sky High I.Q. Murder Case - 1977 

Try And Catch Me - 1977 

Murder Under Glass - 1978 

Make Me A Perfect Murder - 1978 

How To Dial A Murder - 1978 

The Conspirators - 1978 

Columbo Goes To The Guillotine - 1989 

Murder, Smoke And Shadows -1989 

Sex  And The Married Detective - 1989 

Grand Deceptions - 1989 

Murder: A Self Portrait - 1989 

Columbo Cries Wolf - 1980 

Agenda For Murder -1990 

Rest In Peace, Mrs. Columbo - 1990 

Uneasy Lies The Crown - 1990 

Murder In Malibu -1990 

Col-Umbo Goes To College - 1990 

Caution: Murder Can Be Hazardous To Your Health - 1991

Columbo And The Murder Of A Rock Star - 1991 

Death Hits The Jackpot - 1991

No Time To Die - 1992

A Bird In The Hand - 1992

It’s All In The Game - 1993

Butterfly In Shades Of Grey-  1994

Undercover - 1994

Strange Bedfellows - 1995

A Trace Of Murder - 1997

Ashes To Ashes -1998

Murder With Too Many Notes - 2001

Columbo Like The Nightlife - 2003

Columbo's Chili And Other Delights

Recipe Sources

Acknowledgments

Test Cook’s

Author’s Note

About The Author

The chapters are based on the episodes in the order they appeared. Some recipes we encounter on screen, and some are from the guest stars. The author on her website has photos of the various recipes and how they turned out. But it appears all the recipes were taken from other sources. And we are provided that list at the end of the volume.  

The Columbophile wrote the forward, and is a world famous researcher into the series and the character. That forward begins with:

“When I first heard word of this Columbo cookery book, I was skeptical, to say the least. A book featuring recipes for chili, hard-boiled eggs, and black coffee was bound to be a pretty thin volume, surely?

But then I had a think about the role food played in Columbo. And I realized it’s a pretty important one. From the Lieutenant cooking an omelet for Joanna Ferris in Murder by the Book to him whipping up scaloppini for Paul Gerard in Murder Under Glass; from him gulping Dr. Keppel’s caviar in Double Exposure to assisting Dexter Paris on a live cookery show in Double Shock, food is an ever-present and enjoyable ingredient of the show.

Beyond the confines of the show itself, I had also never considered that the favorite recipes of Columbo stars might have been immortalized in magazines and books of a by-gone era. The 70s really were special times.

Having had the opportunity to have a sneak preview of this book prior to its publication, I can only commend author Jenny for her passion for the subject matter and her devotion to the Columbo cause. What you have here, is a fantastic collection of recipes suitable for every occasion, from a light dinner for one to opulent banquets for a house full of friends.

And that got me thinking again. If we were to host a magnificent, 70s-style feast using the recipes found here, which Columbo stars would be top of the guest list? Here’s my list. And naturally, you’re very welcome to join us. Lieutenant Columbo and Mrs. Columbo were invited, of course, but they had a bowling league dinner dance to attend, so can’t make it. Those tickets cost $17.50 a couple, you know...”

And food does play a big role in the show. A few meals cooked by Columbo himself, and meals partaken with others. Columbo’s go to foods during the show are Hard Boiled Eggs, Chilli, Hotdogs and Canapes. This volume goes beyond that. For each episode we are given some background information and then a recipe. 

The biggest drawback of the volume is there is no index of recipes or of contributors. For example William Shatner:

William Shatner’s Steak Picado

William Shatner's Lime-Garlic Broiled Chicken

William Shatner's Deluxe Hamburgers

I have tried a few recipes and William Shatner's Lime-Garlic Broiled Chicken is my favourite so far. The concept is a unique ideal. And there are some great recipes to try and interesting stories. But I think it could have been excellent with and index of Who and main ingredients, ad a list by types, mains, sides, …

Overall an interesting cookbook. One I am glad I gave it a try. I will do a few of the other offerings from the book. But design could have really some work.

 

Books about Peter Falk or Columbo:

Beyond Columbo: The Life and Times of Peter Falk - Richard A. Lertzman and William J. Birnes

Columbo Phile - A Casebook - Mark Dawidziak

Cooking With Columbo Suppers With The Shambling Sleuth - Jenny Hammerton 

Just One More Thing - Peter Falk

Shooting Columbo - David Koenig

The Columbo Companion, 1968-78: Investigating Every Detail of All 45 'Classic Era' Columbo Adventures - The Columbophile

...

Related Posts:

Columbo Series Overview

...

Columbo Books:

A Christmas Killing - Alfred Lawrence

The Dean's Death - Alfred Lawrence

Any Old Port in a Storm - Henry Clements

By Dawn's Early Light - Henry Clements

Murder by the Book - Lee Hays

A Deadly State of Mind Book - Lee Hays

The Columbo Collection – William Link

…

Columbo Novels by William Harrington:

Grassy Knoll (1993)

The Helter Skelter Murders (1994)

The Hoffa Connection (1995)

The Game Show Killer (1996)

The Glitter Murders (1997)

The Hover Files (1998)

…

Books by Jenny Hammerton:

Cooking With Columbo Suppers With The Shambling Sleuth 

Murder, She Cooked: A Cabot Cove Cookbook

Supper with the Stars: With Your Host Vincent Price

For ladies only? Eve's Film Review

Cooking With Joan Crawford

Cooking The Detectives: A Bite Sized Guide to the Tastiest TV Detective Shows

…

The Game Show Killer - William Harrington - TOR Columbo Series Book 4

The Game Show Killer

TOR Columbo Series Book 4

William Harrington

TOR

Forge

ISBN 9780812550801

ISBN 9780783885957

Over many months, nearly a year to be more accurate, the year before last I watched the complete run of Columbo, while researching an article I wrote as an overview on the series I discovered this novel and the other 6 in the series. I also found about casebooks, and even a cookbook. I thought I would try tracking down these books and give them a try. They do not disappoint. It was almost like watching an episode, his mannerisms, his process, and even his favourite foods. This was the fourth of 6 I have read in the series. I cannot see any fan of the series not enjoying this book, and if the other 2 remaining in the series are a good I am in for some great reads!

The description of this book states:

“For over twenty-five years, Columbo has been the most popular , and persistent, detective on television, drawing millions of viewers a week. William Harrington's compelling new novel pits the famous TV detectives against one of the most brilliant and flamboyant lawyers in the country. It may seem like the perfect murder, but if there's the tiniest flaw, the famous Lieutenant Columbo will find it.”

Another description is:

“William Harrington's compelling new novel in the successful Columbo series, The Game Show Killer, pits the famous TV detective against one of the most brilliant and flamboyant lawyers in the country.

Realizing that an acquitted celebrity, even a minor one, can be worth millions, high-powered LA defense attorney Grant Kellogg decides to create his own.

He enlists Erika Bjorling, who was the co-host or "squealer" for "Try It Once," a popular prime-time game show that ran for nineteen years. Since the show's recent cancellation her career has been in a tailspin. If she can survive a few months in jail, Kellogg guarantees Bjorling an acquittal and enough money for both of them to retire in luxury. When she finds out who the victim will be, she readily agrees to the plan.

Legendary film star Tim Wylie has a sterling public image and millions of adoring fans. Privately, though, he has seduced hundreds of hopeful young actresses, including Erika Bjorling. Twenty years ago, she had fallen in love with Wylie and had his child. On learning of her pregnancy, Wylie dumped Bjorling - something for which she has never forgiven him.

Enter the famous Lieutenant Columbo, with his cigars and wrinkled raincoat, asking, "Who got dead?" Wylie's bullet-ridden body on the floor and the missing paintings point to a simple robbery. But as Columbo begins the methodically slow investigation he's noted for, he finds the parts of this case fit together too neatly, almost seamlessly. It seems like the perfect murder, but if there's the tiniest flaw, the tenacious Columbo will find it.”

I have started a rewatching of the Columbo Television Series, mainly while cooking or eating to have something on in the background. I remembered I had this volume on my Kindle but had not got around to it. When I picked it up I devoured it in under 24 hours, over 2 sittings. I stayed up way to late one night reading, then finished it the next morning after mass. 

The first three stories in this series are based on real people and real events, even if extrapolated further out in time. This story from my research appears to be completely fictional, though some indicate it could be very loosely based on Rodney Alcala who was know as, "The Dating Game Killer".

This story follows a starlet who is now out of work, Erika Bjorling, who is portrayed like a Vanna White character, who is manipulated by and ex, a famous lawyer Grant Kellogg, to murder another ex and father of her previously murdered child. 

This is in my opinion the best novel in the series that I have read to date. Unlike the tradition chapter method, each section of the story starts with a date and time or just the time, if on the same date. The story spans from Tuesday, April 4th -7:58 A.A. to Friday December 22, but that is more the epilogue, the main story ends on Thursday April 27th 2:01 P.M. It really reads like watching an episode. And it was like a visit with an old friend even though it had been a year between books in the series.  

While researching for the review of the first volume in this series I discovered that there were also 6 Columbo novels in the 1970; 2 new stores and 4 novelizations of episodes and also a collection called The Columbo Collection of 12 stories by William Link. These 6 novels came out overlapping with the 6 of the last 8 episodes of the TV Movie Special Era. 

This was a great read, in a good series. Fans of the series or for those who just like a good mystery or crime detective novel. I greatly enjoyed 2 of the other 3 novels in this series far, and I look forward to the remaining two. I can recommend this book and series.  

Books about Peter Falk or Columbo:

Beyond Columbo: The Life and Times of Peter Falk - Richard A. Lertzman and William J. Birnes

Columbo Phile - A Casebook - Mark Dawidziak

Cooking With Columbo Suppers With The Shambling Sleuth - Jenny Hammerton 

Just One More Thing - Peter Falk

Shooting Columbo - David Koenig

The Columbo Companion, 1968-78: Investigating Every Detail of All 45 'Classic Era' Columbo Adventures - The Columbophile

...

Related Posts:

Columbo Series Overview

...

Columbo Books:

A Christmas Killing - Alfred Lawrence

The Dean's Death - Alfred Lawrence

Any Old Port in a Storm - Henry Clements

By Dawn's Early Light - Henry Clements

Murder by the Book - Lee Hays

A Deadly State of Mind Book - Lee Hays

The Columbo Collection – William Link

…

Columbo Novels by William Harrington:

Grassy Knoll (1993)

The Helter Skelter Murders (1994)

The Hoffa Connection (1995)

The Game Show Killer (1996)

The Glitter Murders (1997)

The Hover Files (1998)

…

Other Books by William Harrington:

Which the Justice, Which the Thief (1963)

The Power (1964)

     aka The Gospel of Death

Yoshar the Soldier (1966)

     aka One Over One

The Search for Elisabeth Brandt (1968)

Trial (1970)

The Jupiter Crisis (1971)

Mister Target (1974)

Scorpio 5 (1975)

Partners (1980)

The English Lady (1982)

Skin Deep (1983)

The Cromwell File (1986)

Oberst (1987)

For the Defense (1988)

Virus (1990)

Endgame in Berlin (1991)

Town on Trial (1994)

Murder at the President's Door (2001)

     with Elliott Roosevelt published posthumously. 

…

Columbo The Hoffa Connection - William Harrington - TOR Columbo Series Book 3

Columbo The Hoffa Connection

TOR Columbo Series Book 3

William Harrington

TOR

Forge

ISBN 9780812550788

ISBN 9780312858162

Over many months, nearly a year to be more accurate, Last year I watched the complete run of Columbo, while researching an article I wrote as an overview on the series I discovered this novel and the other 6 in the series. I also found about casebooks, and even a cookbook. I thought I would try tracking down these books and give them a try. They do not disappoint. It was almost like watching an episode, his mannerisms, his process, and even his favourite foods. This was the third of 6 I have read in the series. I cannot see any fan of the series not enjoying this book, and if the other 3 remaining in the series are a good I am in for some great reads!

The description of this book states:

“When a racy, beautiful rock mega-star is found floating dead in her Beverly Hills swimming pool, Columbo, America's favorite TV detective launches an investigation that takes him all the way to the coast of Italy, to the birthplace of the mafia. But to solve this case, Columbo must first tackle on of the most publicized and puzzling mysteries to sweep the United States--the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa exactly twenty years ago.”

Another description is:

“To find out who killed a Madonna-like superstar and dumped her body in her Beverly Hills swimming pool, the TV detective must unlock the mystery of Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance twenty years earlier.”

This story starts in an interesting way. In the typical Columbo manner we soon witness the murder and know who the perpetrators are and how they did it. The big difference between this and other books or even the series was the naked victim, and the story contains numerous references to the victim and he many male partners. From the beginning there is some obvious suspects, but Columbo knows from early on to focus on the missing Old man, who lived with the victim, and has some pretty clear ideas who is involved. He just needs to figure out the ‘why?’. 

As mentioned there were a few things in this story that felt a little off based on my experiences with Columbo. First the murder victim being naked and prancing and swimming around naked in front of numerous people. Second the sheer number of references to the victims sexual prowess and many man use used and discarded. And third Columbo allowing himself to be kissed a few times by a reporter pumping him for information. The victim’s name being Regina, which literally means Queen. The beginning of the second chapter of Part I of the novel states:

“At 10:00 a silvery Rolls-Royce entered the driveway of Regina’s estate in Beverly Hills. Although cars crowded the narrow'lane bumper-to-bumper, space had carefully been left for the Rolls to glide through unimpeded; and it stopped only at the front door to the sprawling Spanish-style mansion. Before the chauffeur could come around to open the door, Regina opened it and flung herself impatiently from the car, stark naked.

Without the blond wig, she exposed her hair: dark brown and brush cut. Her skin gleamed with sweat. Speaking to no one, she strode through the house and out the back door to the swimming pool, where she threw herself off the edge and into the water. She floundered. People gathered around the pool as she thrashed and struggled and—gradually made her way across the pool to the opposite side. Breathless and sputtering, she reached up and accepted a glass from Johnny, her houseboy, a handsome dark-visaged young man. She drank. Straight gin, no ice.

Her guests gathered around her, none of them surprised to see her naked, most of them anxious to have a look at her—or, as it was for many of them, another look.”

The other two novels could easily have been episodes of the series. I just cannot see how they would have ever filmed let alone aired this one. We still got to watch Columbo pull all the threads and eliminate some suspects. Including an international trip to the funeral of Regina in Italy. He does make a few references to Mrs C. But the events with the reporter just feel off. 

While researching for the review of the first volume in this series I discovered that there were also 6 Columbo novels in the 1970; 2 new stores and 4 novelizations of episodes and also a collection called The Columbo Collection of 12 stories by William Link. These 6 novels came out overlapping with the 6 of the last 8 episodes of the TV Movie Special Era. 

This was a good read, but not great, A great read for fans of the series or Jimmy Hoffa buff’s and for those who just like a mystery. I enjoyed the other 2 novels in this series far more than this one, it feels off and forced. I can recommend this book and series, and still look forward to reading the remaining three. 

Books about Peter Falk or Columbo:

Beyond Columbo: The Life and Times of Peter Falk - Richard A. Lertzman and William J. Birnes

Columbo Phile - A Casebook - Mark Dawidziak

Cooking With Columbo Suppers With The Shambling Sleuth - Jenny Hammerton 

Just One More Thing - Peter Falk

Shooting Columbo - David Koenig

The Columbo Companion, 1968-78: Investigating Every Detail of All 45 'Classic Era' Columbo Adventures - The Columbophile

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Related Posts:

Columbo Series Overview

...

Columbo Books:

A Christmas Killing - Alfred Lawrence

The Dean's Death - Alfred Lawrence

Any Old Port in a Storm - Henry Clements

By Dawn's Early Light - Henry Clements

Murder by the Book - Lee Hays

A Deadly State of Mind Book - Lee Hays

The Columbo Collection – William Link

…

Columbo Novels by William Harrington:

Grassy Knoll (1993)

The Helter Skelter Murders (1994)

The Hoffa Connection (1995)

The Game Show Killer (1996)

The Glitter Murders (1997)

The Hover Files (1998)

…

Other Books by William Harrington:

Which the Justice, Which the Thief (1963)

The Power (1964)

     aka The Gospel of Death

Yoshar the Soldier (1966)

     aka One Over One

The Search for Elisabeth Brandt (1968)

Trial (1970)

The Jupiter Crisis (1971)

Mister Target (1974)

Scorpio 5 (1975)

Partners (1980)

The English Lady (1982)

Skin Deep (1983)

The Cromwell File (1986)

Oberst (1987)

For the Defense (1988)

Virus (1990)

Endgame in Berlin (1991)

Town on Trial (1994)

Murder at the President's Door (2001)

     with Elliott Roosevelt published posthumously. 

…