Journal Entry 1 by Sidney1220 from McLean, Virginia USA on Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Received from bookmooch.
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From Publishers Weekly
Novak's latest Stillwater novel (after Dead Giveaway) revisits the small Mississippi town, where journalist/newspaper owner Madeline Barker is still seeking closure two decades after the disappearance of her father, a town minister. When police find her missing father's Cadillac submerged in a quarry outside of town, Maddy is determined to discover, finally, what really happened. Maddy hires L.A. private eye Hunter Solozano to solve the case, but neither expects to find romance: Hunter is an embittered divorcé, and Maddy recently broke up with a domineering boyfriend. While their relationship simmers, Hunter discovers some disturbing truths about Maddy's father and his domestic life; before long, a series of sinister phone calls and a botched robbery raise the stakes. Strong characters bring the escalating suspense to life, and the mystery is skillfully played out. Novak's smooth plotting makes for a great read, but the conclusion, though organic, has perhaps too much shine and not enough surprise. (Aug.)
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Journal Entry 2 by Sidney1220 from McLean, Virginia USA on Tuesday, November 27, 2007

This was a fast read that didn't really lead anywhere. We already know the answer to the mystery, so all the much ado about it only made Maddy look weak and not too bright. She says she wants to find out what happened to her father, then hampered Hunter's investigation by wanting him to only talk to the people she wants him to talk to and come to the conclusion she wants him to come to. And then her not being able to catch all the clues about her father and her constant harping about how her father was well respected in the community and a man of god got old and irritating fast. I think this is one story that should have been told in one book, not 3.


1/22/08 Reserved for pbs.

2/16/08 Mailed for pbs.