Alley Kat Blues

I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this author. Victim of the massive TBR pile. Alley Kat Blues deals with two parallel cases--Kat's and her long-distance boyfriend's (he's a cop in Vegas)--an apparent hit & run that the victim's mother insists can't be, and a serial killer who hits too close to home for Hank. There are also some real relationship difficulties in this one, honestly dealt with.

Karen Kijewski is a marvelous author! I've read half of her books and will continue to finish up her Kat Colorado series. Although her portrayal of the Mormon family in this book is extreme and does not reflect all Mormons, obviously, I was intrigued by the accurate portrayal of the victim's struggle between a strict religious upbringing and a more liberal adult acknowledgment of gray areas in many decisions. In this aspect, Kijewski's work is very accurate, and very intriguing. There still are polygamists (though the Mormon church does not associate themselves with them). And, Mormons have a hard time talking about sexual abuse/rape, for sure. If nothing else, read the book for a good mystery, because it is.

This was a hard-to-put-down book, exploring both the professional and personal sides of Kat's life. She must solve a heinous murder and resolve a roadblock in her relationship with her cop lover, Hank. Great characters in a compelling story. From other reviews that seemed to concentrate on the Mormon aspects of the plot, it appears that the word went out to Mormons to disparage the book, unfairly so, I believe. "Alley Kat Blues" is a fine addition to a series that gets better with every book. If you like gutsy female PIs and a gripping read, this book's for you.

I've read almost all of Kijewski's books and this is my favorite so far. There's a lot going on here -Kat is having personal as well as professional problems. Her boyfriend, Hank, is distant and preoccupied and Kat has been jittery about the relationship all along. I didn't put this book down until I finished it. I hope all readers found this book as absorbing as I did.

Karen Kijewski never fails to entertain me with gutsy, bold characters confronting too-true situations. Patricia Cornwell she is not, but an interesting read nonetheless. Kat Colorado's spunk keeps me coming back for more, eagerly searching for Kat's latest 'project', anxiously awaiting the day when all ends well, and of course, it never does. 'Alley Cat Blues' is set in the familiar stomping grounds of Kat and her sometimes boyfriend, Hank. While Hank, a gritty but soft-hearted cop,is preoccupied with a Las Vegas skirt and a series of murders, Kat desperately tries solve her own hit-and-run case,assist Hank, and salvage their relationship. One or two gaps in the story line, but no major complaints. A definite 'recommend' for mystery lovers, a 'must' for Kijewski fans