Mongo Series by George C. Chesbro, Jean Esch

Meet Dr. Robert Frederickson, or "Mongo" to his friends. He's a former circus tumbler, black belt in karate, doctor of Criminology, and professor at a New York City university. And he's quite an unusual fellow as well, not only because he's a private investigator but also because he's a dwarf... When Mongo is asked to investigate a new building that has been hailed as a triumph of design, it seems like a relatively simple matter... moreMeet Dr. Robert Frederickson, or "Mongo" to his friends. He's a former circus tumbler, black belt in karate, doctor of Criminology, and professor at a New York City university. And he's quite an unusual fellow as well, not only because he's a private investigator but also because he's a dwarf... When Mongo is asked to investigate a new building that has been hailed as a triumph of design, it seems like a relatively simple matter. The only strange thing is that the building's design matches the style of a famous architect who died years before. When Mongo begins to explore the possibility that the architect may not have died at all, his case becomes more complex. CIA agents, British spies, United Nations delegates and Russian torturers all begin to converge on Mongo, some willing to do anything to learn what he knows, others willing to kill Mongo to protect their secrets.Shadow of a Broken Man is the first in a series of Mongo adventures. Filled with intrigue and fantastic twists and turns, it's a delightful introduction to a terrific series. Mongo is a appealing character who's every bit as fascinating as the cases he investigates. Fans of the Espionage thrillers and hard-boiled detectives will find much to enjoy in this suspenseful outing. less

A circus-performer-turned-PI takes on “murder and intrigue from New York to Iran” in this “well done, suspenseful” unconventional mystery (Newsday).   With a genius IQ, a past career as a circus acrobat, and a black belt in karate, criminology professor Dr. Robert Frederickson—better known as “Mongo the Magnificent”—has a decidedly unusual background for a private investigator. He also just so happens to be a dwarf... moreA circus-performer-turned-PI takes on “murder and intrigue from New York to Iran” in this “well done, suspenseful” unconventional mystery (Newsday).   With a genius IQ, a past career as a circus acrobat, and a black belt in karate, criminology professor Dr. Robert Frederickson—better known as “Mongo the Magnificent”—has a decidedly unusual background for a private investigator. He also just so happens to be a dwarf.   When his former big-top boss asks him to find a missing Iranian strongman, Mongo is plunged into a three-ring circus of murder, espionage, and international intrigue. And when Mongo’s own brother—police officer Garth Frederickson—gets involved, the detective must fly to Iran, a country on the brink of a revolution. Now he’s searching for two missing men, from Tehran to the ancient city of Persepolis, playing a game of a cat-and-mouse with forces far beyond his control. And unlike his days as an acrobat, this time, if he slips up, there’s no net . . .   With a fearless sense of fun, author George C. Chesbro continues the adventures of “one of the most appealing creations in the detective world” (Publishers Weekly).   City of Whispering Stone is the 2nd book in the Mongo Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order. less

Three apparently separate investigations involving the New York City occult underground of covens, warlocks, tarot readers, faith healers, and palm readers dovetail into a single, explosive climax.

The novel that radically altered the nature of the Mongo series, this book blends a classic detective style with elements of science fiction and fantasy. Chesboro takes readers on a wild roller-coaster ride, using the structure and elements of Wagner's Ring Cycle and Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings."

Mongo and his brother Garth are changed forever, as is their view of the world, because they possess a secret that must never be told. Here the epic adventure continues as the brothers become fugitives and outcasts struggling to solve the puzzle of an extremely dangerous Vietnam veteran with information that could topple the government.

Garth's poisoning by a mysterious substance, combined with his experiences related in "The Beasts of Valhalla, " changes his personality, causing him to become estranged from Mongo and his family--and resulting in tens of thousands of people coming to believe that he is the promised messiah.

Book by Chesbro, George C.

While investigating the death of a friend in a small village in the Hudson River Valley, Mongo must unexpectedly duel with an old enemy as well as a right-wing conspiracy.

Ten stories depict the cases of Dr. Robert Frederickson, private detective, criminology professor, martial arts expert, ex-circus acrobat, and dwarf

With a rash of hideous killings throughout the Great Plains, reportedly the work of a werewolf, Mongo, an orphaned dwarf and the star acrobat of Phil Statler's circus, finds his circus friends' lives in danger. Reprint. NYT. PW.

Mongo becomes entangled in an international hunt for "the world's most dangerous terrorist," whom Mongo comes to discover may not be at all what he appears to be.

Originally New Mysterious Press, 1993.

Chesbro's roller coaster ride mixes Stephen King and Raymond Chandler and introduces Mongo, a great new character in mystery fiction.

Part sci-fi thriller and part fantasy, this roller-coaster of a story introduces Mongo, one of the greatest new characters of recent mystery fiction.