Scott Stein

The Great American Deception is a thoroughly enjoyable read. As a combination science fiction and gumshoe noir tale, it lightheartedly proceeds through one day in the life of a technologically advanced coffee maker as it narrates a private detective's efforts to find a kidnapped young woman. The setting is The Great American mall which spans from one coast to the other; its expanse allows people to live in its confines, thus saving them from life in the rough, deteriorating cities "outside."

Arjay, the new coffee maker sent to the detective that morning, sustains detective Frank Harken with excellent coffee throughout the adventure. And as the day progresses, Arjay demonstrates extraordinary, life-saving skills that culminate in his being promoted to partner status.

But the kidnapping and evolution of the detective-coffee maker relationship, though filled with crazy characters and antics, are not the fundamental source of humor in this quirky novel. Arjay is new to human contact, and Scott Stein gives him a child-like, literalist persona.

When an irate police officer accuses Frank of being in cahoots with the local crime boss, Arjay knows he must object:
"Mr. Officer, Sir, I was with Frank much of the day and I can attest that he has not been in Cahoots even once."

"What are you talking about?" ....

People were sometimes a little slow. "Cahoots. The new wings chain that opened this morning? I guess that doesn't narrow it down for you. The one with the scantily clad servers? Am I the only one who pays attention around here? We passed three Cahoots today, and Frank Harken didn't enter any of them."

The viewpoint character is naively sweet, but efficiently protective of Frank (otherwise, who would appreciate its excellent coffee?), and the "bad guys" are often foolishly inept.

It's a gentle, hilarious story -- a real treat to enjoy during these dismal days.… (mehr)

I received this through Library Thing Early Reviewers and it is a treat!

Frank Harken is a hard-boiled gumshoe. His partner is a coffee machine equipped with artificial intelligence and comes in the form of a robot named Arjay. Think Holmes and Watson with a twist. The setting is the Great American — a coast-to-coast shopping mall, complete with full dining/entertainment venues/services of all sorts/residential accommodations. Anything and everything a consumer could imagine under one roof. The future has arrived!.

The story of their first case is told by Arjay. Harken has been hired by Pretty Lovely to find her sister, kidnapped heiress Winsome Smiles, who has become involved with shady characters. Arjay not only can make a “damn fine” cup of coffee anytime, anywhere, he is also equipped with a detailed knowledge of the structure, workings and other details of the Great American, literary references and some pretty handy tools!

This book combines sci-fi, madcap, hard boiled, witty dialog and a ton of footnotes (you can read or not) into a fun read. There is never a dull moment to be found in this humourous romp of a mystery!

Wonder if there will be other cases…… (mehr)