Step into the shadowy streets of Glendale, California, where Vic Varallo, a sharp-witted small-town cop, unravels mysteries that keep you glued to the page! The Vic Varallo series, penned by Elizabeth Linington under the pseudonym Lesley Egan, is a gripping collection of 13 suspense and mystery novels that blend intricate police procedurals with unforgettable characters. From chilling murders to clever twists, this series captures the heart of crime fiction with a charm that’s hard to resist.
First published in 1961, these novels introduced readers to a fresh voice in the genre, blending gritty detective work with the personal lives of its heroes. Linington, a trailblazer for women in crime fiction, crafted stories that feel both timeless and deeply rooted in their Southern California setting. If you’re a fan of classic mysteries with a modern edge, Vic Varallo’s world is calling.
How Vic Varallo Began
Elizabeth Linington, born in 1921 in Aurora, Illinois, was a prolific writer with a knack for crafting authentic police procedurals. Under her Lesley Egan pseudonym, she launched the Vic Varallo series with A Case for Appeal in 1961, inspired by her fascination with police work and her meticulous research into Los Angeles-area law enforcement. A member of the John Birch Society with interests in archaeology and the occult, Linington brought a unique perspective to her storytelling, blending conservative values with complex characters. Her goal? To create a realistic portrayal of a detective’s life, grounded in the everyday grind of solving crimes.
Linington’s move to California in 1928 and her education at Glendale College shaped the series’ vivid setting. Glendale’s quiet suburbs and bustling police department became the perfect backdrop for Varallo’s adventures. Her innovative approach—writing police procedurals as a woman in a male-dominated field—earned her the title “Queen of the Procedurals” and set the stage for future female crime writers.
The Heart of Vic Varallo
The series follows Vic Varallo, an Italian-American detective who trades small-town life for the challenges of Glendale’s police force. Under Lieutenant Charles O’Connor, and later alongside trailblazing female detective Delia Riordan, Varallo tackles cases ranging from serial killings to jewel heists. Key books like The Nameless Ones (1967) see Varallo hunting a killer targeting elderly housewives, balancing his investigation with personal challenges like a flu epidemic and impending fatherhood. In Crime for Christmas (1984), the team juggles holiday-season robberies and murders, with a stray cat adding warmth to the precinct.
Linington’s themes dive deep into the irrationality of violence and the balance of good versus evil. Her plots weave multiple cases, reflecting the chaotic reality of police work, while her characters’ personal lives—Varallo’s domestic joys, Riordan’s grief—add emotional depth. The Glendale setting, with its suburban calm masking dark secrets, grounds the series in a relatable yet thrilling atmosphere. Animals, like the kittens in Crime for Christmas, often steal the show, reflecting Linington’s love for pets.
The series’ style is workmanlike yet engaging, with tight plotting and a focus on legwork over glamour. Critics praised Linington’s authentic dialogue and diverse characters, like the Italian-American Varallo and Jewish lawyer Jesse Falkenstein, who appears in A Case for Appeal. While some later books leaned formulaic, the series’ early novels shine for their intricate mysteries and social commentary.
Why Vic Varallo Resonates
The Vic Varallo series left a lasting mark on crime fiction, proving women could master the police procedural genre. Linington’s diverse protagonists, from Varallo’s Italian roots to Riordan’s pioneering role, broke ground in a genre often centered on white male detectives. Fans cherished the series for its blend of suspense and heart, with critics like the New York Herald Tribune calling Linington their “favorite American crime writer.” Though her conservative views sparked debate, her storytelling prowess remains undeniable.
Today, the series endures as a snapshot of mid-20th-century California and a testament to Linington’s trailblazing spirit. Its influence echoes in modern procedurals, inspiring authors to weave personal stakes into gritty investigations. For mystery lovers, Vic Varallo offers a nostalgic yet fresh dive into classic crime fiction.
- Publication Years: 1961–1985
- Number of Books: 13
- Key Characters: Vic Varallo, Delia Riordan, Charles O’Connor
- Setting: Glendale, California
Ready to crack cases with Vic Varallo? Grab A Case for Appeal and dive into a world of suspense, heart, and Glendale grit!