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BALTIMORE BLUES
by Laura Lippman
Avon, February 1997
290 pages
$6.99
ISBN: 0380788756


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Baltimore Blues is Laura Lippman's impressive debut that introduces its readers to former newspaper reporter, Tess Monaghan. The other books in her series are just as wonderful but it is recommended that one see how it all began with this novel.

 

The Baltimore Star has recently folded and Tess is out of a job. She gets by with the assistance of her family and friends where it is not always easy. She makes peace with her self every morning by practicing her rowing at the local river. One day her rowing buddy, Darryl 'Rock' Paxton offers her money to try track his fiancés. Rock finds her to be a bit distant and wishes to know what has been going on. Tess has a special place for Rock and she will do as he asked. She has met Paxton's fiancés, Ava Hill on several occasions but has never really liked her.

 

At first she takes the job as a lark but discovers that she enjoys it. She learns that Ava is a shoplifter and that she might be having an affair with her boss at her law firm, Michael Abramowitz. When Tess confronts Ava she tells her that she better come clean with Darryl before she tells him about her investigation. Ava is one step ahead and contacts Rock before Tess can call him so she can make up a plausible story. The next day Darryl Paxton is arrested for the murder of Michael Abramowitz.

 

Tess is conflicted and feels responsible in putting her friend under this predicament. She will work hard in proving his innocence and learn about the secrets the lawyer was hiding. The other provides several red herrings throughout the story that would have made for a believable ending. The novel is very good and one can see the start of a great mystery novelist.

 

What makes Laura Lippman's novels so enjoyable is that she writes about things that she already knows or that she has had prior experience. Ms. Lippman worked as a newspaper reporter in the Baltimore area. She includes on Tess the same likes and dislikes that the author shares. The transition of her main character changing from a newspaper reporter to a private investigator is credible. She also gives Tess a strong foundation with the love of her family and friends. This first novel is a great read and it will be a pleasure to continue the series. It is no wonder that the author has won so many awards for the Tess Monaghan series.

Reviewed by Angel L. Soto, September 2002

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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