Best Warshawski so far. Characters are too hard on each other. Good stuff with Contreras and the old lady with the dog. ( )

V.I. Warshawski - best known through Kathleen Turner's representation of her in the '80's - is not your typical detective, and this is not your typical detective story. If you're looking for Mickey Spillane or Erle Stanley Gardner type grit, this isn't the place. Still, Paretsky manages to write a gritty detective novel while weaving her stories in such a way that her readers get an idea about the inner lives of her characters.

Vic has problems outside of the detective business, and Paretsky incorporates just enough of the daily chore of living into the story without letting it overwhelm the reader. By the end, you can feel you're reading about a friend, and you can cheer when she wins because you know her. Another great thing about this novel, Paretsky has managed to keep a positive sense of life throughout, despite the trials that Vic faces. Vic has it hard, but there's no whining deprecation to the character. All in all a wonderful book to curl up with on a Sunday morning while you have your coffee. ( )

After reading about half of the book, I decided it was a waste of my time.