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G. M. Ford
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Who In Hell Is Wanda Fuca? (A Leo Waterman Mystery) Kindle Edition

by G.M. Ford (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 2,390 ratings
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When an old gangster friend of Leo’s father makes a request he “can’t refuse,” Leo and his band of drunks, delve into the world of environmental politics in search of Caroline Nobel, a spoiled brat, without the sense God gave a gopher. With the help of “the Boys”—a group of aging winos who are his modern day “Baker Street Irregulars”—Leo fights Native American tribal politics, industrial pollution, and psychotic grannies to fulfill his obligation to a friend.

Previous page
  1. Part of series
    Leo Waterman Mysteries
  2. Print length
    353 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Thomas & Mercer
  6. Publication date
    July 17, 2012
  7. File size
    819 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Just out in paperback, Ford's jaunty first mystery introduces a Seattle sleuth called Leo Waterman -- the rebellious scion of a powerful family who carries the spirit of the '60s around with him like dirty laundry. When an old mobster friend of his father hires him to look for his missing granddaughter, Leo recruits a clutch of homeless people to help in the search. The same lively writing and exciting plotting also add zest to Ford's second Waterman story, Cast in Stone.

From Publishers Weekly

The plot of this sweaty adventure, Ford's fine first effort, is mostly a vehicle for its hero, a wisecracking PI who may be living in the suave Seattle of the 1990s but whose spirit harks back to the 1930s and '40s when men were men, women were dames and coffee was joe. Leo Waterman is hired by mobster Tim Flood to look after his granddaughter, who has fallen in with an extremist environmental group that's on a collision course with the law. When Waterman, whose mission is to keep the sultry Caroline out of harm's way, inadvertently witnesses the apparent murder of one of her pals, he becomes the main suspect. In an improbable but appealing twist, he calls upon his band of street people, met during his hard-drinking days, to carry out surveillance while he lies low. Finely shaded characterization is not Ford's strength, particularly in his portrayals of women, but in general his descriptions are apt and funny. The big finish strains credibility but will satisfy whose who like good to triumph loudly over evil.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B007JKSHZ4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas & Mercer (July 17, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 17, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 819 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 353 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1612183751
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 2,390 ratings

About the author

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G. M. Ford

G. M. Ford

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Bio and Books

G.M. Ford

Seattle, WA

Retired astronaut and former Grand Dragon of the B'nai B'rith, G.M. Ford broke onto the mystery scene with Who in Hell is Wanda Fuca?, a gin soaked tome featuring Seattle PI Leo Waterman, whose primary claim to fame was the group of street people with whom he occasionally worked. The six book Leo Waterman series was nominated for the Shamus, the Anthony, the Lefty and a couple of other awards probably best forgotten.

In 2001, Mr. Ford began a new series, featuring disgraced reporter Frank Corso and his Goth assistant Meg Dougherty. Six books later, Mr. Ford, as is apparently his ilk, decided to do "something else" and penned his first stand-alone thriller, Nameless Night.

The most recent chapter in Mr. Ford's writing life began in 2011, when, in a fit of pique, and after a twelve year hiatus, he decided to write a new Leo Waterman novel, Thicker Than Water. Thomas & Mercer (Amazon) promptly bought it, and signed him up to write two more. The rest, as they say, is history.

Mr. Ford is presently working on Leo Waterman #10. He lives and works in Seattle.

Books-

Who in Hell is Wanda Fuca? 1995 Walker/Avon

Cast in Stone 1996 Walker/Avon

The Bum's Rush 1997 Walker/Avon

Slow Burn 1998 Avon/Avon

Last Ditch 1999 Avon/Avon

The Deader the Better 2000 Avon/Avon

Thicker than Water 2012 Thomas & Mercer

Chump Change 2014 Thomas & Mercer

Threshold 2015 Thomas & Mercer

Salvation Lake 2016 Thomas & Mercer

Family Values 2017 Thomas and Mercer

Fury 2001 Harper Collins/Avon

Black River 2002 Harper Collins/Avon

A Blind Eye 2003 Harper Collins/Avon

Red Tide 2004 Harper Collins/Avon

No Man's Land 2005 Harper Collins/Avon

Blown Away 2006 Harper Collins/Avon

Nameless Night 2008 Harper Collins/Avon

The Nature of the Beast 2010

Find out more about GM Ford on his blog here: http://g-m-ford.com/

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
2,390 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars and here are the talents he has that I enjoy (still reading in the series)
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2016
Verified Purchase
I lucked into this author through an Amazon deal, and here are the talents he has that I enjoy (still reading in the series): (1) His sense of humor is laugh out loud provoking, something I enjoy very much. It's rib tickling, but not hokey. It's witty and on point. Sometimes it's alliterative, and he often pokes fun at himself (the protagonist) for doing it. (2) His use of metaphor is not heavy handed. Often, it's witty and/or ironic. (3) His characters are clearly drawn; I love "The Boys; the protagonist's alcoholic assistants, and find them at once funny, laughable and full of pathos. I always pull for them to come through and the author's fondness for them (and understanding of alcoholism) is clear. (4) His writing style and talent for words and how to put them together make the books a joy to read. *5) Last, but not least, his plots are well-outlined and not confusing. They are just crooked enough, however, to keep this reader, at least, interested. I haven't had the urge to skip pages yet, always a good sign.
5 people found this helpful
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João Cardeira Jorge
4.0 out of 5 stars Satisfying
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2014
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This is a safe bet for lovers of the PI genre. It has a healthy mix of humor, investigation and even a bit of heart. It does have a few problems. Leo Waterman is mostly a “blank” character, without much personality besides a “bit” of a drinking problem and some recollections about a “larger than life” politician father, long dead. He's never really developed in either of those aspects, though, and as a result he's a somewhat stale, bland protagonist. Its amusing and realistic how he's not a complete heroe, kicking the hell out of bad guys left and right but more or less, useless when “the going gets tough” but its not enough to make him stick out in a genre so saturated with much more complex and interesting main characters.
The writing is decent, with some very realistic and sometimes funny dialogs and the book moves along at a good pace. The plot, when its all said and done, is decidedly silly but there are enough twists and turns and interesting characters to keep things entertaining. The ending is tense and satisfying and I will surely read more of the series.
Its a well written, amusing and entertaining tale. It wont leave a lasting impression or figure in your favorites list but its definitely successful in providing a few relaxed hours.
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LBreezee
3.0 out of 5 stars What a Hoot!
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2012
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I was intrigued by the premise of the book; Leo's use of alcoholic street people as investigators. I initially thought this would be a funny twist; homeless people working a job instead of "regular" people. Shortly into the story I realized everyone of his characters, all the people he worked with, WERE "regular" people! The story was good, a little choppy, but I was able to enjoy the ride. The missing grand daughter of the mob boss was a little hard to take, spoiled and selfish, but the rest of Mr. Ford's characters were right on point. It was a fun read and I'm ordering the next book in the series. I think Leo might just be worth the investment.
15 people found this helpful
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stacie
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good - All the stuff i look for in a crime novel
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2017
Verified Purchase
I read one of the later books in this series first (Thicker than blood i think?), and thought it was ok, but didn't make me rush back. However, i have to say, i really enjoyed this book. The main character is just the right mix of snarky, cynical and good-hearted, with a real good sense of humor. Not with an over-the-top zinger catch-phrase at every turn or anything like that. Just good, and sometimes quite clever. I also think this first book fleshed out the relationship with the group of "helpers" a little better than what i read before. I'd guess it's hard to keep explaining that without annoying your loyal readers, but still, in the other book i'd found that a bit contrived feeling, but here, it really worked.

I also have to say, here's what i tend to look for: entertaining detective stories with the right mix of levity, suspense, believability, and well, adult topic... Not saying sex, though that can be part of it, just saying that the story treats you like a grown up. This does. And the final criteria? I don't like to pay a lot for a digital book. I know it sounds cheap, I believe good authors should make a living at it, but when there's no printing involved, i think the books should be more reasonably priced. Bottom line: this book scores on all points and i've already ordered more. I've only ready the 2 mentioned, but hoping i've found a new author to read right through. Recommended.

Oh, and have to add: there's a line in this book about a guy "with a voice so husky, it could...". It's not a part of the story really, or the suspense, just clever. I won't ruin it by repeating it here, but it was quite good. Anyone else agree?
6 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Who in Hell is Wanda Fuca? (A Leo Waterman Mystery)
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2012
Verified Purchase
I like this book for three reasons:

First, it looks like a professionally published book. In other words, there are few typos and formatting problems. One does not often find professionalism in e-books.

Second, the characters are engaging. The protagonist is not perfect but he is likable. In other words, he makes major mistakes in thought and deed. He does not blame anyone else for his mistakes but he does not brood over them either. He sort of dusts himself off and starts all over again. The motley crew of "investigators" he hires...well, you have got to love them, drunk or sober. Even the evil guys are believable...bad, nasty and sometimes sadistic, but believable.

Third, the plot is interesting...not brilliant, but interesting. It moves right along, not too many subplots and not too many characters or motives. Just because I figured out who the "bad guys" were early on did not deter me from reading nor did it diminish my enjoyment of the unfolding plot.

I've read a couple books in this series, and I seem to enjoy them. Who could not enjoy something written by a person named G.M. Ford (pseudonym or what)?
12 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Old Mother Hen
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on September 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
Great😀
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janwatson
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story great characters
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 4, 2017
Verified Purchase
Enjoyed the storyline, the main character and the plot twists. The humour was good as well as the action. A good read
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B. Wissner
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in Germany on June 19, 2014
Verified Purchase
Das ist das erste Buch in einer Serie um den Privatdetektiv Leo Waterman.
Leo's Vater war - zu seiner Zeit - eine bemerkenswerte Persönlichkeit, wenn auch nicht immer - bei den "friends in high places" - wohlgelitten.
Auch Leo hat Beziehungen, allerdings eher "in low places"; so nimmt er - bei Bedarf - gegebenenfalls die Hilfe einer Gruppe von obdachlosen Alkoholikern in Anspruch, die alle einmal bessere Zeiten gesehen haben. Ansonsten nimmt er Fälle an, wie sie kommen, und wartet auf seinen 45. Geburtstag. Dann kann er das Erbe seines Vaters antreten, das bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt eingefroren ist.
Leo ist damit vollkommen einverstanden; sonst könnte ihn ja jugendlicher Leichtsinn dazu verleiten, etwas Dummes mit dem Geld anzustellen.
Der Schreibstil ist großartig; er erinnert mich mit seinem Humor stark an Richard Stevenson's Donald Strachey.
Großartiges Lesevergnügen.
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Rich Rose
5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant as always
Reviewed in Australia on March 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
Leo Waterman is on form as ever and i love the ending, happy ever after for the street crew, brilliant read.
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hobbes
5.0 out of 5 stars Detektiv-Roman-Serie vom Allerfeinsten! (Rezension gilt für alle Bücher aus dieser Reihe)
Reviewed in Germany on March 14, 2015
Verified Purchase
Ich hatte meinen Einstieg in die Leo Waterman Mystery Serie mit dem Roman "Slow Burn" (War ein Kindle Deal für 1 €).
Einfach Super! Auch die Idee, Leo "unsichtbare" Helfer zur Seite zu stellen.... Habe stellenweise Tränen gelacht!
Danach musste ich alle Bücher aus dieser Reihe haben! Ein Genuss ohne Reue!
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