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kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
First in the Molly Malone mystery suspense series featuring Molly, an accountant who wants nothing to do with the politics that destroyed her first husband's life. But ends up back in Washington D.C. to her horror!
I was conflicted as to whether to give this a "3" for the minimal tension/drama or a "4" for the twists Sefton has created and the warm characters whom I like. Since Goodreads and Amazon don't accept halfway measures, I'm choosing the "4", if only because there is a promise in this start to Sefton's Molly Malone Mystery series.
My Take
It's a combination of Memory Lane and the brutal ins and out of politics, with its need to schmooze and its desire to stab. And yet there's a warmth in this. Warm, caring characters. Including a politician who wants to do right...who knew!?? Oh, wait, I forgot. This is fiction. Sigh…Ah well, I'll take an honest politician wherever I can get him.
For all the politics Washington is known for, obviously, this story is more concerned with Washington social life and how it affects a politician's life.
Sefton is a bit obvious in her set up for the overall theme series, but she does well in leaving the reader [me!] in suspense. I want Molly to find the buggers behind this all and take them down. I also want to watch her relationships with Russell, Brewster, and ESPECIALLY Danny progress. Ooh-la-la… Or maybe it's all those lovely seafood meals…?
I got so hungry for oysters, crab, and shrimp reading about the meals Molly and Danny shared.
It was interesting that Sefton presents all these possibilities from Karen's Daytimer, her computer files and emails, and her dad's journals, but Molly doesn't investigate that. She's more concerned with listening to her intuition, but at least she's smart to enough to hold back for Casey and Danny.
The Story
Jeff Parker is one of many in D.C. and his latest real estate deal got yanked. He can't hire on Molly Malone no matter how much Deb threatens him. But it's all about the contacts, and Molly's niece, Karen Grayson, finds her a job. Admittedly, it's not at all the job she would consider, but, Patricia's bill comes the end of the month and Molly needs that money.
Molly does her best to throw the interview, but they want her too bad and throw in too many perks. It's a done deal and word quickly spreads. Including to some old friends.
It's a seemingly senseless murder that throws Molly's return to her old stomping grounds into a nightmare. Some poor choices on the part of many leads the bad guys to tidy up.
The Characters
Molly Malone was raised in Arlington while her father was a senator. She married David Grayson from Colorado who became a senator and, after the attacks that led to his death, she fled to Colorado with their daughters and swore never to return. Her mom is in a retirement center. And she gets to stay as long as Molly can pay for a personal companion, Patricia O'Toole. DD is too good to be true. Danny DiMateo, a.k.a., Damned Dangerous, is an old high school friend. He's been a career Marine since he enlisted in 1969 right out of high school. He retired five years ago and now works private security. And he's very interested in taking up his old friendship with Molly. He's an absolute rock.
Aunt Molly is Karen Grayson's only family. Karen's dad, Eric Grayson, took on David's senate seat when he died. Ten years after that, Eric and Cheryl, his wife, Karen's mother, died as well. I have lots of suspicions...) Now, Karen works for Congressman Jackson and Jed Molinoff is his chief of staff. Celeste Allard is a friend of Karen's from Jackson's office. She has some concerns.
Nan and Deb are Molly's cousins and oldest childhood friends. The ladies run a catering firm now—Babson Sisters, Entertaining by Design. Nan is married to Bill Anderson, an attorney; Deb is married to Mike Beringer. Samantha Suffolk is another old friend of Molly's. One who was the picture of political perfection until her second husband, Senator Beauregard Calhoun, died. Now she's making up for lost time.
John Russell is the new Independent senator from Colorado and he greatly admired Molly's dad. Peter Brewster is his brash chief of staff. Casey is a former Marine who now works security for Russell. Luisa is his housekeeper and her husband, Albert, is his driver.
Eleanor MacKenzie is a formidable woman in Washington social circles. Luckily she had taken Molly under her wing when she was still in high school. Senator Alan Baker and his wife Brenda are also old friends of the Malones. Aggie is a longtime server in Washington. She remembers serving at Molly's dad's parties and how much her dad loved her. Congressman Henry Baylor and his wife Mary are too innocent for Washington. Senator Sol Karpinsky is one of their victims and one of Samantha's special friends. Too strong and moral for what they want. Detective Schroeder of the Washington D.C. PD investigates.
The Bad Guys...
Raymond. Larry Fillmore is a smarmy, violent man who has been tossed from more offices for his bad behavior. Now, he's infiltrating Jackson's office. Congressman Edward Ryker is scum. Unfortunately, he's ironclad scum. Spencer. Senator Dunston, the new chairman of the Banking committee, replacing the recently deceased Karpinsky, is already deep in their debt. The Epsilon Group, a financial think tank, is mentioned a lot; they seem to be the bad guys. They certainly attract a lot of unsavory types.
The Cover
The cover is an interesting collage. At first glance, it appears sweet and peaceful. The cherry blossoms that proliferate in Washington D.C., that remind Molly of her first kiss, and the Capitol dome in the upper right, but underlying it are the shadows of a web, or is it cracked glass?, as well as that of a gun. I did like the patriotic border crossing under Sefton's name.
The title is too true and what Molly has feared for too long. In Washington D.C., it is Deadly Politics for anyone trying to survive in our nation's capitol.
I was conflicted as to whether to give this a "3" for the minimal tension/drama or a "4" for the twists Sefton has created and the warm characters whom I like. Since Goodreads and Amazon don't accept halfway measures, I'm choosing the "4", if only because there is a promise in this start to Sefton's Molly Malone Mystery series.
My Take
It's a combination of Memory Lane and the brutal ins and out of politics, with its need to schmooze and its desire to stab. And yet there's a warmth in this. Warm, caring characters. Including a politician who wants to do right...who knew!?? Oh, wait, I forgot. This is fiction. Sigh…Ah well, I'll take an honest politician wherever I can get him.
For all the politics Washington is known for, obviously, this story is more concerned with Washington social life and how it affects a politician's life.
Sefton is a bit obvious in her set up for the overall theme series, but she does well in leaving the reader [me!] in suspense. I want Molly to find the buggers behind this all and take them down. I also want to watch her relationships with Russell, Brewster, and ESPECIALLY Danny progress. Ooh-la-la… Or maybe it's all those lovely seafood meals…?
I got so hungry for oysters, crab, and shrimp reading about the meals Molly and Danny shared.
It was interesting that Sefton presents all these possibilities from Karen's Daytimer, her computer files and emails, and her dad's journals, but Molly doesn't investigate that. She's more concerned with listening to her intuition, but at least she's smart to enough to hold back for Casey and Danny.
The Story
Jeff Parker is one of many in D.C. and his latest real estate deal got yanked. He can't hire on Molly Malone no matter how much Deb threatens him. But it's all about the contacts, and Molly's niece, Karen Grayson, finds her a job. Admittedly, it's not at all the job she would consider, but, Patricia's bill comes the end of the month and Molly needs that money.
Molly does her best to throw the interview, but they want her too bad and throw in too many perks. It's a done deal and word quickly spreads. Including to some old friends.
It's a seemingly senseless murder that throws Molly's return to her old stomping grounds into a nightmare. Some poor choices on the part of many leads the bad guys to tidy up.
The Characters
Molly Malone was raised in Arlington while her father was a senator. She married David Grayson from Colorado who became a senator and, after the attacks that led to his death, she fled to Colorado with their daughters and swore never to return. Her mom is in a retirement center. And she gets to stay as long as Molly can pay for a personal companion, Patricia O'Toole. DD is too good to be true. Danny DiMateo, a.k.a., Damned Dangerous, is an old high school friend. He's been a career Marine since he enlisted in 1969 right out of high school. He retired five years ago and now works private security. And he's very interested in taking up his old friendship with Molly. He's an absolute rock.
Aunt Molly is Karen Grayson's only family. Karen's dad, Eric Grayson, took on David's senate seat when he died. Ten years after that, Eric and Cheryl, his wife, Karen's mother, died as well. I have lots of suspicions...) Now, Karen works for Congressman Jackson and Jed Molinoff is his chief of staff. Celeste Allard is a friend of Karen's from Jackson's office. She has some concerns.
Nan and Deb are Molly's cousins and oldest childhood friends. The ladies run a catering firm now—Babson Sisters, Entertaining by Design. Nan is married to Bill Anderson, an attorney; Deb is married to Mike Beringer. Samantha Suffolk is another old friend of Molly's. One who was the picture of political perfection until her second husband, Senator Beauregard Calhoun, died. Now she's making up for lost time.
John Russell is the new Independent senator from Colorado and he greatly admired Molly's dad. Peter Brewster is his brash chief of staff. Casey is a former Marine who now works security for Russell. Luisa is his housekeeper and her husband, Albert, is his driver.
Eleanor MacKenzie is a formidable woman in Washington social circles. Luckily she had taken Molly under her wing when she was still in high school. Senator Alan Baker and his wife Brenda are also old friends of the Malones. Aggie is a longtime server in Washington. She remembers serving at Molly's dad's parties and how much her dad loved her. Congressman Henry Baylor and his wife Mary are too innocent for Washington. Senator Sol Karpinsky is one of their victims and one of Samantha's special friends. Too strong and moral for what they want. Detective Schroeder of the Washington D.C. PD investigates.
The Bad Guys...
Raymond. Larry Fillmore is a smarmy, violent man who has been tossed from more offices for his bad behavior. Now, he's infiltrating Jackson's office. Congressman Edward Ryker is scum. Unfortunately, he's ironclad scum. Spencer. Senator Dunston, the new chairman of the Banking committee, replacing the recently deceased Karpinsky, is already deep in their debt. The Epsilon Group, a financial think tank, is mentioned a lot; they seem to be the bad guys. They certainly attract a lot of unsavory types.
The Cover
The cover is an interesting collage. At first glance, it appears sweet and peaceful. The cherry blossoms that proliferate in Washington D.C., that remind Molly of her first kiss, and the Capitol dome in the upper right, but underlying it are the shadows of a web, or is it cracked glass?, as well as that of a gun. I did like the patriotic border crossing under Sefton's name.
The title is too true and what Molly has feared for too long. In Washington D.C., it is Deadly Politics for anyone trying to survive in our nation's capitol.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Read for Fun
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 3.50
Fall Funk Reviews (Quick and Dirty because I am in a Review Writing Funk)
First Thought when Finished: Deadly Politics is a solid beginning to a brand new series from Maggie Sefton.
What I Thought of the Story: Deadly Politics started off a little slow but then picked up steam towards the end. While the pacing was a little off, the writing was fun and I think it works for a first in series book. There was a little too much time spent on introducing the characters so the story kind of took a back seat to that in the first half.
What I Thought of the Characters: I am going to admit that I don't love Molly yet but towards the end she grew on me. I think she has the potential to be a great leading character in a series. I am going to consider DC a character in the book and not just the city. It is clear that Maggie loves the town and I fell in love with it through her writing. It is the main reason I will be continuing the series.
Final Thought: Solid start to a new series that clearly shows Maggie's love for the DC area and her ability to write engaging cases.
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 3.50
Fall Funk Reviews (Quick and Dirty because I am in a Review Writing Funk)
First Thought when Finished: Deadly Politics is a solid beginning to a brand new series from Maggie Sefton.
What I Thought of the Story: Deadly Politics started off a little slow but then picked up steam towards the end. While the pacing was a little off, the writing was fun and I think it works for a first in series book. There was a little too much time spent on introducing the characters so the story kind of took a back seat to that in the first half.
What I Thought of the Characters: I am going to admit that I don't love Molly yet but towards the end she grew on me. I think she has the potential to be a great leading character in a series. I am going to consider DC a character in the book and not just the city. It is clear that Maggie loves the town and I fell in love with it through her writing. It is the main reason I will be continuing the series.
Final Thought: Solid start to a new series that clearly shows Maggie's love for the DC area and her ability to write engaging cases.
bbwolf59's review against another edition
1.0
Less than half a book. No background, no plot resolution, just a blatant plug for the next book in what must be a series. Yuck
anderson65's review against another edition
2.0
I continually return to this author because I want to like her books, but her writing style distracts from the story. Much of this book is the back-story on each character; so that the action does not move forward so much as stagnate. Another distraction is the over-use of similes. The awkward writing takes my attention away from what I had hoped would be an enjoyable read.
This is a promising series with an interesting premise as the widow of respected legislator returns to D.C. and the swirl of political drama. The author inserts life style details that lend a breath of authenticity to the events. Sorry to say, it was only an OK read for me.
This is a promising series with an interesting premise as the widow of respected legislator returns to D.C. and the swirl of political drama. The author inserts life style details that lend a breath of authenticity to the events. Sorry to say, it was only an OK read for me.
octygon's review against another edition
1.0
This was terrible. I guess I'm not buying these for the library.
kimveach's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book even though I'm suspicious of almost every character in it. As I got near the end, I thought that there would be no way for her to tie it all up - and I was right. I would have liked a little more of a complete ending but obviously, this is meant to be a series of books. I'll read the next one but hope it develops further.
kc1005us's review
4.0
Really enjoyed the new Molly Malone series. As always, Ms. Sefton left me hanging, just dying to read the next book! (the same happens with her knitting mysteries!).
A fast, quick read. Loved that you don't know "who did it" while reading. YAY for a new series!!
A fast, quick read. Loved that you don't know "who did it" while reading. YAY for a new series!!
dollycas's review
5.0
Molly Malone, the wife of a former congressman, returns to Washington D.C. to start over. She never thought she would return to the town full of backstabbing politicians and personal heartbreak but this is where her family is and she needs them now more than ever.
She thought she had a job all lined up but it fell through at the last minute. Her niece, Karen, works "on the hill", sets her up to interview with freshman senator tracking his budgets and finance and she takes the job. Karen and Maggie have always been close and now in Washington together they are thrilled to spend more time with each other. Molly is surprised to find out who Karen is having an affair with and when she is killed she a few days later Molly is afraid her death was not a random act of violence.
Molly can't help herself from doing a little investigating of her own but her inquires are drawing the attention of the wrong people. People that kill people that get in their way. This is not how Molly expected her new life in Washington to begin or end.
Warning this is not a cozy mystery. Maggie Sefton is showing the edgier side of her imagination in this new series and it is FANTASTIC!!! I honestly could not put this book down. Life stopped as I became totally immersed in this story.
Molly knows Washington D.C. can be a dangerous place but never thought it would come right to her workplace. She has been through so much but she is a strong woman and has been in and around politics her entire life. She knows the game and its players. She is smart, savvy, clever and determined. She is going to find out who killed her niece or die trying. Sefton has created a tough and gutsy protagonist that readers will quickly become invested in and want to see her succeed.
With Washington politics as a backdrop the possibilities for this series are endless. I am anxious to see all the characters evolve in future stories. From Molly's mom and her friends Deb and Nan, the senator's staff, to Molly love life, and all the politics this series has a very bright future! I definitely want more Molly Malone and more Deadly Politics.
She thought she had a job all lined up but it fell through at the last minute. Her niece, Karen, works "on the hill", sets her up to interview with freshman senator tracking his budgets and finance and she takes the job. Karen and Maggie have always been close and now in Washington together they are thrilled to spend more time with each other. Molly is surprised to find out who Karen is having an affair with and when she is killed she a few days later Molly is afraid her death was not a random act of violence.
Molly can't help herself from doing a little investigating of her own but her inquires are drawing the attention of the wrong people. People that kill people that get in their way. This is not how Molly expected her new life in Washington to begin or end.
Warning this is not a cozy mystery. Maggie Sefton is showing the edgier side of her imagination in this new series and it is FANTASTIC!!! I honestly could not put this book down. Life stopped as I became totally immersed in this story.
Molly knows Washington D.C. can be a dangerous place but never thought it would come right to her workplace. She has been through so much but she is a strong woman and has been in and around politics her entire life. She knows the game and its players. She is smart, savvy, clever and determined. She is going to find out who killed her niece or die trying. Sefton has created a tough and gutsy protagonist that readers will quickly become invested in and want to see her succeed.
With Washington politics as a backdrop the possibilities for this series are endless. I am anxious to see all the characters evolve in future stories. From Molly's mom and her friends Deb and Nan, the senator's staff, to Molly love life, and all the politics this series has a very bright future! I definitely want more Molly Malone and more Deadly Politics.
abercrombie1986's review
3.0
Not as good as her other books. And to boot ended without clearing up the underlying mystery.
aoutrance's review
2.0
That's it?! I was not expecting it to just end like that. I wanted to find out about the mysterious callers!
No one seems to cook in D.C., I guess.
No one seems to cook in D.C., I guess.
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