Customer Reviews

Sweet Poison (Jane Lawless Mysteries)

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I've read a few of Hart's other books in the past year, but this one
was the best. It kept me up way too late, and I finished it on the bus
the next morning on the way to work. I love puzzles, and even though
I pegged the bad guy early on, I didn't understand the motivation until
the end - nor did I see a major twist coming. Highly recommended.

Another great book from Ellen Hart, I've have loved all her books and look forward to more!

This book kind of reminded me of a Cohen Brother's movie. You wanted to like the characters, but they all had edges, parts to their characters that were fascinating, but unlovable. And yet I couldn't look away. It was like a train wreck, but with humor. It was also a book that made some important points about what it is to be human, to want something obsessively. I've read all of Hart's books, but this one really resonated with me. I guess you could call me a fan. I like to think I can generally pick out the guilty party in a mystery novel, but this story had me completely fooled, one reason I like Hart's books. I like to be fooled. I couldn't recommend this mystery more highly -- and can't wait for the next in the series. One request, Ms. Hart. Will you resolve the situation with Cordelia and her little niece soon? I want that to end happily, though I know it may not. For now, bravo on another wonderful mystery!

Ellen Hart - Can't wait for her books -and this one didn't disappoint. It is a different feel, but it actually makes Jane even more real for me, not that she wasn't in earlier books. I think the hanging end, and I hope no one reveals in any review, is great. And the next installment of Jane Lawless will be...? Come on, I'm serious, Ellen Hart, when will it be?

I don't think I need to read anymore of the Jane Lawless series.
I read a few of the books some years ago and lost interest.
Our library had this latest book so I read it.
Is there any hope of Jane's character ever growing up?
I like Kensie and wish she had a book written just about her.
If I had to live with Jane I'd probably do what Kensie did.
Julia is a nut but she's interesting.
Jane is a bore.She never changes,never seems to learn anything from her relationships.
Please,Ellen Hart.Tell me there's more to this pathetic character than what we've seen so far.