Reviews

The Janes by Louisa Luna

textpublishing's review

The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of The Janes

‘Luna’s gripping sequel to 2018’s Two Girls Down…a plot as dark and twisted as one of the tunnels used for smuggling between Mexico and the U.S…This dynamic duo has a long run.’
Publishers Weekly

‘An intricately plotted, adrenaline-fueled conspiracy thriller…Luna’s latest entertains while subverting gender stereotypes and confronting the politics of immigration.’
Kirkus Reviews

'An utterly compelling protagonist, PI Alice Vega investigates the murder of two Latina Jane Does and, after absorbing beatings and a stabbing, emerges triumphant in a stirring Shakespearean ending, standing strong on a stage littered with subdued villains.’
Booklist

yellowchevron's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

lisaeirene's review

3.0

This was a strong follow up to the first book in the series. In this one, Alice and Cap are in San Diego working "under the table" with a task force (DEA and local PD) that found two bodies of young girls. The story is about human trafficking.

The book is good and the story kept me guessing. It felt a little long at times and I'm not sure if it needed some editing, or if it was just the flow of the story, but there were a few times where it felt exceptionally long. Other than that, I liked the story and the characters.

sasha2599's review

4.0

I read and enjoyed Luna's Two Girls Down back in 2018, so I was surprised to find that I had somehow totally missed The Janes. I borrowed the audiobook from my local library and was excited to see Tavia Gilbert narrating- I loved her performance the first Alice Vega book and think she added so much to the story. I love the partnership of Alice and Cap and found The Janes to be so well plotted and clever- quite a few parts of the story I never saw coming and was often on the edge of my seat. Looking forward to the third book in the series releasing in March 2022.

tbsims's review

3.0

really like the main characters.

csdaley's review against another edition

4.0

Not quite as good as the first one but still excellent. This is one of my favorite new series and I am bummed I will have to wait a while for the next book.

kaitthelibrarian's review

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Child abuse, Gore, Sexual assault, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Trafficking

lizab's review

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

jennimckay's review against another edition

2.0

This was not my favorite, I enjoyed the first Alice Vega book much more. I almost gave up on this one because it felt so repetitive and was much more “cop drama” than thriller. Enjoyed the last chapter though.

sarahhbeth_reads's review against another edition

4.0

1 star each for:
-Engaging writing and story
-Creative plot
-Informational value--(disturbing) ICE procedures
-Challenges literary norms/tropes--Alice Vega's personality, story framework, oblique commentary on Trump presidency immigration policy.