Donald Bain does it again, delivering a perfectly in character, interesting MSW novel 💙 It took me a while to get through this one simply because I struggle with physical books these days. I just find it hard to concentrate, even when it's a book I love, like this one!

The culprit threw me for a loop. I was so sure I knew who the killer was but I was floored during the reveal lol at least I was close! Jess might make a sleuth out of me, yet.

"Not a bad idea. How can I follow up on what you just said?"
"Call the CIA. They'll be glad to show you around, maybe even demonstrate how they can kill somebody and make it look like a heart attack."
"You're being facetious, Seth."
"Ayuh, that I am."

Listen, as a writer myself, I have googled some... Very suspicious shit that I'm sure has landed me on more than a few watchlists - hi, Mr. FBI, I hope you enjoy this review c:

For a moment, my dumbass stopped to consider this. If you're researching a plot, isn't it good to go straight to the source? CAN a writer just call up the FBI like that? Will they assist you? I really want to know but I'm too much of a coward to try it out myself. It's a fun thought, though.

"The claim was that this young artist was killed in order to boost the prices of his artwork."
"Good Lord, George. Someone would actually do that?"
"Nothing surprises me anymore, Jess. Not in this world. [...]"
"Amazing, what people will do for money."

Jess is so sweet, I swear to God. Like, despite all of the death and murder and betrayal this woman has seen, she's still shocked by just how fucked up this world can be. Bless her heart 🥺 

I don't think she's naive. I think she just prefers to see the good in humanity, small as it may be, rather than thinking the worst of people - like me.

"I'd like your help."
"That's not a problem. But I don't think I have much help to give."
"Too modest, Mrs. Fletcher. Let me cite two things. One, you have a reputation as a remarkably astute detective. And two -"
"Chief Cramer, I might write about solving crimes, but I'm a rank amateur when it comes to actually doing it."

This is one of the many reasons I adore Jessica. She is humble and kind to the police. She knows her place and she doesn't try to shove the cops out of the way thinking she can do a better job.

I've read a lot of cozy mysteries, and the amount of female characters who hate and insult the cops, who are arrogant and think they can do the cops job better... So many characters who are insufferable and rude to the cops for just doing their job. It's bullshit.

You won't find that with Jess, at least not in these older books. I'm worried about her changing in the newer books, which I've already seen happen :/ And I am not happy about it, mind you.

"I almost forgot. A friend told me your sketch is now being offered for three thousand."

I laughed far too hard at this lmao Every few chapters, the price goes up! It would have been really fucking funny if this became a running gag in the book to see just how high the price could go!

"By the way, do you have a first name?"
"Afraid I do."

I won't spoil it, but if I had his name, I wouldn't offer it freely, either. Why are parents like this? Name your kid normal shit, ffs 😂 

(The only thing I couldn't buy, of course, was artistic talent. But I wasn't about to be deterred by that. I would do my best.)

🥺  She's a gem! That's how I feel about my writing. I may have been writing for more than half my life, but I don't think I'm very good. I write what I want, I write what makes me happy. I want people to read and enjoy my stuff, of course, but I write for myself first and foremost. I do my best and try not to stress too much over it.

This is just one of the many reasons this woman is my hero. It's also one of the reasons I respect Donald Bain so much, because he truly understands the heart and soul of this character. He doesn't try to change her, he keeps her genuine and true.