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Friend of the Devil (The Bill Walton Mysteries)

16.99

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Friend of the Devil (The Bill Walton Mysteries)

4.4

Highest ranking 101

9 comments

$16.99

Other platform prices

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Reviews From
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Bob F.Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2020

Friend of the Devil I don’t think this could possible be better for what it’s trying to do. Anyone who’s heard Bill Walton as a college basketball analyst probably knows two things: 1) he’s one of the most entertaining things in sports, 2) his play-by-play partner Dave Pasch would be the primary suspect if Walton was ever murdered. Taking that dynamic and paring them as a mystery solving duo: Genius. But it takes more than a great idea to make a great book. And James Kirkland’s writing is what brings this book home. First, Kirkland captures the character of these two so well that you can easily imagine the words coming out of his mouth. And Pasch as narrator both succeeds and fails to deliver the same the same straight-laced grounding that he does in the real-life broadcasts. Additionally, Kirkland brings enjoyable but not hackneyed descriptive talent, a clean, well-paced narrative and enough fun twists and turns to keep the reader turning the page all the way to the end. I picked up this book expecting it to be slightly ridiculous, but instead I got a well-thought-out joyride. Bravo, James Kirkland! Can’t wait for the next one. Kia Ora.

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J. M. RichReviewed in the United States on April 3, 2019

I love watching + listening to Pac12 basketball games when Bill Walton and Dave Pasch are commenting, so I was curious what this book was all about. The author not only told a solid mystery story, but captured the ESSENCE of both Walton's personality and a perception of Pasch's professional grade reactions to the former's once-in-a-generation, hippie-fueled ramblings that I found myself literally LAUGHING OUT LOUD and turning the pages at a rate that I haven't done in years. I hope that those two get a chance to check this homage to their pairing out for themselves -- it's a LOT OF FUN. UPDATE: Finally listened to the AUDIO version since it's been a while since I first read the book on paper and HOLY SHET, does it deliver! If you've ever watched Will Walton and Dave Pasche call a Pac12 basketball game, you will roll with laughter at Kirkland's Walton impression, delivering the hyperbolic lines like no other. HIGHLY RECOMMEND listening to the book on audio! I know I will be re-listening again multiple times.

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Mike WinderReviewed in the United States on December 22, 2019

Such a story worthy of the big red head and a slam dunk for Jamie. Can’t wait for number two.

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Bryan IrzykReviewed in the United States on March 21, 2019

I love an entertaining mystery with a unique point of view. This book has that and more. I read it over a weekend, finding it hard to put down once I got going. The author creates memorable dialog and has fun putting the main characters in tense situation. It's a really enjoyable book that is begging for sequels, which I will happily read.

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Frank L.Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2019

Imagine Phillip Marlowe as a 7 foot tall, Deadhead, NBA legend and you have Friend of the Devil, The Bill Walton Mysteries, Book 1. Narrated by Walton's long-suffering broadcast partner, Dave Pasch, this is a delightful, hilarious work of fiction...or is it? Nothing would surprise me about Bill Walton! This is a fun, quick read that kept me up all night on a workday. I highly recommend.

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DANIELLE BEAUDRYReviewed in the United States on May 11, 2019

I’m not a diehard basketball fan, but whenever Bill and Dave are calling a game, I’m definitely more likely to watch it. And I love crime books so I was excited to read fiction revolving around them. The author did a good job with the characters and the plot was interesting. I really enjoyed the book.

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Julia SullivanReviewed in the United States on May 13, 2019

What can you say about Bill Walton and his broadcast partner Dave Pasch solving crimes and risking death? You’ll have to stop laughing before you say anything. Great pacing, snappy writing.

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A.S.Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2019

Then try the classics. Want a new way to love life and shake out the old gross skeletons that have been hanging around the books section for 8000 years too long? Then try James Kirkland's basketball mystery opus. You'll freaking love it.

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Mike OTReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2019

I think Bill Walton is one of the most fascinating and hilarious men on sports television and Friend of the Devils is proof that I'm not alone. Kirkland's captured Walton's undying charm, passion and his prophetic monologuing at the expense of Dave Pasch's patience. A thrilling story with a well-woven narrative, and buttloads of laughs, Friend of the Devil is a great read that you'll find impossible to put down. You're lucky to get the chance to read it.