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pleforge 's review for:
Calendar Girl
by Stella Duffy
Because of the author’s popularity, evidenced by the relatively high numbers of reviews she has received, I was expecting more from this book. It has a creative structure, to be sure, with alternating chapters from the point of view of the detective, Saz Martin, and Maggie Simpson, a comedian who figures heavily in the story. But once the reader sees the way the wind blows—after less than a third of the novel—it becomes obvious that the author is drawing out the story in order for the two parts to come together. This doesn’t happen in a book crafted in the traditional way, and maybe this is the reason. It is a rare case of an innovative device actually detracting from the novel.
Another thing that detracts is the fact that neither Saz nor Maggie are well drawn. Saz is likable enough, but has little personality, Maggie has more, but it is a cross between a clever-boots blogger and a crazed ax murderer, of which she is neither. Do readers not care whether a book’s characters seem real or not? Well, I do. If Maggie is a successful comedian, let us have a scene where she gives us her routine. Give Saz and Maggie enough backstory to make us feel like we know them. Likewise the character of the victim. I simply do not believe that she does the things she does nor do I believe her when she tells us the reason why. Another clever idea that, when the end of the book looms, the author has to scramble to explain everything. This happens way too often in this genre—and probably in any genre. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay.
All in all, this novel is readable. I suspect that in further Saz Martin novels, Duffy has refined her voice and technique. I will have to wait for someone else to review the next one.
An additional note to the publisher. Although most of the Saz Martin books are priced reasonably, there is entirely too much extraneous matter in the first several pages of the book, which cuts down significantly on the pages of the actual story available for sampling. I purchased this one, but in many instances the lack of a proper sample has caused me to pass by a book I otherwise might have purchased, if not enjoyed.
Note: I read the e-book publication of this novel that was available in February, 2014 .
Another Note: This review is included in my book The Art of the Lesbian Mystery Novel, along with information on over 930 other lesbian mysteries by over 310 authors.
Another thing that detracts is the fact that neither Saz nor Maggie are well drawn. Saz is likable enough, but has little personality, Maggie has more, but it is a cross between a clever-boots blogger and a crazed ax murderer, of which she is neither. Do readers not care whether a book’s characters seem real or not? Well, I do. If Maggie is a successful comedian, let us have a scene where she gives us her routine. Give Saz and Maggie enough backstory to make us feel like we know them. Likewise the character of the victim. I simply do not believe that she does the things she does nor do I believe her when she tells us the reason why. Another clever idea that, when the end of the book looms, the author has to scramble to explain everything. This happens way too often in this genre—and probably in any genre. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay.
All in all, this novel is readable. I suspect that in further Saz Martin novels, Duffy has refined her voice and technique. I will have to wait for someone else to review the next one.
An additional note to the publisher. Although most of the Saz Martin books are priced reasonably, there is entirely too much extraneous matter in the first several pages of the book, which cuts down significantly on the pages of the actual story available for sampling. I purchased this one, but in many instances the lack of a proper sample has caused me to pass by a book I otherwise might have purchased, if not enjoyed.
Note: I read the e-book publication of this novel that was available in February, 2014 .
Another Note: This review is included in my book The Art of the Lesbian Mystery Novel, along with information on over 930 other lesbian mysteries by over 310 authors.