How to Read the Nick Polo Series
If you love classic private investigator stories filled with grit, humor, and authentic procedural detail, Jerry Kennealy's Nick Polo series is a must-read. Written by a former San Francisco police officer and licensed private eye, the series brings a rare level of realism to the page. To get the most out of Nick Polo's evolving career and the changing landscape of San Francisco, the recommended reading order is the original publication order. Since there are no prequels or timeline jumps, publication order matches the chronological flow perfectly.
Nick Polo Books in Publication and Chronological Order
Spanning over three decades, the series follows Nick Polo through twelve novels. Here is the complete list of books in their recommended order:
- Polo Solo (1987) — The novel that started it all. Fresh out of prison after a conviction for rule-bending, Nick Polo is hired to investigate a high-profile blackmail scheme targeting the mayor of San Francisco. Along the way, he must dodge physical danger, corrupt officials, and a vicious dog named Satan.
- Polo Anyone? (1988) — Nick finds himself in the middle of danger when he investigates a series of high-stakes, unfriendly card games played among deceptive bankers. After winning a large sum of money during his probe, Nick becomes a prime target for murder.
- Polo's Ponies (1988) — Nick plunges into the local horse racing scene after a murder occurs at a Bay Area racetrack. With hoof marks on the victim indicating a bizarre method of death, Polo has to untangle a web of betting scams and greed.
- Polo in the Rough (1989) — Hired to protect a controversial journalist who has received death threats, Nick quickly finds himself in over his head. The assignment leads him into a deep conspiracy that threatens both his client's life and his own.
- Polo's Wild Card (1990) — A fast-paced, humorous caper where Nick is dragged into a high-stakes, double-crossing scheme. This entry is highly praised by fans for its snappy dialogue and clever plotting.
- Green with Envy (1991) — When a fellow private investigator is murdered, Nick takes the case personally. His investigation leads him straight into a deadly conflict with a ring of Colombian jewel smugglers.
- Special Delivery (1992) — Nick is asked by a close friend to deliver a letter, a check, and a Hindi audiotape to a cousin in London. Once there, the routine job spirals out of control, taking Nick through kinky London clubs, human trafficking rings, and ending with him as the prime suspect in a murder.
- Vintage Polo (1993) — Hired by a wealthy, wheelchair-bound vintner named Angelo Baroni Sr., Nick investigates the sabotage of a prize-winning chardonnay and a shooting targeting the vintner's son. The case forces Nick to navigate a dysfunctional family, past accidents, and potential arson.
- Beggar's Choice (1994) — While volunteering at a local soup kitchen, Nick is asked by a homeless regular named Scratchy to run three license plate numbers. When Scratchy is killed in a suspicious hit-and-run, Nick discovers the victim possessed a large stash of cash and a high-quality replica Rolex, uncovering a larger conspiracy.
- All That Glitters (1997) — Hired by a Russian antiquities dealer, Nick is tasked with finding a valuable amulet once worn by the son of Genghis Khan. The hunt leads him through international mail-order bride agencies, massage parlors, and military intelligence circles.
- Polo's Long Shot (2017) — After a twenty-year hiatus, Nick Polo returns. Hired by a billionaire vintner to recover a priceless, jewel-encrusted 14th-century ceremonial dagger (a kukri) designed by the Emperor of India, Nick navigates a cast of con artists, mafia bosses, and corrupt investigators. He is assisted by Mrs. Damonte, his eccentric, elderly neighbor who claims to be a Strega (Italian witch).
- I'm Dying As Fast As I Can (2020) — The final installment in the series. Gaby Maoret, a 75-year-old artist battling terminal cancer, hires Nick because she believes her ex-lover's brothers are trying to kill her to accelerate their inheritance of a multimillion-dollar Telegraph Hill mansion. The case drags Nick into a missing $5 million painting, arson, and a confrontation with a Mexican drug cartel enforcer.
Why Nick Polo Stands Out: Real-World Experience
What sets the Nick Polo series apart from generic private eye fiction is the background of author Jerry Kennealy. Having worked as a San Francisco police officer and a licensed private investigator, Kennealy infuses the books with authentic details of 20th-century PI work—ranging from electronic surveillance and tailing techniques to the legal gray areas detectives navigate. Nick Polo is not a clean-cut hero; he is an ex-con, a risk-taker, and someone who knows exactly which corners to cut to deliver justice. Furthermore, the changing face of San Francisco serves as a vivid backdrop, highlighting the city's transformation from the late 1980s to the modern era.
Practical Reading Advice
For the best experience, start with the first novel, Polo Solo, to understand Nick's background, his time in jail, and the initial setup of his PI business. While the mysteries in each book are self-contained and can be read as standalones, reading them in order allows you to follow the development of recurring side characters, such as the colorful Mrs. Damonte, and Nick's shifting personal relationships.