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nicolebonia's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating paegturner speculating the real story behind the disappearance of Justice Joseph Crater in 1930 through the women who were closely involved in his life. A wonderfully imagined and brutal rendering of 1930's New York, complete with gangsters, showgirls, corrupt politicians and the women forced to live in their shadows. Completely absorbing and tough to put down once begun.
book_baee's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
tylertylertyler's review against another edition
4.0
A little less surprising and mystery intensive than I would have liked from the novelization of such a famous mystery, but it was still a very good book. There were a few very good surprises along the way, and it was quite well written. Lawhon did an excellent time rendering the time periods and its language and mores. As a historical fiction it was stunning, even if it was much more mediocre as a mystery/thriller. Still, the story delivered on both ends.
shellbell102186's review against another edition
4.0
I wish I could give this 4.5 stars - really enjoyed this - great read if you like the 1930s setting.
traceyd's review against another edition
2.0
It was ok. I thought the story was hard to follow going from past to present. Didn’t know it was a true story until the end
trinitybaumann's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
cher_n_books's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars - It was good.
Knowing that this was a fictionalized account of a true event made it far more interesting of a read. Joseph Crater was presented as being an utter prick with no redeeming qualities, so I could not have cared less what happened to him in the end or the details of his demise. On the other hand, the characterization of the ladies (the wife, the maid and the mistress) was excellent, and you find yourself pulling for all three heroines - impressive given how very different they are from one another in the book.
Thank goodness for Jude, as he single handedly allows the reader to keep some faith in the goodness of men. Naturally when you are dealing with shady characters, they are not going to shine as heroes, but there were some seriously despicable men in this story.
Jude patted her back in rhythm. Pulled her closer. Breathed in the scent of her soap. She felt his lips smile against the nape of her neck. And she knew that she would rather have this than a baby. She would rather have Jude.
I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator, Ann Marie Lee, did a stupendous job. I was rather impressed with how flawlessly she slipped into a different voice for each character, and will definitely be on the look out for other narrated works by her.
Joseph Crater, looking just as pompous as he seems in the novel:
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: The truth is more important than protecting yourself. Regardless of the consequences.
First Sentence: We begin in a bar.
Knowing that this was a fictionalized account of a true event made it far more interesting of a read. Joseph Crater was presented as being an utter prick with no redeeming qualities, so I could not have cared less what happened to him in the end or the details of his demise. On the other hand, the characterization of the ladies (the wife, the maid and the mistress) was excellent, and you find yourself pulling for all three heroines - impressive given how very different they are from one another in the book.
Thank goodness for Jude, as he single handedly allows the reader to keep some faith in the goodness of men. Naturally when you are dealing with shady characters, they are not going to shine as heroes, but there were some seriously despicable men in this story.
Jude patted her back in rhythm. Pulled her closer. Breathed in the scent of her soap. She felt his lips smile against the nape of her neck. And she knew that she would rather have this than a baby. She would rather have Jude.
I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator, Ann Marie Lee, did a stupendous job. I was rather impressed with how flawlessly she slipped into a different voice for each character, and will definitely be on the look out for other narrated works by her.
Joseph Crater, looking just as pompous as he seems in the novel:
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: The truth is more important than protecting yourself. Regardless of the consequences.
First Sentence: We begin in a bar.
lookingtoheaven's review against another edition
3.0
I liked that it took a real story and speculated. But everyone was unhappy and dysfunctional. I don't enjoy that kind of focus.
trishthedishreads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75