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.