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mazza57's review against another edition
2.0
this one did nothing for me typical cozy mystery style where amateur beats the detective to solve the murder. lacked pace and drive in the narrative
ncrabb's review against another edition
2.0
I wish I could be more ebullient about this first book in a much-beloved and long-running series. Presumably it gets better.
In short, Private Investigator Sharon McCone is called in to look at why some of San Francisco’s antique shops are being vandalized. But when someone murders an antique dealer, McCone’s investigation ramps up, and she gets help from potential love interest and cop Gregory Marcus. The thing is, this is well enough written, and I finished it. But it deals with art and smuggling, and any book that focuses at all on art is a complete and utter turn-off for me. I just don’t care. Here’s hoping the next book in the series is more memorable for me.
In short, Private Investigator Sharon McCone is called in to look at why some of San Francisco’s antique shops are being vandalized. But when someone murders an antique dealer, McCone’s investigation ramps up, and she gets help from potential love interest and cop Gregory Marcus. The thing is, this is well enough written, and I finished it. But it deals with art and smuggling, and any book that focuses at all on art is a complete and utter turn-off for me. I just don’t care. Here’s hoping the next book in the series is more memorable for me.
ubalstecha's review against another edition
3.0
This first book in the Sharon McCone series feels a little dated in both its attitudes towards women, as well as the mystery style, but given that it was originally published in 1977 that's understandable. This is an essential "who done it", McCone is a private investigator who works for a group of lawyers. She is called out to a murder scene, where the victim is one of the law firm's clients. The elderly antique dealer was murdered using one of her own items.
McCone has to learn about the convoluted dealings of real and manufactured antiques, real estate deals and smuggling, all in the quest to find the killer. Along the way she stirs up the animosity of the local bail bondsman, the recriminations of the local Business association and the interest/frustration of the homicide detective.
McCone has to learn about the convoluted dealings of real and manufactured antiques, real estate deals and smuggling, all in the quest to find the killer. Along the way she stirs up the animosity of the local bail bondsman, the recriminations of the local Business association and the interest/frustration of the homicide detective.
nonna7's review against another edition
3.0
I started the Sharon McCone very late in the series - after her time with All Souls and as an independent investigator. So I thought I would go back to the beginning. Muller has never been on my top tier of authors, but I enjoy the series. Her later books investigate Sharon's past as well. This is her first book. Her skills are very evident here. It's an interesting book that explores the art world and describes Sharon as a young woman. The book was written in 1977. When one of the characters in the book refers to Sharon as "papoose" because of her Indian heritage, it makes you want to wince more than just a little. However, it IS true to it's time. As someone who lived in that era, it's interesting to see how much things have changed in so many ways. It's definitely worth reading if you like this series, but started in the middle as I did.
henrismum's review against another edition
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death
chargoe's review against another edition
3.0
i really appreciate this book as a pioneer in female detective works. the only thing i really didn’t like is that it didn’t pass the bechdel test :/ really good plot though!!
nutti72's review against another edition
4.0
This is the 1st in a series. This is a must read for any fans of V.I. Warshawski or Kinsey Millhone. Sharon is a P.I. working for a legal aid service All Souls. The problem becomes when a group of local businesses are being vandalized in the hopes of getting them to sell their property. One of the business owners in Joan the de facto leader of the business association. Can Sharon sole Joan's murder before the SFPD put a kobosh on her investigation? Or will she & Detective Marcus end up as more than friendly rivals?
amalyndb's review against another edition
4.0
Strong female private detective Sharon McCone gets involved in a murder investigation when one of her cooperative firm’s clients is found dead in her antique shop. Real estate deals, reproductions, blackmail and smuggling swirl around in this whodunnit.