Solved - Do You Know the Author of This?

[Hoota Caroota]

A number of years ago, I found an amusing series about an out of work TV star. The guy had sort of a "Magnum PI" series for awhile until the show was cancelled.

Anyhow, now that he was out of work, his friends would call up and say, "Now that you're out of work, would you mind looking into this for me?" The actor wouldn't really want to do it, he would anyway, and so began the mystery plot.

During the course of his investigation, he would invariably run into someone who'd say, "I know you. You're that private investigator." From the TV show, they'd know he was really good at what he did and they wouldn't want to hinder him so they'd help with whatever information he'd want.

I've been having a devil of a time trying to identify the author or even the character name. Anyone remember it?

Thanks.

 

[Anamnesis]

You could see if this page mentions the series you're looking for.

ETA: does the name Simon Brett sound familiar? If so, just disregard the link.

 

[Hoota Caroota]

Thanks for the suggestion, Anamnesis, but nope, I'm sorry to say. The character in the series I'm trying to remember and find lives in Los Angeles.

 

[Hoota Caroota]

I found it: Donald Westlake! Under the pen name Sam Holt and the character with the same name. No wonder the books are memorable.