Rated of 5
by Jeanne W. (COLUMBIA, MD) Better Luck Next Time
I'm a huge fan, but this was my least favorite Laura Lippman book ever. It bounced back and forth in time so much that I never felt I was spending enough time in one era. I never got into the flow of the story. Heloise was not a very likable character. I felt that she painted herself as a victim and didn't really take responsibility for her own actions which resulted in people dying. I never understood what the point of the book was supposed to be. I hope she gets back on track the next time.
Rated of 5
by Wendy H. And When She Was Good
A thought-provoking stand alone from Laura Lippman. Helen/Heloise is a Starbucks swilling, Maryland suburban “Madam” who wants nothing more than for her young son to wake up every day knowing he is loved and safe, something she never had. The storyline jumps back and forth in time which builds the suspense of the novel, and Lippman does a good job of keeping the transitions smooth. The character of Helen/Heloise is very well drawn and quite complex.
This is a perfect book mystery club selection, especially with the very polarizing topics of should we decriminalize prostitution and is prostitution a victimless crime?
Rated of 5
by Kristen K. (Atlanta, Georgia) And When She Was Good
This book is the story of a "suburban madam". The woman's back story is revealed slowly through out the book. I did feel some sympathy for the main character and understood why she grew to suppress all emotion except for her son. The book kept me reading because I wanted to find out why she ended up where she did and what her motivations were. In the end I felt very lukewarm towards the heroine and doubted the life she hoped to make for herself and her son. I wouldn't recommend this book because I didn't really like the main character.
Rated of 5
by Carol G. (Little Egg Harbor, NJ) And When She Was Good
I love Laura L's books and this does not disapoint!
The book is well written and explores a subject that is often avoided.
I immediately bonded with the character which is important to me when reading a book; I was unable to put the book down and read it in 2 sittings.
I have read most of Laura's books and I highly recommend them to my book club and friends.
I look forward to her next book and am very grateful that I was chosen to read this book for review.
I hope the author comes to southern NJ in the near future as I would love to meet her.
Rated of 5
by Brenda S. (Grand Rapids, MN) I Didn't Want It to End
Few books are written that you actually want to take on vacation. Laura Lippman has given us books in the past that are quite good and this one is no exception. I was reading at a good pace, and then slowed down because I didn't want it to end. When you can read a story and feel the emotion from all sides, even anger at the protagonist at times, it is a good story. I was surprised that the story was as current as it was with events that seemed to have occurred just yesterday. Dear Laura: please keep these books coming.
Rated of 5
by Shelly B. (STATEN ISLAND, NY) And When She Was Good
Overall I enjoyed the book, with some reservations. I found Heloise to be somewhat condradictory. On the one hand, she ran a very successful "business", but on the other hand she was sometimes childlike, and made very poor decisions. On some levels I found her characterization to be less than believable. Overall though, I found the story interesting. I liked the going back and forth with the timeline. I would rate this book between average and good, therefore a 3.5, I felt it was better than just average.
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of 5
by Jeanne W. (COLUMBIA, MD) 
of 5
by Wendy H. 
of 5
by Kristen K. (Atlanta, Georgia) 
of 5
by Shelly B. (STATEN ISLAND, NY) 
