Called By A Panther (Albert Samson #7) by Michael Z. Lewin


Published by Mysterious Press in 1991

Michael Z. Lewin's interestingly named Called By A Panther gets its name from a piece of Ogden Nash verse: "If called by a panther / don't anther."

Private detective Albert Samson is contacted by a group of eco-terrorists called the Scum Front. The Scum Front specializes in placing fully functional bombs in prominent buildings around Indianapolis.

The bombs are functional except for a little piece is left unconnected along with a note that indicates that they are completely aware how to make the bomb operational. Then, they call a local cable TV station and get lots of publicity for their cause. The police are at a loss, but they are really irritated when they get a call about a bomb and there is no bomb.

But, when the eco-terrorists come to Albert Samson wearing animal masks and wanting his help to find their lost bomb, it is just starting to get strange...

I have lived in Indianapolis for the last twenty years and it was a real joy to read a book where I knew all of the places being discussed (Lewin grew up in Indianapolis). Not only that, but this story was quirky enough to be a great change of pace from the usual detective story.

I rate this book 4 stars out of 5. It can be found on Amazon.com here: Called by a Panther.

Reviewed on June 5, 2013.

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