Elinor Lipman’s latest romantic comedy, Every Tom, Dick & Harry, attempts to blend her signature wit with elements of mystery and crime in a story about an reluctant estate liquidator who finds both love and unexpected treasures. While the novel showcases Lipman’s talent for crafting endearing characters and humorous dialogue, it occasionally struggles to balance its various plot threads and tonal shifts.
Plot & Premise
Emma Lewis reluctantly takes over her parents’ estate sale business when they retire to Cape Cod, inheriting both their house and their client list. While conducting a sale at a former bed-and-breakfast that doubled as an upscale brothel, she becomes entangled with the town’s new police chief Luke Winooski. As Emma navigates both her budding romance and professional challenges, she uncovers art theft, family secrets, and unexpected connections that force her to reconsider her future.
Character Analysis
Strengths
- Emma Lewis is a relatable protagonist whose initial reluctance to embrace the family business feels authentic
- The romantic chemistry between Emma and Luke develops naturally and believably
- Frank Crowley, Emma’s tenant and former teacher, brings depth and poignancy to the story
- Connie Winooski’s character arc provides a touching parallel romance
Weaknesses
- Some secondary characters, particularly the Mankopfs, feel more like plot devices than fully realized people
- Rain and Juliet’s sisterly dynamic could have been better explored
- The villainous Manny Mankopf verges on caricature at times
Writing Style & Craft
Lipman’s prose remains sharp and engaging throughout, with her trademark wit shining in the dialogue exchanges. Her ability to find humor in awkward situations serves the story well, particularly in early scenes establishing Emma’s discomfort with her new role. However, the pacing occasionally suffers when juggling multiple plot lines.
Notable Strengths
- Clever, natural dialogue that advances both plot and character development
- Strong sense of place in depicting small-town Massachusetts
- Deft handling of romantic tension and relationship dynamics
Areas for Improvement
- Some plot resolutions feel rushed or too convenient
- Tonal shifts between comedy and crime elements aren’t always smooth
- Certain subplots could have been trimmed for tighter narrative focus
Thematic Elements
The novel explores several interconnected themes:
- Family legacy and obligation
- The tension between passion and practicality in career choices
- The importance of second chances in both love and life
- Art’s value beyond monetary worth
- Small town secrets and appearances
Comparative Analysis
While Every Tom, Dick & Harry shares DNA with Lipman’s previous works like Ms. Demeanor and On Turpentine Lane, it represents an ambitious attempt to expand her range. The crime elements recall Richard Russo’s small-town mysteries, while the romantic comedy aspects evoke early Jennifer Crusie novels.
Critical Assessment
What Works Well
- The central romance between Emma and Luke
- Frank and Connie’s parallel love story
- The estate sale business details feel authentic and provide unique story opportunities
- Moments of genuine emotional resonance amid the comedy
What Could Be Better
- The art theft plot sometimes feels forced
- Some character motivations remain unclear
- The ending wraps up too neatly
- Certain comedic moments strain credibility
Entertainment Value & Readability
Despite its flaws, the novel remains engaging throughout. Lipman’s gift for creating memorable scenes and sharp dialogue carries readers through the occasional rough patches. The romance elements are particularly well-handled, making the relationship developments feel earned rather than contrived.
Impact & Lasting Impressions
While perhaps not Lipman’s strongest work, Every Tom, Dick & Harry offers enough charm and heart to satisfy her existing fans while potentially attracting new readers. The novel’s exploration of finding unexpected joy in unwanted circumstances resonates, even when the plot occasionally meanders.
Recommendation
Readers who enjoy:
- Romantic comedy with substance
- Small town settings
- Quirky family dynamics
- Light mystery elements
- Character-driven narratives
will likely find much to appreciate here, though they should be prepared for some uneven moments.
Pros
- Engaging central romance
- Strong dialogue
- Authentic emotional moments
- Unique premise
Cons
- Occasionally messy plot
- Uneven pacing
- Some underdeveloped characters
- Too-neat resolution
Final Thoughts
Every Tom, Dick & Harry demonstrates both Lipman’s strengths and limitations as a writer. While not every element works perfectly, her ability to create engaging characters and find humor in life’s complications remains strong. The novel succeeds best when focusing on its core romantic relationships rather than its crime elements, though ambitious readers will appreciate the attempt to blend genres.
For those new to Lipman’s work, earlier novels like The Inn at Lake Devine or On Turpentine Lane might serve as better entry points. However, established fans will likely find enough of her trademark wit and warmth here to make the reading experience worthwhile, even if this particular outing doesn’t quite reach the heights of her best work.
Author Background & Context
Elinor Lipman has established herself as a reliable purveyor of intelligent romantic comedy over her seventeen-book career. Her work consistently features strong dialogue, complex relationships, and humor grounded in human nature rather than slapstick. While Every Tom, Dick & Harry may not rank among her absolute best, it demonstrates her continuing willingness to push beyond her comfort zone while maintaining the core elements that have earned her a devoted readership.
This latest novel shows both the benefits and risks of attempting to expand one’s range as a writer. While not every element succeeds, the attempt to incorporate new elements into her established formula deserves recognition, even if the execution isn’t always perfect.