Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Book & Audio Review: Night Work by Laurie R. King

Night Work

Author:
Laurie R. King
Narrator: Alyssa Bresnahan
Series: A Kate Martinelli Mystery (Book 4)
Publication: Bantam (July 22, 2009); Recorded Books (July 18, 2007)
Length: 419 p.; 11 hours and 30 minutes

Description: Best-selling author Laurie King has won both critical and popular acclaim for her mysteries featuring San Francisco detective Kate Martinelli

Looking forward to routine police work after her last terrifying case, Kate finds herself on the trail of vigilantes targeting abusive men in the San Francisco area. Kate has just returned to active duty after being injured on the job. Her girlfriend, Lee, has moved back into their home, and their relationship is on the mend. But the calm, predictable life Kate's looking forward to doesn't materialize.

The Ladies of Perpetual Disgruntlement is practicing a modern equivalent of tarring and feathering violent men who seem to have escaped justice. The police department finds their antics humorous until men that fit their profile start turning up dead. As Kate tries to stop the killing, her investigation leads her too close to home for comfort.

A winner of the Edgar Award, Laurie King fills her mysteries with vivid characters and more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Narrator Alyssa Bresnahan finds the perfect voice for the tough-as-nails detective.

My Thoughts: Kate and most of the police department are more amused than angry when the Ladies of Perpetual Disgruntlement begin their campaign to bring discomfort and embarrassment to men who are suspected of crimes against women but not convicted. But when those suspected abusers begin turning up dead, it is up to Al and Kate to find the killers.

Throw in a potential bride death of a young Indian woman who was brought over to the US to marry and the crime gets close to home. Kate and Lee's friend Roz is involved in the deaths in various ways. When the spouse is also found murdered, at first it looks like another crime for the feminist vigilantes. But some things just don't fit. 

This was an intriguing episode with a lot of information on the goddesses of pre-Christian times and their effects on women today. It also has lots of information on abuse of women and the things vigilantes can do in the internet age. 

Fans of the series, especially those with an interest in theology, will enjoy this episode.

Favorite Quote:
"Love and rage," Roz said thoughtfully. "They're never that far apart, are they?"
I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

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