Night Work

After a few dozen pages of this book, I realized that I had read it before or at least had started it in some bookstore. I certainly couldn't remember how it ended so the journey was not impaired. Much of Laurie King's work can be characterized in a feminist vein, but none so much as this book. And in Laurie King's hands, feminism is a not-always-pretty, but always-present element in the lives of the women who populate this pages. This had a powerful effect on me. I found myself cringing at things I should have been applauding and completely taken in because of my own personal stereotyping. This was not a comfortable read (so many of Laurie King's books are not) but it was a good and necessary journey. As with some of Thomas Perry's books, we find ourselves understanding the motivations of people who do things we absolutely cannot condone. Having said all that, it is good to be back in the same orbit with Kate Martinelli and Al Hawkin and their assorted cast of friends and lovers.

Even though I love Laurie King's Sherlock & Mary series, I have long been looking forward to a new Kate Martinelli story from her. As a woman, I relate to many of the issues woven into her story, and she makes me think about Life, just as relationships and events in my own life do. Like all my favorite series, this one had me completely involved in Kate's life, as well as the lives of those around her; and I wanted to know, "What happened next! "Night Work did not disappoint me at all. I am able to say to all Laurie King fans; "It's a good 'un from beginning to end!" And let's face it, she's one of the best writers of mystery novels ever. This new book is as excellently written as all her others, which is high praise indeed. King takes us deeper into the lives of Kate, her partner Lee, her work partner Al, their friends and family, and other interesting people along the way. These people interact believably, their characters become clearer to us, and some of them grow personally in ways that we can relate to and learn from.For me a good novel is a good novel, and the genre chosen as its setting is largely irrelevant. I like books that interest, excite, and move me; as well as making me think about the important issues in life, both those which transcend the particular and those especially important to our lives today. Laurie King's books meet all my criteria for a good novel - actually, a very good novel, indeed - and I look forward to many more from her.

I read Night Work. Then I read it again. And then I re-read Ms. King's other Kate Martinelli books in order. Night Work was one of those books where I read each and every word. The plots held my interest... the murders, the LOPD, and Kate's home life. The characters were rich and full and the exploration of the Indian culture was very interesting. Nothing felt flat. What I like about this series is nothing is given away freely. Kate and Al uncover one clue at a time, and sometimes not in time. This is what I imagine police work really is like. One thing I noticed is the vast amounts of coffee everyone consumes. My stomach aches just to think about it. And Night Work certainly did set off my craving for Indian food. In talking with others, some one suggested this was Ms. King's last Kate and Al book. I hope not, I really hope not.

Stop! If you haven't read the first three Kate Martinelli Mysteries. They MUST be read in order.For those of you still with me, this mystery returns to the police procedural style of the first two Kate books: A Grave Talent and To Play the Fool. Yes, Lee and all of Kate's friends are still around, and some of them even get a lot of page time. However, this book doesn't have pages and pages of personal angst like With Child.The mystery itself is wonderful and all the clues are given along the way. As the publisher provided summary suggests, this book focuses on political anti-violence against women activities and cyber hit lists. Very contemporary. Very detailed.Kate's private life also gets some attention so all the lose ends from With Child are tied together.Overall, this was a wonderfully fulfilling book. Don't plan on reading it in small chunks. You'll want to read straight through to the end.

Though it may seem an appropriate measure, vigilante justice regardless of the outcome remains illegal. Unfortunately, many Americans are thrilled by the antics of the feminist vigilante group, Ladies of Perpetual Disgruntlement who use a taser to stun males who have committed crimes against females.The courts cleared Barry Doyle of statutory rape charges. However, the LOPD abducted him, stripped him, tatooed him with "I screw children" and left him spread eagled on the side of the highway. However, justice turns even uglier when a second group kills two serial rapists. San Francisco police detectives Kate Martinelli and Al Hawkins begin to investigate these avenging angels or devils, depending on your outlook.Award winning Laurie R. King will probably be the recipient of more honors for her latest Martinelli tale, NIGHT WORK. The numerous subplots converge into the powerful main story line to add much depth to a complex and thrilling novel. Ms. King provides insight into Kate's personal life, especially with her life mate and their friends. Those segments provide relief from a chilling, fast-paced story that is a memorable police procedural.Harriet Klausner