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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Cynicism Wins Over Comfort in this Mystery, January 4, 2009
Though I'm an ardent fan of Ellen Hart's Jane Lawless mysteries, and though I waited anxiously for this new book, and read it in 2 days despite a busy schedule, I found Sweet Poison to be heavier in mood than normal.
Normally, Hart's books are like warm tea with honey to me; they're a vacation! And, the capers between Jane and her best friend, (the regal Ms. Cordelia Thorn) are enough to carry me through the quixotic, daunting, and suspenseful parts.
But, in Sweet Poison, all the characters -- including Jane -- are heavy with unresolved grief and anger from past or current relationships. And, there's a certain deviousness in key characters (not the villains) that I haven't experienced in Hart's other books.
As the book ended, instead of feeling relieved, warm, and cozy, I was left with a a restless distrust about the plot and Jane's future.
This is still a good book. It's still well-written, and has moments of fun, but the gentleness towards people and the lightness in spirit are missing.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Jane Lawless, amteur sleuth, November 12, 2008
Minneapolis restaurateur, Jane Lawless, is helping out her father, Ray Lawless, defense lawyer now gubernatorial candidate, at his campaign headquarters when she learns his plane had to make an emergency landing Jane is frantic until she finally gets to talk to him. Although she has a feeling that he is holding something back, she is just relieved he is okay. Early on, Hart cleverly sets the stage for suspense.
At the outset, the reader is introduced to a host of characters, some who had previous dealings with Ray when he was a defense attorney, a lot of whom are not happy with the amount of felons he got off with light sentences. One of the campaign volunteers is murdered in similarly eerie circumstances as the crime allegedly committed by one Corey Hodge nine years previously. Coincidentally, Ray Lawless was his attorney and got him off with what many thought a too light sentence. While Jane is busy with her successful restaurant she still finds time to look into the murder along with her P.I. friend, Nolan, and long time friend ,Cordelia.
Along with the murder investigation are several gay romantic subplots. When past lovers show up, the story line deepens and makes for more complexity. Hart does such a wonderful job of characterization, the reader feels the anguish of the lovers as they try to resolve many relationship issues making it easy to empathize with them. With insightful dialogue and witty repartee, the reader gets a good feel for the characters' personalities.These richly portrayed subplots not only enhance the mystery, but they are good stories in themselves. When Jane's girlfriend , Kenzie, is attacked the same way as the murder victim, the motives now are numerous.
Hart writes a really tight plot, carefully crafted with a lot of red herrings, clues and teeming with motives. The story is well paced with a good progression towards the very surprising denouement. The characters are plausible and seem to come alive with every page. There are so many elements to this story along with a multi twists and turns mystery, the reader will be enthralled until the end. I defy the reader to guess who "dunnit".
I think this is one of Hart's more edgier mysteries. A lot of series seem to become stale after a few books, but not so with Hart. In fact, she just keeps getting better and better. If you have not read any of the previous Jane Lawless series, this is a stand alone mystery but after you read this one, you will definitely want to go back and read more. Ellen hart is also the author of the enjoyable Sophie Greenway series. Highly recommended.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved this book!, January 7, 2009
I must confess--I am an Ellen Hart JUNKIE! I have read every one of her stories and I subscribe to her email releases to find out when the next mystery is scheduled for release. Yes, I even pre-ordered this one on Amazon so I wouldn't have to go out and search for it in the conservative book stores in Idaho! (That would take WAY too long!!)
I enjoyed this one immensely for several reasons: (a) it fits well with the rabid political season we've had this year, (b) it's entertaining to read about the "tug-o-wars" for Jane's love, and (c) mostly, because I love the way she develops characters and teases you with motives for various characters who could have committed the crime! The suprise ending sets her up beautifully for the next book...and yes, I will pre-order that one too!! Thanks Ellen for continuing to deliver beautifully written books which are a fabulous diversion for a cold winter day.
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