Old Dogs, New Tricks
Douglas Richardson
Torchflame Books (2023)
ISBN: 978-1611535259
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Reader Views (04/2025)
Douglas Richardson’s “Old Dogs, New Tricks” kicks off Book One in the Victor Harding Adventure series with a rare blend of sharp wit, gripping suspense, and a refreshingly original protagonist. Richardson creates a crime story that feels both classic and contemporary, anchored by a retired architect who has reluctantly turned into a criminal, whose ordinary life slowly unravels into an extraordinary—and increasingly dangerous—path.
The novel opens with an immediate jolt: Victor Harding stands anxiously at a small Wisconsin airport waiting for his brother Colin Harding (affectionately called Collie) to arrive—only to witness an appalling midair collision between a passenger flight and a small Cessna. Richardson wastes no time plunging the reader into high emotional stakes. Through Victor’s observant, dry narration, we learn that Collie survives but is deeply traumatized after the pilot’s severed arm literally lands in his lap for the remainder of the flight. It’s a grotesque yet darkly poignant scene, establishing not just the book’s tension, but also its slightly offbeat tone- a trademark throughout the story.
Victor’s conversation with Collie prior to the accident, where they discussed the looming threats to Collie’s job at a prestigious golf club, foreshadows the larger theme of vulnerability and survival. As Victor later impersonates Collie during a negotiation call with an insurance lawyer—breezily countering a modest settlement offer with a wildly inflated demand—readers get their first taste of Victor’s moral flexibility. It’s a small but telling moment that signals how desperation will push this “respectable” family toward more ethically dubious choices as the story unfolds.
The pacing of the book is carefully calibrated. It’s not rushed, but it’s not sluggish either. Richardson strikes a good balance between deeply personal character moments and broader narrative tension. He ties in Victor’s longing to preserve his lakefront estate—once owned by gangster Bugsy Moran—with the mounting financial pressures that will eventually pull him deeper into a criminal underworld. The estate itself, full of history and secrets, acts almost as a secondary character, hinting at the layers of deception and danger to come.
One of the novel’s standout strengths is Victor himself. Unlike many crime protagonists who lean into caricature—either too hard-edged or too hapless—Victor is a nuanced, flawed man whose slow descent into criminal activity feels believable and oddly relatable. His motivations are surprisingly not grounded in greed or thrill-seeking, but in a desperate, almost tender need to protect his fractured family and cling to the life he has built. His sardonic humor, resilience, and flashes of ruthlessness make him a protagonist readers can root for even as he makes questionable choices.
Richardson’s tale is filled with vivid detail and authentic dialogue. Victor’s inner monologue, especially during the chaotic airport scenes and the insurance call, brims with a dry wit that adds levity without undermining the seriousness of the situation. The trauma Collie experiences is handled with surprising emotional depth, showing Richardson’s ability to balance grit with humanity. These are just a couple of examples of Richardson’s ability to bring his characters to life on each page.
If there is any area where the book could sharpen slightly, it might be to deepen the early glimpses into the “treacherous leader” of the local gang Victor becomes entangled with. A subtle early foreshadowing of the gang leader’s presence might amplify the tension even further. That said, the choice to center Victor’s personal descent first also feels intentional and well executed.
Overall, “Old Dogs, New Tricks” is a smart, engrossing start to what promises to be a memorable series. Douglas Richardson delivers a fresh take on the crime genre with a protagonist who is as compelling for his vulnerabilities as he is for his eventual boldness. Packed with dark humor, authentic emotion, and a slow-burn unraveling of morality, this first installment is a gold standard for character-driven crime fiction—and proves that sometimes, the most dangerous criminals aren’t born; they’re made.