In Big Trouble

Rating:
Summary: Well Done
Review: "In Big Trouble" is very well written, carefully plotted and full of good characters.
As I am reading the Tess Monaghan series in order, this is my 4th Laura Lippman read. This is easily her best mystery in the whodunit and plotting categories. Lots of red herrings and plenty of possible suspects.
It is her first one that takes place outside of Baltimore, and that was a minus for me. Having lived in Baltimore, I find her a great voice for that great city. Her books give me my Baltimore fix...so with 95% of the action Texas I was disappointed.
That said, this is a strong work and well worth reading. It truly shows how the author has grown as a mystery writer.
So, if Texas locations are what you like, this is a spectacular read.
I look forward her "The Sugar House" shortly.

Rating:
Summary: Well drawn characters & an enjoyable read
Review: I had trouble putting down "In Big Trouble". Not because it was so suspenseful - but rather because I genuinely like Tess Monaghan, and the other characters (many of whom were introduced in this book, and I hope will return to visit). The mystery was good, once the direction of the book was established - but in the end all of her details came together nicely. Definately a recommended read!

Rating:
Summary: The best of the series (so far!)
Review: I love that Lippman is willing to let her characters learn from life. Maybe it's because I'm close to both Tess's age (30) and place in life (what do I do when I grow up?), but I really liked this book. As with previous books, I do think Lippman tends to throw in one too many unexpected surprises toward the end, but it doesn't keep the reader from enjoying the good story or the excellent characterizations. For those of you who read this series for Baltimore, don't let the Texas setting throw you off - Lippman's love of geography is just as evident here as in previous Tess books. A good read!

Rating:
Summary: Texas Tess
Review: In this entry, Tess is GTT -- gone to Texas. This mystery plays out on the streets of San Antone and Austin to great comic effect. Having lived in both Texas and Baltimore, it is a special hoot to read about Tess's doings with the characters and the cuisine of the Lone Star State. Tess is a big strapping gal let loose in a big strapping state. Unfortunately, as with other Tess stories, the plot is a bit weak compared with the characters. That said, this is a very enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: Tess is the best!
Review: Laura Lippman is one of very few authors I buy immediately when a book comes out in hardback. Her books are simply too good to wait for paperback.

Rating:
Summary: Lippman scores again with another fantastic book
Review: Laura Lippman once again proves she's one of America's hottest new mystery authors with her latest entry in the Tess Monaghan series, IN BIG TROUBLE. This time, Tess has to leave her precious Baltimore to search for a missing person in Texas -- and he just happens to be her old boyfriend, Crow. It's fun to see Tess as a fish out of water, and there's some great comic relief, especially the Vietnamese owner of the motel Tess stays in (she's hooked on junk food and Spanish soap operas). Fans of Julie Smith and Sara Paretsky should give Lippman's PI a try.

Rating:
Summary: Lovely book
Review: Ms Lippmann has a graceful, lovely style. Not as hardboiled as most of my reading choices, I'd classify this as a cozy, but a good read nonetheless.

Rating:
Summary: Lovely book
Review: Tess Monaghan shines in Lippman's new novel, IN BIG TROUBLE. Tess is portrayed, as always, as a completely believable and yet extremely strong female character. Finding her ex-bofriend Crow, and solving the murders that surround him, make for a very interesting and entertaining read. Lippman's writing style also lends to the enjoyment of this book. I highly recommend it; however, if you've never read Lippman you should probably start at the beginning of the "Tess" series.

Rating:
Summary: Lippman Does it Again
Review: Tess Monaghan shines in Lippman's new novel, IN BIG TROUBLE. Tess is portrayed, as always, as a completely believable and yet extremely strong female character. Finding her ex-bofriend Crow, and solving the murders that surround him, make for a very interesting and entertaining read. Lippman's writing style also lends to the enjoyment of this book. I highly recommend it; however, if you've never read Lippman you should probably start at the beginning of the "Tess" series.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting entry in the series
Review: The best in the series so far; Tess is hitting her stride. But the end was somewhat rushed.