megmcardle's review against another edition
4.0
It's always great to get some SF noir in the reading pile, and this title only missed by a little. Miranda Corbie is a female PI in 1940 San Francisco, which in and of itself is a stretch for the imagination. She stumbles on a body in Chinatown during a local celebration which draws her into a complicated investigation involving local gangs of all ethnicities: Chinese, Japanese, and even some Italians for fun. The local color and setting is fantastic, but the author gives mannerisms in place of character development. At one point I wanted to laugh at the number of times she describes Miranda lighting a cigarette or drinking a bourbon: we get it - she's badass. The character's backstory is also interesting, but so much is alluded to rather than explained that perhaps a future series installment will give us more of Miranda. I'd give the author another try, as she's definitely one to watch.
ampersand148d8's review against another edition
A lady Sam Spade set in 1930s San Francisco. Enjoyed the historical references. Author said she even used an old phone book to get the phone exchanges correct. Lots of action -- fish out of water - ahead of her times detective.
gawronma's review against another edition
3.0
I would have given this book four stars but I found the over use of swearing distracting. Despite this one issue, this book is written very much in the vein of Dashell Hammit. The only difference is the main character is a women. It was well done and exciting. The author really brought to life 1940 San Francisco.
mrs_merdle's review against another edition
3.0
I started out really liking this, but about halfway through, the hard-boiled style of the writing got way over-the-top, and ended up being kind of annoying. Also while I liked the main character (strong yet haunted former-escort-turned-private-detective) I was irritated by the many vague hints at earlier events in her life which were rarely fleshed out at all and so irritated rather than illuminated! Very atmospheric picture of San Francisco during WW2. Fairly enjoyable.
cindiorr's review against another edition
5.0
This is an intelligent, gripping read from start to finish. The main character Miranda is layered and sassy, with entertaining quips and revealing flashbacks. The history is incredibly vivid and you feel as though you have been transported back in time to 1930's San Francisco. The musings by the main character are poetic and dark at times, keeping the mystery of the plot tied in. Loved this book for it's beautiful tone and gritty female detective. Can't wait for the sequel.
ampersand148d8's review
A lady Sam Spade set in 1930s San Francisco. Enjoyed the historical references. Author said she even used an old phone book to get the phone exchanges correct. Lots of action -- fish out of water - ahead of her times detective.
vkemp's review
3.0
Miranda Corbie is a private investigator in San Francisco. It's 1939 and the Japanese have just invaded China. Miranda fought in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade during the Spanish Civil War and she has seen too many people die. When Eddie Takahashi is shot in front of her during a Rice Bowl party and the police want to cover it up, Miranda vows to find his killer. The trail leds her through Chinatown and soon she finds the Mob working with the Chinese to bring dope and prostitutes into San Francisco. She is run over and beaten up and still keeps swinging. I really enjoyed the period feel of this book. Miranda wears a size large suit of armor to protect herself from feeling anything. I wonder where her next adventures will lead her?
lil's review
3.0
Liked it for the most part. Did keep questioning Miranda's actions. Hated the whole my one and only love died hair shirt she had on. And, the smoking, yikes. She must've smelled like an ashtray at all times. Yuck!
Mystery was okay, a little convoluted, but okay. Did enjoy the setting.
Mystery was okay, a little convoluted, but okay. Did enjoy the setting.
alanfederman's review
3.0
This mystery had all my favorite elements - an anti-hero detective (Miranda Corbie - as hardboiled as they come), atmosphere (40s San Francisco - so foggy I could feel it in my bones), historic elements (Japan's invasion of China) and crisp, terse writing (ala James Ellroy). Though a great mystery, at times the plot got off course (though to the author's credit, she brought it back on course very quickly). I really enjoyed the dialogue and the setting, just wish the story had been pared down a bit. That said, can't wait to continue the series!
scherzo's review
1.0
Be prepared to vicariously smoke an average three cigarettes per page. It seemed like a third of the words addressed smoking, wanting to smoke, buying smokes, needing smokes, crushing smokes, etc. ad nauseum.
Main character is a whiny bitch who throws in some token angst for the miseries of the rest of the world in 1940.
Main character is a whiny bitch who throws in some token angst for the miseries of the rest of the world in 1940.
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