Step into the sun-drenched, shadowy world of Saxon, where Hollywood’s glitz meets gritty detective work! Les Roberts’ Saxon series, a hidden gem of 1980s mystery fiction, follows the adventures of Saxon, a charming actor-turned-private investigator navigating Los Angeles’ underbelly. Blending classic noir vibes with a modern twist, this six-book saga offers a thrilling ride through Tinseltown’s secrets.
With its sharp dialogue, vivid settings, and a protagonist who’s as comfortable on a film set as he is cracking cases, the Saxon series captures the allure and danger of LA in its prime. Whether you’re a fan of hard-boiled mysteries or just craving a fresh detective tale, Saxon’s world is calling.
How Saxon Began
Les Roberts, a seasoned Hollywood writer and producer, crafted the Saxon series after a 24-year career scripting shows like The Hollywood Squares and The Andy Griffith Show. In 1986, Roberts returned to LA for a short-term job and was inspired to pen a mystery set in the city he knew so well. The result was An Infinite Number of Monkeys, which won the 1986 St. Martin’s Press Best First Private Eye Novel Contest, launching the series. Roberts’ insider knowledge of Hollywood’s highs and lows shaped Saxon, a character who embodies the city’s duality—glamorous yet gritty.
The Heart of Saxon
The Saxon series kicks off with An Infinite Number of Monkeys (1987), where Saxon, a transplanted Easterner juggling acting gigs and investigations, dives into a case involving a car bombing. Its sharp pacing and LA backdrop set the tone. Not Enough Horses (1988) sees Saxon untangling a network television conspiracy after another bombing, showcasing Roberts’ knack for blending industry intrigue with suspense. Seeing the Elephant (1992) takes Saxon to Chicago, his hometown, for a personal case tied to a friend’s suspicious death, adding emotional depth. The Lemon Chicken Jones (1994) follows Saxon and his adopted son, Marvel, as they search for a missing mail-order bride, weaving cultural layers into the noir formula.
The series’ themes—loyalty, identity, and the cost of ambition—shine through Saxon’s dual life as an actor and PI. Roberts paints 1980s Hollywood with vivid detail, from boardroom power plays to dimly lit bars, grounding the stories in a tangible sense of place. His prose, laced with wit and grit, echoes Raymond Chandler while feeling fresh, making Saxon a relatable, flawed hero who navigates moral gray zones.
Why Saxon Resonates
Though less known than Roberts’ Milan Jacovich series, Saxon’s appeal lies in its authentic portrayal of Hollywood’s underbelly. Fans praise its blend of insider industry details and classic mystery tropes, offering a nostalgic yet timeless take on LA. The series’ compact six-book run makes it an accessible binge for mystery lovers, while Saxon’s multifaceted character—part detective, part dreamer—resonates with readers drawn to complex protagonists. Its influence on regional mystery fiction endures, proving that even niche series can leave a mark.
- Publication Years: 1987–1994
- Number of Books: 6
- Awards: An Infinite Number of Monkeys won the 1986 St. Martin’s Press Best First Private Eye Novel Contest, nominated for 1988 Anthony and Shamus Awards.
Ready to chase mysteries through Hollywood’s neon nights? Grab An Infinite Number of Monkeys and dive into Saxon’s thrilling world!