Jan Grape

Jan Grape wrote a very competent first mystery in this Zoe Barrow, Wounded Cop, series. It's easy to read, it's got a decent plot, it's very atmospheric, and it's set in my hometown. All reasons to like it, and I did, just fine.

It's not great literature, but it's in no way a waste of a tree; it's not fancy, it's solid. I like that kind of book.

Grape wasn't a young'un when this book came out, which is a plus in my mind. She's a reader of long standing, and she's had oodles of short stories show more published in mystery anthologies over the years. Put all that together and I think it's no surprise that she's crafted something good: A female cop, not battle hardened, not world weary, and stubbornly optimistic. Zoe Barrow is the kinda gal you'd like to find on the barstool next to you...good at the chat, good at her job, and realistic about herself and the world. It makes her a good detective.

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A police procedural mystery involving an Austin, Texas female officer. Balancing her job, a comatose spouse, and a friend of her father who thinks that his wife plans to have him killed keeps this policewoman more than busy. Lots of twists and red herrings. Good for a light read.