Wow, new favorite. Friedman nails the cranky old man dialog. I really want more from this author but I guess there can't be much more time for Buck Schatz to solve crimes. Even if you don't like mysteries read this book for the marvelous characters. ( )

This octogenarian sleuth may not know a lot about computers (he thinks "google" is the sound people make when you punch them in the throat) but Buck Schatz is one heck of a detective. There are 2 Buck Schatz books out so far, and this is the first. I liked it a lot. It was gritty and funny and didn't shy away from the setbacks that come with aging. Buck Schatz isn't punching throats any more, but that doesn't mean he can't solve a mystery, especially with his grandson as sidekick. ( )

Very fun mystery starring an 87 year old protagonist. Buck is an ex POW from WWII and an ex cop gets tangled up in a bunch of murders and a hunt for Nazi gold. He is helped by his grandson and the two are kind of oil and water. Buck is a great character. He deals with his age and his infirmity and has trouble accepting that he is not as able as he used to be. There are a lot of themes here besides the mystery. The book touches on love and loss and what it means to grow old. Buck is grumpy and snarky and honest and caring, not as sharp as he used to be but still plenty smart. This is the start of a series evidently and sign me on to read more of them. ( )

2022 book #27. 2012. Buck Schatz is an 85-yo retired homicide detective in Memphis who learns that the man who tortured him in a German prison camp is still alive and has $3M in gold. He reluctantly joins the chase if only to stay ahead of the others who thinks he's on the trail. ( )

88-year old Buck Schatz goes to listen to the deathbed confession of a fellow soldier that their concentration camp tormentor escaped justice with a horde of Nazi gold. Apparently, the dying man told others and Buck and his grandson "Tequila" are bullied into investigating. Buck is pretty funny, but is definitely feeling his own age and his wife's too, as the bodies start piling up. ( )