mariaelinn's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Sexual violence
kara_henry's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
orygunn's review against another edition
4.0
A cleverly contrived mystery set in 1930's New York. Wonderfully woven stories of the three women involved.
nicolebonia's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating paegturner speculating the real story behind the disappearance of Justice Joseph Crater in 1930 through the women who were closely involved in his life. A wonderfully imagined and brutal rendering of 1930's New York, complete with gangsters, showgirls, corrupt politicians and the women forced to live in their shadows. Completely absorbing and tough to put down once begun.
book_baee's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
tylertylertyler's review against another edition
4.0
A little less surprising and mystery intensive than I would have liked from the novelization of such a famous mystery, but it was still a very good book. There were a few very good surprises along the way, and it was quite well written. Lawhon did an excellent time rendering the time periods and its language and mores. As a historical fiction it was stunning, even if it was much more mediocre as a mystery/thriller. Still, the story delivered on both ends.
shellbell102186's review against another edition
4.0
I wish I could give this 4.5 stars - really enjoyed this - great read if you like the 1930s setting.
mjsteimle's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
In 1930 Joseph Crater, a judge in New York, disappeared. This fictional story about a real-life event centers around three women in Judge Crater's life: his wife Stella; Ritzi, a showgirl he was having an affair with; and Maria, the Crater's maid who is married to a detective investigating the case.
I don't have a ton to say about this book, but it was an entertaining enough read.
In 1930 Joseph Crater, a judge in New York, disappeared. This fictional story about a real-life event centers around three women in Judge Crater's life: his wife Stella; Ritzi, a showgirl he was having an affair with; and Maria, the Crater's maid who is married to a detective investigating the case.
I don't have a ton to say about this book, but it was an entertaining enough read.
traceyd's review against another edition
2.0
It was ok. I thought the story was hard to follow going from past to present. Didn’t know it was a true story until the end
trinitybaumann's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0