katmarhan's review against another edition
3.0
I am always surprised at how many mistakes V.I. Warshawski makes before eventually stumbling into the solution of a case, and [b:Guardian Angel|644006|Guardian Angel|Sara Paretsky|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1176679212s/644006.jpg|955841] continues the pattern. I like Vic and enjoy her evolving relationships with neighbors and friends. So, I liked this book well enough to read some more of Paretsky's books, but I will read them more for the "human interest" angle than for the mysteries.
claudiafp's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
5.0
bdplume's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best of these so far. Good on intrigue, good on action, good on character.
minsies's review against another edition
3.0
There are some dogs in this that die.
(There are some dogs in this that are OK, too. But.)
Anyway. With that most important point out of the way, it's pretty much the same as what I said about Burn Marks.
I'll pick up #8 at some point, probably when I can't find anything else to read.
(There are some dogs in this that are OK, too. But.)
Anyway. With that most important point out of the way, it's pretty much the same as what I said about Burn Marks.
I'll pick up #8 at some point, probably when I can't find anything else to read.
jambery's review
2.0
Also suitable for light afternoon reading. The dialogue is often strained, with people handing out information to forward the plot left and right without sounding natural. Had some funny, enjoyable parts, but mostly I found myself yawning through the character interactions.
geriatricgretch's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Hmmmmm. I do always enjoy a V.I. story, and this mystery was well done I think. Sad but not surprised to see gentrification presented in much the same way that’s happening now (though as a relative Chicago newcomer weird to see a pre-gentrification Lakeview). I appreciated the complications introduced to Vic’s personal life (rx-husband, rift with Lotty, trying out a personal relationship), but the racism in this book hasn’t aged well. While it’s presented as the purview of ignorant and racist characters, it’s explicit and the n-word is used several times. I get what Paretsky is trying to do here, and I don’t doubt it read as a bit more progressive when published (so I’m ultimately glad it feels so so outdated now). But idk I just wish it had been called out more explicitly by the other characters.
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