Customer Reviews

Suspicion of Innocence

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I randomly stumbled across this book while browsing the fiction paperbacks at my local library branch. I flipped through a couple pages, thought the writing looked "not bad," so borrowed it as a fast and possibly fun read. I got more than I expected, by far! At first I found the writing a little awkward, the characterizations flat, and the story slow. However, once it started going, things got quite a lot better. It turned out to be quite well-written and had fairly good, fleshed-out characters and a good, well-paced plot. I particularly enjoyed the main character, Gail, who's a good example of a strong female character who fearlessly takes matters into her own hands, even against all the advice of her male friends, relatives, etc. And boy, does she get things done! In the end, I definitely found Ms. Parker to be one of the better writers in this genre (e.g., *much* better than John Grisham, who, although a good plotter, is definitely *not* a good writer). I'm looking forward to reading her other books. Glad I ran across this book! Couldn't put it down once it started going...

Brilliant, powerhouse lawyer Gail Connor is looking to make partner at her upscale Miami firm. Gail's marriage, already on the rocks when the novel begins, finally disintegrates leaving her to juggle motherhood alone, (she has a six year old daughter Karen), along with a career that takes up too much of her time. When her wild, free-spirited sister Renee is found brutally murdered, Gail's career is put on hold as she becomes the prime suspect. There has always been much sibling rivalry between the two, and Gail had always envied Renee's ability to garner favor and claim attention, even though she was the "bad girl," while Gail tried so hard to be the "good" one. Add some fascinating secondary legal cases to the mix, along with a hunky Cuban American defense attorney who has his eyes on the lovely Gail, glimpses of Miami's "old society, old money," alongside the city's darker side and you have the makings of a terrific mystery thriller.

Barbara Parker writes tight, taut prose and surely knows a lot about law and the legal world. Her characters are well defined and very believable, especially Gail Connor. Ms. Connor is not always likable. She is often stressed-out, as we all would be if faced with a failed marriage, a young daughter who is miserable with the sudden changes in her life, a demanding career that doesn't allow for time to cope with family problems, a sister's death and ensuing guilt because of their estrangement, and a murder investigation where all evidence points to her. She is frequently snappish, disagreeable, and not there for her child. Gail has many positive traits also, but what is so refreshing here is that the author gives her heroine normal human frailties - and a human face. One does not always have to like her for the novel to succeed. In fact, one of the reasons the plot is so successful is because the story and characters are so lifelike.

There are roller coaster twists and turns in this tale of old money, old secrets, and family loyalty and betrayal. This is a wonderful beginning to a terrific series. You will want to return not only to read more of Ms. Parker's compelling fiction, but to become better acquainted with the extraordinary cast of characters introduced here. A great read!!
JANA

In this intriguing initial book of the Anthony Quintana/ Gail Connors series Gail is accused of murdering her younger sister. She turns to Anthony for legal and emotional aid. When their relationship develops into a steamy romance Quintana wants off the case but not out of her life. The couple explores the old (WASP) and new (Cuban) Miami communities as they race to solve the murder. The story is well plotted and beautifully told. The main character are compelling. Start with this one and then go on to the rest of the series!

This was definitely a wonderful story. The characters are well developed, and the story was extremely suspenseful. Its refreshing to have a strong female character who is both intelligent and feminine. I've read the first three in this series. The characters over time will turn into people who you wish you could become friend with. Enjoy your novel.

Fast paced, thoroughly enjoyable, with a more than palatable romantic side. An empathetic third-person narrative allows the reader to deeply relate to the main character's issues and personalities. No one is perfect here, which really makes the book a cut above your run of the mill fem-thrillers.

I seem to be reading this series backward. Excellent read, suspenseful, interesting romance, human characters. I think women will intuit the killer sooner; I know I did. This is a legal procedural and the main characters are very interesting.
This is a cannot-put-down book. I will read forward from here.

I read this novel in just one night- all night long. The plot is suspenseful and engaging. The characters are so compelling that I couldn't stop at just one Barbara Parker novel. I've now read the entire series Connor/Quintana series. In addition to her characters Parker's depiction of Miami gives the reader a real appreciation of the town and its underlying conflicts. I can't wait for the next installment.

I picked up this book at a tag sale not knowing Barbara Parker's work and was quickly enamored with it. Her characters are believable and the story line is engaging. No mushy stuff here.
I quickly went online to look for the next in the series.
Definately worth reading.

... The basic plot is a "whodunnit" legal thrilled where the heroine, Gail Connor, falls under suspicion for the murder of her sister Renée. There are subplots of jealousy, her marriage falling apart, her daughter being ignored, Renée's history, her work, an Indian clay mask, a dodgy older relative, but these are all secondary to the (for me, anyway) highlight of the book which is the relationship between Gail and a criminal lawyer Anthony Quintana. This man is described in much details, and it's all good! He is also a very interesting character (a Cuban man) and a strong character, as is Gail. Their relationship is a strong foundation for this book, and of the (currently) six follow up books. Certainly as a man he doesn't disappoint!

The plot is OK, the whodunnit is guessable, but it's the local Miami colour, the interesting conversations and dealings between the characters, which make it a great read. Barbara Parker writes with good humour and intelligence and I really care about what happens to these characters, although in subsequent books I occasionally want to shoot Gail for being very dim! But it's an excellent start to the series and well worth a read. And if you like tall, dark and handsome male leads then you can't get any better than Anthony Quintana. He's rich too!

Gail Connor wants to be a partner in her Miami law firm and puts in 80 hour weeks to prove she should be considered partner material. Of course, her life outside the law firm suffers... Her marriage, her relationship with her mother, her daughter... and then she's accused of murdering her younger sister!

Barbar Parker gives a well-written story with just enough twists & turns to keep it exciting. I was almost finished reading before I thought I had it figured out. First in a series. I can hardly wait to get the next in the series!