Archy McNally

Archy McNally
Created byLawrence Sanders
In-universe information
OccupationPrivate investigator

Archibald "Archy" McNally is a fictional character created by bestselling novelist Lawrence Sanders. He is the protagonist of thirteen novels, seven by Sanders and six by Vincent Lardo, who took over the series following Sanders' death in 1998.[1] Archy is the Son in the law firm McNally and Son, Attorney. Thirty-six years of age when the series begins,[2]: 1  Archy lives in his parents' home (a "third floor suite: bedroom, sitting room, dressing room, bathroom"[2]: 11 ) and is the head (and sole member) of the firm's Discreet Inquiries department.[2]: 4  Archy is employed as a private investigator for the firm's clients, often working in tandem with Sergeant Al Rogoff. Expelled from Yale Law for a youthful indiscretation that involved streaking in a Richard Nixon mask,[2]: 4  Archy McNally is a self-described "bon vivant, dillettantish detective, and the only man in Palm Beach to wear white tie and tails to dinner at a Pizza Hut."[3]: 2 

No cynical hardboiled dick, Archy (not "Arch," which is more adjective than name)[4]: 278  McNally drives a red Mazda Miata ("one of the first in South Florida"[2]: 5 ), stays in shape by swimming two miles along the Atlantic shore in the late afternoons[2]: 49 ), dresses per local custom ("this is South Florida, where everyone favors pastels")[2]: 2 ), favors frozen daiquiris "from the June solstice to the September equinox,"[3]: 3 ) and tries to limit his consumption of English Oval cigarettes[2]: 52 ) as he adds daily notes to his private journal[2]: 11 ).

  1. ^ Weeks, Linton (6 August 1999). "Ghost Writers in the Sky". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2023-03-27. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Sanders, Lawrence (1992). McNally's Secret. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Son's. ISBN 0425135721.
  3. ^ a b Sanders, Lawrence (1992). McNally's Luck. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Son's. ISBN 0399137629.
  4. ^ Sanders, Lawrence (1997). McNally's Puzzle. Berkley Books. ISBN 0425157466.