Good Morning, Killer

Rating:
Summary: Wasn't impressed.
Review: As a rule I try to read as many authors of the crime genre as I can, whether they are new or established. This novel left me asking myself, "why did I buy this book?" It is rare for me to lose interest in a book or author, but this one has done just that. I must say, I was able to find a new talent that I enjoyed reading. I picked up "Waves of Deceit" by Marlene de Velasco and found her writing style to be quite refreshing and entertaining. She will definitely go far.

Rating:
Summary: good but flawed
Review: I agree with the reviewer "samantha". The book is a quick read, and the writing is smooth. I will read this author's next book. However, the relationship between Ana and her boyfriend Andrew is unbelievable. First, we are told that they have discussed living together, which suggests that they have at least been dating a few months, but they seem to have a total lack of understanding of each other. Andrew's character is not developed enough for the reader to figure out why he is treating Ana so badly. Ana, on the other hand, consistently behaves like a teenager -- she exhibits so little common sense or self-control in her dealings with Andrew that you doubt she could have passed FBI psychological tests. This incomprehensible relationship drives some very peculiar plot twists that untimately seem unbelievable to me. In the midst of all this, the main story of the serial rapist gets lost.

Rating:
Summary: Waste of Time and Money
Review: I had never picked up an April Smith novel before, but was intrigued by her lead character. The book had an excellent start, then went horribly wrong. Too many crimes, too many back stories, and a brilliant lead character who turned into a completely ignorant stereo-typical female-running-from-a-killer-in-high-heels victim. My first exposure to April Smith's work, will be my last.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I read April Smith's first book, North of Montana, and enjoyed it. This book continues with the character of FBI Special Agent Ana Grey but this one leaves a lot to be desired. I agree with the reviewers who thought her relationship with her boyfriend, Andrew was not believeable. He was cruel, a cheat and a liar and yet she falls all over him right to the end. If April Smith's intent was to make Ana a doormat, she surely succeeded. The characterization of Andrew is very poor since nothing came through that would make him in any way loveable. He was a Neanderthal and her attachment to him doesn't ring true. In addition, I though she left several plot lines from North of Montana hanging. Her relationship with Donnato was just dropped with no explanation and we don't know for sure what happened to her grandfather. The characters all through the book were wooden and the plot was a little fantastic. This was a disappointment.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I unfortunately have to agree with some of the other negative reviews of Good Morning Killer. I read North of Montana when it came out and loved it, and in fact re-read it to refresh my memory before settling in with this book. What a disappointment! I found myself unable to even finish the book (I basically just skimmed the last few chapters to get the general idea) as it deteriorated into an unbelievable mess. Ana's relationship with Andrew was not developed enough for me to want the details of the inevitable train wreck. While I like April Smith's writing style, this book's storyline was unbelievable. Also, I found myself wondering if the book's events were somehow supposed to take place BEFORE North of Montana, since there was no mention whatsoever of the fling with Donnato and the fact that he was supposedly getting a divorce at the end of North of Montana. And what about Poppy, whom we left dying in North of Montana? After such great efforts from April Smith, including Be the One, this one was a huge disappointment.

Rating:
Summary: A huge achievement!
Review: Ms. Smith's novel is a major work of crime fiction that goes way beyond the typical genre novel. Here you'll find deep characterization, a strong sense of place, powerful narrative drive and a compelling psycho-moral drama...qualities one finds only in the very best crime novels. Moreover, her heroine is a fascinatingly complex character. "Good Morning, Killer" is a huge achievement for this author, a fitting follow-up to her brilliant "North Of Montana" published a decade ago. Kudos to the author!

Rating:
Summary: Jim in Atlanta
Review: Shockingly bad. The main character was so screwed up I could not imagine her solving the crime. How are we supposed to believe in her competence when she so clumsily and incompetently tries to cover up her own "crime?" Her relationship with the detective was only sketched in, and we are supposed to accept their grand passion? Perhaps worst of all, I saw the "surprise" resolution of the book coming about halfway through. Horrible.

Rating:
Summary: A TOPNOTCH READING
Review: Those who saw the movies "Chicago" or "Birdcage" know that Christine Baranski is one terrific actress - versatile and appealing. Thus, it comes as no surprise that she gives one terrific reading of April Smith's follow-up to her highly popular thriller "North Of Montana" (1994).

Los Angeles based FBI agent Ana Grey returns - she's as tough and savvy as ever. Ambitious? Of course. Irreverent? Always.

With a story taken from today's front pages a 15-year-old girl has vanished. She was last seen at a mall close to her Santa Monica home. What happened? Was she abducted or did she choose to disappear? Granted, the girl had problems and she was hanging out at the Third Street Promenade, a tourist and entertainment mecca.

Local police are on the job, but if it's kidnaping that's a federal offense. Enter Ana Grey. It doesn't take Ana too long to discover that other girls may also be in peril. A psychopathic killer may be roaming the streets. Ana places herself in jeopardy in order to track this sadistic murderer.

Chalk one more hit up for April Smith and Christine Baranski!

- Gail Cooke