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mcipher's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book - Sophie is funny and irreverent and smart, and even though her situations tend to be far-fetched, I think that's part of the charm. My only quibble is with the neat but slightly incongruous ending, but again I think that's just this style of book.
mackenziesierra's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
ashliesydel's review
4.0
Finished the 3rd Sophie Katz book on Friday. And finally the herioine was not a drunken idiot. I still do not care for her but she didn't annoy me as much. The plot was entertianing and had some unexpected twists. I don't want to give it away but let's just say that there are a lot of sick Politicans who engage in very immoral and strange behavior. I'm glad the author showed a more human side to Sophie instead of crawling inside a vodka bottle whenever things got difficult. Also huge shout out to Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins!
havebookswilltravel's review
1.0
When a friend of mystery author and sometime amateur sleuth Sophie Katz asks Sophie to find out if her husband is cheating, Sophie never expects the husband to turn up dead. Sophie teams up with PI and on-again-off-again boyfriend Anatoly Darinsky to solve the murder and is drawn into a bizarre web of politics, religion, and Furries.
Well, I'd have to say that this is my least favorite of all of Kyra Davis' novels. Each of the books in the Sophie Katz mystery series has been fluff, junk food for the brain, and not at all memorable or earth-shattering. But up until now, they've also been fun.
The main reason for my dislike of this book is its clear bias against conservatives and Christians. Now, I'm not so naive or sheltered as to only read books where the beliefs depicted therein match my own. However, in this book, it grew tiresome reading stereotype after stereotype. All the Christians and Conservatives are either Jerry Falwell-types or Mark Foley-types. It's interesting to note that the author, Kyra Davis, is half Jewish and half black. Were a white Christian to write in such stereotypical terms a novel about Jews or blacks, the novel would be repudiated as Anti-Semitic and racist. However, it is perfectly socially acceptable to stereotype Christians. It also grew tiresome that the character of Sophie reiterated on every other page that she didn't agree with the views of the conservative characters. Okay, Ms. Davis. We get it.
It's also interesting to note that a major theme in the book is tolerance - mainly, tolerance toward the sexual perversions of others (Furries and Plushies feature prominently). Apparently tolerance toward any sexual lifestyle is admirable while tolerance toward religious beliefs is not. But, what else can one expect from a character and author from San Francisco?
One particularly ignorant quote: "I would rather burn in the fires of hell than spend eternity in heaven listening to a bunch of religious zealots say I told you so." I hope you don't get your wish, Ms. Davis. I don't think you would like the fires of hell so much as you think. There is a reason it is called hell.
And finally, a note to the publisher: In the description on the back cover, the reference to the Furry community should be removed. The whole Furry thing is a big reveal in the novel but it's obvious from the beginning if one has read the back cover.
Well, I'd have to say that this is my least favorite of all of Kyra Davis' novels. Each of the books in the Sophie Katz mystery series has been fluff, junk food for the brain, and not at all memorable or earth-shattering. But up until now, they've also been fun.
The main reason for my dislike of this book is its clear bias against conservatives and Christians. Now, I'm not so naive or sheltered as to only read books where the beliefs depicted therein match my own. However, in this book, it grew tiresome reading stereotype after stereotype. All the Christians and Conservatives are either Jerry Falwell-types or Mark Foley-types. It's interesting to note that the author, Kyra Davis, is half Jewish and half black. Were a white Christian to write in such stereotypical terms a novel about Jews or blacks, the novel would be repudiated as Anti-Semitic and racist. However, it is perfectly socially acceptable to stereotype Christians. It also grew tiresome that the character of Sophie reiterated on every other page that she didn't agree with the views of the conservative characters. Okay, Ms. Davis. We get it.
It's also interesting to note that a major theme in the book is tolerance - mainly, tolerance toward the sexual perversions of others (Furries and Plushies feature prominently). Apparently tolerance toward any sexual lifestyle is admirable while tolerance toward religious beliefs is not. But, what else can one expect from a character and author from San Francisco?
One particularly ignorant quote: "I would rather burn in the fires of hell than spend eternity in heaven listening to a bunch of religious zealots say I told you so." I hope you don't get your wish, Ms. Davis. I don't think you would like the fires of hell so much as you think. There is a reason it is called hell.
And finally, a note to the publisher: In the description on the back cover, the reference to the Furry community should be removed. The whole Furry thing is a big reveal in the novel but it's obvious from the beginning if one has read the back cover.
marciay's review
3.0
Light-hearted mystery with an amateur sleuth--good reading for a sleepy Saturday afternoon.
naitasia's review
3.0
I guessed the killer correctly, but not the motive. The motive still doesn't make sense to me. The end felt rushed.
krisrid's review
4.0
This is one of my favourite series, and book 3 continued the streak. I really enjoyed this!
My absolute favourite thing about this series is the humour. The author is very funny, and the sarcastic nature of the humour is exactly aligned to my own sense of humour so I love that about these books. I feel certain Sophie and I could be great friends if she were real.
The plot in this book was also really fun. Without giving spoilers, I will just say that this book confirms what I have always thought about politicians and the political world. As long as you don't still believe politics to be in any way noble, you should enjoy this plot as well.
I also enjoy the supporting characters in this series, who nicely complement Sophie and help out when needed. Sophie's friend Dina in particular always makes me laugh out loud with her perspective and the things she says.
This is basically just an easy to read, enjoyable light mystery series, with well-written, likable characters and interesting murders for them to solve.
Format note: I usually get these books in audio format and the woman who narrates them is excellent. If you like audio books this series is a good one to listen to.
My absolute favourite thing about this series is the humour. The author is very funny, and the sarcastic nature of the humour is exactly aligned to my own sense of humour so I love that about these books. I feel certain Sophie and I could be great friends if she were real.
The plot in this book was also really fun. Without giving spoilers, I will just say that this book confirms what I have always thought about politicians and the political world. As long as you don't still believe politics to be in any way noble, you should enjoy this plot as well.
I also enjoy the supporting characters in this series, who nicely complement Sophie and help out when needed. Sophie's friend Dina in particular always makes me laugh out loud with her perspective and the things she says.
This is basically just an easy to read, enjoyable light mystery series, with well-written, likable characters and interesting murders for them to solve.
Format note: I usually get these books in audio format and the woman who narrates them is excellent. If you like audio books this series is a good one to listen to.
mcipher's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book - Sophie is funny and irreverent and smart, and even though her situations tend to be far-fetched, I think that's part of the charm. My only quibble is with the neat but slightly incongruous ending, but again I think that's just this style of book.
aunt_t's review
2.0
I almost stopped reading this because the main character was acting like a teenager in response to Anatoly, but I like the Anatoly character so I kept reading.