Customer Reviews

Blue

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

What shines through in BLUE, as in the Bo Bradley mysteries, is the enormous and delicious intelligence of the author. Padgett is a scrupulous researcher, so I am always certain that what I am learning in her books is authentic. And I admire her great concern with and commitment to integrity, honor, honesty,compassion, and justice. Her absolutely wickely fabulous sense of humor is highlighted in this new series in a way that makes me laugh remembering a couple of the funniest scenes I've ever read. I agree with an earlier reviewer who commented that the book transcends the genre -- while at the same time fulfilling all that we mystery lovers crave from the genre. I think this is a tremendously important feminist novel. I can't wait until BLUE comes out in paperback because then I will be able to afford to make it the chief gift item to share with women friends for birthdays and Christmas/Chanukah for that year. To men friends, I will be giving etiquette books for the next few years, inspired, as those of you who have read BLUE already will understand, by this memorable mystery.

I bought this book on a 'gamble' when it was in the amazon.com Bargain bin and really enjoyed it. It lead me to all the Bo Bradley novels as well, but I am really interested in following more of Bo AND Blue! Those who are put off by the sexual orientation of the main character amuse me...as it wasn't really the focus of the whole book. As neither a rampant feminist or a lesbian, I found this twist to be a simple character feature rather than the driving force of the whole book. Well written, it pulled me through the whole plot in less than a couple days. Hard to put down!

BLUE is a wonderful read. I found myself laughing and cheering as it unfolds. It's militantly feminist, compassionate, humorous, well-written, suspenseful and action-packed. I bought it in hardcover, and I don't usually, but I knew I would want to read it again.

Oh my goddess...Blue McCarron, Ph.D. is one hot character. A recluse out in her desert hotel, Blue and her wonder dog Bronte (loved Bronte). Blue has many skeletons in her closet...Misha, the woman she loved who one day disappeared. Her aunt, Carty, is acting mysteriously and there's the necklace Blue's seen before. The mending of her relationship with her twin brother David, who in prison, but is getting married. And there's Muffin Crandall's friends who are being picked off one at a time by someone unknown. Blue and Bronte survive many encounters in the desert with some unsavory characters. Her new friends BB and Rox are better friends than she knew. Beautifully written with character and environmental development.

I have been following the Bo Bradley books from the beginning, since they combine several topics of interest to me: Native Americans, Child Welfare, and bi-polar disease. I run around giving copies to people who I would like to have understand these issues. When I got "Blue" my first reaction was momentary disappointment because it wasn't a Bo Bradley book. But, as I read, I quickly became entranced. I agree entirely with her analysis of human behaviour in terms of chimpanzee (NOT gorilla) behaviour. I am a 64-year-old cultural anthropologist, and as every new chimp study has come in, over the last 20 years, I have seen clearly how closely human behaviour is tied to our genes. It has discouraged me greatly. Padgett's riotous take on it has cheered me up. As for those who can't take the lesbian side of the story, it's a love story, for pete's sake! Love stories are not tied to gender or gender preference. What I hate is lesbian mysteries which ape certain male mysteries, serving as excuses for soft (or not so soft) porn. Like "Cathy" (comic strip): I spent the first half of my life learning everything I could about men; now I'm spending the last half trying to forget it. I will look forward to another book in this series. Don't forget Bo, tho!

Padgett's Blue McCarron is so well-written and has such an unusual mind and point of view that I hope she becomes an ongoing character in other novels. The novel's plot is interesting and was sufficiently complex to keep me interested from start to finish. I am recommending this book to everyone I know.

The Bo Bradley books are great; with 'Blue' the author has managed to create what sounds like a great mystery while at the same time telling the story in such an off putting manner that it is a struggle to get through even a few pages. It is NOT the orientation of the female lead that is the problem but rather the excessive psychobabble that fills Blue's mind. After the first 3 chapters, I decided that dedicated mystery reader though I am, I didn't really care whodunit. Please, more Bo!! No more Blue!!

I love the personal challenge aspect of Padgett's books; heroes that proceed without regard to personal jeopardy, staying true to their moral principles. Blue is such a character and I am really hoping that now that the initial book has detailed her ENTIRE feminist theory (she's a Ph.D. that parallels gorilla behavior to human) we can proceed with a more coherant mystery. I am also not all that interested in lesbian life and would like it to become only (?) a characteristic of Blue not the focal point of each story.

All in all - I liked the book and will read futher in this character series BUT I really miss Bo Bradly!

I thoroughly enjoyed Blue, filled with suspense and humor. The characters were diverse and interesting, each filling his/her role superbly. The complicated plot with its many twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. Padgett is quite the wordsmith and writes with intelligence and passion. Move over, Sue Grafton, Abigail Padgett is here!

Blue McCarron is a character that rewards fans of both gay/lesbian fiction, and general mystery/suspense fiction. She's complex, intelligent, and real. You don't forgive Blue her faults, you are drawn to her because of them. Blue takes us on a roller-coaster ride through an old crime, some old relationships, and some new ones. Aside from the suspense at the heart of the novel, is a rich and unforgettable cast of characters who leave us longing for the next in the Blue McCarron series.