City of Suspects

Rating:
Summary: A Stunning Debut!
Review: Although it starts raining bullets one fall night in Portland, Oregon, first-time author Katy King tells a tale of murder and betrayal that reads like a rose-strewn love letter to the City of Suspects.

Jane Lanier, a smart and smart-alecky private investigator with a murky past, goes to her office late one Friday night only to find the dead body of the local bad guy slumped over her desk. From there, things get complicated.

With wit and a sharp eye for detail, Katy King chronicles Lanier's exploits in a way that packs a punch and never lets up. I didn't see the end coming.

Rating:
Summary: City of Suspects
Review: If you LIKE the excitement of a John Grisham novel, you will LOVE Katy King's novel, City of Suspects. It has been a long time since I have picked up a novel and could not put it down. It is quick, witty and full of surprises. Finally, a book so enjoyable, I have extra copies on hand to give out as gifts!!!

Rating:
Summary: City of Suspects
Review: If you LIKE the excitement of a John Grisham novel, you will LOVE Katy King's novel, City of Suspects. It has been a long time since I have picked up a novel and could not put it down. It is quick, witty and full of surprises. Finally, a book so enjoyable, I have extra copies on hand to give out as gifts!!!

Rating:
Summary: first novel -- first class!
Review: Katy King has a lovely style all her own. Her detective, Jane Lanier, is completely likeable, completely human, and endlessly interesting. She does make you laugh. Her eccentricities are appealing and feel genuine rather than cute. The story has an excellent pace; the setting is absolutely fantastic--description of the city, Portland, is enticing. Katy King will bring tourists who are looking for Jane's hangouts and the streets where she lives!I look forward to the next Jane Lanier story very much.

Rating:
Summary: A New City of Mystery
Review: Move over Chicago, New York and L.A., there is a new city of mystery in the literary world - Portland, Oregon. Katy King introduces the world to the City of Portland through the eyes of her primary character, P.I. Jane Lanier in City of Suspects. The story follows Lanier through her trials and tribulations as a female Private Detective in the small city of Portland, Oregon. Within the first 30 pages you are griped by a car explosion, a murder, and a sex scene. Unlike many fictional characters that have superhuman confidence, amazing intellect and a can do no wrong attitude; Lanier appears to be truly human. We learn about her insecurities, fears, and emotional back-story in a quick and to the point manner that interweaves very nicely with the plot line. Though it is unfortunate that the ending comes a little too quickly and everything wraps very conveniently in one easy to swallow package, King accomplishes what it seems she wanted, in less than 250 pages. At the novels conclusion it also appears that Lanier will be having more adventures in the very near future.

For a first time novelist, King shows a remarkable grasp of not only her subject and surroundings but of writing style and fictional prose. Though the novel could hardly be considered high literature, it is entertaining none the less. Those who live in Portland, Oregon or have recently visited will enjoy King's takes on the cities sites, sounds and people. The opening pages on the book provide a good example, "Rain fell over Portland, Oregon...It swelled the Willamette River, stripped the trees of their leaves, and sent tears streaming down the copper face of Portlandia, the six and a half ton statue that guards the city from her perch..." It will be interesting to watch as King's writing style grows as her characters have more adventures.

Overall, I would highly recommend this novel. The quick prose and fast plot line make City of Suspects an easy and enjoyable read (good for long road trips or flights). It is perfect for those long, rainy winters in Portland, Oregon or anywhere else in the world. I look forward to the next installment of the Adventures of Jane Lanier.

Rating:
Summary: A New City of Mystery
Review: Move over Chicago, New York and L.A., there is a new city of mystery in the literary world - Portland, Oregon. Katy King introduces the world to the City of Portland through the eyes of her primary character, P.I. Jane Lanier in City of Suspects. The story follows Lanier through her trials and tribulations as a female Private Detective in the small city of Portland, Oregon. Within the first 30 pages you are griped by a car explosion, a murder, and a sex scene. Unlike many fictional characters that have superhuman confidence, amazing intellect and a can do no wrong attitude; Lanier appears to be truly human. We learn about her insecurities, fears, and emotional back-story in a quick and to the point manner that interweaves very nicely with the plot line. Though it is unfortunate that the ending comes a little too quickly and everything wraps very conveniently in one easy to swallow package, King accomplishes what it seems she wanted, in less than 250 pages. At the novels conclusion it also appears that Lanier will be having more adventures in the very near future.

For a first time novelist, King shows a remarkable grasp of not only her subject and surroundings but of writing style and fictional prose. Though the novel could hardly be considered high literature, it is entertaining none the less. Those who live in Portland, Oregon or have recently visited will enjoy King's takes on the cities sites, sounds and people. The opening pages on the book provide a good example, "Rain fell over Portland, Oregon...It swelled the Willamette River, stripped the trees of their leaves, and sent tears streaming down the copper face of Portlandia, the six and a half ton statue that guards the city from her perch..." It will be interesting to watch as King's writing style grows as her characters have more adventures.

Overall, I would highly recommend this novel. The quick prose and fast plot line make City of Suspects an easy and enjoyable read (good for long road trips or flights). It is perfect for those long, rainy winters in Portland, Oregon or anywhere else in the world. I look forward to the next installment of the Adventures of Jane Lanier.

Rating:
Summary: I'm ready for the next Jane Lanier escapade!
Review: What a fun read! Jane Lanier, Private Investigator, not only has a self-deprecating style, but makes uncanny observations about people that had me laughing out loud. This author has the recipe for success with City of Suspects. It was an easy read, and left me ready for the next installment. If you like J.A. Jance, Robert Crais or Sue Grafton, you will enjoy following Katy King as she takes us through Portland, Oregon in Jane's leaky Cabriolet solving crimes and cracking down on criminals.