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alexamw's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
vkaz's review
4.0
I loved the pervasive theme of motherhood/parenthood in this book, which Lippman explores through Tess Monaghan's struggles with her strong-willed toddler, Carla Scout. Tess is hired to provide security for Melisandre Dawes, who left her baby to die in a hot car twelve years ago. Melisandre has come back to film a documentary about herself, and to reconnect with her two older children, now teenagers.
I've always loved the depth Lippman gives her characters: why they do what they do, their shame, their insecurities. Nearly everyone in the Monaghan series's cast of characters evaluates their own experience with parenthood or non-parenthood in this book. As she tries to make ends meet and co-parent with her boyfriend, Crow, Tess examines her own conflicted feelings about parenthood. Tess's daughter is hilarious. I'm excited to see her character develop as she grows up.
I've always loved the depth Lippman gives her characters: why they do what they do, their shame, their insecurities. Nearly everyone in the Monaghan series's cast of characters evaluates their own experience with parenthood or non-parenthood in this book. As she tries to make ends meet and co-parent with her boyfriend, Crow, Tess examines her own conflicted feelings about parenthood. Tess's daughter is hilarious. I'm excited to see her character develop as she grows up.
mg_in_md_'s review
3.0
To be reviewed
I was fortunate to receive an ARC edition of the latest book in the Tess Monaghan series via a FirstReads contest (hooray!). While I've been a fan of Laura Lippman's for many years, I've read more of her standalone books than the Tess books, but I have liked them all. Fans of the Tess series who have not yet read the novella [b:The Girl in the Green Raincoat|8585030|The Girl in the Green Raincoat (Tess Monaghan, #11)|Laura Lippman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348831698s/8585030.jpg|13454348] may want to give that a read first, as the story picks up about 3 years after a life-changing event, namely the birth of Tess and Crow's daughter, Carla Scout. Also, you might want to read either [b:After I'm Gone|18089975|After I'm Gone|Laura Lippman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1383274696s/18089975.jpg|25337698] or [b:Hardly Knew Her: Stories|2980383|Hardly Knew Her Stories|Laura Lippman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1427075276s/2980383.jpg|2956224], which introduces readers to Sandy Sanchez, a Cuban emigre and retired Baltimore "police" (as he says) who Tess hires as a partner to better juggle her personal and professional lives. The fact that Tess is now a mother factors heavily into the case she works on in this book. However, readers who liked the single, independent woman aspects of this character might not be as connected to where Tess is now at this point in her life and career. I do like that Tess has evolved and matured over the course of the series, and I thought that her motherhood was relevant to the plot in this book and a single, independent Tess might not have worked as well in this scenario.
Tess is hired by a woman named Melisandre who was returned to Baltimore years after being accused and convicted of killing her youngest child. She served time in a mental health facility in western Maryland for her crime, and then spent time overseas to escape the publicity. Melisandre is on a mission to clear her name and regain the trust of her two oldest daughters who live with their father and his new wife, who is also a new mother. Melisandre is working with a documentarian who interviews key figures from the past and were connected to the case. Part One of the book alternates between the interview notes and the traditional chapter format, which I liked. The case is disturbing, so some of the interludes that focus on the trials and tribulations of Tess raising a toddler help offset the darker aspects of the story. I don't mind going to dark and twisty places, especially with this author's deft hand, but not all fans of this series may feel the same way.
I had a hard time settling on a rating for this one and would say it's really more of a 3.5 stars for me. Lippman is a masterful storyteller and I really love her way with words; however, I would've liked to see Sandy a little bit more because his backstory is quite interesting and wished that there had been a clue earlier on about one of the subplots before the big reveal. I look forward to reading the next Tess book (fingers crossed that one is in the works :)) and seeing how the next phase in her life plays out. Thanks again to FirstReads for the opportunity to read the latest from one of my favorite local authors!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC edition of the latest book in the Tess Monaghan series via a FirstReads contest (hooray!). While I've been a fan of Laura Lippman's for many years, I've read more of her standalone books than the Tess books, but I have liked them all. Fans of the Tess series who have not yet read the novella [b:The Girl in the Green Raincoat|8585030|The Girl in the Green Raincoat (Tess Monaghan, #11)|Laura Lippman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348831698s/8585030.jpg|13454348] may want to give that a read first, as the story picks up about 3 years after a life-changing event, namely the birth of Tess and Crow's daughter, Carla Scout. Also, you might want to read either [b:After I'm Gone|18089975|After I'm Gone|Laura Lippman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1383274696s/18089975.jpg|25337698] or [b:Hardly Knew Her: Stories|2980383|Hardly Knew Her Stories|Laura Lippman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1427075276s/2980383.jpg|2956224], which introduces readers to Sandy Sanchez, a Cuban emigre and retired Baltimore "police" (as he says) who Tess hires as a partner to better juggle her personal and professional lives. The fact that Tess is now a mother factors heavily into the case she works on in this book. However, readers who liked the single, independent woman aspects of this character might not be as connected to where Tess is now at this point in her life and career. I do like that Tess has evolved and matured over the course of the series, and I thought that her motherhood was relevant to the plot in this book and a single, independent Tess might not have worked as well in this scenario.
Tess is hired by a woman named Melisandre who was returned to Baltimore years after being accused and convicted of killing her youngest child. She served time in a mental health facility in western Maryland for her crime, and then spent time overseas to escape the publicity. Melisandre is on a mission to clear her name and regain the trust of her two oldest daughters who live with their father and his new wife, who is also a new mother. Melisandre is working with a documentarian who interviews key figures from the past and were connected to the case. Part One of the book alternates between the interview notes and the traditional chapter format, which I liked. The case is disturbing, so some of the interludes that focus on the trials and tribulations of Tess raising a toddler help offset the darker aspects of the story. I don't mind going to dark and twisty places, especially with this author's deft hand, but not all fans of this series may feel the same way.
I had a hard time settling on a rating for this one and would say it's really more of a 3.5 stars for me. Lippman is a masterful storyteller and I really love her way with words; however, I would've liked to see Sandy a little bit more because his backstory is quite interesting and wished that there had been a clue earlier on about one of the subplots before the big reveal. I look forward to reading the next Tess book (fingers crossed that one is in the works :)) and seeing how the next phase in her life plays out. Thanks again to FirstReads for the opportunity to read the latest from one of my favorite local authors!
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
HUSH HUSH (Tess Monaghan #12) by Laura Lippman is an absorbing mystery case, involving a mother and a Reporter-turned PI, Tess Monaghan juggling work, motherhood, and her personal life.
Twelve years earlier, Melisandre Harris Dawes committed a horrible crime, leaving her two-month-old daughter locked in a hot car while she sat nearby on the shores of the Patapsco River. Melisandre was found not guilty by reason of criminal insanity and spent time in a mental institution. She was a wealthy, beautiful former Baltimore socialite, once an attorney, and later wife of a wealthy developer. After being released she fled the country, leaving the two older daughters with their father. Not many agreed with this verdict.
With such a controversial case, a decade later, Melisandre is in town for a documentary on the insanity defense, and wants to reconnect with her daughters, now ages 15 and 17. Their dad does not want them to be a part of this to relive the nightmare. There will need to be high security, as she has a lot of enemies.
PI Tess does not want to be involved with this crazy woman (like how could a mother do such a thing)? However, her friend Tyner (Melisandre’s attorney) has requested Tess and her new partner, Sandy to oversee the former crazy woman’s security. Of course, all does not go well, when the threats begin to occur and turns dangerous.
Moving back and forth between Tess, Sandy, Melisandre, the daughters, and the ex’s new wife—we soon learn everything is not as it appeared, leading to a whodunit mystery. I enjoyed the family which was left behind and how their current lives are affected. Tess, is constantly second guessing herself in her role with Crow and mother as high drama and complications.
Some may think the food rules are a little over the top; however, I can appreciate his food rules, since I have to eat this way, as have MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities), very serious food allergies. If I eat something with an additive or preservative I go into Analyphaxis which is very scary. Unless you have these type allergies, you do not take it seriously.
Tess and her stressful demands, her live in boyfriend, and motherly duties to bratty Carla Scott took over a big portion of the story, a little distracting as she balances work and her personal life; however, an overall an intriguing psychological mystery suspense. I listened to the audiobook and Jan Maxwell delivered a pleasant performance.
JDC Must Read Books
Twelve years earlier, Melisandre Harris Dawes committed a horrible crime, leaving her two-month-old daughter locked in a hot car while she sat nearby on the shores of the Patapsco River. Melisandre was found not guilty by reason of criminal insanity and spent time in a mental institution. She was a wealthy, beautiful former Baltimore socialite, once an attorney, and later wife of a wealthy developer. After being released she fled the country, leaving the two older daughters with their father. Not many agreed with this verdict.
With such a controversial case, a decade later, Melisandre is in town for a documentary on the insanity defense, and wants to reconnect with her daughters, now ages 15 and 17. Their dad does not want them to be a part of this to relive the nightmare. There will need to be high security, as she has a lot of enemies.
PI Tess does not want to be involved with this crazy woman (like how could a mother do such a thing)? However, her friend Tyner (Melisandre’s attorney) has requested Tess and her new partner, Sandy to oversee the former crazy woman’s security. Of course, all does not go well, when the threats begin to occur and turns dangerous.
Moving back and forth between Tess, Sandy, Melisandre, the daughters, and the ex’s new wife—we soon learn everything is not as it appeared, leading to a whodunit mystery. I enjoyed the family which was left behind and how their current lives are affected. Tess, is constantly second guessing herself in her role with Crow and mother as high drama and complications.
Some may think the food rules are a little over the top; however, I can appreciate his food rules, since I have to eat this way, as have MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities), very serious food allergies. If I eat something with an additive or preservative I go into Analyphaxis which is very scary. Unless you have these type allergies, you do not take it seriously.
Tess and her stressful demands, her live in boyfriend, and motherly duties to bratty Carla Scott took over a big portion of the story, a little distracting as she balances work and her personal life; however, an overall an intriguing psychological mystery suspense. I listened to the audiobook and Jan Maxwell delivered a pleasant performance.
JDC Must Read Books
kdurham2's review
5.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
The most recent book in the Tess Monaghan series and as this series goes, Tess' personal story interacts with the investigation that is solely contained in this book - think CSI episodes. I recently read the first book in the series and have read one or two in between, but was definitely lost a little when it came time for the story to revolve around Tess' individual story - word to the wise, pick up this series from the start and read in order. (Doesn't need to be back to back, but definitely in order!)
With that said, I did love this book. I loved how Tess' personal story, being a new mom really impacted the way she investigated this story. She definitely couldn't keep home and work separate. Saying this, I loved that her personal life intertwined with her work life, made for a more realistic and true story. After having just read the first book, I could completely see a drastic change in the Tess from the first book compared to this one, now I would love to read the evolution.
The most recent book in the Tess Monaghan series and as this series goes, Tess' personal story interacts with the investigation that is solely contained in this book - think CSI episodes. I recently read the first book in the series and have read one or two in between, but was definitely lost a little when it came time for the story to revolve around Tess' individual story - word to the wise, pick up this series from the start and read in order. (Doesn't need to be back to back, but definitely in order!)
With that said, I did love this book. I loved how Tess' personal story, being a new mom really impacted the way she investigated this story. She definitely couldn't keep home and work separate. Saying this, I loved that her personal life intertwined with her work life, made for a more realistic and true story. After having just read the first book, I could completely see a drastic change in the Tess from the first book compared to this one, now I would love to read the evolution.
sandin954's review
4.0
It has been a number of years between books in the series but I did not think the quality suffered any for the break. PI Tess Monaghan has gone through many changes over the years and motherhood has definitely altered her life and perspective. While the plot was interesting enough what I really enjoyed was learning more about some of the supporting characters.
Merged review:
It has been a number of years between books in the series but I did not think the quality suffered any for the break. PI Tess Monaghan has gone through many changes over the years and motherhood has definitely altered her life and perspective. While the plot was interesting enough what I really enjoyed was learning more about some of the supporting characters.
Merged review:
It has been a number of years between books in the series but I did not think the quality suffered any for the break. PI Tess Monaghan has gone through many changes over the years and motherhood has definitely altered her life and perspective. While the plot was interesting enough what I really enjoyed was learning more about some of the supporting characters.
dnemec's review
1.0
Not doing so hot lately. I'm halfway through this book, and while I liked the other Tess Monaghan novels that I've read, but I feel like this one fell flat. In 150 pages, all they have done is film a documentary about a woman who killed her daughter, probably wanted to kill the other 2, and is overall just a crappy human being. There's a bit of other stuff thrown in here and there, but nothing has really happened yet. I just can't bring myself to care and keep going. Another DNF.
ericaswonger's review
2.0
Way too slow of a build up to have such a lame ending. Could have delivered a better conclusion.