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I've read a number of his Nathan Heller series, and enjoyed them, but kind of got tired of them after a while. I think he does an incredible job of recreating the style and feel of the 1940's detective in these. I've read a couple from his other series, and admired the style, but they didn't quite work for me.
Short version-- I think Collins usually accomplishes exactly what he intends, and does it very well. He's not on my A-list (the Heller books maybe on my B-list), but I'd certainly recommend him to someone who's a little more into period-pieces than I am.
From a similar virtual 'era', have you tried the Stuart Kaminsky 'Toby Peters' series? Not as dry as Collins can be, not as centered on historical facts. Definitely "hard-boiled" in the traditional sense, Pat, but not in your favorite "hard-man" range. (Protagonist Peters gets beat up more than beating up.) Now, these are on my A-list (along with Kaminsky's Lieberman series, and his Inspector Rostnikov series)
I've spent a lot of time reading through your Hard-Man thread, Pat, and I certainly count a lot of authors mentioned in that thread as among my favorites. Not sure Kaminsky would tickle your fancy, but I wouldn't hesitate to suggest you give him a shot if you haven't!
KentE
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