Rating: 
Summary: Much ado about nothing
Review: They say the second novel after a successful first can be difficult. For me this book suffers from the transformation of its dynamic first novel heroine into a whiny wimp. The author's use of Black people for a little humor is as appalling as the the mother/daughter subplot is cliched.
I wanted to like this book, but simply couldn't.
Rating: 
Summary: Best Book About Police Officers!
Review: This is the best book about police officers I've ever read. What I like the most about the book are the characters. Jaylynn Savage and Dez Reilly are such clearly defined, likable, and multi-leveled personalities. The plot seems to revolve around the changes each of them goes through as their friendship deepens and matures. Initially, the changes are most evident in Jaylynn, as she leaves the somewhat passive, structured regimen of a college student and embarks upon an effort to become a police officer. Midway through the book, however, it becomes apparent that Dez is undergoing an even greater change. Daily exposure to Jay's warm, lively humanity begins to erode the self-protective wall of isolation Dez has spent years erecting around herself.And then, of course, it's a book about police work. While the sad and complicated interactions with dysfunctional families and petty crooks are accurately caught, and the mind-numbing, plodding daily grind of what the police really do day in and day is represented, there are also some brilliant action scenes. For example, I have imprinted in my mind the scene in Chapter 18, when Dez leads the way into the 7-11 because Jay wants an ice cream snack. The clarity and grit Lake captured on those pages are worth the price of the book. I also liked the scene by Gooseberry Falls in the early autumn, when Dez and Jay hike up to an outcropping of cliffs there. When they sit down, they end up snuggling together in a little pocket in the rocks, trying to avoid the cold bite of the wind. Dez produces a package of cupcakes from her pocket, surprising Jay (who is perpetually hungry) and demonstrating her transition from the gruff, no-nonsense woman she had once been. Now, Dez is secretly buying junk food treats from the gas station food mart, obviously thinking about Jay's needs before Jay does. It was a deft use of storytelling to illustrate to the reader how Dez had changed, and I loved it. There are many such skillful, well-plotted uses of "show-don't-tell" laced throughout this book. This is a writer who is learning her craft from the old school. By that I mean, literary-politics aside, I believe the mark of a good writer is found in smooth exposition and character evocative dialogue. Lori Lake has accomplished both with "Gun Shy." The story advances easily and logically, drawing the reader into the plot. You know who is speaking by the way the character is phrasing their line -- Jay, Dez, Luella, the various supporting cast members -- they all have different voices. It is a pleasure to read this kind of writing. And it is early, yet, in Lake's career. Just think what she'll be capable of if she keeps producing stories. Frankly, I can't wait for "Under the Gun." How will Jay and Dez manage a relationship while they are working together? Will Dez be able to get beyond her fear of personal relationships and be as brave in facing love as she is in facing everything else? Will Jay ever get enough to eat? I'm hooked!! More please!!
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ!!
Review: To me the mark of a great book is that it grabs you on the first paragraph and makes you wish you wore your seatbelt for the whole ride. This is a must read for anyone who wants a book that is a thrill from begining to end. The only problem I found with it is that there should be a warning not to read when you have to go to work the next day. You will start it and don't want to stop, then you get in trouble with your boss the next day because you fell asleep in your coffee. Folks if you want a good book try shopping somewhere else, if you want a great book this is the one for you.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ!!
Review: To me the mark of a great book is that it grabs you on the first paragraph and makes you wish you wore your seatbelt for the whole ride. This is a must read for anyone who wants a book that is a thrill from begining to end. The only problem I found with it is that there should be a warning not to read when you have to go to work the next day. You will start it and don't want to stop, then you get in trouble with your boss the next day because you fell asleep in your coffee. Folks if you want a good book try shopping somewhere else, if you want a great book this is the one for you.
Rating:
Summary: Captures The Reader
Review: Very dramatic, action filled! Pulls the reader right smack into the middle of the action! A seriously good read -- one you can't put down until you finish and makes you want more!
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