The book is a quick and enjoyable read, but it is a bit farfetched in parts. Mimi seems to be a bit difficult to understand. She acts like a professional and strong female character in some parts and becomes a stereotypically weak woman in others. Her relationship with Nick Christianson, the detective on the case and Mimi's former lover, was difficult to accept. In the middle of a gruesome murder scene, she discusses his smell. "Nick's clean smell took me away from the murder scene and back to my college days." I would imagine that isn't the first thing a PI would be thinking, while standing over a decapitated body. Of course it was fun watching Mimi and company try to solve the case before Nick, and the chemistry sparks helped lighten the gore.
The addition of a bit of the paranormal is a plus for many readers, and although it is not a favorite of mine, it did not bother me in this case. There were a few editing issues that annoyed me. Scene changes were rather abrupt in a few places, and I found a few grammatical issues, but on the whole this is an enjoyable new character for those who enjoy Sue Grafton novels.
- Beverly
Publisher - LBB Company
Date of Publication - November 9, 2011