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Leo Waterman #3
The Bum's Rush
When a homeless woman says she’s the mother of a deceased rock idol, sometimes private eye Leo Waterman takes it upon himself to investigate the lady’s claim. With the help of “the Boys”, a band of dissolute deputies, Leo begins a life-threatening pursuit of the truth nobody wants to hear.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1997
About the author
G.M. Ford
33 books220 followersGerald M. Ford was the author of the widely praised Frank Corso novels, Fury, Black River, A Blind Eye, Red Tide, No Man's Land, and Blown Away; six highly acclaimed mysteries, featuring Seattle private investigator Leo Waterman; and the stand-alone thriller Nameless Night. A former creative writing teacher in western Washington, Ford lived in San Diego.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 6, 2019
A good entry into the Leo Waterman series. This series is written with tongue firmly in-cheek. Leo must track down an embezzling and disappeared librarian. At the same time he helps a homeless mother find out what happened to her rock-n-roll son who supposedly died of an overdose. She does not welcome his help. The whole homeless junior detectives thing must be taken with a large grain of salt as it has been my experience that a group of alcoholics couldn't organize a one man rock fight, even given good directions. Recommended.
July 26, 2014
I have read every speck of fiction written by the man who calls himself GM Ford. Part of it is that he sets a good deal of his work in Seattle, and I was stunned to find him (in one or another of the Leo Waterman books) chasing a villain into my neighborhood, down my street, and when he turned and I read the description of the house in which the body was found, I thought...MY STARS! I KNOW WHICH HOUSE HE MEANS!
Okay. That won't happen for most of you. But if you can track down the old Leo Waterman books (Ford's earliest series), they are both riveting in their own right, and absolutely hysterical in places. I have always liked books that feature working class heroes. Some of Waterman's friends are homeless men, and when he gets money, he takes them things. It's sort of sweet, at the same time that the mystery is compelling, at the same time that it is, in a wry, clever way, very VERY funny!
I was heartbroken when he ended this series. Consider this a generic endorsement of all of the Waterman books. His next series, with Frank Corso as protagonist, is well written, but not meant to be funny. It was good too, but now it's over.
Imagine my joy in seeing Leo return this very year. If you love this series the way I do, get a copy of Chump Change. It's better than ever!
Okay. That won't happen for most of you. But if you can track down the old Leo Waterman books (Ford's earliest series), they are both riveting in their own right, and absolutely hysterical in places. I have always liked books that feature working class heroes. Some of Waterman's friends are homeless men, and when he gets money, he takes them things. It's sort of sweet, at the same time that the mystery is compelling, at the same time that it is, in a wry, clever way, very VERY funny!
I was heartbroken when he ended this series. Consider this a generic endorsement of all of the Waterman books. His next series, with Frank Corso as protagonist, is well written, but not meant to be funny. It was good too, but now it's over.
Imagine my joy in seeing Leo return this very year. If you love this series the way I do, get a copy of Chump Change. It's better than ever!
February 19, 2015
You will be laughing and smiling all the way to the end.
This was the first book I read written by G.M. Ford, loved it. Interesting plot, humour. Also learned couple new words, Patrick Lawlor's reading made it more enjoyable. It's a free book with audio. Leo's "boy" are residentialy challenged and over served at the bars, but they are there to help him. 90's dial up networks and "you got mail" brought me back 20 years.
This was the first book I read written by G.M. Ford, loved it. Interesting plot, humour. Also learned couple new words, Patrick Lawlor's reading made it more enjoyable. It's a free book with audio. Leo's "boy" are residentialy challenged and over served at the bars, but they are there to help him. 90's dial up networks and "you got mail" brought me back 20 years.
October 14, 2020
I was given a couple of the later novels in this series, and I realized that to bring myself up to speed I needed to read the earlier ones. Somewhat bizarre, with an off-center sense of humor, set in Seattle with up-to-the minute 1995 computer technology. Love those dial-up modems that wouldn't let you use your phone while you surfed what was then the net. A very good mystery, with great dialogue and memorable characters. And a flair for metaphor that rivals Raymond Chandler. "She ate like my ex-wife used to pack a suitcase."
February 12, 2019
Great read
Same as the first 2 in this series, great cast of characters and all of them are funny as hell
Same as the first 2 in this series, great cast of characters and all of them are funny as hell
December 26, 2019
A bit too much copy and paste from the earlier books in the series. Can forgive the mentioning of the protagonists father not allowing Leo to get his inheritance until he's 45 in every book as it plays into his particular legend but in other cases it's just tiresome. Some jokes are only funny once.
The characters are likable enough to bring me back to the series but I'm now harboring reservations due to the authors seeming inability to find new and enjoyable ways to say the same thing. I gave up hope of them saying something new with this story.
A respectable 2.5 stars
The characters are likable enough to bring me back to the series but I'm now harboring reservations due to the authors seeming inability to find new and enjoyable ways to say the same thing. I gave up hope of them saying something new with this story.
A respectable 2.5 stars
September 27, 2016
Another in the Leo Waterman (private detective, based in Seattle) series. They're all here: his girlfriend, Duval; the lawyer, Jed; and of course his "residentially challenged" bunch of hobo sidekicks.
As usual two or three semi-plots weave around each other, and there is a bit of Keystone Cops style slapstick. Pacy, entertaining and a jolly good fun read, with some lovely descriptive language too. What more could a reader want? Not much more, that's for sure.
As usual two or three semi-plots weave around each other, and there is a bit of Keystone Cops style slapstick. Pacy, entertaining and a jolly good fun read, with some lovely descriptive language too. What more could a reader want? Not much more, that's for sure.
May 28, 2018
Leo Waterman is the name of the new hero. His daddy was a big politician but he will inherit the money only in a couple of years. In the meantime he solves crimes. How can I not love a man who says: »I make it a point not to like anything recorded after 1979«. We are in Seattle. There are two mysteries to be solved. The death of the Corbain-like genius musician and the case of the missing librarian. And the two are not connected. Thank God. Very good stuff.
August 8, 2012
Another Leo Waterman story set in Seattle with the usual motley crew of down and out assistants. Bit of Seattle Chinatown featured in an early chapter, along with a local Chinese figure - setting, character and this bit of story line is true. Volunteer Park also plays a role, as does Harborview. Character in the main storyline is reminscent of Kurt Cobain.
Read
April 5, 2014Funny, funny, improbable and lovable characters. Set in Seattle where the lone P.I. solves cases with the help of his version of the Baker Street regulars, a bunch of winos from downtown's Pioneer Square. Well written, political humor and atypical shamus investigations form the basis of these novels.
July 28, 2015
#3 in the Leo Waterman series.
Leo Waterman and his street people friends search for Ralph, one of "The Boys" who has gone missing. While they search they save a homeless woman from being beaten to death. The woman indicates that she is the mother of a rock star who has supposedly just died from an overdose. Leo looks into it while tracking down an embezzling librarian.
Leo Waterman and his street people friends search for Ralph, one of "The Boys" who has gone missing. While they search they save a homeless woman from being beaten to death. The woman indicates that she is the mother of a rock star who has supposedly just died from an overdose. Leo looks into it while tracking down an embezzling librarian.
February 23, 2016
The bum's rush
Much better story than any others I've read of Ford. This one was as wacky with the cast of characters but was much more smoothly written and had enough detail to make sense. Interesting use of 2 stories to tie the whole thing at the end . Made me want to read another to be sure it wasn't a fluke.
Much better story than any others I've read of Ford. This one was as wacky with the cast of characters but was much more smoothly written and had enough detail to make sense. Interesting use of 2 stories to tie the whole thing at the end . Made me want to read another to be sure it wasn't a fluke.
December 18, 2017
This was a great book to read. For sure kept pace with the previous books. Two cases at once is something I thoroughly enjoy, and keeps me constantly guessing and wondering. The comedy parts are also fun. Leo is a tool sometimes, but in a smart ass kind of way. I already have the actor in my head picked out for the movie(s).
March 7, 2020
Strictly two dimensional characters, rampant with useless, colorless filler descriptions of directions, past details, etc. that bring nothing of value.
Was ready to quit within the first 50 pages, but my nature is to finish what I start. Nothing improved as I read on.
Save yourself some time -don’t start!
Was ready to quit within the first 50 pages, but my nature is to finish what I start. Nothing improved as I read on.
Save yourself some time -don’t start!
June 10, 2009
One of a series involving private eye Leo Waterman. One of those PIs who does not take himself too seriously. Takes place in Seattle. A twist--Waterman employs homeless people to assist him (and humanizes them a bit in the process).
January 26, 2013
It's a mystery for people who don't usually read them, like me. It's funny in a really rough-edged way, and living in the Seattle region, it's hilarious to think of this kind of mayhem going on in places I've been walking around for the last few years. A very entertaining book!
April 20, 2014
Leo Waterman and his gang of Hobos help a fellow street person gain back her heritage as well as money in a good written and hilarious novel. G M Ford keeps getting better & better with each new novel. Keep them coming!!
September 6, 2014
Another great read!
I just simply can't get enough of Leo and the boys! I'm looking for the next in the series. The twists and turns of the story line along with the humor keep the pages turning.
I just simply can't get enough of Leo and the boys! I'm looking for the next in the series. The twists and turns of the story line along with the humor keep the pages turning.
November 10, 2014
Fun read
the story is very entertaining but best of all is the writing style. GM writes in a sassy, smart, comic , very descriptive way - your picture what he's describing and at the same time it's so funny. the main character is great, with some wonderful, unusual side-kicks.
the story is very entertaining but best of all is the writing style. GM writes in a sassy, smart, comic , very descriptive way - your picture what he's describing and at the same time it's so funny. the main character is great, with some wonderful, unusual side-kicks.
August 5, 2016
If you love Seattle....
A very articulate writer using the most improbable cast of characters as spokespersons! Delightful....and Seattle as the backdrop for all the mystery and fun.
A very articulate writer using the most improbable cast of characters as spokespersons! Delightful....and Seattle as the backdrop for all the mystery and fun.
November 24, 2016
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/4...
A very enjoyable PI tale. It moved quickly & had a bit of humour to it. Leo Waterman is a likeable character, & his army of the residentially-challenged are hard to beat for undercover surveillance. Good reading.
A very enjoyable PI tale. It moved quickly & had a bit of humour to it. Leo Waterman is a likeable character, & his army of the residentially-challenged are hard to beat for undercover surveillance. Good reading.
March 7, 2017
I really like this author's writing style, he makes the characters believable and likeable. His descriptive style allows you to jump right in and feel like you are a part of the story that is being told.
May 30, 2017
Leo is supposed to be searching for a librarian who absconded with some funds, but can't pull himself away from the death of and inheritence left by a singer. Of course, "the boys" are there to help him with his cases.
February 4, 2018
I love G.M. Ford's books about Leo Waterman. I have visited Seattle so can visualize some of the places he describes. I especially like The Boys who are drunks but love to help Leo solve his cases and would do anything for him.
May 5, 2012
One word = fun
October 3, 2017
A way with words.
Mr. Ford has such a way with words that my enjoyment knows no bounds!! His descriptive prose is enjoyable in the extreme! Thank you.
Mr. Ford has such a way with words that my enjoyment knows no bounds!! His descriptive prose is enjoyable in the extreme! Thank you.
November 10, 2018
The Bum's Rush
Another good story from Leo and his funny bunch of friends. Really have been enjoying these misadventures but poor Leo sure takes a beating proving a point!
Another good story from Leo and his funny bunch of friends. Really have been enjoying these misadventures but poor Leo sure takes a beating proving a point!
August 3, 2020
Leo Waterman is a very unique P.I. Sure like many gumshoes in literature he's witty, cynical and a smart aleck, but Leo brings all three attributes to a higher level. Plus he only works when he wants to and has less baggage than most protagonist. His girlfriend of over a decade lives with her mom and doesn't seem to be in any hurry to get married. Waterman also has his own brand of "Baker Street Irregulars" which are a band of folks who are semi-homeless. According to one of the character's in this book, underneath Waterman's cynicism is a cross between, "Mother Theresa" and a Labrador Retriever
It's all wonderful fun and sometimes even serious. I don't know if I like this one as well as "Cast in Stone", but there both much better than book #1. I'm giving "The Bum's Rush" 5 stars for the great entertainment. Are their a few weaknesses, sure, especially with believability and the background story of the musician. But overall the strengths carry this book to a top tier level, if you like witty detectives. Move over and share the road, Bernie Gunther, John Corey and Kinky Friedman.
It's all wonderful fun and sometimes even serious. I don't know if I like this one as well as "Cast in Stone", but there both much better than book #1. I'm giving "The Bum's Rush" 5 stars for the great entertainment. Are their a few weaknesses, sure, especially with believability and the background story of the musician. But overall the strengths carry this book to a top tier level, if you like witty detectives. Move over and share the road, Bernie Gunther, John Corey and Kinky Friedman.
July 11, 2020
Leo Waterman has two disparate cases on his plate in THE BUM'S RUSH. He’s being paid to track down – on a short deadline – a Seattle librarian who has absconded with most of the city’s materials acquisition budget. (BTW, Mister Liberryhead was rooting for the thief.) At the same time, Leo is looking into a local musical genius’ death, which virtually no one considers mysterious. In both oddball investigations, Leo’s grubby army of “residentially challenged,” alcohol-dependent surveillance operatives play an indispensable role. In THE BUM'S RUSH, plenty of what Spenser and Hawk used to call “scuffling” ensues (Leo is a big fellow and pretty handy in fights). “It’s in the thug handbook,” Leo asserts, “Thou shalt not get beat up by librarians” (p233). But, hey – what about what’s in the librarian handbook?
December 21, 2021
(written in 1997) Leo Waterman is back and he's hot. A homeless woman he befriends turns out to be the soon disinherited mother of a recently dead rock star (this, as all Leo's, takes place in Seattle). And his friend the lawyer needs help finding a librarian who's apparently skimmed $250,000 from the library and skipped. One really fun part of this is that Leo is now on-line. The Dorothy-L mailing list (for mystery buffs) figures into this story and Leo's own ISP is the same as mine (at the time) - Eskimo.Com!!! All the Leo Waterman's are just great and this is no different. Funny, clever, excellent stories. I have it on good authority that the next one is done and the one after that is nearly done. Yahoo!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews