Short Money

Joe takes a new job that seems rather simple, and things are never as simple as they first appear. The plot is hysterically funny and without giving too much away, Joe has to deal with a sleazy brother-in-law lawyer, a runaway kid, a missing cat, two crazy brothers (one downright psychopathic), a scheming plastic surgeon, a druggie wife, a farm for canned hunts, and several wild animals. There are more than a few belly laughs, and I actually had tears rolling down my cheeks from laughing so hard in several spots.

I have been told that Short Money is not Hautman's best effort. If this is the case, I can't wait to read more.


Joe Crow's a melancholy soul   July 31, 2002
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The expression "short money" is a poker term relating to a professional player's reluctance to play against somebody with a small bankroll. Joe Crow is still a cop at the beginning of this one, but he's drinking a lot and doing cocaine. So is his wife, Melinda. He's also working for Sheriff Orlan Johnson, who's under the thumb of the Murphy brothers, who run a big game preserve where clients can hunt endangered species.
When he's fired for being too tough on the Murphys, Crow takes a job as a bodyguard for Dr. Nelson Bellweather, one of the Murphys' best clients. The Murphys think Bellweather has sexually abused and kidnapped George Murphy's son Shawn. Bellweather is the one with the short bankroll; he's a liposuctionist who's been sued more often than Enron. And, of course, he stiffs Joe Crow.
The set-up is a bit implausible as are most of the characters, but Joe Crow and old reliables Sam O'Gara and his gal pal Debrowski make up for them. Crow is such an unconventional hero, you can't help but root for him. He tries to kick cocaine and booze, and he can't get a handle on women, or himself for that matter. His best friend is a cat, who's missing for most of the book.
The little town where Crow works at the beginning of the novel is called Big River. Immediately we Minnesotans are thinking "Big Lake." And like Garrison Keillor, Hautman mentions other place names, such as Clara City, Dassel, and Litchfield.
The pace is quite brisk, with lots of action and suspense. There's a tiger chained to the wall at the lodge on the Murphy ranch that we know is going to enter into the story somehow. Not as good as MORTAL NUTS but a lot better than most crime fiction.


Satisfying, but you've got to stay with it.   February 10, 2001
 0 out of 1 found this review helpful

I'd rate this 3.5 stars but no 1/2 stars available.

I liked Pete Hautman's "Short Money" although it took me awhile to warm to it. The plot meanders along like a slow moving river but if you're not in too big of a hurry it's a nice ride. The story also does what so many don't, satisfies at the end. Everyone gets their's in about the proper proportions. Lost souls are found, directionless people find one, misdirected people tumble off the edge and lawyers stay true to form, thinking of the one thing they really care about---themselves. I'm looking forward to reading "Drawing Dead".


Fast, Funny Read - Delightful!   October 12, 2000
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

I purposely waited to read "Drawing Dead" until after I finished this prequel, so I can attest to its merits as a standalone book.

Pete Hautman's prose is lean, mean and hilarious. The action occurs almost without warning and the nutty bad guys always get what's coming a la Carl Hiassen and James W. Hall.

If you're looking for a quick, refreshing read, look no further.


Great Prequel to Drawing Dead   October 25, 1998
 16 out of 18 found this review helpful

Fans of Pete who love Joe Crow, will get a good laugh, and a great story in this "prequel" to "Drawing Dead". Unsavory characters, good twists and turns, and of course, Joe. This was my favorite of all his books, and it had the most laughs as well. Get a copy and dig in.