About Straight Pool: An Algy Temple Mystery
The body in the ashes of swank Haversham Golf Club sparks Algy Temple's involvement in a death far removed from Carter University's latest skirmish with Providence's mendacious mayor, Sonny Russo. Is the fire related to a proposed casino? Or the site's legacy as sacred ground for a band of swamp dwellers? Or the result of ethnic and class hatreds? And how do the harsh realities of Rhode Island's colonial wars and the '38 Hurricane play into a megalomaniac's assaults and Providence's poisonous politics?
From Providence's East Side, elegant Watch Hill and the glories of northern Italy to the grim reality of South County's swamps, Algy's investigative urge duels with his sense of justice, as he applies his deft pool skills against opponents who play for keeps. With his companion, the beautiful psychologist Nadie Winokur, Algy Temple faces his greatest challenge in a game of Straight Pool.
The Critics Take on Straight Pool
"We get a fascinating primer here on playing power politics in the capital city." - Bill Rodriguez
". . . it is the mystery itself that shines. This is a cerebral tale, replete with red herrings that lead down varied paths. Does this tale revolve around the obvious suspects? That seems too easy—but maybe not."
- Joan Retsinas, Prime Time Magazine
"What makes the story work, in addition to well-crafted attention to background details, is Partridge's ability to mix a complicated plot line with the understated presentation of everyday events . . . a tense game of pool, a trip up the Italian coast, the give-take of trying to make a relationship between two strong personalities work."
- Barry Fain, East Side Monthly
Read reviews of Straight Pool and other Algy Temple mysteries.