The Girl in the Green Raincoat by Laura Lippman

3.5 stars
R-2?
Tess Monaghan #11
novella
Copy received for review

This was my first Tess Monaghan, which was kind of problematic, since it's #11.

I liked the mystery, but struggled with the characters, their relationships, and most of all with Tess' feelings about pregnancy.  Pregnancy is no walk in the park, I know.  I kind of hate being pregnant overall, but I always want the baby.  It's always intentional.  So I couldn't relate to the really negative feelings there.

If I "knew" the characters I'm pretty sure I'd have liked it more.

Overall, the mystery was good, but the ins and outs of the relationships eluded me.

The Most Dangerous Thing by Laura Lippman

3 stars
R- 3
Copy received for review

I really struggled with this one.

For one, I wanted it to be a mystery, because it's Laura Lippman, and so my brain kept trying to pick out the clues, the complications, the plot twists..... and they're not there.  It's much more character-driven, rather than plot-driven.

And the resolution bothered me.  I don't do so well with moral ambiguity... I don't like gray areas.  Compassion I get, forgiveness sure, but the excusal of cruelty, the complete refusal to take any responsibility for one's actions, those I have a hard time with.

Overall, it was interesting, but just didn't quite work for me.  Definitely well-written.