Rating: 
Summary: Could have been so much better - but generally enjoyed.
Review: V.Warshowski really puts her aging body to the test in this one. How she survived strains credulity. The point that she has to do "everything herself" is reinforced somewhat excessively. And one really wonders why she won't listen to ythe wonderful Lottie, but lets so many of her other friends (especially Murray) insult, abandon, or betray her. This would have been alot better with more character development. I got caught up early on watching this interesting character age, but then she seemed to relapse to the "he-man" style of immaturity. The author might have lessened some of the physical assaults and challenges, and focused more on the mental and emotional challenges of being an aging, female detective. It started out that way and really was an interesting focus. But then the character seemed to resort to old habits and physical stuff, and I began to wonder about her intelligence. Too bad. In fairness, however, I listened to it on audio, and I do not think that Jean Smart was a good choice as reader- I began to perceive VI and her friends as southern, fast-talking whiners. Not a Chicago kind of presentation! Wish I had read the book instead of listened to it on tape.
Rating: 
Summary: A dog-loving middle aged broke private eye?
Review: Well, just like me, except for the private eye part! This was one of the most fun tapes I have listened to in quite awhile. The reader did a superlative job, and made everything quite believable, even though it was certainly not. What a treat to find someone with dogs instead of kids. I am in constant search of such books. More of her work should be put into unabridged audio!
Rating:
Summary: Glad that V.I. has not "grown up"
Review: While I understand where some of the earlier reviews are coming from, I have no desire to see V.I. grow up. One of the things I have always found refreshing about these books, is that V.I. retains her idealism and stubborness, conscience, good sense or age be damned. Who says this isn't an absolutely appropriate role for a woman edging past 40? Most people should be so lucky! This book is a fantastic read, and I only hope we don't have to wait as long for the next installment!
Rating:
Summary: Way Ahead of You, Warshawski
Review: While the story is interesting, the reader sees the answer long before V.I. does, and that's not a good thing. Is the book too long? Possibly. Does it contain too many characters? Definitely. This reads like Paretsky put it out in a hurry, and possibly without a strong editor. Neither of those situations is likely to result in a good manuscript, and the results are evident here. The book isn't bad--it just isn't as good as it can be, and as many of its series predecessors have been.
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