Perri O'Shaughnessy

this series is consistently fine, and sometimes that's all you need, or all the brain can handle - you don't have to overthink things, and don't have to get a brain cramp puzzling things out. this 4th in the series felt like a bit of a departure. previous stories incorporated the outdoors much more, and this one is primarily office/courtroom-based. though we do get a bit of a taste of the unique lake tahoe environs - an aspect of the series i quite enjoy.) this one ends with a bit of a show more personal cliffhanger for nina... totally suckered me in to move book 5 up the TBR pile! good job o'shaughnessy sisters. good. job. show less

"We're getting married. You're out Lindy". "We don't want to hurt you...."

"Oh, shit," said Mike. "Shit".

Breach of Promise (Nina Reilly #4)
by Perri O'Shaughnessy

Legal drama. 3.5 stars.

Lindy and Mike have been a couple for a long time and also run a business together. When Lindy discovers Mike is having an affair all hell breaks loose and the couple breaks up.

Lindy sues Mike for half the business. The catch here is that these two were never married. They just lived together. So legally Lindy show more does not have a very strong case.

I enjoyed the first half of this way more then the second. Much of what goes on takes place in the court room and the reader gets to know the couple AND the Jury. I was drawn to the story as I like reading about Juries and what goes into picking them, what happens behind the scenes etc.

BUT:

SPOILERS:

I have to discuss the second half as well as the end. The truth is I read all kinds of genres. I like legal thrillers, liked this book very much and would have given it 4 stars if not for the change in tone and the end.

So first.. change in tone. Did not get that. The book turned crazy with all the twists and there is a Juror murdered and who did it ETC ETC.

Attorney on the water, showdown with the killer..etc. It just changed from a really thought provoking and fun legal story to yet another thriller. Loved the first half..not wild about the second half. I'd still recommend it though because it's such a fun book.

But then there is the ending. I did not understand it. The book spends the whole story telling of this wronged woman who built her husband's business into an empire, so at the end..she is strong and empowered..then the hubby's girlfriend leaves him, he comes crawling back and she says 'OK" and the end.

Did not get that. So in summary, it's a fun read, a thought provoking read, but not outstanding. I was ultimately a bit let down with where it chose to go but the first half was five stars so..legal book fans will most likely enjoy. show less

7/10
A page turner that felt a little cluttered to me, with the main murder mystery, the coincidental (?) plane crash deaths, and all the secrets and past intrigues floating around. This is the 6th book featuring defense attorney Nina Reilly, but the first that I've read, so perhaps the missing backstory that is alluded to and briefly explained would have helped me navigate this story more smoothly. But it certainly held my interest and I may look for earlier books in the series to flesh out show more that backstory. show less

Let me start by saying that I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this book! It was fast-paced, intelligent, suspenseful and exciting, all the way to the very last page!

I first became interested in this novel after reading the cover story of the August 2002 edition of BOOK PAGE about Mary and Pamela O'Shaughnessey ("Sisters in Crime: Career Crossroads turned Siblings into Co-Authors"). These two women are sisters who use the pen name "Perri O'Shaughnessey" in their wonderfully show more unique brand of legal thriller - one in which the main character is a female attorney. Even though the O'Shaughnessey sisters have written a number of these novels, I decided to get to know Nina Reilly from the beginning, which is MOTION TO SUPRESS.

I can't remember the last time I was so drawn to a character. Nina Reilly is intelligent and strong-willed while at the same time being as human as the next person in her faults, doubts and desires - this makes her seem so real that one can't help but want to see her succeed. I can't wait to read the next novel!

If you think you've had enough of the typical legal thriller, you'll be pleasantly surprised by this book. Kind of a feminine combination of Grisham, COLUMBO and QUINCY. Have fun with this one - and when you start it, give yourself long stretches of reading time. You won't want to put this one down! show less