Customer Reviews

No Time to Die

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In Grace Edwards' third installment of a Mali Anderson mystery, the writing was so compelling that I read it in a day. In a departure from her previous books, we know who the killer is from the very beginning. However, in keeping with the writer's style, the reader is treated to the grandeur that was once Harlem, and the greatness that it holds today.

The background/history of the killer's life, coupled with more info about Mali's personal life will intrigue the reader.

While I strongly suggest EVERYONE reads this book, I would be remiss if I didn't more strongly suggest that you treat yourself and read all of her books. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Once again, Grace Edwards has delighted her readers with the intelligence and tenacity of Mali Anderson. The characters are keenly developed and the "plot thickened" with every page. Unlike the other perpertrators, in the Mali Anderson series, we are introduced to this sinister evil, early on. As a person very interested in the social sciences, I found myself wanting to help "Ache" and hoped he would find redemption before destruction.

There is pain here. There is a pain so great that it almost grants understanding. Grace Edwards examines the life of a man driven to pitiful acts of violence and murder in her latest Mali Anderson mystery, No Time To Die. Rarely do we read stories of African American serial killers, Edwards' killer does not have the deadly charm of Ted Bundy or the connections of John Wayne Gacy. There is nothing news worthy, notable or remarkable about Ache. He doesn't fade into the crowd he is simply beneath the crowd's notice. He is beneath everyone's notice. Except for the reader. Edwards makes the reader deal with Ache. Feel for Ache.

I don't feel bad about given away the murderer's name. Edwards tell us who the killer is almost immediately. In this respect the story has less of the feel of a true mystery. There is no whodunitness to this story, it's all about when . When will Mali find out, when will she put it together, when will Ache slip up and stop the horrible and bloody killing. When? When? When?

Edwards, in addition to giving the reader anxiety and apprehensive fits with the plot, reintroduces many of the characters that make her Mali Anderson works so enjoyable. Chief among these characters is the village of Harlem. Few writers can write about Harlem as well as Ms. Edwards. Reading her books makes you want to walk uptown streets. Edwards' characters are reality based and her style is easy to read and doesn't get in the way of her fine storytelling.

Once again, Ms.Edwards has done well by Mali. But despite myself, I had some sympathies for the killer simply because he was stifled emotionally and murder was his few way of expressing himself. Sick but true. Mali fans would not be disappointed.

In the 3rd Mali Anderson books, the author goes for the suspense route instead of the mystery. We know who the killer is, now we just have to figure out why and when will he strike again and who will be his next victim. The author did a great job with the transistion from mystery to suspense, A serial killer in Harlem. As always, the reader is treated to Harlem history, landscape and nightlife. If you have never been to Harlem, you will feel like you just visited there after reading one of Grace's books. THis was an intriguing novel. I look forward to the next one.

After reading "No Time to Die" I was not too impressed because I found the story line pretty predictable. Although, over all it was a good book. I enjoyed reading it even though it was predictable because it was interesting, the way the writer wrote the book and the way one thing led to another kept me interested. There was a loose killer in the Harlem streets and Mali's best friend was the first to be murdered. So, because Mali was on this particular case she was very intent and determined to find the murderer. Although, I don't think she realized that while she had intent to find the murderer, the murderer also intended to find her.

No Time to Die; A Mali Anderson Mystery Grace F. Edwards Doubleday 1999 ISBN 0385492472 H.C.

This is the 3rd installment in the Mali Anderson mystery series.

Harlem Sleuth Mali Anderson is back and on a case that is personal to her. Mali is a brave person who knows her neighborhood and easily connects with its residents whether she is in beauty shop or a playground basketball court. Expect an in your face heroine. Abizarre and brutal killer is on the loose in Harlem and he has killed malis best friend, Claudine Hastings. It becomes clear that the killings are in Malis own neighborhood. As the bodies continue to pile higher, Mali fears for those close to her, not realizing that she is to be the next victim. This book has very colorful characters and it leaves you wondering if Mali will ever catch this guy. Ms Edward's style is free flowing and very easy to follow.

As all of Grace F. Edwards books are I enjoyed reading it. I love how she continues to have the Mali Anderson mystery because somehow you get attached knowing her family and friends especially Tad.

Feel pity or hatred, but never lose sight of the fact that Ache's lived a life filled with abuse and persecution from his frightening mother. From the moment he could comprehend, his mom delighted in informing that he was ugly and disgusted her. For the most minor alleged infraction, she locked him inside a coat closet for hours. During his isolation, he began to hear the voices that encouraged him to murder anyone who disrespected him.

The news that cereal was left all over the corpse of a close friend who was garroted to death left ex-police officer Mali horrified by the brutality of the crime. Two more victims die similar vicious deaths. Mali concludes a nasty serial killer is on the prowl in her Harlem neighborhood. With the help of her policeman boy friend, Mali begins her own inquiries. However, unbeknownst to the intrepid former cop, she has inadvertently interfered in the killer's latest murderer attempt. As her punishment, he intends to make Mali one of his next victims.

The story line of NO TIME TO DIE provides provides readers with the essence of Harlem that paints a much different rhythm than the typical crime-laden community that the media describes. Mali is a brave individual who knows her neighborhood and easily connects with its residents whether it is in a beauty parlor or a playground basketball court. Regardless of residence, Mali represents a great role model that deserves emulation. She refuses to back down from danger when she feels her cause is just. Expect an in your face heroine who along with her community make Grace F. Edwards' series one of the better who-done-it collection on the market today.

Harriet Klausner

I thought this was a decent read but not great. I loved the authors discussion of Harlem but found the storyline was predictable. In all fairness to the author however, this was the first Mali Anderson mystery novel that I have read. I have subsequently ordered her other novels. I think that I was at a disadvantage because I am sure that much of the stuff referenced in this book went back to her 2 previous Mali Anderson novels. I look forward to reading those novels next.