Paretsky takes the time to frame setting and character, even dividing many of the stories into mini chapters of their own. There’s a paragraph after each tale where Paretsky opens up its backstory, and these add tasty seasoning to the book ... Obviously, readers already somewhat familiar with Paretsky’s works will get extra pleasure from this gathering that stitches together so much of her previous writing as well as revealing personal and professional motives to her storytelling ... a perfect match for summer’s relaxing moments, whether they are long ones on vacation or short breathers between home-based neverending gig economy labors. Each story brings a change of pace, a clever crime, and a burning sense of what human justice demands. Which, of course, is exactly what one would expect from a Grand Master of Mystery.
Short story lovers, maybe lovers in general, are in for a treat ... Paretsky has a sharp eye for finding the inequity and unfairness in the world. She addresses human issues of reproduction, childcare and stability in the home --- all often left on women’s plates. She points out injustices to the poor and voiceless, and cruelty for money or power. Through her stories and strong champions, she rights the wrongs as best she can with smart questions, courageous action and humor. is a good book; you will encounter mayhem and murder, while learning about human nature.
Paretsky effortlessly masters Dr. Watson’s voice in an adventure that shows Sherlock Holmes bested by an upstart American ... The deftly plotted 'Acid Test' shows an apostle of nonviolence arrested for bombing a neighbor’s scientific institute. The charming 'Miss Bianca' turns on a 10-year-old girl’s solicitude for a lab mouse. The dystopian fantasy 'Safety First; and 'Trial by Fire' ...show off Paretsky’s willingness to take risks ...The well-wrought plots and densely imagined worlds make this the most distinguished mystery collection so far this year.
The 14 stories in this welcome collection from MWA Grand Master Paretsky (the V.I. Warshawksi PI series) are loosely tied together by the theme of people who kill for love in all its permutations ... The love that really comes through in each story is the love and empathy Paretsky has for her all-too-human characters.
