What We Thought: Notorious by Allison Brennan

Mystery Readers

September 9, 2015

Notorious

by Allison Brennan

“Notorious weaves through two murders and a suicide investigation. It has all the twists and turns that you look for in a crime/thriller novel.” -- Goodreads, Britney

The first book features investigative reporter Maxine "Max" Revere and her cable television show about solving cold cases. She uses unorthodox methods in her determined search for truth and justice for the victim and his/her family and friends. She doesn’t sensationalize crimes, but presents them in a straightforward manner. She is persistent and follows her instincts despite obstacles. Readers admired her standards, treating everyone the same. If someone deserved her respect, she gave it to them. If someone was nasty, she gave it right back in kind.

Book club members engaged in a spirited discussion of the characters and their motives. This discussion was very serious with everyone participating. Readers focused on Max Revere’s motivation for her chosen career. It was decided that the mystery of her own wealthy family background and direct experiences with crime influenced her personality and determination. She stayed away from her hometown and family members and only interacted with them when absolutely necessary. She had better relationships with her employees and certain law enforcement officers, but occasionally there were problems as well. Everything was black or white with no gray areas for her and she set her own boundaries.

The central issue with Max is the mystery of her mother and abandonment. Readers expected that more will be revealed in subsequent books. (Notorious is followed by Compulsion.)

Log in to NoveList with your Holmes Public Library card number to see a list of read-alike suggestions if you like the Max Revere series by Allison Brennan. Or come in to the library and ask us for the list!

Please add to the discussion in the comments below!

What We Thought: Our Lady of Immaculate Deception (or Foxy Roxy) by Nancy Martin

Mystery Readers Book Club

June 24, 2015

Our Lady of Immaculate Deception

by Nancy Martin

“I mean, I know you better than most, Roxy. You’ve got a bad history too. History that’s really screwed with your head. It makes you do the stuff you do. It makes you less than attractive, let’s put it that way.” Patrick Flynn talking to Roxy Abruzzo, p. 273.

Although readers said they liked this book, the discussion began with book titles they liked better than this one. They felt that the story was a lighter mystery than other selections in our Mystery Book Club. They wanted more developed characters and back history of their involvement with each other. They especially wanted more connections between Sage, Roxy’s daughter, and Arden, daughter of wealthy Julius Hyde, recently murdered. Readers agreed that the most likable characters were Roxy’s sidekick Nooch; her long-time ex -- professional chef and biker Patrick Flynn; and Rooney, her pit bull.

Some readers didn’t like Roxy’s promiscuous behavior. They thought it was unbecoming of her as a role model to her teenage daughter Sage. It was noted that she did have a moral code of her own, never knowingly sleeping with a married man. Others liked her and said her behavior was important because she acted like a man in the rough and tumble architectural salvage business. She was outspoken and independent, and said what’s on her mind and did what she wanted regardless of the consequences.

Pittsburgh is the perfect setting for this mystery involving the international trade in stolen antiquities and local mafia characters, some of which are Roxy’s relatives. Author Nancy Martin has written an interesting story with a sense of mystery and humor that readers said reminded them of the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. When the book ended, it was fast and surprising, but still satisfying.

Readers were served cannoli and lemoncello cookies while discussing a quote by Hank Phillippi Ryan in relation to Martin’s book. “I remember Lee Child said his father told him: readers want something new-but they want it to be exactly the same as they already like.”

Have you read Our Lady of Immaculate Deception, now retitled Foxy Roxy? What about the second book in the series, Sticky Fingers? Please share your thoughts in the comments! You don't have to be part of the group already to join the discussion!