Tin City by David Housewright

7. – 566.) Tin City by David Housewright – The opening pages talking about small scale commercial beekeeping took me back 40 years to the farm at Meskanaw helping my Dad with the bees. Housewright accurately describes the helmet, veil and smoker used by a beekeeper. Rushmore McKenzie is visiting his father’s friend, Mr. Mosley a beekeeper in a Minneapolis suburb, when he is asked to find out why bees are dying. The violent consequences to McKenzie’s humble search are breathtaking.

            With Mr. Mosley dead and a lawyer’s wife raped McKenzie seeks revenge. The former St. Paul policeman has unique financial security. He gained a $3 million dollar reward for tracking down an embezzler.

            The mystery is a police procedural without a police force. McKenzie systematically pursues leads with the aid of useful members of quasi-respectable / quasi- criminal society.

            He is a unique detective having a 1,000 book collection and loving libraries. I am impressed by any detective who appreciates libraries.

            Having visited Minneapolis several times over the years I appreciate Housewright firmly setting his hero and his mystery in the Metro area. McKenzie is not a detective in a generic American city.

            The investigation has numerous twists that are always credible. McKenzie is a charming easy going mystery solver with a ready wit and a readier gun. I am looking forward to reading more of his adventures. (Feb. 1/11)