Talk about a book for the month, this is definitely one of them. Barbara Levenson is a new author and Fatal February is a great start.First some qualification material about the author. Barbara has lived in Miami, Florida, for the past 32 years so it is not surprising that this book is set in this neck of the woods. On the professional side, Barbara has been a prosecutor and runs her own law practice where she focused on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. It is no wonder that the main character in her book - Mary Magruder Katz - is also a lawyer. I think there is an adage something like "you write about what you know" and this author seems to do that. Is this a mystery? Yes it is but it definitely has a style unique to the author.
When the book opens, we find Mary Magruder Katz at the car wash. Little does she know how this trip is going to change her life. As a side note, it was an interesting surprise to find out the story not only starts at the car wash but also ends at the car wash. She is rear-ended by another driver at the car wash who becomes a client. But he become more than just a client and one wonders if the chance encounter at the car wash was just an accident.
Katz has been dating her boss for years and now she starts seeing this guy. And when she gets caught fooling around in the office with this new guy, her life takes a turn. She finds herself out of the firm and having to open up an office of her own - with help from this new guy. There also seems to be a connection with a murder case that Katz is working on.
The author definitely has an interesting character in the form of Katz. She is a blend of a woman and a tough lawyer that sometimes seems to get mixed up. She also has a nice blend of supporting characters in telling the story. Fatal February is definitely a good first book.
“Barbara Levenson is giving away a signed copy of her book, Fatal February, to one lucky tour visitor. Go to Barbara’s book tour page, http://barbara-levenson.omnimystery.com/, and enter your name, e-mail address, and this PIN, 3395, for your chance to win. Entries from this blog site (Mystery Reader Discussion) will be accepted until 12:00 Noon (PT) tomorrow (Feb 18). No purchase is required to enter or to win. The winner (first name only) will be announced on Barbara’s book tour page next week.”
5 comments:
Yeah! I've been waiting for today to see your review for this book tour. I was not disappointed at all. It's very sweet of the author to offer a free copy on her website...I've entered! If I don't win the free copy, I'll be sure and get a hold of a copy to enjoy - thanks for the review :-)
Might have to run out today to get this book! I love the idea that it starts and ends in the same locale. After reading her interview I wonder if the car wash in the story is the same car wash where she saw the handsome attendant who formed the basis for one of the characters! Great premise - thanks
Thanks to Mystery reader for hosting me on your website and for the review. Virtual book tours are fun and a gret way to meet new friends and readers.
Just had to stop back by on this post -- I finished Fatal February this week. It was soooooo good. Lots of action, intrigue, loved the setting, enjoyed the "characters" and the writing style just moved the story along. I only read during my usual "me" time and was surprised to be done in around a week. I won't give it away but GREAT ENDING!! Looking forward to more from Barbara Levenson.
Thanks JJ for the followup comment. I relayed your comment on to the author.
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