Step into the neon-lit, vodka-soaked world of Trace, where Devlin Tracy, a sharp-tongued insurance investigator, solves mysteries with a smirk and a shot glass in hand! Penned by Warren Murphy, the Trace series is a seven-novel romp through Las Vegas, blending hardboiled detective fiction with biting humor. This award-winning saga captures the chaotic charm of Sin City and the messy, magnetic life of its unconventional hero.
With its whip-smart dialogue and knack for uncovering the absurd underbelly of crime, Trace stands out as a gem in mystery fiction. Whether you’re a fan of classic P.I. tales or just love a good laugh, this series promises a wild ride.
How Trace Began
Warren Murphy, already a legend for co-creating The Destroyer series, launched Trace in 1983 as a reimagined spin-off of his earlier Digger books. Devlin Tracy, originally Julian ‘Digger’ Burroughs, got a Vegas makeover, trading gritty New York for the glitz of the Strip. Murphy’s knack for blending suspense with humor shaped Trace into a unique beast, driven by his love for flawed, lovable characters. The series, published by Signet, ran until 1987, earning critical acclaim for its fresh take on the private eye genre.
The Heart of Trace
The Trace series kicks off with Trace (1983), where Devlin Tracy investigates a suspicious death at a sanitarium, uncovering dark secrets with help from his sharp-witted girlfriend, Chico, a part-time blackjack dealer. When Elephants Forget (1984) sees Trace tackling Manhattan’s cocaine-fueled crime scene, cracking wise while dismantling criminal empires. In Pigs Get Fat (1985), a missing real estate mogul leads Trace through a web of seduction and murder in San Francisco. Getting Up with Fleas (1987) wraps the series with Trace navigating Hollywood’s underbelly, dodging danger and dishing out sarcasm.
The series thrives on its Las Vegas setting, where casinos, cons, and colorful characters create a vivid backdrop. Themes of loyalty, deception, and the messy beauty of human flaws run deep, all delivered with Murphy’s signature humor. Trace’s complicated relationship with Chico—equal parts jealousy and devotion—adds emotional heft, while his vodka-fueled antics keep the tone irreverent. The fast-paced plots and snappy dialogue make each book a quick, addictive read.
Why Trace Resonates
Trace’s blend of mystery and comedy earned it seven national awards, including Edgars and Shamuses, cementing its place among the greats of detective fiction. Mystery and Detective Monthly called it ‘the funniest mysteries ever written,’ and fans still rave about its irreverent charm. Trace’s influence lingers in the way it humanized the hardboiled P.I., paving the way for later witty detectives. Its niche status only adds to its allure, offering a quirky, under-the-radar delight for readers craving something different.
- Publication Years: 1983–1987
- Number of Books: 7
- Awards: Multiple Edgar and Shamus Awards
- Setting: Primarily Las Vegas
Grab Trace and dive into Devlin Tracy’s hilarious, high-stakes world of mystery and mischief!