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cbsundance's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
monkiecat2's review against another edition
3.0
What a weird little book... This felt more like the abridged version of a longer book than a complete work in itself. There were odd gaps in the action, and unexplained changes in people's points of view, relationships, and attitudes that seemed to come out of nowhere. The mystery part of it was fun, but the solution was too obvious. Knowing the answer is satisfying, but I prefer the ones I can't solve. It made the detectives seem stupid. Also, the MC's love interest called her "papoose." As a pet name. And she told him off for using a racial slur, but then hooked up with him anyway... why would she want to be with someone who disrespected her? But she's otherwise pretty strong... I just don't get it. Whatever, like I said, it's an odd book.
govmarley's review
3.0
I've never read any Sharon McCone, but I liked her. She's a little wacky, and the book is pretty dated (it was the 70's, y'all) but she's smart and clever, and keeping the setting in mind, I'll continue sleuthing with her. I can't decide if I want to punch Greg Marcus or not, since this was written in 1977 and it's hard to decide with my 2022 eyes and brain. He's an idiot, for sure, but Sharon seems to like him anyway.
Barely 3 stars but I'll give book 2 a chance.
Barely 3 stars but I'll give book 2 a chance.
mazza57's review
2.0
this one did nothing for me typical cozy mystery style where amateur beats the detective to solve the murder. lacked pace and drive in the narrative
ncrabb's review
2.0
I wish I could be more ebullient about this first book in a much-beloved and long-running series. Presumably it gets better.
In short, Private Investigator Sharon McCone is called in to look at why some of San Francisco’s antique shops are being vandalized. But when someone murders an antique dealer, McCone’s investigation ramps up, and she gets help from potential love interest and cop Gregory Marcus. The thing is, this is well enough written, and I finished it. But it deals with art and smuggling, and any book that focuses at all on art is a complete and utter turn-off for me. I just don’t care. Here’s hoping the next book in the series is more memorable for me.
In short, Private Investigator Sharon McCone is called in to look at why some of San Francisco’s antique shops are being vandalized. But when someone murders an antique dealer, McCone’s investigation ramps up, and she gets help from potential love interest and cop Gregory Marcus. The thing is, this is well enough written, and I finished it. But it deals with art and smuggling, and any book that focuses at all on art is a complete and utter turn-off for me. I just don’t care. Here’s hoping the next book in the series is more memorable for me.
ubalstecha's review
3.0
This first book in the Sharon McCone series feels a little dated in both its attitudes towards women, as well as the mystery style, but given that it was originally published in 1977 that's understandable. This is an essential "who done it", McCone is a private investigator who works for a group of lawyers. She is called out to a murder scene, where the victim is one of the law firm's clients. The elderly antique dealer was murdered using one of her own items.
McCone has to learn about the convoluted dealings of real and manufactured antiques, real estate deals and smuggling, all in the quest to find the killer. Along the way she stirs up the animosity of the local bail bondsman, the recriminations of the local Business association and the interest/frustration of the homicide detective.
McCone has to learn about the convoluted dealings of real and manufactured antiques, real estate deals and smuggling, all in the quest to find the killer. Along the way she stirs up the animosity of the local bail bondsman, the recriminations of the local Business association and the interest/frustration of the homicide detective.
nonna7's review
3.0
I started the Sharon McCone very late in the series - after her time with All Souls and as an independent investigator. So I thought I would go back to the beginning. Muller has never been on my top tier of authors, but I enjoy the series. Her later books investigate Sharon's past as well. This is her first book. Her skills are very evident here. It's an interesting book that explores the art world and describes Sharon as a young woman. The book was written in 1977. When one of the characters in the book refers to Sharon as "papoose" because of her Indian heritage, it makes you want to wince more than just a little. However, it IS true to it's time. As someone who lived in that era, it's interesting to see how much things have changed in so many ways. It's definitely worth reading if you like this series, but started in the middle as I did.
henrismum's review against another edition
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death