I got this book through paperbackswap.com. I had added it to my "wish list" after someone had recommended this author. I would give this 2.5 stars if that was an option. This was an OK read. I've read other reviews on this book (Amazon and GoodReads) and some have described the book as "formulaic" and/or an obvious first book (which it is) by the author. I would concur with those opinions. Jane, the main character, and her close pal, Cordelia, are apparently in their 30s but both (especially Cordelia) come across as much older. I appreciated the author providing a "Cast of Characters" at the beginning of the book. I referred to it more than once in order to keep the characters straight.
I am a lifelong Minnesotan--grew up on the "Iron Range" in NE MN in the 50s-60s and have been in the Twin Cities since the early 70s. So, it was interesting reading a novel set in my state. I was a little surprised, however, that the author felt it necessary to use some fictional places. Jane's family lodge was on a Blackberry Lake. There is no Blackberry Lake in MN. Our license plates say "Land of 10,000 Lakes" but there are actually almost 12,000 of 10 acres or more. So, why not use a real lake?
Jane's plan to lure the perpetrator out seemed rather farfetched. The perp's rationale for the crimes also was a bit over the top. Yes, some folks have extreme views but the character's "melt down" at the end just seemed too far out. The "rescue" at the end also was too convenient.
There were several grammatical or spelling errors. The word draped was misspelled as "drapped" TWICE! Didn't an editor read this book before publishing?
The reason I downgraded to a 2 (based on wanting to give it 2.5 stars) instead of up to a 3 is because I have no interest in reading the rest of the series after reading the first book.
I am a lifelong Minnesotan--grew up on the "Iron Range" in NE MN in the 50s-60s and have been in the Twin Cities since the early 70s. So, it was interesting reading a novel set in my state. I was a little surprised, however, that the author felt it necessary to use some fictional places. Jane's family lodge was on a Blackberry Lake. There is no Blackberry Lake in MN. Our license plates say "Land of 10,000 Lakes" but there are actually almost 12,000 of 10 acres or more. So, why not use a real lake?
Jane's plan to lure the perpetrator out seemed rather farfetched. The perp's rationale for the crimes also was a bit over the top. Yes, some folks have extreme views but the character's "melt down" at the end just seemed too far out. The "rescue" at the end also was too convenient.
There were several grammatical or spelling errors. The word draped was misspelled as "drapped" TWICE! Didn't an editor read this book before publishing?
The reason I downgraded to a 2 (based on wanting to give it 2.5 stars) instead of up to a 3 is because I have no interest in reading the rest of the series after reading the first book.
I didn't finish it. I just couldn't get into it.
Description currently posted is not correct. This first Jane Lawless mystery occurs in/around Jane's (fictional) sorority house at Univ of Minnesota. (She's an alumna adviser.) Not much detail about her former partner. Not much detail about her restaurant.
Plot develops well, with clues fairly sprinkled throughout. The identity of the murderer is a surprise. -- NOT an unfair, motive-from-left-field, what-a-coincidence kind of surprise.
Plot develops well, with clues fairly sprinkled throughout. The identity of the murderer is a surprise. -- NOT an unfair, motive-from-left-field, what-a-coincidence kind of surprise.
