Reviews

Red Light Wives by Mary Monroe

juanitakayembe's review

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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dikeledi's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

kimg1208's review

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hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

tbthewriter's review

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3.0

this was a pretty good book. it dragged in some parts. but for the most part it was a good read.

mochagirl's review

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3.0

Monroe pens another hit in her latest release, Red Light Wives. As the title implies, the story centers on the complicated interrelationship of four "working" ladies and their pimp, Clyde Brooks. The story is in the telling and Monroe creates full-bodied women with sordid pasts that leave them desperate for money, affection, happiness, and independence.

As a beautiful failed model Rosalie embraces the "life" to provide for her manipulating and controlling mother who is haunted by a voodoo curse;

Ghetto fabulous Rockelle is abandoned by her husband and has a penchant to keep up with the "Joneses" at all costs;

Street-smart Ester is deserted at birth and rescued by a teenaged Clyde, her dedication and loyalty to him is obvious but flawed;

Helen, a mentally challenged girl who mimics her idol (Rockelle), relishes the physical attention from men and boys until fate catches up to her; and

Lula Mae, a country girl, has had it rough from childhood and who is rebounding from losing a lover, husband, and child finds herself penniless, alone, and in the lowest of low places when she meets Rockelle who introduces her to Clyde.

Clyde, devoted father, grandson, and womanizer provides escort services to a variety of clients.

These colorful characters have deep roots, haunting histories, and a myriad of problems that only Monroe can imagine. She taps in to the human psyche of each woman as she connives to leave Clyde and reclaim her life and dignity. Told in alternating voices and true to Monroe style, there is plenty of fast-paced drama with several surprises along the way. I found myself turning pages with anticipation to see how it would all play out. Although the subject matter may disturb some readers, she handles the subject matter with plausible respectability and decency thus delivering a seemingly tolerable, easy, and ultimately enjoyable read. Monroe has earned a place on my favorite author list - looking forward to whatever she releases next.
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