Product Description
In Locked In, San Francisco private eye Sharon McCone was shot in the head and suffered from locked-in syndrome: almost total paralysis but with an alert, conscious mind.Now, as Sharon struggles to regain control over her body, she wants everything to go back to normal, but realizes that it may not be possible to return to her old life. Meanwhile, Sharon's relationships are suffering. Her husband is impatient with her refusal to accept help and some of her colleagues doubt her abilities after the accident. But when Sharon's friend from physical therapy goes missing, she must call upon those closest to her to find out the truth behind the disappearance. The investigation soon points to issues of national security and proves to be the most dangerous and critical case yet for Sharon and her colleagues. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

great McCone thriller
San Francisco private investigator Sharon McCone still recovers from the bullet she took to her head that left her mind intact Locked In her paralyzed body.However, she becomes concerned when her widow friend Piper Quinn suddenly without warning stops coming to the rehab center they both use.

Worried as the sleuth knows Piper has not moved on past the death of her husband in combat in Iraq, Sharon goes to the Quinn home.There she finds her buddy in a semi-comatose sate with a mean spirited care provider not wanting any visitors.Sharon sends her office manager Adah Joslyn to see if Piper needs anything.However, Piper is gone and her apartment immaculately cleaned as if no one lived there.Soon after her visit, Adah disappears.Sharon and her crew at McCone Investigations begin snooping, but the clues they uncover hint at a top secret government intelligence agency.

This is a great McCone thriller that hooks the reader from the opening scene as the heroine struggles to come back from her horrific injuries and never slows down until the finish.The story line is fast-paced and affirms that marvelous Marcia Mueller is one of the genre's best.Set aside time, as this McCone masterpiece is difficult to put down.

Harriet Klausner

FROM LOCKED-IN TO TOTALLY FREE
Sharon McCone is striving to come back to work after her "locked-in syndrome" experience in "Locked In".She is religiously working out at the rehab center where she meets Piper Quinn (another patient).When Piper fails to show up for a few days of rehab, Sharon goes to her apartment to check on her.What she finds there is a woman who claims to be Piper's aunt from Oklahoma and said woman appears to be drugging Piper.Sharon still feels extremely uneasy about this person and begins research.What she uncovers is a real thriller.

Journey back to Self
"Locked In" was quite a departure for Marcia Muller's Sharon McCone series.Insight into how all the characters responded to the crisis of almost losing one of their own."Coming Back" is the journey back to the way things used to be and will, in all probability, never be the same again. The kidnapping plot is the vehicle to drive Sharon back to the person she once was, and it is weak in story line and credibility.That being said, it moves along quite nicely and grabs you by its intensity.I read the book in one day and was pleased to see that McCone was getting her life back together and I am now eagerly awaiting the next book in the installment.I want to see McCone back in the pilot's seat of an airplane.I would like to see Ted recognized for his own insight into the next phase of his career into investigation. I want to know more about Neal and about Sharon's father and biological family.If you are a Marcia Muller fan and have followed Sharon McCone from the beginning, you will not be disappointed.A very good cozy on the couch with a cup of coffee read!

"It was as if the accident had severed her time line, leaving Before on one side and After on the other."

Muller freely employs what I think of as the "James Patterson Effect" to propel her tale of kidnapping and cover-up, chapters than run from 3-4 pages. In Coming Back, Muller features a number of characters, at least six, to develop a plot that begins with PI Sharon McCone's rehabilitation from a bullet in the head and culminates with the attempted rescue of two hostages. Locating the hostages is a group effort for McCone's team of investigators, untangling the intricate web of criminal enterprise that smack of professions. My disappointment with this Muller novel- my first-is that it never quite goes all in: we learn of McCone's brain injury and the terrifying "locked-in syndrome" she endures, only to throw herself into the investigation without incident; the characters, like the chapters, jump from one to another, none fully developed; and the threat to McCone and her team is never quite dangerous enough to jeopardize their lives.

McCone's horrific experience of "locked-in syndrome" slips conveniently into irrelevance as she powers through the doubts of coworkers in pursuit of the culprits with her crack investigators, supported by a technologically savvy staff and the resources of her husband's private security business. That isn't to say no one gets killed- they do- but there is no real build up of tension to suggest the missing patient from McCone's rehab hospital and the kidnapped former SFPD homicide detective won't survive the machinations of a well-organized criminal conspiracy. The result is a thriller that fails to thrill, only hints at a promise it fails to keep. This patchwork of people and actions almost succeeds, but the author relies too heavily on formula and not enough on her own instinct. Luan Gaines/2010.

One of her best yet!
I am a huge fan of Marcia Muller's series featuring Sharon Mccone.She is on my go to list for authors I buy from and usually do not check the synopsis of the story before buying. I have to admit, I was hesitant this time around since her previous book entitled Locked In dealt with her being shot and in a coma for quite a while and the slow agonizing challenge of ever being able to communicate with words or physical aids, let alone being a hard hitting, brilliant detective running a quite successful and highly reputable PI agency.

I was also thinking the book would pick up with her still having inpatient care and all her frustrations of being a patient and not being able to do things for herself; i.e. asking for help,which was never her strong suit to begin with!

Well, I was not disappointed one bit with this latest installment.While Sharon gets off to a slow start in her efforts to be part of the agency in a more physical and leadership role, she ends up getting involved in a case that could either make her or break her, and cause serious problems in all her relationships.

The format of the book is written in the style of switching back and forth between all the employees and her husband, Hy,and their thoughts and feelings revolving around a case that at first was a simple missing person, who Sharon had become attached to while going through her rigorous physical and speech therapy needed for her recovery. It quickly becomes far reaching with a multiple sub-plot, including political cover ups, and higher ups which could and does bring dangerous consequences to all the players from the agency, including her spouse, Hy.I normally don't care for this type of format, switching back and forth but in this book, it worked perfectly and was very easy to follow.

There was a theme running through the book that Sharon was very afraid she would never be able to do the things she used to do, and that she had lost that part of herself to her core that made her the woman she was before she was injured and left for dead.

What I liked most about this book is that it was a tribute to Sharon's fight for life and to get back all the things and qualties that made her one of the best PI's in this genre. At the same time, she was not having a pity party and just giving up! In fact, it actually gave her hope that she could be even better.

Once I started reading this book, I had to finish it in one sitting!It was simply amazing, and I am so grateful that Ms. Muller wrote this book.I highly recommend this book. It has plenty of action, some great insights into all the employees and her husband that we normally don't see in the other books, and flows smoothly, is suspenseful and quite entertaining. ... Read more

Product Description
Shot in the head by an unknown assailant, San Francisco private eye Sharon McCone finds herself trapped by locked-in syndrome: almost total paralysis but an alert, conscious mind. As she lies in her hospital bed, furiously trying to break out of her body's prison, all the members of her agency fan out to find the reason she was attacked. Meanwhile, Sharon becomes an incapacitated detective, evaluating the clues from her staff's separate investigations and discovering unsettling truths that could put her life in jeopardy again. But as the case draws to a shocking conclusion, her husband, Hy, threatens to return to his own violent past--and exact fatal vengeance on Sharon's would-be killer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Wow!you won't want to put this down
I have read all of the Marcia Muller Sharon McCone novels and this has to be one of my favorites.I like the way all the characters get their own chapters and their own missions.To see how the investigation comes together and all the pieces fit together is riveting.I did not want the story to end but it ended well and now I have pre-ordered the new book.Thank you Marcia for making the locked in syndrome so real and from a unique perspective.

Locked In, One of Muller's Best
Locked In is one of Muller's best - but it assumes you've read the series. The story has typical Marcia Muller / Sharon McCone complexity which she and her characters pull off beautifully.It also summarizes and wraps up most of the series' characters, leaving the reader wondering if the series is ending.

As Sharon McCone's life, (worst case) or ability to function at some level (seemingly best case) hangs precariously, Muller shifts points of view. In very short, unevenly alternating chapters the series characters work their cases, hoping to flush out the perp that attacked McCone. I normally dislike changing points of view as I get vested in the story being told and don't want to get vested in a different story and wait to find out what happens in the first one. But Muller makes it work so well that it enhanced my reading experience.

Each chapter is short enough to provide a snapshot of what the series regulars are up to on their cases, as well as a review of their relationships with Sharon, what impact she's had on their personal and/or work lives, and how much they care about her. This is a clever device as it gives the reader a review of series highlights, shows us how the characters have evolved (for which I'm very grateful - dislike stagnant characterizations in formulaic series) and keeps us guessing whether Muller is going to knock off McCone and end the series - for which I would be very, very sorry. It also serves to give an increased interest in the other series characters. I'm now prepared for, and would happily read, future series installments from the point of view of its other characters.

It was a great and satisfying read. I recommend it to anyone who has read the series.

Marcia Muller Does It Again
Incapacitated by a bullet to the head, Sharon McCone lies fully aware but immobile in her hospital bed trying to make sense of her shooting and of the cases her agency is currently working on.Was her shooting merely a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or was there something more sinister behind it?Was it a random act - the result of disturbing a burglar - or was it related to one of her cases?Able to communicate only by blinking her eyes, McCone listens intently to the reports delivered to her by her operatives. At times in despair, at times hopeful, ever determined, McCone wrestles with her physical impairment, her inability to communicate anything other than a yes or no, her agency's cases, and doubts about whether she will remain in her current locked-in state for the rest of her life.This is a compelling, satisfying story told by a master of the mystery genre.Kudos to Marcia Muller for yet another great novel.

A Master of the Mystery Genre
Marcia Muller, one of the "grand masters" of the mystery genre, brings us another memorable installment in the long-running Sharon McCone series.In a departure from the usual construct - McCone involved in solving some crime or mystery, with co-workers, friends and family taking supporting roles - McCone is shot, and her co-workers, friends and family take front and center stage while she is immobilized and (everyone thinks) unresponsive in the hospital after being critically wounded by gunfire in her own office complex.

In fact, however, she is suffering from "locked in syndrome": awake and aware, but unable to communicate that fact. All she can move are her eyelids.

This gives the reader the opportunity to learn the backstories of McCone's associates. As rich as this series is in complex characters, these stories enhance the characters even more. It will be interesting to see where Muller takes the series while McCone is undergoing what promises to be a long, painful rehabilitation. Get at it, Sharon!

If you've never read a Sharon McCone mystery, I recommend that you start with //Edwin of the Iron Shoes// - the first of what is now a 27-volume series - and just keep right on going. You won't regret a word of it!

Reviewed by Claudette Smith

Interesting, but not one of her best
I've read most of the recent novels in this series, so I was already familiar with the "back story" and the characters.As other reviewers have noted, the book could be confusing to someone who doesn't have that familiarity.But it was refreshing for McCone to solve a mystery by using her brains alone, rather than fisticuffs and firepower.

I found that the plot moved along briskly, and seeing it unfold through the eyes of many different characters kept my interest (although you do have to pay attention to whose point of view you're hearing in each chapter).The "major" crime being investigated had moments of "give me a break," but all in all it was worked out well.But I was disappointed in the reason why McCone was shot -- she might as well have been hit by a bus. ... Read more

Product Description
Traumatized by a recent life-or-death investigation, Sharon McCone flees to her ranch in California's high desert country to contemplate her future.Deep depression shadows her days and nights, and a chance encounter with a troubled, highly secretive Native American woman begins to haunt her dreams.Even though she is determined not to investigate anything during her stay--and perhaps not ever again--McCone is drawn into the plight of the young woman and her dysfunctional family.A murder and traces of violence at a deserted resort lead her across the desert and into Nevada, and finally to a remote and isolated ranch, where danger lies closer that she expects and where her future and life itself may hang in the balance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

good title
I've read most of the earlier books in this series when Sharon was a strugglingp.i.and then working with a firm helping the poor. I found the series good at that time. But now Sharon is pretty rich and her husband Hy is probably even richer. Her problems are about managing her successful company from which she must run and she runs to the ranch owned by her husband where she comes up with a problem involving his employees there and their relatives. The problem itself is interesting and also the ranch is interesting. My problem with the book is that the main character is really burned out and her solution to her own problem with the business is to find someone else to replace her as manageress. I found myself turned off by her problems as a wealthy woman. She was so much more interesting when she was young and struggling. All the later books I've read were also uninteresting mainly because Sharon is always mentioning her important husband. And in this particular book, because of him t he doors of investigation are all opened for her.
The book is well written and still held my interest; but the series as a whole no longer pulls me in. I think the author should try her hand at going back again with a young, new and inexperienced p.i. who has to fight on her own without the wealthy background.

A Returning Muller Fan
I read Marcia Muller's books years ago, but had not read one for a long time when I stumbled across her latest book Locked In at the library.This renewed my interest in her novels.Burn Out was an interesting book.The villain, though, was easy to detect from the beginning of the story.The twists and turns of the plot, though, kept my interest through to the conclusion.

Appetite for Mystery
This read was quick and enjoyable. It moved from location to location with good description so you were a part of the surroundings. If you enjoy flying or riding horsback you will enjoy this book. My first from this author but not my last.

Muller does it again!
Marcia Muller is one of my favorite mystery authors.She writes fast-paced mysteries filled with great characters.
This book starts out with Shar McCone alone at her husband's ranch.Even though she has walked away from her profession temporarily, she gets drawn into investigating a murder.Small town secrets, long held, begin to be exposed. By the end of the book, Shar is back in top form again, joining the land of the living.

Good...
I liked a lot about this book: the setting near Yosemite, the private investigator who travels around by private plane, and the colorful web of characters. The plot is good too. I think it's fair to say that Marcia Muller is not a poet; the writing is competent but not lyrical by any means. The book also could have used a few more twists; it's pretty easy to put it all together. Overall, though, this is a gripping and satisfying page-turner. ... Read more

Product Description
In this Spur Award–winning story, a Pinkerton detective, a couple on the run, a wanted man, and a traveling salesman with mysterious wares all converge on the banks of Crucifixion River to take shelter from an impending storm. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Research
Apparently, the writer knows little about crochet.Perhaps when stating "crochet needles clicking" on page 61 of the paperback, knitting needles came to mind.Just FYI, crochet requires ONE hook.Knitting requires two needles.Research is required, even on the little things.

A great anthology!

I wonder if Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini wrote their own vows?

The husband/wife team has compiled a great anthology that spans genres.We have a western, a detective story, and a supernatural tale in "The Carville Ghost".Not bad for 'western' release from Dorchester.

Each of the included pieces is outstanding.There is a 'Nameless Detective' tale by Pronzini (Wrong Place, Wrong Time), a Sharon McCone piece, "Irrefutable Evidence" (Muller), a Sabina Carpenter "Pickpocket" piece, and the charming "Carville Ghost".

My favorite piece is the Carville Ghost, yet "Dying Time" is a close second.This is one kickass collection every fan of great writing should read.

Thanks for these great short stories folks.
... Read more

Product Description
Sharon McCone is hired by her husband's security firm to track down "the ever-running man," a shadowy figure who has been leaving explosive devices at their various offices. She doesn't have to search for long. When McCone narrowly escapes an explosion at the security firm's San Francisco offices, she catches a glimpse of his retreating figure. The ever-running man is dangerously close--and anyone connected to the firm seems to be within his deadly range. To complicate matters, McCone is forced to question her intensely private husband, Hy, about his involvement in some of the firm's dark secrets. The history of corruption may jeopardize their marriage, but uncovering the secrets of the firm may be the only way she can save her husband's life, and her own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Tired and Boring
Marcia Muller's novels starring Sharon McCone, continue to fall beneath expectations.They are now tired and boring. Time for Sharon McCone to retire.

Solid Mystery
Muller never disappoints. In this latest Sharon McCone mystery, PI McCone must investigate her husband Hy Rapinski's business, RKI, to see who is responsible for a series of bombings against the company. Along the way, she discovers a few pieces of information that may irreparably damage her relationship with Rapinski.

All the favorite characters are here -- Ted, Anne Marie, Rae, etc. -- and I especially appreciate how everyone continues to evolve and face challenges of their own.

There are a few "yeah, right" moments, like when a key person of interest in the investigation just coincidentally owns property up the coast from McCone's Touchstone, and when Rapinski readily agrees to hire a low-skilled kept woman of 18 who was dumped by one of the firm's founders (geez, Rapinski -- you think that the bombings might be the work of a disgruntled employee, but you're willing to bring a disgruntled jilted lover on board? NOT!). Overall, though, it's another excellent entry in the McCone saga, one I've been following for over a decade.

MM Never Disappoints
It's amazing to me how after so many years MM continues to turn out great installments of the best series I've ever read.

Unlike other series, where the characters don't age or progress, Sharon does both. I do wish she'd get a bit more back to her roots -- the Sharon with three homes and a plane who stays in five-star hotels is a bit more difficult to relate to than the old Sharon. However, that doesn't detract from the read at all -- actually, I blame it on Hy, who's the one character I've never been able to warm to.

This installment was fast-paced and exciting -- I read the whole thing in less than 24 hours because I couldn't put it down -- although towards the end, the culprit's identity became very apparent and it took Sharon a lot longer than me to figure the whole thing out. As usual, the whole cast is included in the story, but it doesn't feel forced, as if she's just trying to fit them in and sticking them wherever she can. And I love that we got another life-changing event for one of the characters -- MM certainly isn't afraid of changing things up, even in her long-running story arcs.

One little quirk though that drives me nuts -- why does Sharon always refer to her "cellular"? I don't know anyone who calls it that, rather than just their "cell" or "cell phone." Just a little thing I find annoying.

Can't wait to read "Burn Out!"

Vengence is Mine
I've now got the previous 24 Sharon McCone novels the read. I will enjoy both looking for them and reading them. How I missed this author is a mystery, but THE EVER-RUNNING MAN has developed a new fan for the series.
Sharon is hired by her husband to discover the identity of a man seen running away from terrosts type bombings of the facilities of his company. During the investigation one of Hy's partners disappears and the other is murder.
This is a fast moving mystery/thriller with all the twists and turns of California's Highway 1. If like us you are new to this series you won't find a better read.
Writing as a Small BusinessSins of the Fathers: A Brewster County NovelNatchez Above The River: A Family's Survival In The Civil WarUnder the Liberty OakGuns Across the Rio: A Texas Ranger in Old Mexico

Modern who dun it; very interested in Sharon McCone's work; will be reading her other stories
I am new to the Sharon McCone series. I am very glad I've discovered this wonderful series by Marcia Muller. The Ever-Running Man is an intense mystery with surprise twists and turns!

I had to get used to the rhythm of this book. I did think it was way too intense at first, so I put it aside. I planned on returning it to the library. But, I soon found myself wondering about the identity of the "ever-running man", as well as the problems in McCone's marriage to Hy Ripinsky. Obviously Muller crafted strong characters and plot.

I'm glad I finished the book. Muller kept me on my toes until the very end. I recommend this book for all people who are looking for a solid mystery series. ... Read more

Product Description
In her fifteenth case, private investigator Sharon McCone is hired by a shady, millionaire wheeler-dealer named T. J. ""Suitcase"" Gordon, whose numerous enemies quickly become her own. Reprint. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

An Intelligent Mystery

This is an intelligent mystery.Sharon McCone, sleuth, goes into the private eye business for herself.Her first customer is an old friend from her 60's days in Berkeley.This friend is now in the business of doing turn-arounds for companies facing bankruptcy.Is someone out to kill him or is he paranoid from too many years of drug use?

This is a good page-turner, perfect for the beach, vacation or airplane.

Good, if not startling or anything
Marcia Muller has the distinction of being the first woman to successfully write a private eye series where the protagonist was female. The big wave of these books were, of course, prompted by Sara Paretsky and Sue Grafton, however. The difference between Muller's books and that of the other two women is difficult to discern, but I believe I have the answer. Paretsky and Grafton write books where there's a private eye who's female, while Muller writes about a woman who's a private eye. This is a subtle distinction: there's no doubt that all three series have a lot in common. For whatever the reason, however, Muller's stuff reads (to me anyway) more like a romance novel with a mystery plot than an actual mystery. Having said that, Till the Butchers Cut Him Down isn't a bad addition to her series at all.

Sharon McCone has struck out on her own, leaving the legal cooperative that employed her in the previous books in the series, and decided to become a real private eye, complete with office and assistant. Her first case involves an old friend, "Suitcase" Gordon, who used to deal in illicit things which he always carried in a suitcase, hence the nickname. Suitcase is now a successful businessman, but not a very popular one, and someone's apparently taken it into their heads to kill him, destroy his business, or both. He comes to Sharon to see if she can stop them, and the book goes from there.

Muller's prose is easy to read and workmanlike. There's nothing really poetic here, and the characters are only semi-well-defined, but the plot is reasonable and she knows how to keep the action moving. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a decent mystery, with an afternoon at the beach to kill.

Sharon opens her own agency
Private Investigator Sharon McCone has grown and matured through the first fifteen books which comprise the series which bears her name.In this offering, Sharon starts her own agency, although she rents space from her former employer, All Souls' Legal Cooperative, and thus stays in touch with her old friends.Her first case involves an old college chum whom she calls Suits.Although he was an unpromising youth, Suits has become a man of some wealth and influence.He specializes in taking over companies and turning them around so that they become profitable entities again.In the process of doing so, Suits usually cuts unprofitable people and activities, thus earning him numerous enemies.When someone starts to harass him in dangerous ways, Suits decides it's time to bring in an investigator to find out who's responsible.Sharon travels the country, talking to people in companies which Suits has turned around.There are more than enough suspects, and Sharon has to do some extensive sleuthing to see who is threatening Suits and his wife.She takes on her nephew as a temporary assistant and continues her unconventional relationship with Hy Ripinski.Muller's fans will not be disappointed in this entry in the series.

A Cut Above
It is always a pleasure to start in on another McCone mystery from Marcia Muller. The familiar northern California settings and the now-familiar characters surrounding McCone provide a comfort zone that makes it easy to get into each new tale. I've read all the books that preceded this one and recommend them all. Starting at the beginning is the best way to do it.

Even if you've never read any of the other McCone mysteries, though, this one is very good on its own. Having decided to break from All Souls and become an independent investigator, McCone's first client is someone from her student days at UC Berkeley. "Suits" Gordon has become a corporate turnaround specialist and made some enemies along the way. Now, he thinks someone is trying to kill him and he wants McCone to find out who. The plot keeps twisting and turning right through to the end, with never a dull moment along the way.

This is a very good mystery, whether you're familiar with the San Francisco Bay Area and/or past McCone mysteries or not. There are plenty of surprises, and the pace doesn't let up. I have given 4 stars in past reviews to books in this series, but Mullers has outdone herself this time. Her best yet, in my opinion. Highly recommended with 5 stars.

Usual excellent read
This author always provides the goods.Again, we have a thoroughly worthwhile read with the author's usual compelling characterisations and tight plotting.One minute flaw only - the plotting was a mite confusing.Nevertheless, installments in this series are always welcome additions to my bedside table. ... Read more

Product Description
Stretching flat across the water, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is a popular spot...for jumpers. Roger Nagasawa, a brilliant employee at a popular Internet magazine, is its latest "suicide" and veteran P. I. Sharon McCone's new case. But instead of getting closure for his family, McCone uncovers more questions than answers: Roger's stark apartment...his aloof parents, who had wanted an investigation and now refuse to talk...a cutthroat workplace...a cache of secrets in a shady waterfront deal. It's a puzzle within a puzzle with a deadly game at its heart. For the elusive, twisted trail is about to circle back into Sharon McCone's own life-and bring the danger home.Amazon.com Review
Sharon McCone, Marcia Muller's street-smart, San Francisco PI, is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of her brother Joey's suicide when she's hired by Roger Nagasawa's parents to prove that their son died of overwork, and that he was driven to kill himself by the brutal, high-pressure atmosphere at Insite, the hip online magazine that employed him. Enlisting the help of her reporter friend J.D., McCone learns that the magazine is failing, despite the millions in venture capital that's supposedly financing it. The mystery deepens when she retrieves deleted files from Roger's computer suggesting that he knew who was sabotaging the magazine and shared that information, which he characterized as "insurance," with Jody Houston, a close friend, before he jumped off the Bay Bridge. Tracking Houston to an isolated cabin on the Oregon coast, McCone stumbles over the dead body of her friend J.D., and then finds herself framed for his murder. By the time she uncovers the truth about Roger's suicide and unmasks J.D.'s killer, she's confronted her remorse over Joey's death and put a painful part of her own past behind her. As usual, Muller turns in a solidly plotted, well-paced mystery with a heroine who grows in self-awareness and complexity with every new adventure. --Jane Adams ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

I will give it a 4 but it really is a 3
This was a book I came across, a renter left it in our cape house.I slipped it in my bag as I was leaving and it sat in my bedroom for over a year.I had just finished reading a crappy book and wanted to read something I could get into.I ordered a couple things from Amazon but had to wait.I got bored with TV so I decided to pick this thing up and read it.It was pretty painful at first, it put me asleep within the first 10 pages.I tried the next day to get into it, I read 50 pages then put it down, still not impressed.I found myself sitting on the couch watching TV and thinking about the book, the 60 pages I read I guess had made an impression.

I began reading it and as I read on it actually wasn't that bad.It's like watching a B movie A&E mystery.By the time I was done I felt satisfied, the book had did its job and kept me entertained.Not every book we read will be the best ever.I would not spend full price for this but would easily pick it up for a Buck at a used store.

I would recommend buying this used and cheap and setting it aside for when you need something quick to read.

Suicide or Murder
Reeling from the suicide of her brother Joey, Sharon McCone is allowed little time to grieve before she's deep into an investigation of another suicide.
This time there are questions and danger to keep Sharon on her mark. Roger Nagasawa was a talented young man whose work was on the Web with a successful e-zine. The financial means were in place, but the web magazine was about to fold. It takes all of Sharon's skills to sort the good from the waste and track a ruthless killer who has her in sight.
22 editions of Sharon McCone and Marcia Muller has dealt her many fans another winner with DEAD MIDNIGHT.
Nash Black, author whose books are also available in Kindle editions.
TravelersSins of the Fathers: A Brewster County NovelWriting as a Small BusinessNatchez Above The River: A Family's Survival In The Civil War

Does not measure up...
Dead Midnight by Marcia Muller is another Sharon McCone mystery that I don't think measures up to her best in this series.Maybe it's Muller, or maybe it's the fact that I have read about six of them in a short period of time.

Private investigator, Sharon McCone, is asked by a lawyer friend to do him a favor.His godson, Roger Nagasawa, has committed suicide.His family wants to file a wrongful-death suit against the high-tech, fast-paced online magazine that their son worked for.McCone's job is to find proof that the company, InSite, worked Roger to death.The fact that she would even take on such a case is a very big stretch.

As with A Walk Through the Fire, there is just way too much going on in terms of plot.As usual with McCone books, there is quite a bit underneath the surface that McCone must sort through.On top of everything else, McCone is still dealing with the suicide of her own brother, Joey.

I have yet to read all Muller's works, but after two so-so books, I think I'll give them a rest for awhile.

Tell the cover artist Roger DIDN'T jump off the GOLDEN GATE!
Sorry, as a former Bay Area resident I KNOW the difference between the Bay Bridge (which Roger jumped) and the Golden Gate (which is on the cover of the book!)I know the GG is the much more recognizable landmark, but still. . . Roger chose the Bay Bridge for a reason.

but otherwise, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book.Very easy to read with very engaging characters and good dialogue.It's the first Sharon McCone I've read and I will be reading more.

Not up to par
I just finished reading this book and it took me a month. I kept expecting it to get better but it never did. I would put it down for days before I would pick it back up. I even read another book during that time.

Marcia Muller is a good author but this one just doesn't cut it.

Sorry Marcia ... Read more

Product Description
In the latest installment in this critically acclaimed series, McCone is hired to investigate one of San Luis Obispo County's most puzzling cold cases. A generation ago, Laurel Greenwood, a housewife and artist, inexplicably vanished, leaving her young daughter alone. Now, new evidence suggests that the missing woman may have led a strange double life. But before McCone can penetrate the tangled mystery, she must first solve a second disappearance that of her client, the now grown daughter of Laurel Greenwood. The case, which forces Sharon to explore the darker sides of two marriages, comes uncomfortably close on the heels of her own marriage to Hy Ripinsky, and she begins to doubt the wisdom of her impulsive trip to the Reno wedding chapel. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Missing Mother
Fresh, different, and engaging is what Marcia Muller brings to a Sharon McCone mystery. For thirty years she has managed to keep us enthralled and coming back for more.
Newly weds Sharon and Hy Ripinsky barely (literally) have their feet on the ground before during their wedding reception Sharon is asked to investigate the disappearance of a missing mother. A mother who disappeared twenty-two years prior to her daughter's search.
A long into the night page turner as you visit with old friends and make new ones.
Nash Black, author whose books are available in Kindle editions.
Writing as a Small BusinessHaintsQualifying LapsSins of the Fathers

Muller continues to get better...
When I read my first two Marcia Muller Sharon McCone books (her first two), I was not very impressed with this character, this series or the writing.I thought it was just another fluffy female detective series.But a friend convinced me not to give up and McCone has become one of my favorites.Vanishing Point shows Muller at her best.

Jennifer Aldin's mother, Laurel Greenwood, mysteriously vanished 22 years ago when Jennifer was just a girl.When Jennifer's father dies of cancer, the unsolved loss of her mother makes her emotionally fragile.Jennifer's wealthy husband hires San Francisco private investigator, Sharon McCone, to see if she can find out exactly what happened to Greenwood.Is she still alive?If so, where is she living?Is she dead?If that is the case, did she commit suicide or was she murdered?McCone now has her own detective agency with a full staff to help with the investigation.As with many cold cases like this, someone doesn't want the truth uncovered.McCone must also deal with the disappearance of someone important to the case, so she actually has two mysteries to solve.

In Vanishing Point, the plot had me guessing until the end.There is also a subplot involving a big change in McCone's personal life that will come as a surprise to loyal Muller fans.The only downfall for me is that this is another series that you should read in order.I still have to fill in many gaps, but that just means that I'll look forward to reading some of her earlier works.

Good one for your Kindle - even as a 'stand alone' book
A very good addition to the series - and you won't have had to read the previous books to enjoy this one.Intrigue and mayhem as PI Sharon McCone follows the cold case of a missing woman.Enjoyable read!

Vanishing Point
"Vanishing Point" is the 24th Sharon McCone novel by Marcia Muller. Rae Kelleher, one of Sharon's former operatives who is also married to country music star Ricky Savage, asks her to take a case for Jennifer Aldin whose mother Laurel Greenwood disappeared 22 years ago. Laurel Greenwood is presumed dead although no body was ever found and Jennifer wants closure. Jennifer's younger sister Terry doesn't want her to find out what happened to Laurel. As Sharon investigates she uncovers some family secrets and an attempted murder. Did Laurel Greenwood die? Is she still living and if so where is she? Sharon with the help of Patrick, one of her newer operatives, gets to the bottom of the case. This novel kept me turning pages and long time readers of this series will enjoy this entry into the Sharon McCone series. This novel is highly recommended.

Muller never disappoints
I've read all the Sharon McCone books over the years.Muller's stories are terrific and I've enjoyed watching Sharon grow and develop.I always look forward to the next one. ... Read more

Product Description
Sharon McCone's flight instructor Matty confides that her boyfriend, John Seabrook, is missing and asks Sharon to find him. Shortly afterward, Matty is killed in an "accidental" plane crash. More determined than ever, Sharon discovers that, a decade earlier, Seabrook was placed in the Federal Protection Program after testifying against a man who has been missing for the last 10 years. Following sinister leads, Sharon travels to a frozen wilderness--and comes face-to-face with a cold killer.Amazon.com Review
San Francisco-based private detective Sharon McCone is tracking a man whose actions have already caused the deaths of two women who loved and trusted him in the 18th installment of this memorable series. Because Marcia Muller's books are as much about McCone's relationships with her extended, occasionally dysfunctional family as they are about the cases themselves, first-time visitors might have trouble sorting out all the relatives. But, as always, the rewards are well worth the effort. In this case, there are several evocative flying scenes that help groundlings understand why people do it, a stinging attack on the callousness of the Witness Protection Program, and more glimpses into the tangled soul of Hy Ripinsky, McCone's interesting lover. Other McCone adventures in paperback include The Broken Promise Land, A Wild and Lonely Place, Till the Butchers Cut Him Down, and Wolf in the Shadows. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Discovered in a paper bag headed to the thrift store
My friend needed more room on her bookshelf and after being a Marcia Muller fan for years she was giving up her collection. I had never heard of Marcia Muller but was headed on a long vacation . . it's a good thing too as I started with the first Sharon McCone mystery and have now read nine of them. . all in a few weeks. This book is the one I just finished.Mystery adventure authors usually run out of steam in five or ten books but Muller seems to be just heating up. Every one I pick up I vow to read slowly. . right! The appeal of this series is that the character of Sharon McCone is so believable and the writer has a vast storage of knowledge on many subjects which she uses to make each mystery/adventure real. Her writing style is rich but to the point with no unnecessary scenes but an easy time line transition that keeps you moving no matter what. In a world where most female characters are portrayed as helpless and mired in a role of expected female traits, Sharon McCone is a breath of fresh air as a capable, smart and skilled investigator. Even though the author is in touch with her character's emotions, these issues do not bog down the stories and the character becomes more and more endearing book after book.

Taking McCone to new heights...
Marcia Muller takes San Francisco private investigator Sharon McCone to new heights (no pun intended) in Both Ends of the Night.This is the best book in the McCone series that I have read so far.

McCone is a pilot and learned how to fly from Matty Wildress.Matty is not only a flight instructor but also one of the top aerobatic flyers in the nation.Matty hires McCone to find her live-in lover, John Seabrook.Seabrook left suddenly with no explanation, leaving behind his 12-year old son, Zach.McCone not only has to discover where Seabrook has gone, but also, why he disappeared.The search for Seabrook leads McCone to Florida, Arkansas and Minnesota as she follows leads, assumptions and a trail of evidence.McCone is also worried that perhaps she won't find Seabrook alive.

To solve this mystery, McCone must navigate through the Witness Protection Program, a 10-year old unsolved contract killing, a corrupt aviation company, a federal investigation, a company cover-up, and the disappearance of the owner's son.Along the way, she receives help from her ever growing staff, friend and San Francisco homicide detective Adah Joslyn, FBI agent Craig Morland, and lover Hy Ripinsky (who is also a personal friend of Wildress).In the course of the book, we also learn much about planes, flying and human nature.

The plot for Both Ends is extremely well-developed.Unlike many mysteries, the bad guys aren't all bad and the good guys aren't all good.Also, not all the good guys are still standing at the end, which makes Both Ends more like real life.

Muller has become one of those series which I am determined to read every book--it's that good.

I Keep Reading
I keep coming back for Muller's next Sharon McCone story, so it's safe to conclude that I have enjoyed the series so far. By number 19, it's become as much about McCone and her extended family of familiar characters as it is about the mysteries. For that reason, I suggest that somebody new to the McCone books not start with this one. You can, but it all works better if you have some background.

I didn't find BOTH ENDS OF THE NIGHT to be one of Ms. Mullers' most compelling mysteries. It held my interest all the way through, but there was a little more rhapsodizing on the joys of airplane piloting than I wanted. I also thought that there weren't many real surprises in this one and the climax was too straightforward and obvious. Further, given the personal history of the guy living in the woods, he wouldn't have been difficult for a wealthy father to locate over the course of ten years.

I have enjoyed Mullers' McCone novels and will certainly read more of them. This one, however, while OK, was a bit of a letdown. Not bad, but not one of the best. I'm not suggesting that people (especially fans) not read it, just that there are others I liked better. My four-star rating on this one is a bit soft.

Enjoyed it a lot
I'm a big fan of the Sharon McCone series and this one was a very good read.Fast-moving, credible.I enjoyed all the plane-related detail.Muller, like Sharon and Hy, obviously loves flying.I'd never do it myself, but I enjoyed going along for the ride, so to speak.

If you're new to Muller, I URGE you to read the McCone books in order, starting with "Edwin of the Iron Shoes."Believe me, you'll get to this one soon enough.

Flight instructor hires Sharon
Sharon visits her flight instructor, Matty Wildress, and senses that something is bothering her.After some questioning, the private Matty discloses that her lover John has disappeared and has left her with his young son.Sharon and her lover Hy fear that Matty and the boy may be in danger and they try to protect them.Circumstances go from bad to worse, there is a murder, and Sharon and Hy begin looking for the perpetrator.From California, to Arkansas, Florida and Minnesota the two investigators hunt for John to try to find out who the murderer is, and why John disppeared so suddenly.Marcia Muller's books have come a long way since the late 70's when she first created Private Investigator Sharon McCone.This book is a winner for those who enjoy mystery and adventure stories. ... Read more

Product Description
Pushing aside the demands of her stressful career to search for her vanished lover, San Francisco P.I. Sharon McCone follows a series of clues along the Mexican border and comes face-to-face with personal issues and a cunning killer. Reprint. PW. K. NYT. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Prize winning mystery
"Beware of the wolf in the shadows. He is watchful and patient, and when he catches you he will eat you up - skin and bones and heart."

I read Wolf in the Shadows by Marcia Muller for the Book Awards Challenge II. This book was published in 1993 and won the Anthony Award in 1994.

This book is a Sharon McCone mystery and it chronicles ten days in her life. Sharon is a private investigator for All Souls Legal Cooperative in San Francisco. Her lover, Hy Ripinsky, has disappeared and she is searching for him. At the same time, All Souls offers her a "promotion" - a desk job managing investigators and paralegals, and that doesn't hold much appeal for her. Sharon's search for Hy leads her to RKI, a security agency with questionable practices. Hy was delivering a 2 million dollar ransom for RKI when he went missing, so they assumed he'd stolen it. Sharon agrees to find Hy, but first she must shake the agents RKI has tailing her. Through a series of twists and turns (I don't want to spoil the plot), the mystery is solved and Sharon finds herself with two jobs to consider - one with All Souls and another with RKI.

This book is fun read with a complex plot that kept my interest throughout. Mystery lovers will enjoy it, like I did.

Illegal aliens, environmental terrorists, and more...
Wolf in the Shadows is another in Marcia Muller's Sharon McCone series, and McCone gets better which each subsequent book.

Sharon McCone is a PI living in San Francisco and working for a law firm called All Souls Legal Cooperative.At the beginning of Wolf in the Shadows, McCone is faced with two major issues.First, her job at All Souls is being turned into a supervisor/desk position, something that McCone knows will not work for her.Just when she has to make a decision about her job, her lover, Hy Ripinsky goes missing.Ripinsky is an environmental activist who has a shady past (maybe CIA?).When McCone starts investigating, she discovers that Ripinsky took on a job for an international security agency, RKI.The CEO of a biotech company was kidnapped, and Ripinsky was given the job of delivering the ransom money in exchange for the CEO.But now Ripinsky is missing also, and RKI wants both Ripinsky and their money.They suspect that Ripinsky has skipped town with the ransom money and they hire McCone to find out what happened to him.

McCone travels to San Diego and Mexico on Ripinsky's trail.In the process, she has to deal with illegal aliens, environmental terrorists, crooked Mexican politicians and gang members as well as the ruthless men from RKI.She also must make some hard decisions about what she wants for her future (that's providing she lives to see it through).

The only thing that really spoiled Wolf in the Shadows is that I have not been reading these books in order.Having read one that was published after Wolf in the Shadows, I had a basic idea of how it would end.So from now on, I will be a little more careful to read them in order.Other than that, Wolf is a fine book in a good series.

Wolf in the Shadows
Very well written - with atmospheric descriptions of places the detective goes to. I enjoy the Sharon McCone books - having just recently discovered them - and as a person who does not live in the USA, the descriptions of people and places help bring life in the USA alive for me.

Sharon looks for Hy
Sharon McCone is shocked and dismayed when she is summoned in to a meeting of the partners of All Souls' Legal Cooperative where she works.Instead of the reprimand which she expects, Sharon receives the offer of a promotion which would put her behind a desk and away from the action.Although this goes against her grain, Sharon knows she must accept it if she wants to continue to work at All Souls'.At the same time, she discovers that her lover, Hy, has disappeared while on a job for a company called RKI.When she talks to Gage Renshaw at RKI, he tells her that he thinks Hy has double-crossed him and he wants to find him.Sharon offers to do so, thereby getting paid for something she planned to do anyway, and also having a paying job which doesn't involve All Souls'.She travels back and forth between California and Mexico in search of Hy and the answer to a series of unanswered questions.Muller's books in this series become longer as time goes on, and this causes some extra action which becomes a bit distracting to the main plot.However, she still spins a good tale and Sharon McCone remains a very likeable heroine.

Good Plot, but most all the action quite implausible
We tried previously one of the early Marcia Muller stories (#4) about her San Fran-based private eye Sharon McCone.Having found that 1984 offering a little lackluster, we jumped ahead to Wolf, #14 of 22, written in 1993.To us, a reasonably entertaining plot was spoiled by maneuvers and border hopping and such stuff that all seemed way too dubious unless our leading lady has suddenly become Wonder Woman.Once again, Sharon ignores her paying job at All Souls and sets off on her own, gone for over a week without even calling in.Sight unseen, an international security firm president not only grants McCone an audience but hires her on the spot to help retrieve either the kidnapped executive under their contract, or the absent agent, Hy Rapinsky, who just happens to be Sharon's lover (!), who has the two-million dollar letter of credit ransom to deliver.We won't delve further into the plot, but before it's over, Sharon is running back and forth into Baja Mexico, spying, remembering trick restrooms she hasn't seen in over a decade, shooting at people, and dealing with shady characters left and right, but emerging unscathed at every twist and turn.By the end it was clear that a Power Ranger has nothing on Ms. McCone.

This series must have a faithful following to warrant 22 titles to date, but despite what the dust cover says, Grafton and Paretsky are much better -- their female leads at least seem like regular real women who are just good at what they do.We believe we'll let the other 20 stories go for now. ... Read more

Product Description
Creator of the modern female private eye story, MarciaMuller has been writing novels and short stories about Sharon McConesince 1977.In the process McCone has gained a host of associates andformed her own detective agency.Some seven years ago, Marcia Mullerdecided to show readers different views of her sleuth by relatingcases through the eyes of McCone's colleagues.

McCone and Friendscontains three stories told by McCone herself, as well as a novellaand a short story narrated by the agency's investigator Rae Kelleher,a story from the viewpoint of its office manager Ted Smalley, aninvestigation conducted by McCone's nephew Mick Savage, and one by herlong-term lover Hy Ripinsky.The settings range from small planes toa sweatshop which puts Asian women into virtual slavery, and themysteries surround a 1950's jukebox in a rundown hotel, a sculpturewelded together by a long-missing and now very-dead artist.Inperhaps the most moving story of all, a teenage girl has vanishedleaving as a clue only a collage on her wall.

The McCone Filesshows why Marcia Muller is one of the greatest mystery writers of ourgeneration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Fascinating McCone Short Story Collection
As a mystery author with my debut novel in its initial release, I hold Marcia Muller in the highest esteem.Her creation, Sharon McCone, revolutionized modern mystery fiction.McCone broke the old stereotypes.She became the first human private eye.She is also the oldest sister of all those women private eyes practicing today.MCCONE AND FRIENDS is a short story collection with an unusual twist.Ms. Muller provides unique perspectives on McCone by allowing her supporting charaters to tell some of the stories in this collection.Rae Kelleher, Mick Savage, Ted Smalley, and Hy Ripinsky all give their views of McCone.McCone, herself, tells three stories.MCCONE AND FRIENDS is a great book that any reader of mystery fiction should have in her collection.

McCone & Friends Hits the Spot
I have a signed limited edition of this book and couldn't resist the urge to read it.If you are a fan of Marcia Muller, this is a must have book.The stories in this book are told by Sharon's friends, giving the reader an insight into her personality that you would not normally get. And lets face it, characters in a long running serious develop personalities of their own.This book gives you the opportunity to see Sharon from another perspective.The reader is given this rare opportunity in 8 stories that live up to Marcia Muller's excellent writing abilites.ENJOY!!

FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVERS
Sharon McCone is probably the best loved detective in the mystery genre. Readers have seen her career evolve from All Soul's Cooperative to her becoming an independent investigator with her own staff and career. She has got it all together but she didn't get there on her own.

In this collection of short stories we see another side of Sharon through her office manager, lover, hacker nephew and co-investigator. They share with us their own thoughts about working with Sharon. They also move beyond talking about "the boss" and reveal something about themselves and how they go about solving a mystery with or without "the boss". Each one has their own distinctive voice that gives you a different perspective on how the team operates.

Of course Sharon has her own story to tell. Sometimes she doesn't appreciate the "help" from an amateur sleuth such as her big brother but who can choose your relatives especially when they are "annoying" you about a case. You will be delighted in listening to these stories and sharing in the escapades of Sharon's loving team. A limited collection of short stories suchas this is a great addition to your mystery library. ... Read more

Product Description
On a pleasure trip to the Sacramento Delta, Sharon McCone encounters ghostly intervention, mysterious vandalism and murder on the site of a decrepit Victorian mansion. Another thrilling mystery featuring San Francisco private eye Sharon McCone. HC: Mysterious Press. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

READ THIS ONE ON A STORMY NIGHT
Sharon has been called to help one of her sisters in trouble.She winds up on an island in the middle of a storm with death and destruction all around her.This is a classic page turner:massive storm ,island cut off from all civilization . Dead bodies mounting up and Sharon has no idea which one is doing it till the very end.Great mystery!!! This story reads like an Agatha Christie novel. A must for the mystery lovers in all of us!

McCone in a new haunt
This is an early Sharon McCone mystery--she's still at All Souls Cooperative--but since she's away in the CA Delta area there's very little interaction with other continuing characters. However, her younger sister Patsy & her kids play a prominent part in the story. The bulk of the story is an armchair type mystery, but there are also some action scenes including a big one at the end. The mystery slowly unfolds. I found the motive easier to determine than the culprit. There are some sub-plots, but Muller eventually weaves it all together into a neat package. You CAN figure out the perpetrator near the end (before its revealed by McCone), but it's not easy. Overall, this is a solid Muller mystery which stands the test of time. It does remind me a bit of Agatha's 10 Little Indians to a degree.

McCone in a new haunt
This is an early Sharon McCone mystery--she's still at All Souls Cooperative--but since she's away in the CA Delta area there's very little interaction with other continuing characters.However, her younger sister Patsy & her kids play a prominent part in the story.The bulk of the story is an armchair type mystery, but there are also some action scenes including a big one at the end.The mystery slowly unfolds.I found the motive easier to determine than the culprit.There are some sub-plots, but Muller eventually weaves it all together into a neat package.You CAN figure out the perpetrator near the end (before its revealed by McCone), but it's not easy.Overall, this is a solid Muller mystery which stands the test of time.It does remind me a bit of Agatha's 10 Little Indians to a degree.By the way, Muller also wrote 2 mystery trilogies starring 2 different heroines: Elena Oliverez (The Tree of Death, The Legend of the Slain Soldiers, Beyond the Grave) & Joanna Stark (Dark Star, The Cavalier in White, There Hangs the Knife).

Investigator in the Family
The Sacramento delta is a constant victim of hostile elements.Sharon McCone is worried about her younger sister, Patsy McCone.Her destination is Appleby Island.

McCone is a staff investigator at a law cooperative, All Souls, in San Francisco.Her sister wants her to investigate mysterious events on the island.People in the area have heardabout the curse of the island all of their lives and so it is not surprising that it is hard to find workers.

The strange events, Sharon thinks, may have been caused by an out-of-sorts child who does not like the new home.Her nephew Andrew, she learns, is considered weird.Oftentimes what is really involved in a mystery story is the mystery of human nature.

Men working on the island saw a hermit's ghost it is rumored.The funding for the renovation of the mansion on the island to turn it into a boatel is in jeopardy because the trustee of one of the participants received an anonymous letter warning it is a bad investment.The story is exciting and colorful.

Sharon goes to Appleby Island
Private Investigator Sharon McCone gets a call from her sister Patsy who wants to employ her to investigate some strange occurrences on Appleby Island. Patsy has joined a group who plan to turn an island mansion into a bed-and-breakfast, but several acts of sabotage are beginning to discourage them.Sharon arrives and is as perplexed as her sister.The mischief continues and eventually escalates into murder.As she continues her investigation, Sharon realizes that someone on the island must be the perpetrator.Eventually there are several revelations which expose the fact that many of the people on the island are not what they appear to be.This is another good entry to the Sharon McCone Mystery Series. ... Read more

Product Description
The body of an woman washes up near Point Deception, California--a day after she was spotted near her broken-down car on the highway. Deputy Sheriff Rhoda Swift worries the woman's brutal rape and murder will resurrect fears from the unsolved massacre of two families 13 years before. When Rhoda investigates with journalist Guy Newberry, a shocking truth will test how far she is willing to go for justice. (May)Amazon.com Review
A new Marcia Muller book is always cause for celebration, and in this brooding, melancholy thriller she introduces a compelling new heroine. Rhoda "Rho" Swift is a deputy sheriff in California's fictional Soledad County. She isstill tormented by a 13-year-old multiple murder in Cascade Canyon, wheretwo counterculture families and their children were slain by an unknownkiller. And when the body of an unidentified woman washes up in the watersoff nearby Point Deception and two other local women go missing, Rhodafears that the anniversary of the Canyon murders has unleashed anotherkilling spree. She's not alone. The scared, suspicious townspeople arewondering the same thing. They're also unhappy that Guy Newberry, a NewYork writer whose bestselling books have exposed the secrets of other smalltowns, has turned up in Soledad trying to ferret out theirs. But Rho andGuy have something in common besides trying to learn why trouble has comeback to Point Deception: they're both running from their own demons, andeven the attraction that's starting to grow between them can't change thepast.

Muller's intricate plotting and strong narrative flow have won a dedicatedfan base for her SharonMcCone series, and both qualities are on full display here. She'sskilled at evoking the landscape and atmosphere of her native California,and even her minor characters (like Wayne Gilardi, Rho's fellow cop, andJack Swift, her father) are complex and interesting enough that theirsketched-in back stories are worth telling. A terrific read from a masterof the genre, Point Deception is Muller at her best. --JaneAdams ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

The first Point Deception also an excellent read.
I discovered, or rather I should say that my publisher Eloquent Books discovered this book when they did a title search in the pre-publication phase of my novel Point Deception. Muller's Point Deception is a geographic locale; a crime scene. My title is derived from the Coast Guard scheme of naming their 82-foot patrol boats--all of these boats are named after named points of land, for instance Point Deception in my book is the psuedonym for the real patrol boat Point Welcome. I was intrigued by the first title Point Deception so I obtained a copy of Muller's book. I am very glad that I did. As a writer I immediately identified with the character Guy Newberry which brought me up close and personal in the action. I was raised in a small coastal town and the setting of the book really hit home. There is a simple formula for the writing of good fiction and that gold standard is: character plus conflict equals drama. Drama is the one indispensible ingredient for successful fiction. Muller's book meets and exceeds this standard. The characters are real, the action sets your heart pounding and your fingers to the task of turning pages to see what happens next. I'll read this book a second and third time, just because I know that I'll be in for a new surprise as I pick up things missed on the previous read. Having read this well written book I can unequivocally state that I have become an instant Marcia Muller fan and I will be reading more of her work.
Jim Gilliam
Author, the other Point Deception

Pleasantly surpised - very good mystery
I just happened upon this book and bought it because it sounded interesting and I was looking for something different. I am happy I picked it up. It was a very good mystery that had interesting and believable characters, and a wonderful atmosphere. I liked the two main characters and their background stories. Everything came together very nicely and it was an enjoyable ending. I will definitely be reading another one of Muller's books. My only complaint was that the narratives were a little choppy at times, but it was only a minor flaw in the book and didn't significantly affect the overall feel of the book. I highly recommend it to all murder mystery lovers.

Confusing Characters
The intrigue of what happened to "Crissy" is there but the back and forth of so many characters made it too confusing. Frustration made me drop the book.

Gritty, tortured, awesome...
I've read three Marcia Muller mysteries recently.The first two were from her Sharon McCone series, and I found a later McCone much better than an earlier book.Was I astounded to discover that Point Deception (not part of the McCone series) is an awesome story!

Point Deception is seen through the eyes of two scarred individuals.Guy Newberry is a writer whose specialty is finding the secrets of towns in trouble.But he's pretty much given up his lucrative career when his photographer-wife was killed on a joint story three years previous.Rhoda "Rho" Swift is a sheriff's deputy in fictional Soledad County, California.Rho is still haunted by demons from her first crime scene--the grisly murder of eight people living commune-style in Cascada Canyon.The 13 year old crime was never solved, and the county closed ranks to outsiders.The brother of one of the victims convinces Newberry to investigate this unsolved case, and Newberry is intrigued enough to travel from NYC to California.

Newberry faces many obstacles in his investigation.Many townspeople continue to be spooked by the murders.Some refuse to cooperate with him.The sheriff's department made multiple errors that hindered the investigation, which calls suspicion to them as well.But there are several residents who have secrets to share that may shed light on this case.When Newberry arrives, it looks like another killing spree may have started on the eve of the anniversary of the Cascada Canyon murders.This opens up the old wounds and brings the nightmares back.But it also unleashes a chain of events that will ultimately help Newberry and Swift to solve the mystery together.

It is hard for me to believe that Point Deception is written by Marcia Muller--the same author who writes the Sharon McCone series.The writing is hard and gritty and the characters are more deep and tortured.It's a book I'd expect from Michael Connelly.Muller's husband is writer Bill Pronzini, so it's possible that some of his influence has rubbed off.If I were Muller, I'd start a series with Rhoda Swift.I think she's a much more interesting character.

Point Deception is imaginary and the book is bad
This book is my 1st Marcia Muller - and last.

The plot is old '80's hippy drug CA north-coast retread stuff. The worst part is that the local law (sheriffs) are dumber than dirt and 8 people get killed (unsolved - no wonder) and 13 years later (to the exact date ... dum, dee, dum, dum - hard plot BS to swallow) - 4 more get killed - and leave hairs and tire tracks and Nike tracks all over and - our dumb lady Deputy is - you guessed it - DUMB.

Compared to a Robert B. Parker or an Elmore Leonard or a John D. MacDonald or a leCarre or even a Dick Francis or a Tony Hillerman, this author/book/plot/characters/dialog is zero.

Do yourself a favor - read them first - then read something else.
... Read more

Product Description
ALOHA MURDER

Accidents are plaguing a documentary film crew on breathtakingly beautiful Kauai. Can San Francisco P.I. Sharon McCone ferret out possible sabotage behind the scenes? The job sounds like a breeze -- McCone envisions romantic, tropical nights with her lover, Hy Ripinsky. Instead, she finds a troubled paradise with rising tensions between native and non-native Hawaiians, a film going south fast, and a macabre ritual death. Then a mysterious local pilot rattles her commitment to Hy, and soon McCone is in danger herself...caught in the place Hawaiians call "ahi wela maka'u", the place between fire love and fire terror, the place where even a seasoned private eye can get burned. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Great locale by convoluted plot...
I have read quite a few Marcia Muller's Sharon McCone books lately, and have enjoyed them all.But overall, A Walk Through the Fire is not as good as some of the previous books that I've read.While it gets off to a good start, I think Muller has just way too much going on in terms of plot in the second half the book.

Private investigator, Sharon McCone, gets a call from a professional neighbor who is working in Hawaii.Glenna Stanleigh is a documentary filmmaker and calls McCone in a panic when it appears that someone is trying to sabotage her present project.She convinces McCone and McCone's boyfriend, Hy Ripinsky, to leave San Francisco to provide her with some security and to discover who and why someone wants the film halted.McCone finds herself embroiled in a family feud with the rich and spoiled Wellbright family--Hawaiian natives for many years.

In the course of A Walk Through the Fire, McCone must deal with missing Wellbright family members, a suicide, drug dealers, kidnappings, a romantic love interest, massive cover-ups and of course, Hawaiian spirits.The plot is unwieldy and terribly convoluted.I wonder where her editor was on this one.

Overall, I did enjoy the change of locations from San Francisco to Hawaii.Muller has an obvious love of these islands and it shows in her writing.I just wish the plot was a little more believable.

Maybe A Bit Under-Rated
This installment in Muller's Sharon McCone series takes our heroine to Hawaii. Office neighbor Glenna Stanleigh is attempting to film a documentary on Kauai, but filming has been plagued by a series of "accidents" that may not have been very accidental. Overall, the plot of this story is pretty good. There are some pretty transparent aspects to it, and not too many big surprises, but it kept me turning pages right up to the end.

As I write this, the average rating among reviewers here for A WALK THROUGH THE FIRE is below average for the books in the series. While I agree that this isn't one of the best McCone mysteries I've read, I also don't think it's as much of a letdown as others have indicated. I have just two criticisms. First, the attempt to inject additional melodrama into the story through the invocation of the mystical "spell" of the islands and through the romantic entanglement with the helicopter pilot really didn't work for me. Second, Ms. Muller took up flying some years back and since flying has become asignificant element in every McCone mystery. Ms. Muller apparently likes flying. Great, but give it a rest in the stories. Sometimes is OK, but it's gotten overworked. Once in a while it would be nice to get a story that stays on the ground. I always thought that her use of San Francisco as her setting was part of the charm of the McCone mysteries. A return to that sometimes would be welcome.

A WALK THROUGH THE FIRE isn't the best McCone mystery I've encountered, but it kept me turning the pages to the end. My routine rating for books in the series is four stars and that's what this one is getting, as well.
Casual readers may not be greatly impressed, but most fans will find this another enjoyable episode in the on-going saga.

Muller's plotting is getting tired, but still like her books
Most of the other reviewers have said what needs to be said concerning this book. It's a good read for the beach, yet that in itself is a bit of criticism because most fine authors want to be better than that (I would think). This genre is supposed to be entertaining, and this book is exactly that. No less worthy of spending your time then sitting in front of the boob-tube for hours at a time!

It's hard, I'm sure, to continue writing about a single protagonist all the time. And it's difficult to ask readers to suspend belief over certain things happening constantly to one person (though I can testify that bad things do happen constantly to good persons). Not enough effort put into the plot, and newcomers to Muller's books usually get a better introduction into the characters, and so the characters seem rather cardboardish at this point.

Karen Sadler

Amateurish
Amateurish, stiff, thin, contrived--these are the adjectives I can think of to describe the novel best.Although I might add one more:disappointing.This is my first Marcia Muller mystery, and I expected more from a seasoned writer--too much, as it turned out.After reading Steve Hamilton, Bill Pronzini, Andrew Greeley, Tony Hillerman, Stuart Kaminsky, Les Roberts, and others of that level, this seems stale as yesterday's gruel.

There's no point in reviewing the plot details.Other reviewers have commented adequately on those.So I'll proceed to the other two major points of any mystery--atmosphere and characters.Set in Hawaii, for the most part, I just never quite got there, despite all the green vegetation, flowers and fiery volcanoes.Beautiful, beautiful, so what?The characters are pretty much standard fare for mysteries--too rich, too spoiled, too much alcohol and drugs.As for love affairs, mystery writers might do well to heed S.S. Van Dine's rule from decades ago and leave sex out of the work.If the mystery is thin, the romance won't thicken it.The murder and the detection are, after all, why we read crime fiction.If I want romance, I'll go with Bertrice Small.

In short, I doubt that I'll try another Marcia Muller book, at least, not for a long, long time.Sorry.

Sharon McCone goes to Kauai
Private Investigator Sharon McCone gets tough duty in this 20th. book of the series when she is asked to go to Kauai.Glenna Stanleigh, a friend from San Francisco, has asked Sharon to investigate the strange happenings on the set of the documentary she is filming in Hawaii.Sharon takes the job and flies over with her significant other, Hy Ripinsky.When she arrives, she begins investigating the family whose patriarch is at the center of the film.Glenna has used his notes and research about some of the folk tales of the native Hawaiins as a starting point for her documentary.As Sharon's investigation proceeds, several skeletons begin to come out of the closet and family secrets are revealed.At the same time, Sharon is being romanced by a local helicoptor pilot and Hy leaves the island in order to give Sharon some time and room to consider her relationships with the two men.The plot has some intriguing twists and turns and at last all of the secrets are revealed.Marcia Muller and her heroine have matured over the 20-plus years that this series has been written, and this book does not disappoint. ... Read more

Product Description
The McCone Files gathers all of Sharon McCone's short cases covering her entire career as staff investigator at All Souls Legal Cooperative in San Francisco.Marcia Muller comments in the introduction, "Over the seventeen years since her first case, very little about McCone except her voice has remained the same, and the stories in this collection trace her development."Each tale, including two written especially for this volume, is a miniature masterpiece of plotting, realistic characters and vivid settings.

From the death of a clown in Diablo Valley to the disappearance of a young socialite on the Golden Gate Bridge, from the murder of a teenage gang leader in San Francisco to the drowning of an aged Japanese herb-gatherer, and from streets filled with juvenile runaways to the quietness of a mausoleum, Sharon investigates not only who committed the crimes but also what they say about or world toward the end of the twentieth century.

The McCone Files is a distinguished book by a distinguished author. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good collection of mysteries
It is hard to say exactly when women PIs were first conceived by authors.Various writers had created women characters involved in crime solving, e.g., Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, Dashiell Hammett's Nora Charles, etc.At some point women characters begin to obtain licenses to operate as PIs.Cordelia Gray was created by P.D. James in "An Unsuitable Job for a Woman" (copyright 1973), but the series did not seem to continue beyond a second novel.The earliest Sharon McCone short story in the present collection shows a copyright in 1981, but the author indicates the character was created in 1971 (I know from personal experience that it can take a significant period of time to get a story published - my first Mark Mandering story was in an ezine in 2005).At about the same time Kinsey Millhone was created by Sue Grafton (the reprint edition of "A is for Alibi" shows a 1982 copyright, but I am not sure when the character was created ).Other women PIs have been created along the way, e.g., Tess Monaghan by Laura Lippman, Tamara Hayle by Valerie Wilson Wesley, etc.

The present collection has 15 short stories about PI Sharon McCone, although the last one is a continuation of the first.After working for a PI firm, Miss McCone strikes out on her own and becomes the house investigator for a legal cooperative in San Francisco, although sometimes taking on independent cases.The character develops from story to story.

Sharon McCone has her own unique characteristics, sometimes carrying a gun, but usually not.The stories involve missing people, murders, burglary, and missing money: but one case is unique as she rescues a man who called a crisis center hotline.Miss McCone has a love life of sorts, which is kept in the background.Her home is described as a cottage in a constant state of repair, but not much other information is given.The cases are set either in San Francisco, or within commuting distance driving her used MG.

Overall, the stories are well written and have some very original plots.The length of the stories varies.They could be read in any order, but it is better to read them in the same order that they appear in the collection.

Fifteen great Sharon McCone short stories.
Found this in the local library and am enjoying it immensely.I had only read one or two of the stores in it.The last one (File Closed)had never been published before this book.All take place before Sharon left All Souls Cooperative ... Read more

Product Description
- Mutter's previous novel, "Cyanide Wells, was published in Mysterious Press hardcover in 7/03, and will be released in mass market simultaneous with THE DANGEROUS HOUR.- "Dead Midnight (Mysterious Press, 6/02) hit the "Los Angeles Times bestseller list, winning rave reviews from the "New York Times Book Review, San Francisco Chronicle, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly (starred review), and "Booklist. The mass market edition was published in 7/03.- Muller's McCone series has consistently received strong reviews from national publications, including the "New York Times Book Review, USA TODAY, and the "Los Angeles Times, among others.- The McCone mysteries are being developed by Spring Creek Productions and CBS-TV into a pilot for a new television series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Magical mystery tourism
Sharon McCone doesn't actually have to do any detecting or put herself in danger, except self-imposed danger like leaving her phone on when she is breaking into the suspect's house. She just shows up and people immediately start vomiting useful information to her, regardless of the amount of time they are taking off work to do so.

This is TV detecting.
* The characters are all stock: the friendly old Jewish lawyer, the good cop/bad cop duo, the gruff but good-hearted pawn shop owner, the colorful street informant, the helpful Mexican park ranger, the archetypical Hispanic bad guy who could have been modeled on the guy who sneered, "I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges!"
* The setting is just as bad: really expensive offices with a view of the Bay, just like the $5,000/month apartment in Friends that a waitress and a cook were able to afford.
* Has Marcia Muller ever run a business or even worked for one? What's all this about taking a detective off a billable case and then hiring a replacement? Who is paying for all of this?

The San Francisco coverage of the book isn't bad, although it is like you are seeing a TV show San Francisco with a few well-chosen views but little real understanding of the city.

I specialize in reading and reviewing San Francisco based detective books.

A Few "Strangers" Too Many?
I have to preface this review by stating that this is the first Sharon McCone mystery I've read (but will certainly be reading more).Heroine Sharon is undoubtedly a personable sort of lady, and even as a first-time reader, I felt that I'd got to know here pretty well by the end of this tale.Feisty, independent, strong-willed, but nonethelesswith a beguiling sense of fragility in the face of danger.

The inclusion of her pet cats Alice and Ralph is a clever way to personalise Sharon's away-from-work persona.Being a cat owner myself, I had to laugh at Ralph's experience - having to be injected with insulin by the fumbling Sharon, who ends up paying her young neighbour $20 a month to do the job!

The plot is easily and well constructed - not overly complicated - but with enough twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.The dialogue and idiom feel spontaneous, and appropriate to the times and natural to the people speaking.

One insurmountable problem for me (as a first-time reader, remember) was the character of Hy Ripinski, Sharon's on-again, off-again, maybe husband-to-be.Obviously, Hy's character has already been more than well-developed in Muller's previous McCone stories, but to this new reader he made no sense - either as a foil to this story, or as Sharon's life-partner.While she's being stalked and attacked and otherwiseterrorised, Hy's up at his farm chilling out!What the...?And what's with his disconcerting use of Sharon's surname as a term of "endearment"?How many guys, in reality, would ever get away with that?All a little too unbelievably idiosyncratic maybe.

Ultimately, I had no idea what Ripinski was like as a man, either from a purely physical viewpoint, or as to what his philosophies on life were...or even what his relationship with Sharon is all about (from his standpoint).Is he a user, or worse a guy who lacks commitment?Is Sharon aware of his intentions, or is she as much in the dark as this reader was?

Incidentally, the "strangers" in my review title refers mainly to a few characters who Sharon mentioned in passing, or socialised with whom I'd never heard of, and who didn't seem to have any bearing on the story one way or the other. Hank Zahn; Habiba Hamid; Molly, Lisa and Jamie; Bette Silver; the Halls; to name a few.

Apart from those few hiccups as a new reader, I'm definitely going to be reading quite a few of Muller's McCone stories; she's whet my appetite to the extent that I feel I need to get to know Sharon and her "gang" a lot more.

Almost a 5 out of 5.

An Entertaining Suspenseful Read
Every time I buy a novel by a well-known author I haven't read before, I soon realize that the book is already well into a series. Guess I'm a sucker for a great cover and tantalizing blurbs and, so far, I haven't been disappointed. This is especially true for my first (and I'm a little embarrassed to admit this) Sharon McCone novel.

The adventure opens with Sharon feeling pretty good about her expanding PI practice. So good that she's about to celebrate with her staff when the police show up and arrest her newest operative, Julia Rafael. Julia's allegedly stolen a credit card from former client, Alex Aguilar. The situation worsens when a complaint's filed against Sharon, prompting a rep from the Investigations Bureau of the Dept. of Consumer Affairs to want to scrutinize her files.

Neither Sharon or Julia's lawyer believe Julia stole the card, so it's a matter of finding who set her up, and why? The more Sharon digs, the more dangerous things become for her and her staff.

THE DANGEROUS HOUR is an entertaining, suspenseful read filled with twists and turns, plus an interesting subplot about her strained relationship with her lover, Hy. Although Hy doesn't appear until midway through the book, he's an interesting guy, and I'm looking forward to going back and starting this series from the beginning. It should be quite a ride.

Reliable Book from Reliable Author
When you pick up a Sharon McCone book by Marcia Muller, yuo pretty much know what you are going to get-- a solid detective novel that integrates nicely with Sharon McCone's personal life--and that's okay. In The Dangerous Hour, one of McCone's employees is arrested for credit card fraud and the McCone Detective Agency is the subject of a BBB complaint. Not only that, but they are fighting against allegations leveled against the agency by an Hispanic San Francisco mayoral candidate.

While dealing with all of this, in addition to covering her cases, McCone is also working through the twist that her romance with security operative Hy Ripinski has taken.

One of the things I like about this series is that the McCone character is allowed to grow and become professionally successful. She follows an actual life pathway, as opposed to characters in other series who seem to be frozen in time.

The Dangerous Hour is another solid book in a solid series, with strong, likable characters and believable villains. It's nice to see a mystery author who is able to keep up the quality of her books with the release of the 23rd book in the series.

Classic Sharon McCone mystery
This is the kind of mystery that you look forward to getting back to and that will get read quickly but will not keep you up until 3 in the morning because you can't bear to put it down.That's not such a bad thing -- sometimes those keep-you-up-all-night books aren't such a good idea.I've read quite a few in this mystery series and character Sharon McCone feels like an old friend.In this book, there are a number of references to events and people in previous books that might make parts of this book less accessible to new readers, although they really don't have much to do with the plot.

The plot involves the arrest of Jules, one of Sharon's employees (Sharon runs a very successful detective agency in San Francisco).Jules is accused of stealing and using a credit card from the client in a case she was assigned to, and for reasons that aren't very convincing, even before Jules is even arraigned, Sharon's agency is being threatened with losing its license to operate because she is responsible for her employees' actions on the job.Sharon has to prove that Jules didn't do it in order to save the agency.Although Jules has a colorful background, Sharon believes in her innocence, and it quickly becomes apparent that this is a frame with Sharon's agency as the real target.The plot then becomes Sharon trying to find out who is framing Jules, which involves finding out who has a grudge against her that is motivating this frame.

I wouldn't describe this as one of those mysteries that you ought to be able to solve if you read the clues correctly -- it's more of a procedural, where you follow along with Sharon as she tries to solve the case.The real strength of the book is Sharon's likeability -- she's someone you enjoy spending time with in a book -- and Muller's writing skills, which create a whole exciting San Francisco world.
... Read more

Product Description
In the latest installment in this critically acclaimed series, Sharon McCone is hired to investigate one of San Luis Obispo County's most puzzling cold cases. A generation ago, Laurel Greenwood, a housewife and artist, inexplicably vanished, leaving her young daughter alone. Now, new evidence suggests that the missing woman may have led a strange double life. But before McCone can penetrate the tangled mystery, she must first solve a second disappearance--that of her client, the now grown daughter of Laurel Greenwood. The case, which forces Sharon to explore the darker sides of two marriages, comes uncomfortably close on the heels of her own marriage to Hy Ripinsky, and she begins to doubt the wisdom of her impulsive trip to the Reno wedding chapel. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Missing Mother
Fresh, different, and engaging is what Marcia Muller brings to a Sharon McCone mystery. For thirty years she has managed to keep us enthralled and coming back for more.
Newly weds Sharon and Hy Ripinsky barely (literally) have their feet on the ground before during their wedding reception Sharon is asked to investigate the disappearance of a missing mother. A mother who disappeared twenty-two years prior to her daughter's search.
A long into the night page turner as you visit with old friends and make new ones.
Nash Black, author whose books are available in Kindle editions.
Writing as a Small BusinessHaintsQualifying LapsSins of the Fathers

Muller continues to get better...
When I read my first two Marcia Muller Sharon McCone books (her first two), I was not very impressed with this character, this series or the writing.I thought it was just another fluffy female detective series.But a friend convinced me not to give up and McCone has become one of my favorites.Vanishing Point shows Muller at her best.

Jennifer Aldin's mother, Laurel Greenwood, mysteriously vanished 22 years ago when Jennifer was just a girl.When Jennifer's father dies of cancer, the unsolved loss of her mother makes her emotionally fragile.Jennifer's wealthy husband hires San Francisco private investigator, Sharon McCone, to see if she can find out exactly what happened to Greenwood.Is she still alive?If so, where is she living?Is she dead?If that is the case, did she commit suicide or was she murdered?McCone now has her own detective agency with a full staff to help with the investigation.As with many cold cases like this, someone doesn't want the truth uncovered.McCone must also deal with the disappearance of someone important to the case, so she actually has two mysteries to solve.

In Vanishing Point, the plot had me guessing until the end.There is also a subplot involving a big change in McCone's personal life that will come as a surprise to loyal Muller fans.The only downfall for me is that this is another series that you should read in order.I still have to fill in many gaps, but that just means that I'll look forward to reading some of her earlier works.

Good one for your Kindle - even as a 'stand alone' book
A very good addition to the series - and you won't have had to read the previous books to enjoy this one.Intrigue and mayhem as PI Sharon McCone follows the cold case of a missing woman.Enjoyable read!

Vanishing Point
"Vanishing Point" is the 24th Sharon McCone novel by Marcia Muller. Rae Kelleher, one of Sharon's former operatives who is also married to country music star Ricky Savage, asks her to take a case for Jennifer Aldin whose mother Laurel Greenwood disappeared 22 years ago. Laurel Greenwood is presumed dead although no body was ever found and Jennifer wants closure. Jennifer's younger sister Terry doesn't want her to find out what happened to Laurel. As Sharon investigates she uncovers some family secrets and an attempted murder. Did Laurel Greenwood die? Is she still living and if so where is she? Sharon with the help of Patrick, one of her newer operatives, gets to the bottom of the case. This novel kept me turning pages and long time readers of this series will enjoy this entry into the Sharon McCone series. This novel is highly recommended.

Muller never disappoints
I've read all the Sharon McCone books over the years.Muller's stories are terrific and I've enjoyed watching Sharon grow and develop.I always look forward to the next one. ... Read more

Product Description
A number of diplomats have been the target of a vicious bombing campaign. Sharon McCone agrees to help a security firm protect their client. Behind a wall of diplomatic immunity, McCone discovers a web of intrigue, corruption and murder. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Makes me want to give up on the series
I began reading Marcia Muller years ago.I enjoyed her husband Bill Pronzini's "Nameless Detective" books and was introduced to her work in Double, a fairly impressive team effort by the authors and their signature detectives.These became the authors I turned to, along with Sue Grafton (and less so the chip-on-the-shoulder Sara Paretsky), for light, straight, credible detective fiction.I read all of Muller's Sharon McCone mysteries up to A Wild and Lonely Place, as well as some of her lesser books, featuring amateur detectives Elena Oliverez and Joanna Stark (I also slogged through the unreadable Muller-Pronzini "historical" detective novel Beyond the Grave).

It was a bumpy ride.The McCone books were Muller's best.But they fell into roughly three phases: (1) small-potatoes, penny-ante local mysteries involving comfortable, small-time neighborhood stories, motivations, and marginal types; (2) convoluted, pathos-laden mysteries with many disjointed parts and often implausible, train-wreck, let-down endings; and (3) haphazard chase, action/adventure, travelogue yarns short on mystery plots and familiar faces and places.The later books all feature some social-issue undercurrent to the story.

Muller's lean, thin early books belong to the first group.They became increasingly threadbare with Leave a Message for Willie (two unrelated killings, one senseless and both impromptu, involving "Torah scrolls" and a military camp) and There's Nothing To Be Afraid of (a deranged, Yeats-spouting derelict terrorizing a Vietnamese-owned flophouse).

Along the way, Muller broke out of this mold with an interesting plot, vivid descriptions, and fast pace in the entertaining Games To Keep the Dark Away.She held the plot trajectory on a steady arc throughout the book, instead of, as so often happens in promising mysteries (like Grafton's J Is for Judgment), collapsing after a good premise and setup.

Another high point came with The Shape of Dread.The book was long and complicated but coherent and tied-together, despite some cliche elements and questionable plot points.It was an affecting story, of shifting puzzles, interesting and genuine characters, and believable details, that felt alive and real and kept the reader guessing.

Although it was good that Muller apparently realized the need to develop bigger plots and go places, her writing bogged down in increasingly contrived, turgid, bulky tomes.These were typified by Pennies on a Dead Woman's Eyes (one of her most interesting, involving mystery premises -- about a 35-year-old murder of a promiscuous society girl on a think tank estate -- that self-destructed into a tangled mess) and Till the Butchers Cut Him Down (a melodramatic, far-fetched tangle of events, personal hatreds, and vengeances tracing back to a business "turnaround" that killed a Pennsylvania steel mill).

Still, I soldiered on, getting a copy of A Wild and Lonely Place from Amazon.Unfortunately, it landed in the disappointing third heap, along with Where Echoes Live (demented prospector, environmental activists, multinational conglomerate, abandoned gold mine, vandalism) and Wolf in the Shadows (Ripinsky missing, biotech firm executive kidnapped, illegal immigration, McCone storms Baja mansion).Never have I had more trouble finishing a Muller book.It droned on for 386 excruciating pages that felt ten times as long.Unable to take more than a few pages at a time, and with the mental block to opening the book growing bigger with each sitting, it took me months to get through it.

The premise of the "Diplobomber" blowing up embassies, targeting an Arab consulate in San Francisco, and being hunted by an FBI/ ATF/ USPS/ SFPD task force and the RKI security firm, was simply too overblown and veered too much to the other extreme from Muller's early, small-scale books.It did not lend itself to a good, intricate, personal detective story or characterizations.Nor did it leave room for McCone to make enough of a credible, distinctive contribution.Although Muller was more convincing than I had expected in injecting McCone into the world of high-level task forces, high-profile terrorism, and a hot-shot worldwide security firm, the book still left something to be desired in plausibility (including her interactions with RKI).The story, characters, and theme (about diplomatic immunity) were completely unaffecting, with nothing and no one to care much about (despite the last-minute revelation of a cliché personal motive).There was barely a mention of the familiar All Souls crowd and local color (the Remedy Lounge, group house, etc.).

The novel was action/adventure fare to the exclusion of the early books' sense of character and place and of almost any detective work (among other tidbits, here the reader had to settle for McCone belatedly prompting her associate to do some quick and dirty internet research that, like magic, turned up a pattern to the bombings, which, of course, had eluded all of the law enforcement professionals on the case).

First, as if the bomber plot were not problem enough, Muller hijacked it with an endless, tedious digression.Spurred by a poorly explained, gratuitous killing, with a leg-up from one or other marginal character, and sparing no details, McCone made a one-woman commando raid on a Caribbean island to retrieve the abducted granddaughter of the consul general and led her on a cross-countries chase.This included an embarrassing scene where McCone finagled access to the compound where the girl was being held and, with the hardened abductors standing right there, engaged in an obvious word game with the girl that instructed her to sneak out to the beach.It also included a contrived, even if well-described, scene where McCone piloted a plane with a failing engine, with boyfriend Hy Ripinsky conveniently feverish and indisposed.

Then, back in San Francisco, in the wake of a new bombing, McCone was hurriedly, aggrandizingly, and implausibly thrust into a computer-chat-room-arranged hostage exchange.At risk was an SFPD pal who had conveniently stumbled onto key evidence.This episode, with McCone again going solo, ended in shouting, shooting, and a body being incinerated and blown off a boat deck by a flare gun (why, when safely back in her car earlier, could McCone not have simply re-attached the body mike after pulling the wire loose in the phone booth to show the killer, making it unnecessary to go it all alone?).

I would be even angrier at how much of an effort reading this book took for so little payoff if it were not for some small compensations.Muller is a good descriptive writer.She tied up the story, such as it was, fairly neatly at the end.McCone was familiar, likable, and admirable (determined, focused on the task at hand, perceptive but not overly sentimental, clearheaded, levelheaded, with a quiet strength and a convincing competence).The story maintained a basic, if sometimes strained, credibility.And it obviously was intended to be more of a demonstration of McCone's "growth," over the most recent books, into a "living on the edge of danger" action hero, closer to Ripinsky, than it was the mystery/detective story, with careful tending to characters, setting, and investigation, that I wanted.Frankly, after this book, I am not at all sure how much longer I want to go along for the ride.

Three and a half stars...
Marcia Muller's Sharon McCone series has developed into quite a good body of work.Although I enjoyed A Wild and Lonely Place by Muller, the story was a bit of a stretch and kept me from giving it four stars.

McCone is clandestinely helping her friend, Adah Joslyn, who is a police officer assigned to the Diplo-bomber Task Force.The Diplo-bomber has been targeting embassies throughout the US.The latest attempt is to a consulate in San Francisco for the country of Azad--a small Arab emirate.RKI, is in charge of the security at the Azad consulate and they hire McCone to assist.It turns out that the consulate has been receiving bomb threats all along, but has refused to report these to the police.As McCone begins investigating, she discovers many other strange things as well.Consul general Malika Hamid is an overbearing woman who runs a very tight ship.She also seems to be hiding many secrets.Her son disappeared several years ago and his American wife appears to be held against her will in the consulate, along with her 9 year old daughter, Habiba.

McCone believes that the secret to finding the Diplo-bomber lies in the Azad consulate.She also fears for the life of Habiba and her mother.But this is where the story loses credibility.McCone ends up in the Caribbean, trying to get to the bottom of this case while her assistants back home are doing research to find the identify of the bomber.The trip back to California takes up the last third of the book but she gives away part of the ending in the prologue.

Muller seems to take on an "issue" in each of her later books and in A Wild and Lonely Place, that issue is the diplomatic immunity used in America by foreign embassy staff to get away with crimes.There is a lot to like in this book, but I just felt it could have been a little better.

Superior McCone
I thought this book was one of the best in the Sharon McCone series (I've read them all, but not in order of publication).It introduces a number of continuing characters.There are certainly parallels with later mysteries/female detectives (such as Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone).IMHO, Muller writes a good story but she might develop her characters a bit better--as compared with some other mystery writers (e.g. Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder or perhaps even Milhone).

Not up to the usual high standards of the McCone series
I have read all the Sharon McCone mysteries in the order they were written and am a big Marcia Muller fan."A Wild and Lonely Place" was the most disappointing book in the series so far.Most of the suspects/new characters were dull, I figured out the mystery WAY too readily, and the writing was surprisingly cliched.

I hope that this book does not mark a downward spiral for Muller.But.. if it does, she's had a great run. (15 books in the series prior to this one.)If you don't know her work, start with the first McCone mystery, "Edwin of the Iron Shoes" and go forward from there.Don't let this one turn you off.

Action-packed Sharon McCone book
Private Investigator Sharon McCone continues to evolve as this series progresses.The reader is privy to many more of McCone's inner thoughts than in the earlier books, and we come to know what makes her tick.In this installment, Sharon is asked to pursue the so-called Diplobomber, who targets embassies of oil-rich nations.The bomber has toyed with officials, giving a warning before he strikes, but still eluding their efforts to capture him.During the course of her investigation, Sharon learns of the daily life inside the Azadi consulate which is dysfunctional, to say the least.She continues her very open relationship with Hy Ripinsky, becomes very attached to a little girl who is a part of the investigation, and takes some impromptu flying lessons.The action is often tense, and the conclusion is slowly but surely arrived at by McCone.This is one of the best books of this series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Quick trip down Mystery Lane
Marcia Muller has developed a formulaic approach in presenting the tales of her famous private eye, Sharon McCone.It seems to fit the bill - no deep psychological dramas (Elizabeth George) or alphabet soup (A is for ....), no coroners or little old ladies - just the unflappable McCone going about her business, solving crimes and getting involved in things she never planned.

This is a short read, a good whodunit where past sins have now stepped forward to claim their retribution. Interesting insight into the world of standup comedy.

The case of the disappearing comedienne
A criminal lawyer at All Souls Legal Cooperative is troubled by a convicted criminal who is on Death Row and has confessed to a murder.The confession is full of holes and the lawyer does not believe that Bobby Foster is really guilty.When he shares his concerns with PI Sharon McCone, she agrees to do some investigating into the situation.She decides that the only way to get Bobby off the hook is to find the person who did commit the murder.The case is two years old and Sharon fears that the trail has grown cold, but she perseveres in her investigation and interviews anyone who had any connection to the victim, Tracy Kostakos.She turns up some disturbing information about Tracy and begins to understand why she was the target for murder.This is a good addition to this series, and continues to develop the characters that Muller's fans have read about in previous books.

Better Than Average
I have read many of Ms. Muller's Sharon McCone mysteries. While there is, in my opinion, no danger that she will threaten the position of ArthurConan Doyal and Agatha Christie at the top of the heap among mysterywriters, I am clearly enjoying these stories or I wouldn't have read somany of them. Partly, I suppose, this comes from my familiarity with, andenjoyment of, her characters. McCone and the other denizens of the AllSouls Legal Cooperative are, by now, all like old friends. Also, partly, itcomes from San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area as the principalsetting for the stories. The scenes she descibes are often familiar and,thus, easy to visualize. This applies especially to this book, parts ofwhich are set in the area immediately south of Market Street in an areanear where I once worked for several years.

Largely, though, I keepcoming back because Muller writes entertaining stories. This one is noexception. In fact, I found this one to be somewhat better than her averagestory. Some, while still fun to read, aren't too difficult when it comes toputting your finger on the murderer. But in this one there were plenty oftwists and turns before the story came to its final conclusion. At times,there was even some doubt about the crime. We have a convicted felon ondeath row but is catually Tracy dead? Or had she simply chosen todisappear? Or is somebody dead, but not Tracy?

My general rating forSharon McCone mysteries is four stars in Amazon's system. This one I rate4+.

Abundance of description shadows interesting storyline
Marcia Muller, the author of THE SHAPE OF DREAD, obviously put a lot of time into this book.Her commitment is apparent in two ways. 1. There is a lot of believable and factual information about prisons, murderinvestigations, comedy clubs, mental conditions, etc.Muller seems to havedone a good amount of research on these topics because there is not doubtin the readers' mind that she is completely factual about everythingsurrounding the plot. 2.Muller seems to be not only committed to herexcellent story line about a murdered comedian, but also committed to herthesaurus.At times, articulate adjectives and adverbs that wereirrelevant to the plot overshadowed the excellent story line.As thereader, I felt that I didn't need to know that the building the maincharacter walked into was khaki stucco surrounded by small palm trees inperfect rows. The reader would much rather know what the investigator wasthinking, for example- Would Ms. McCone find Tracy Kostakos dead or alive?In conclusion, I believe that this book is a good read, only if you enjoyTONS of detail.Otherwise, chose a mystery novel that gives you the factsto attempt to solve the case yourself, not to decide whether the room hasbeen interior decorated to your taste. ... Read more