Customer Reviews

The Mortal Groove (Jane Lawless Mysteries)

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Dandy, just dandy. I know this author quite well and I am fond of her. Some of you who read this will be aware that she and I tour together frequently as part of the Minnesota Crime Wave.

This is a terrific novel which may disturb some of Hart's long-standing fans. It's a darker, more disturbing novel than she's penned before, reacting, I suspect, to the state of the world today. But this novel is no polemic . Mortal Groove, with roots in the Viet Nam conflict, examines once again some of the enduring aspects of all her novels, the complexity of family relations.

More than thirty years ago a terrible murder occurred in a small Iowa town. That crime, never solved, may have involved three recently returned veterans, from Viet Nam. Fast forward to the present time and a surprise visit to Jane Lawless's father, Ray Lawless by political operatives. Although it's late in the political season, a medical emergency has sent an urgent call to the liberal attorney to run for governor of Minnesota, replacing an experienced politician. On this platform rests the continuation of the novel, because some of the veterans are now becoming involved in the Lawless campaign. And thus is prickly and sometimes thoughtless Jane Lawless drawn ever deeper into murky family matters.

At the same time, her beloved brother, Peter, abruptly sets out on a personal quest which he believes will solve his marital difficulties. This sub-plot, a true domestic, plays well against the grittier political campaign and war background. But doomed individuals and doomed relationships coil around Jane and her companions. As always, the irrepressible and somewhat insane acting Cordelia Thorn is present to lighten the mood whenever it get too dark.

The novel demonstrates Hart's mastery of her genre and brings important social issues into bright focus. Unlike some novels which veer into the polemic, Hart is careful to subsume the political potential of these issues in order to maintain the forward drive and develops in the reader an almost irresistible compulsion to turn the next page.

This is an excellent and thoughtful novel that deserves a wide audience.

I have read everything I can get by this writer, and wait expectantly for the next book she publishes each time. Ms. Hart brings each story alive, immediately, and the characters are so well developed that I remember them, unlike other mysteries I read. Always, her characters are full and rich..people you feel you know. They are not only believable, but human. They could be YOUR friends, co-workers and neighbors. THANK YOU Ellen Hart for continuing to write this series. How devoid the world is of well written mysteries with lesbian main characters. I hope that you continue developing Janes sexuality and do not lead her into a concept of lesbian barren-ness while developing heterosexual characters and sexuality as so many writers do. To get readers, I assume. Stay with character and truth.

In Ellen Hart's latest Jane Lawless mystery secrets from the Vietnam War combine with family secrets in the present to create a suspenseful novel that skillfully weaves several storylines into one entertaining novel. On New Year's Eve, restaurateur Jane Lawless is busy managing her long distance relationship with her girlfriend while comforting her best friend Cordelia Thorn after her flighty and narcissistic sister (who is even more self-centered than Cordelia) reclaimed her daughter Hattie and left a hole in Cordelia's life. The small family party is interrupted by a group of Jane's father's friends, all wanting a meeting with the former defense attorney. Their goal; to convince Ray Lawless to run for governor of Minnesota. His surprise is soon overwhelmed by their belief in his ability to do good, but none of them are prepared for the digging into the past that commences with the campaign. Nothing is sacred, from Jane's sexuality to, more disconcerting, a secret that Ray's backers have hidden and brought back with them from the violent and often immoral Vietnam War. Meanwhile, Cordelia continues to hunt for her niece through a private investigator and Jane's brother discovers that his own wife has had her own shameful secret that could either destroy their marriage or be the key to keeping them together. An attack on Cordelia's ex - and current - girlfriend, a journalist who was meeting a source, brings Jane and Cordelia into the dark world of politics and the tragedies that did not end with the end of the war.
For all of the numerous plots that wind through Mortal Grooves, Hart skillfully keeps the reader engaged without losing focus or interrupting the pace of the novel. The shady secrets behind the election are definitely timely considering that this is an election year, but Hart avoids the usual clichés and brings a brutal violence that leaves Jane's family damaged but hopeful. Cordelia and Jane are less central to the novel than previous entries in this series, but when they are present Cordelia's flamboyant humor and Jane's wit make the wait worthwhile. This is a series that continues to stay surprisingly strong and fresh while allowing the characters to grow and evolve. This is another successful outing by Hart.

This is the best Jane Lawless mystery so far. I know I've said this before
but Ellen Hart just seems to get better and better. I don't quite understand
what one of the other reviewers meant when she said that the point of the
book was that sexual preference wasn't important when you were in a fox
hole. There's nothing in the book about that! It's about three guys who
return from war, and how what they've seen and done leads to a tragic outcome.
Jane's brother, Peter, figures very prominently in the story. When these two
stories finally combine toward the end of the book, I couldn't stop reading.
It was that gripping. And the ending -- I didn't really know who did it and
why until the very last page. This book deserves to win some kind of award.
One of the best, if not the best, mystery I've read this year. Bravo to Ms. Hart
for creating such compelling characters and stories. Couldn't recommend it
more highly.

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Jane Lawless is celebrating the New Year with close friends and family when she learns her father has been tapped to run for Governor of Minnesota. His campaign explodes and he appears to be on the fast track to the Governor's mansion when a reporter surfaces with an old murder that might take down his bid for office, cost his son his life, and send the men working for him to prison.

Jane's friend Cordelia is excited about Ray Lawless' bid for office but is heart-broken about the loss of her niece, Hattie. Hattie lived with Cordelia for two years when Hattie's actress mother unexpentantly returns and snatches the child and runs off to Europe.

Son Peter Lawless has lost his job and his marriage is shaky. The rift between he and his wife, Sigrid revolves around his desire for children and his wife's decision (due to an experience many years ago) to be child-free. Peter's desire for a child leads him to solve the mystery of Sigrid's past and bring `it' home to rest. His actions may cost him his marriage.

Ellen Hart is definitely one of the best mystery writers alive. Both of her series (Jane Lawless and Sophie Greeway) are stunning examples of good mystery writing. The plots are complex, the clues and red herrings are there for your `good hunting,' the characters are well developed and the plots sizzle.

The Mortal Groove, Hart's latest Jane Lawless novel is her most ambitious and complex book yet. Hart's taken the risk to let Jane play a character role while other cast members get their chance to shine and by doing so she's taken her writing and the novel to another level. It's a darker novel than her others, but that fact merely adds to the richness of the world she's created for her readers.

As much as I love Hart's novels, I do have one personal criticism of The Mortal Groove. Hart peppers the novel with political statements that feel personal and I found that distracting. I prefer my novels to be free of personal agendas.

Armchair Interviews says: The Mortal Groove is a must-read, and we suggest you pick up Ellen Hart's previous novels. You'll be one happy reader

In Minnesota, Ray Lawless is considering a run for governor. His family, especially his daughter lesbian restaurateur Jane Lawless encourages him. As she and the rest of the relatives actively get involved, Ray realizes his chances of winning are good.

However, the media begins sniffing into the past of the Lawless brood and his key staffers. Reporter Melanie Gunderson especially looks at a cold case homicide that has ties to Ray's prime workers. Shockingly someone viciously assaults Melanie. Knowing the journalist and concerned for the victim and that the incident and the decades old murder will derail her dad's chances, Jane investigates. Her efforts lead to Iowa and serving in Vietnam.

THE MORTAL GROOVE is an interesting political whodunit that asks the question can someone who never served in the military claim the mantle of patriotism as so many chicken hawks do. The story line is fast-paced from the moment that an unknown thug batters Melanie and never slows down until the final confrontation. Although having Jane's significant other and her appear more often together especially on the campaign trail would have been the perfect sweetener, Ellen Hart provides a strong mystery with a deep message that no one asks about one's sexual preference in the foxholes.

Harriet Klausner

All of these topics weave together nicely in the Mortal Groove. I can't wait to read more of the Jane Lawless series by Ellen Hart. Ellen Hart knows her Minnesota culture and isn't afraid to use it. This enhances the believability of the plot. The main character, Jane Lawless, is very likeable, as is her significant other, Kenzie. You are rooting for them to work out their long distance relationship. As weird as Cordelia is, you still see how much she cares for both her best friend, Jane, and her neglected niece. Cordelia's new love gets mixed up in this mystery; Jane and Cordelia work together to solve this terrible case of murder, harassment, and kidnap!!!

Jane's brother, Peter, becomes involved in the mystery much later in the story. You will follow Peter through his own, separate ordeal. In ordeal to save his crumbling marriage to Sigrid, Peter tries to locate Sigrid's estranged, young daughter. This search takes him across the country!!! Will he find the girl???

The 3 Vietnam vets are dispicable. How were they involved in the death of a young woman nearly 40 years ago? Did they have psychological problems before their deployment to Vietnam? Or, are they truly suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Can we trust Ethan, the "slow" brother of one of the vets? You'll find out!

I hope my library carries other Jane Lawless books because I can't wait to find out more!!!