5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Natalie "Nat" Greco is a disgruntled law professor. Although she is up for tenure, she still finds it difficult to engage her students and her dean is not enthusiastic about her sometimes unorthodox teaching methods. Her personal life is not much better - her relationship with her boyfriend Hank seems to be on cruise control.
This was the first Lisa Scottoline book that I read. I bought a lot of her books off of eBay, and after the first 150 or so pages I was concerned... the characters were likable, but the pace was plodding and the plot did not resemble the exciting-sounding description on the back of the book. Fortunately, the story picked up abruptly. The second half of the book is action-packed, and each chapter ends with a cliff hanger that compels you to read on.
The reason for the corny title of this book is also (somewhat) justified in the second half of the book - Nat is part of a large NJ family in which she is the only daughter and therefore extra special to her father. The title of this book is unfortunate - it implies that this book will deal with pervy incestuous relationships, which is not the case at all.
I would give the first half of this book a 2 out of a 5. However, the second half gets a 4.5 out of 5. Once the story gets cranking, the action sequences and the twists and turns of the plot will keep readers riveted.
This was the first Lisa Scottoline book that I read. I bought a lot of her books off of eBay, and after the first 150 or so pages I was concerned... the characters were likable, but the pace was plodding and the plot did not resemble the exciting-sounding description on the back of the book. Fortunately, the story picked up abruptly. The second half of the book is action-packed, and each chapter ends with a cliff hanger that compels you to read on.
The reason for the corny title of this book is also (somewhat) justified in the second half of the book - Nat is part of a large NJ family in which she is the only daughter and therefore extra special to her father. The title of this book is unfortunate - it implies that this book will deal with pervy incestuous relationships, which is not the case at all.
I would give the first half of this book a 2 out of a 5. However, the second half gets a 4.5 out of 5. Once the story gets cranking, the action sequences and the twists and turns of the plot will keep readers riveted.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
As a dedicated Scottoline fan, I enjoyed Daddys Girl immensely. Definitely one of the best in a great series.
Don't blame the author for the title. Ultimately the publisher gets the final word. And when deciding whether to buy this novel, with a highly visible author, do we really look at the title?
Mostly, I found this novel draws on many of Scottoline's recurring themes. For example:
Ordinary woman, extraordinary achievements: As usual, we're introduced to a very down-to-earth, very human heroine who also happens to be an achiever. If anything, Scottoline downplays the sheer magnitude of getting a tenure-track position in an Ivy League law school. She has the all too common worries about keeping up appearance and coping in a male-dominated world. Inside, she's conflicted. Outwardly, she's so accomplished she's scary.
Family: Scottoline's families tend to be large, Italian, loving and possessive. She departs from the profile here, introducing a macho family where the heroine feels like an outsider. Dysfunctional? In Scottoline's novels, whatever happens, blood will trump water anytime.
Outrageous risks: I love watching Scottoline's heroines cross over the edge as they go running from the law. In an earlier novel, a heroine takes over a conference room of a law firm, claiming to be from a branch office. Talk about "Hide in plain sight." Heroine Natalie goes out on a limb here. Alas, I can't say more without being accused of spoilers.
Intricate plot and satisfying ending: Scottoline keeps throwing one curve after another, right up to the end. Experienced mystery readers will get early hunches about the outcome, but it feels right.
Law vs. justice: An ongoing quest among Scottoline's novels. Here the case seems less ambiguous than most. But it comes up.
Juicy characters: I loved Natalie's family! And I hope to see Natalie herself in future novels. True, some of the prisoners and guards seemed to blend together. The law school dean and assistant dean seem less than 3-dimensional but they remind me of some business school administrators I've known.
Edgy dialogue: I like the way Scottoline juxtaposes the heroine's inner comebacks (italicized) with her outward, polite comments.
Diversity of the legal profession: So far, we've seen litigators, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, law firm associates, independent counsels...everyone! It's nice to meet a law professor this time around.
Scottoline used some artistic license in exaggerating the attitudes of Natalie's students. She did take action to motivate them to prepare more for class.
The experience of being a female lawyer -- from the inside out -- is yet another Scottoline theme. And here, in a lighthearted way, I believe she also captures the female professor experience.
Don't blame the author for the title. Ultimately the publisher gets the final word. And when deciding whether to buy this novel, with a highly visible author, do we really look at the title?
Mostly, I found this novel draws on many of Scottoline's recurring themes. For example:
Ordinary woman, extraordinary achievements: As usual, we're introduced to a very down-to-earth, very human heroine who also happens to be an achiever. If anything, Scottoline downplays the sheer magnitude of getting a tenure-track position in an Ivy League law school. She has the all too common worries about keeping up appearance and coping in a male-dominated world. Inside, she's conflicted. Outwardly, she's so accomplished she's scary.
Family: Scottoline's families tend to be large, Italian, loving and possessive. She departs from the profile here, introducing a macho family where the heroine feels like an outsider. Dysfunctional? In Scottoline's novels, whatever happens, blood will trump water anytime.
Outrageous risks: I love watching Scottoline's heroines cross over the edge as they go running from the law. In an earlier novel, a heroine takes over a conference room of a law firm, claiming to be from a branch office. Talk about "Hide in plain sight." Heroine Natalie goes out on a limb here. Alas, I can't say more without being accused of spoilers.
Intricate plot and satisfying ending: Scottoline keeps throwing one curve after another, right up to the end. Experienced mystery readers will get early hunches about the outcome, but it feels right.
Law vs. justice: An ongoing quest among Scottoline's novels. Here the case seems less ambiguous than most. But it comes up.
Juicy characters: I loved Natalie's family! And I hope to see Natalie herself in future novels. True, some of the prisoners and guards seemed to blend together. The law school dean and assistant dean seem less than 3-dimensional but they remind me of some business school administrators I've known.
Edgy dialogue: I like the way Scottoline juxtaposes the heroine's inner comebacks (italicized) with her outward, polite comments.
Diversity of the legal profession: So far, we've seen litigators, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, law firm associates, independent counsels...everyone! It's nice to meet a law professor this time around.
Scottoline used some artistic license in exaggerating the attitudes of Natalie's students. She did take action to motivate them to prepare more for class.
The experience of being a female lawyer -- from the inside out -- is yet another Scottoline theme. And here, in a lighthearted way, I believe she also captures the female professor experience.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I usually do not like murder mysteries, but this is a superb read. I have become an instant Scottoline fan! Nat is a law school professor who finds herself accused of two murders. It is very interesting to see this smart woman make decisions most of us would not think were smart.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Plot twists kept this a really quick read. Will seek out more by this author - like her style, strong female characters, and while I had a sense of where the book was headed it didn't turn out exactly as I had forseen.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Another winner from Scottoline! Different protagonist this time but a good story nonetheless. Lots of action, twists and big surprises in this one. Good one!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I absolutely loved this book. Recommended by PBS and I am so glad I always take the advise of other PBS members!!!
Definite must read!
Definite must read!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Only an oblique reference to her main series, but this just may be better. Every time you think you know what is next - it isn't! Scottoline at her very, very best!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book. It was so full of suspense that I finished it in one day!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I enjoy anything by Lisa Scottoline and this one was one of her best! Nat Greco's character was interesting, funny and dedicated. She was on a mission and it almost cost her her life.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Moves right along with one twist after another
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is the first Lisa Scottoline book I've ever read, but I'm heading out to get more right now! A great who-dunnit with both suspense and romance.
FROM BACK COVER Natalie Greco loves being a teacher, even though she can't keep her students from cruising sex.com during class and secretly feels likes Faculty Comic Relief. She loves her family, too,but her boyfriend fits in better with the football-crazy Grecos than she does. A colleague, handsome Angus Holt, talks Nat into teaching a class at a local prison, and her world turns upside down.
A violent prison riot breaks out during class, and Nat rushes to help a mortally injured guard whose last words are: 'Tell my wife it's under the floor.' Nat delivers the cryptic message, but before she knows it, she's suspected of murder and hiding from cops and killers alike. She is forced on the run to solve the riddle of the dead man's last words and to save her own life--and to find real love.
FROM BACK COVER Natalie Greco loves being a teacher, even though she can't keep her students from cruising sex.com during class and secretly feels likes Faculty Comic Relief. She loves her family, too,but her boyfriend fits in better with the football-crazy Grecos than she does. A colleague, handsome Angus Holt, talks Nat into teaching a class at a local prison, and her world turns upside down.
A violent prison riot breaks out during class, and Nat rushes to help a mortally injured guard whose last words are: 'Tell my wife it's under the floor.' Nat delivers the cryptic message, but before she knows it, she's suspected of murder and hiding from cops and killers alike. She is forced on the run to solve the riddle of the dead man's last words and to save her own life--and to find real love.
I usually like Lisa Scottoline books, but I found myself getting irritated in this one with the hero, Natalie Greco (aka "Nat"). Whereas she's a strong woman, the way this is written is a conflict as Nat is rather namby-pamby and doesn't speak up for herself or take control when her family and others disrespects her...which makes it very hard to respect her as a hero and sleuth. The book also seemed to drag out much more than was needed. Not sure if I'll bother with another Scottoline book or not. Hmmm...
This is such an excellent book!! Nat comes from a family of powerful brothers, father, and fiance'. She has always been 'daddy's girl' but when her life takes a dangerous turn, Nat becomes a woman with a mind of her own and her own person. People are out to scare her, if not kill her. She teams up with a hangover from the 60's professor, but she does the hard work and takes on the prison and the state police. We all have that little person inside that wants to be just like Nat.
very good book, unexpected ending.