She Came Too Late: An Emma Victor Mystery (Emma Victor Mysteries) (Paperback)

by Mary Wings (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Lots of feminist logic and theory, fascinating characters, and a nicely thought-out story make this an exceptionally fine first novel. Emma Victor, throwback to the Sixties, rabble rouser of the Seventies, now works at the Women's Hotline, a referral agency for abused women. When one of her calls results in the death of the woman, Emma searches for the killer. Wings is a good writer and her treatment of lesbianism is unequalled in mystery fiction for sensitivity and realism. JV
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"A wicked combination of wit, political intrigue, and corruption." -- City Limits

"An unorthodox, likable protagonist."

-- Library Journal

"Engaging...a snappy tale with more twists than Lombard Street." -- People

"Hip, witty and fast paced...the cast of characters is outrageous." -- Boston Phoenix

"Intricate description and grin-getting dialogue...strong and appealing lesbian characters." -- Sally Gearheart

"One of the most exciting authors to find her niche in lesbian mystery writing." -- Outlines

"Riveting...written with great skill."

-- Michael Nava

"The psychological tension she creates kept me up late last night." -- Barbara Wilson

"Wings has a saucy, witty way with dialogue and description." -- Elle

"Wings is the true heir to M.F. Beal in her ability to combine suspense and obsession within a highly integrated style of writing." -- Village Voice

"Wonderful writing."

-- Sandra Scoppetone

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Alyson Books; 1st Alyson edition (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555835473
• ISBN-13: 978-1555835477
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,009,379 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars She Came Back to the Begining, June 18, 2001

By	"ipstenu" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Out of print and driving me crazy, thank god this one came back. I was given the third book (She Came By the Book) years ago, and collected the rest. Finally, I get to read the begining about how Emma wound up a PI. This book is a wonderful kick off for the series, and while the second book was dissapointing, I was thrilled to have gotten my hands on the start of it all.

Emma's in Boston, where she runs into a bevy of bewhildering circumstances that make her dig for the truth. I could do without the drugs, but Mary Wings sets up the groundwork for a great character and a wonderful world.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Had high hopes but was soon left disappointed, June 27, 2002

By	S. Calhoun "rhymeswithorange" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I was excited when I first picked up this book. I was looking forward to beginning a new (to me) lesbian detective series and I even made sure that I had the first book in the saga so I can follow the characters in chronological order. Despite my intentions once I started reading my smile soon disappeared and I regretted my choice.

This book is written entirely in the first person, which may be fine for others but it is too one-dimensional for me. There were sections of the dialogue that I had to reread several times in order to understand what's happening which I attribute to poor writing. The plot failed to engage my attention about halfway through the book and I found myself laboring painfully to the finish. As the plot became increasingly more mediocre I gave up with only a few chapters to spare and never looked back. Sure the ending is a mystery but I really don't have any interest in knowing what happens to the characters.

It appears that the genre of lesbian mysteries is often a hit or miss and I judge this to be a miss. Maybe others will disagree with me but I personally won't pick up the next book in this series. There are too many good mysteries out there I would rather read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great mystery, November 7, 2000

By	"blissengine" (Norfolk, VA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Finally back in print, Wings's first mystery featuring the witty Emma Victor is a noir thriller certain to keep the new reader at attention. Emma is called to meet a stranger one night, and finds her dead in an alley. She begins following the clues and finds the murder connected to previous crimes around Boston, including the clinic where Emma's new girlfriend works.