rebekistan's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cmbohn's review against another edition
3.0
2nd in the series. I liked this one better than some of the others.
crazeedi73's review against another edition
5.0
Better than the first one! Can't wait to read number 3
stefhyena's review against another edition
3.0
This one is a bit dated, a bit all over the place (especially the first few chapters) but still very enjoyable. I could have done without the thing about dogs which plays into stereotypes. The prologue sort of gives away some stuff and Maron can't seem to decide whether this is a mystery or a soapie...but it's not too bad in terms of characterisation and especially Deborah Knott being quite powerful and very capable.
There's a scene where a DV perpetrator gets sent to gaol which is very satisfying despite the fact that in reality they tend not to show their true colours in court quite so much and are more likely to sweet-talk their way out of trouble. But there's an element of escapism about cosy mysteries so that's forgivable. The stuff about girls' friendships is verging on benign homophobia but I think it's unintentional and maybe the author has some unresolved baggage.
The women's collective building houses is cool and I think I will read more of these just hoping for more of that.
There's a scene where a DV perpetrator gets sent to gaol which is very satisfying despite the fact that in reality they tend not to show their true colours in court quite so much and are more likely to sweet-talk their way out of trouble. But there's an element of escapism about cosy mysteries so that's forgivable. The stuff about girls' friendships is verging on benign homophobia but I think it's unintentional and maybe the author has some unresolved baggage.
The women's collective building houses is cool and I think I will read more of these just hoping for more of that.
skinnypenguin's review
4.0
Have read several other books in this serious and it was nice to go back to the beginning and see how the judge started out. Liked the concept of women getting together and doing such a huge project like building a house for others. It shows compassion, ability and community. Liked the story line showing how the act of incest can destroy a young life in so many different ways. Also shows conflicts within a family and how acting out can be overdone and cause damage. Very enjoyable. Look forward to reading more in this series.
raehink's review
4.0
Judge Deborah Knott discovers who assaulted her teenage niece and who killed a building inspector. I enjoy Maron's Southern characters.
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