Step into the glitzy, gritty world of Lomax and Biggs, where Hollywood’s sparkle hides dark mysteries and laugh-out-loud moments. Marshall Karp’s mystery series follows LAPD detectives Mike Lomax and Terry Biggs, two regular guys cracking cases with sharp wit and heart. Blending humor, suspense, and Tinseltown intrigue, this series is a must-read for fans of clever detective tales.
Unlike your typical hard-boiled sleuths, Lomax and Biggs are refreshingly real—no superhuman quirks, just relatable cops navigating murder, mayhem, and Hollywood’s underbelly. Ready for a wild ride with these dynamic detectives? Let’s dive into their story!
How Lomax and Biggs Began
Marshall Karp, a former advertising exec turned Hollywood screenwriter, launched the Lomax and Biggs series in 2006 with The Rabbit Factory. His time in Los Angeles, rubbing elbows with industry insiders, inspired a series that pokes fun at Hollywood’s absurdities while delivering gripping mysteries. Karp’s knack for comedy, honed through TV sitcoms and plays, shines through, making the series a unique blend of satire and suspense.
Karp wanted detectives who felt like your next-door neighbors—flawed, funny, and fiercely dedicated. Mike Lomax, the gruff narrator, and Terry Biggs, the quip-slinging family man, were born from this vision, their banter echoing Karp’s own sharp humor. The Hollywood setting, drawn from his insider knowledge, adds a layer of authenticity that grounds the series’ wild plots.
The Heart of Lomax and Biggs
The series kicks off with The Rabbit Factory (2006), where Lomax and Biggs tackle murders tied to Familyland, a theme park with a dark side. A mascot’s death spirals into a vendetta against a studio, blending corporate intrigue with laugh-out-loud moments. Bloodthirsty (2007) ups the ante, with Hollywood’s elite dropping in bizarre, sadistic killings, revealing primal motives that keep readers guessing.
Flipping Out (2009) introduces a clever real estate scheme where cop wives flip houses tied to a novelist’s murder mysteries—until the murders turn real. Cut, Paste, Kill (2010) dives into a vigilante’s scrapbooking spree, targeting unpunished criminals with artistic brutality. Each book weaves Hollywood’s glamor with gritty crime, using humor to balance the darkness. Themes of loyalty, justice, and the absurdity of fame shine through, all set against a vividly portrayed Los Angeles.
Karp’s style is fast-paced, with razor-sharp dialogue and twists that surprise even seasoned mystery fans. The detectives’ grounded personalities—Lomax’s introspection, Biggs’s one-liners—make them a dynamic duo, while the Hollywood backdrop adds a satirical edge, poking fun at celebrity culture and corporate greed.
Why Lomax and Biggs Resonates
The Lomax and Biggs series stands out in the crowded mystery genre for its humor and heart. Fans praise its balance of comedy and crime, with reviewers like Publishers Weekly calling it a must for Carl Hiaasen and Kinky Friedman fans. Karp’s ability to craft relatable heroes and unpredictable plots has earned a loyal following, with readers devouring the series for its wit and emotional depth.
Its Hollywood setting, rooted in Karp’s insider perspective, offers a fresh take on detective fiction, blending satire with suspense. The series’ legacy lies in its ability to entertain while exploring human connections, making it a hidden gem for mystery lovers seeking something beyond the typical whodunit.
- Publication Years: 2006–2016
- Number of Books: 5
- Notable Praise: Starred review from Publishers Weekly for Cut, Paste, Kill
Grab The Rabbit Factory and dive into Lomax and Biggs’s hilarious, thrilling world of Hollywood mysteries!