I have not read this book, but it sounds interesting. Here's a review from amazon.com:

"Goldilocks is a tale of adultery and murder. And everbody in the book seems to be lying. When Maureen Purchase and her daughters are found savagely murdered, her husband's alibi doesn't check out. Playing cards? At A bar? Telling his lover he was going to leave his wife? His 1st wife is glad the 2nd is dead, his son is claiming credit for the murders and his lover claims to not know him. When his lawyer, Matthew Hope tries to get to the bottom of things, he can't tell the lies from the alibis and indeed Matthew Hope is lying to himself, as he promises HIS lover that he will leave HIS wife. All of this makes a compelling mystery and as delivered by Ed McBain, it is a great start to another series from the master of the police procedural. "

Pre-numbered label used for registration.

Received today in the mail as part of the Book Relay. Thanks so much. I love Ed McBain books!

Another good Ed McBain mystery, albeit an old one. Amazon's review was right on: Everyone in the book either lied or deluded themselves, including Matt Scudder who was the lawyer for the accused murderer. Everyone had a rationalization for why they did what they did. Each put the responsibily for their predicament onto someone else.

Good writing, good insight into human nature, and a nice plot line. McBain is always worth reading.

Sending to fellow bookcrosser calicocollie. To be mailed this week. Enjoy!

Received from Martie-Kr in a mystery RABCK box -- thank you!

Offered on the relay: http://bookrelay.com/relay.php?id=822

Updated 2/28/05: Mailing to BigrTex in the morning -- enjoy!

This book arrived in the mail yesterday. I got it from the A "Gem" of a book relay, which has since gone cold.

I've got a couple of other Matthew Hope novels in my collection, but since this is the first in the series, it's going on top of my mystery TBR pile.

I did not enjoy this book as much as other McBain's that I've read. The use of language is similar to his 87th Precinct novels, but it seems like it works better in a police procedural. I did like having a book from the "plaintiff's lawyer's" perspective, instead of from a PI or police officer. I have the next one in the series and it will be interesting to see how the characters in this series grow and change over time.

I'm looking to RABCK this book, so if anyone who had it in the past would like it back, let me know this week, otherwise I'll likely offer it up on the forums.

RELEASE NOTES:

WG PM'd me over the weekend and offered to trade for this book. I was looking for someone who wanted it and was active in bookcrossing, so I sent it to him today.

Enjoy!

Received in the mail today. Thanks -BigrTex-. I will update this journal entry after reading the book.

7-20-05: Nice reading!! Now available.

RELEASE NOTES:

Donated to Friends of the Library.