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utahmomreads's review against another edition
4.0
Read my full review here :http://utahmomslife.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-3rd-woman-book-review.html
mxsallybend's review against another edition
3.0
The 3rd Woman is a solid mesh of murder mystery and political thriller, with just a slight sci-fi sort of edge to it. The very near future, as Jonathan Freedland imagines it, sees the United States of America so crippled by debt that it's had to sell off some of its sovereignty and accept the military presence of its largest debtor - China - on its home soul. It's not all that far-fetched, and the speculative aspect largely stops there, although Freedland does take some liberties with the future of social media.
Madison Webb is your typical journalistic heroine, an obsessive loner who can't resist the puzzle of a good mystery, especially when it's a murder so close to her heart. She's damaged goods - there's a whole subplot dedicated to the mystery of what her mother's illness is hiding - and she's not above using anyone or anything in her pursuit of answers. She's not necessarily likable or sympathetic, but she is someone with whom the reader can empathize.
While I understand it's a genre convention, I felt it was a shame that the entire story is told solely from her perspective. It really denies us any deeper insights into the whole political situation, which was (admittedly) the primary draw for me. We do get bits of context throughout the novel, revealing the new racial tensions and potential for civil unrest along the West coast, but I wanted something a bit deeper. It's not necessarily a complaint, just an observation on my own particular interest in the tale.
As for the murder mystery, it's well played out with plenty of red herrings, double crosses, and twist developments. Although motives are always suspect in these kinds of stories, the political aspect, the fear of the Chinese oppressors, and the pressures of a mayoral political campaign certain add to the tension. It all gets a little bogged down towards the end, especially with the resolution of that family mystery, but for the most part it works.
Even if The 3rd Woman isn't quite as speculative or as political as I anticipated, it's a solid mystery, with a good cast, propelled along by a well-written narrative that races along, but still takes time to provide all the details.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Madison Webb is your typical journalistic heroine, an obsessive loner who can't resist the puzzle of a good mystery, especially when it's a murder so close to her heart. She's damaged goods - there's a whole subplot dedicated to the mystery of what her mother's illness is hiding - and she's not above using anyone or anything in her pursuit of answers. She's not necessarily likable or sympathetic, but she is someone with whom the reader can empathize.
While I understand it's a genre convention, I felt it was a shame that the entire story is told solely from her perspective. It really denies us any deeper insights into the whole political situation, which was (admittedly) the primary draw for me. We do get bits of context throughout the novel, revealing the new racial tensions and potential for civil unrest along the West coast, but I wanted something a bit deeper. It's not necessarily a complaint, just an observation on my own particular interest in the tale.
As for the murder mystery, it's well played out with plenty of red herrings, double crosses, and twist developments. Although motives are always suspect in these kinds of stories, the political aspect, the fear of the Chinese oppressors, and the pressures of a mayoral political campaign certain add to the tension. It all gets a little bogged down towards the end, especially with the resolution of that family mystery, but for the most part it works.
Even if The 3rd Woman isn't quite as speculative or as political as I anticipated, it's a solid mystery, with a good cast, propelled along by a well-written narrative that races along, but still takes time to provide all the details.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
silvej01's review against another edition
2.0
I admit that I generally found the narrative engaging and it was hardly a chore to finish this mystery/thriller. However, while the story begins fairly well, it gets increasingly more difficult to take seriously. The denouement was just too far fetched for me. Yes, I suppose that stranger things can happen in life, but one hopes that good fiction should not have to depend on the quip we sometimes find ourselves saying, "If this was a novel, it would be totally unconvincing."
scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
4.0
They could not stop her! So was the news in on it? Was the call that Howard made to the commander because the news sure didn't want Madison going down that path until the commander said it was okay? Scary thoughts of what could happen if that happened to the US, stay strong and be your amazing selves.
mazza57's review against another edition
3.0
I found this book hard going from beginning to end . I wanted the author to get on with it for most of the time. The concept was interesting but that only gets the reader through the opening chapters. I cannot really say this is an author i will be following
ciska's review against another edition
4.0
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review*
This was an exciting read. At first I was afraid about the whole set-up with the Chinese and wondering if it would make the story awkward but I read a great thriller. I loved the puzzle and guessing along with a surprising end. I loved the politics, the untouchable diplomats (which had been a reason for discussion in our country last year) and the way the cultures conflicted.
Madison is a bit of a scary woman. Driven and going in hard I kept worrying about her the whole book. Wondering why she put herself in these situations and making such bold decisions. On the other hand she is never boring and pushing the story forward.
There are some other voices in the book. Leo Harris, advisor on the campaign for the major of LA running for governor for the state of California and ex boyfriend of Madison. His voice was interesting but mostly set on the campaign work. I had hoped he would have shed more of a light if Madison was like this when they where together.
Jeff Howe, a high ranked police officer. In love with Madison and therefore not allowed to work the case of her sisters dead. His character slowly disappeared from the story. Even though it works out good I kind of felt he was made to important at the start for how he ended up.
The last is Bill Doran. Jeff Howes counterpart on the republican campaign. Not having to much to do with Madison but using her story for his campaign. The whole situation with Jeff and Bill was actually a second story in the book how placing your candidate works and what you should pay attention too as an adviser. Though their tricks are obvious it was fun to read about it.
This was an exciting read. At first I was afraid about the whole set-up with the Chinese and wondering if it would make the story awkward but I read a great thriller. I loved the puzzle and guessing along with a surprising end. I loved the politics, the untouchable diplomats (which had been a reason for discussion in our country last year) and the way the cultures conflicted.
Madison is a bit of a scary woman. Driven and going in hard I kept worrying about her the whole book. Wondering why she put herself in these situations and making such bold decisions. On the other hand she is never boring and pushing the story forward.
There are some other voices in the book. Leo Harris, advisor on the campaign for the major of LA running for governor for the state of California and ex boyfriend of Madison. His voice was interesting but mostly set on the campaign work. I had hoped he would have shed more of a light if Madison was like this when they where together.
Jeff Howe, a high ranked police officer. In love with Madison and therefore not allowed to work the case of her sisters dead. His character slowly disappeared from the story. Even though it works out good I kind of felt he was made to important at the start for how he ended up.
The last is Bill Doran. Jeff Howes counterpart on the republican campaign. Not having to much to do with Madison but using her story for his campaign. The whole situation with Jeff and Bill was actually a second story in the book how placing your candidate works and what you should pay attention too as an adviser. Though their tricks are obvious it was fun to read about it.
culturenator's review against another edition
4.0
In compliance with FTC guidelines,I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
This book is set some time in the future, where power has shifted from the USA to China. I think part of what kept me intrigued with the story was the possibility that this could happen one day. There were some annoying bits, such as the political aspect, but it was good to see people get their comeuppance in the end. All in all this book kept me hooked, the story line twisting and turning, never sure where it's heading next.
This book is set some time in the future, where power has shifted from the USA to China. I think part of what kept me intrigued with the story was the possibility that this could happen one day. There were some annoying bits, such as the political aspect, but it was good to see people get their comeuppance in the end. All in all this book kept me hooked, the story line twisting and turning, never sure where it's heading next.
jonhansen's review against another edition
4.0
A good story that keeps you moving along. A few good twists as you approach the end.
dakegra's review against another edition
4.0
This is Jonathan Freedland’s first novel published under his real name, having already had a successful career with five novels under his pen-name of Sam Bourne.
The 3rd Woman has a fascinating premise, the familiarity of the backdrop of LA jarringly set against the premise that Beijing has taken control after America has defaulted on its national debt. Part crime thriller whodunnit, part political conspiracy, the story plays out under a confident hand, tautly plotted and rattles along to be devoured in a couple of sittings. The plot twists and turns in a most satisfactory manner as truths are revealed and Madison digs deeper into her sister’s murder, which turns out to not be the first…
Madison Webb is a fantastic, well-realised heroine and feels fully fleshed-out, as does the family dynamic between her and her sisters. I loved her sheer bloody mindedness in getting to the truth behind her sister’s murder, going up against some seriously heavy hitters. There’s a real sense of danger and peril as Madison upsets the wrong people, with unpleasant consequences.
It’s crying out to made into a movie. The Chinese-dominated smoggy LA would make a brilliant backdrop to a series… Netflix, are you listening?
Now, who would play Madi...
The 3rd Woman has a fascinating premise, the familiarity of the backdrop of LA jarringly set against the premise that Beijing has taken control after America has defaulted on its national debt. Part crime thriller whodunnit, part political conspiracy, the story plays out under a confident hand, tautly plotted and rattles along to be devoured in a couple of sittings. The plot twists and turns in a most satisfactory manner as truths are revealed and Madison digs deeper into her sister’s murder, which turns out to not be the first…
Madison Webb is a fantastic, well-realised heroine and feels fully fleshed-out, as does the family dynamic between her and her sisters. I loved her sheer bloody mindedness in getting to the truth behind her sister’s murder, going up against some seriously heavy hitters. There’s a real sense of danger and peril as Madison upsets the wrong people, with unpleasant consequences.
It’s crying out to made into a movie. The Chinese-dominated smoggy LA would make a brilliant backdrop to a series… Netflix, are you listening?
Now, who would play Madi...
norma_cenva's review against another edition
4.0
This book started off really strong... and continued to be strong in both writing and story. It was surprisingly plausible and imaginative. I really enjoyed it.