Kinky Friedman

Kinky Friedman is an American singer, songwriter, novelist, humorist, and former politician from Texas. His career spans multiple creative fields, including founding the country band Kinky Friedman and The Texas Jewboys in the 1970s and authoring numerous detective novels featuring himself as the main character. As a musician, Friedman gained attention for his satirical country songs that tackled controversial topics including racism, religion, and politics. His most well-known songs include "They Ain't Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore" and "Ride 'Em Jewboy," which combined country music with social commentary. In the 1980s, Friedman turned to writing mystery novels, producing over 30 books featuring a fictionalized version of himself as a New York City private investigator. His novels, including Greenwich Killing Time and Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola, blend elements of hard-boiled detective fiction with humor and social satire. Beyond arts and entertainment, Friedman entered politics as an independent candidate for Governor of Texas in 2006 and for Agriculture Commissioner in 2010. He continues to write columns for Texas Monthly magazine and has published non-fiction works about politics and social issues.

Readers appreciate Friedman's irreverent humor and witty dialogue in his mystery novels, with many highlighting his unique blend of Texas culture and Jewish perspectives. His detective stories receive praise for their quick pacing and memorable characters. What readers liked: - Sharp one-liners and cultural commentary - Fast-moving plots - Authentic portrayal of New York City settings - Mix of humor with serious themes What readers disliked: - Plot resolutions often feel rushed or unclear - Recurring jokes can become repetitive - Some find the humor offensive or dated - Character development takes a backseat to comedy Average ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (based on most popular titles) Amazon: 4.1/5 (across series) One reader noted: "Like hanging out with your politically incorrect uncle who tells great stories." Another complained: "The mysteries themselves are thin - you're here for the jokes and atmosphere, not the plotting." Several reviewers mention enjoying the books more when reading them as comedy rather than traditional mysteries.

Road Kill Series: A Case of Lone Star - Detective Kinky Friedman investigates a series of murders targeting country music performers at a Manhattan club.

Elvis, Jesus and Coca-Cola - Friedman searches for a missing documentary filmmaker while encountering a cast of Elvis impersonators.

Armadillos and Old Lace - The detective returns to Texas to solve mysterious deaths at a retirement home.

God Bless John Wayne - A murder investigation leads Friedman through New York's art world after a photographer friend dies.

The Love Song of J. Edgar Hoover - Friedman pursues a case involving a woman's disappearance and possible FBI connections.

Other Fiction: Kill Two Birds & Get Stoned - A writer becomes entangled with two eccentric companions who lead him into various schemes.

Ten Little New Yorkers - Friedman investigates a string of murders while questioning his own role as a detective.

Non-Fiction: 'Scuse Me While I Whip This Out: Reflections on Country Singers, Presidents, and Other Troublemakers - Collection of essays about various public figures and personal experiences.

The Great Psychedelic Armadillo Picnic: A "Walk" in Austin - Guide to Austin, Texas featuring personal anecdotes and local history.

You Can Lead a Politician to Water, But You Can't Make Him Think: Ten Commandments for Texas Politics - Commentary on Texas politics based on Friedman's 2006 gubernatorial campaign.

Carl Hiaasen writes crime fiction set in Florida featuring eccentric characters and dark humor. His novels combine mystery plots with social satire and commentary on environmental issues.

Joe R. Lansdale creates crime fiction centered in East Texas with a mix of humor and violence. His Hap and Leonard series features two mismatched friends solving crimes while trading witty dialogue.

Christopher Moore writes novels that blend crime elements with supernatural themes and irreverent humor. His books feature unconventional protagonists navigating absurd situations while maintaining a mystery plot structure.

Donald E. Westlake developed the Dortmunder series about a hapless criminal and his associates attempting various heists. His work combines crime fiction with comedy and features recurring characters in New York City settings.

Janet Evanovich writes the Stephanie Plum series about a female bounty hunter in New Jersey. Her books mix crime solving with humor and include recurring characters who create complications for the protagonist.