Dirty Work (Gulliver Dowd Mystery, 1) Paperback – March 1, 2013

Solid mystery with good writing and dialogue

Great read, concise to the point of artistry

I received this little book as an early reviewer read. I am not a big fan of rapid-read books. In fact, to me, the bigger the book, the better. This isn't a bad little book. It certainly has a different protagonist. Gulliver is a small-person and in spite of his size, he is a Private Investigator. We really didn't have the time to learn much about Gulliver becuase the book is so short. And most of the insight that we did get was about what it was like to live as a little-person in a big person's world. There wasn't much mystery here either. Gulliver is hired by his ex-high school sweetheart to find her 16 year old daughter. He does find her at the end but he also learns a hard life-lesson as he deals with his ex-girlfriend. If a little book like this one with a bit of action in it can get some people to read, then these books do serve as a valuable tool. I don't care for the format, but I'm a voracious reader and don't need any excuse to sit down and enjoy a book.

This was a decent short detective story, and an enjoyable read, but too brief for my tastes. I know this is a rapid read for casual readers, but for regular readers it is sparse.

One of the things that always impresses me about Reed Farrel Coleman is the heart of his main character. They are good people all around. A short read, but an good read. I was not quite satisfied with the ending or with the way that Gulliver let himself be used, but that I believe was because of the character's unrequited life experiences. I will definitely read another Gulliver. Now on to Coleman's "Onion Street." (Incidentally, "Dirty Work" introduces several characters that I am sure will reoccur in other books about Gulliver--Package them and call them "Gulliver's Travels") Only four stars, not quite up to Moe Prager ... yet.

I am a big fan of Coleman, especially his Moe Prager novels which he recently ended. This was in no way as lyrical but it was still well- written. I enjoyed the story and I also thought that the main character had some substance.Spend a few bucks and take a trip with a P.I.

This is part of the Orca Rapid Reads series. I liked Gulliver Dowd, a dwarf PI with a handsome face and a never-say-die attitude. This one moves quickly and is an all around fun read. It was my first Coleman book, and I would definitely read more.

Reed Farrel Coleman wrote this book? No one will ever convince me. This is the author who penned The James Deans. No. This effort was light on subtle description, three-dimensional characters, and a silly, transparent plot. I have been a fan of Coleman's books since I read the first Moe Praeger. Mr. Coleman, somebody stole your name and put on this freshman attempt at writing.