Today I am reviewing Hush Hush by Laura Lippman for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the book (from the publisher): On a searing August day, Melisandre Harris Dawes committed the unthinkable: she left her two-month-old daughter locked in a car while she sat nearby on the shores of the Patapsco River. Melisandre was found not guilty by reason of criminal insanity, although there was much skepticism about her mental state. Freed, she left the country, her husband, and her two surviving children, determined to start over.
But now, Melisandre has returned to Baltimore to meet with her estranged teenage daughters and film the reunion for a documentary. The problem is, she relinquished custody and her ex isn’t sure he approves.
Now that she’s a mother herself – short on time and patience – Tess Monaghan wants nothing to do with a woman crazy enough to have killed her own child. But her mentor and close friend Tyner Gray, Melisandre’s lawyer, has asked Tess and her new partner, retired Baltimore PD homicide detective Sandy Sanchez, to assess Melisandre’s security needs.
Tess has always felt that her curiosity about others is her greatest strength. Yet the imperious Melisandre is someone she cannot begin to understand, much less empathize with. A decade ago, a judge ruled that Melisandre was beyond rational thought. But was she? Tess tries to keep her distance from her mercurial yet confident client. This strategy gets tricky after Melisandre becomes a prime suspect in a murder.
And as her doubts about Melisandre grow, Tess realizes that she’s under scrutiny as well, followed by a judgmental stalker with an ax to grind . . .
My review: If you ever glance at my sidebar, you’ve seen the widgets where I share what I’m currently reading and what I’ve just finished reading. Right now, and for the past week, both books have been by Lippman as I’ve gone back to read the entire Tess Monaghan series in order. I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing two other mysteries by Lippman for this blog: After I’m Gone, a stand-alone novel featuring Sandy Sanchez, who is now a part of the Tess Monaghan series, and Baltimore Blues, the first novel in the Tess Monaghan series.
I’m a fan.
Hush Hush, the newest novel in the Tess Monaghan series, does not disappoint. Lippman is a gifted writer who knows how to spin a plot that is complicated and layered. There are always, and I mean always, twists and turns that I as a reader did not expect. Can I tell you how much I love that? This time, we are introduced to Melisandre who has committed the unthinkable crime, one that is almost impossible to forgive. She is unpredictable, imperious, and quite possibly, untrustworthy. Her motives are questionable. At the same time, Tess herself is dealing with a stalker.
You know I won’t divulge more of the plot. As always, I want you to be completely surprised, just as I was.
Lippman is particularly gifted at creating complex characters (one of which is the city of Baltimore.) Over the course of the series she has created a cast of characters – some family, some friends, some colleagues – who are richly detailed. All of them grow and change throughout the series. The result is the completely realized and multi-layered world in which Tess lives and works and plays. We get to know everyone over the course of the novels, so, like all the best mystery series, we feel as if we belong there, too. We want to hang out with everyone.
In this mystery, as in all Lippman’s books, there is a strong element of humor. Tess’s observations alone are funny in a wonderfully dry way, and the supporting cast of characters often include the quirky and off-beat.
Lippman is, quite simply, a wonderful writer. I’m hooked. After reading the first and most recent books in the series, I’m now on number 4. I can’t put them down. When I do, it’s only long enough to grab the next book in the series.
I recommend them highly.
On an entirely personal note, one of Lippman’s favorite singers is the late Nancy LaMott; she mentions her in her books. I’ve spoken of my love for LaMott, who died too young and had the voice of an angel, many times on this blog. I was surprised and delighted when I saw a reference to her in one of Lippman’s books.
I have a feeling Lippman is a kindred spirit.
About the author: Laura Lippman has been awarded every major prize in crime fiction. The recipient of the first Mayor’s prize, she lives in Baltimore, Maryland, and New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, David Simon, and their family.
The publisher has created a special page called Tess is Back. It’s interactive and a lot of fun. You can learn more about the characters, as well as win prizes.
And, one of you will win a copy of Hush Hush. Just leave a comment on this post. Please remember: it has to be on this post. I’ll pick a winner on Thursday evening.
Happy Monday.
I haven’t read these books but you’ve convinced me to start-you’ve never steered me wrong before!
OK this has definitely peaked my interest and just as I am look to replenish my bedside stack of books! Thanks for offering the giveaway!
*looking, not look, ugh, my brain was working faster than my fingers
I’d love to read this book! Thanks for the enticing review and the opportunity to win it.
Love this author! Especially the setting, Baltimore, which I visit often as I have family nearby.
Thanks for this great feature, wonderful review and giveaway. I enjoy this author’s novels very much.
I would love to read this book! Thank you for the review and the chance to win a copy.
I’m moving this author to the top of my list! I will start with her first book in the series since that’s how I LOVE to read a new author. Would love this book.
hugs,
Linda
Twists and turns, that’s what makes a good story. I will start with book one. Love books that have continuing characters. I would love to have this book. Thank you for your reviews.
This definitely looks like a series i need to read…..i have been in reading block for the past year- and hopefully this will help me get rid of that. I had some hard emotional challenges and i think that is what has caused my reading block- but i will not rest until i am back to normal reading my 3-4 books a week!@! Love your blog too!!!! thank you for sharing……..
Have a wonderful day!!!!
Kathy, I have been in the same place for over a year also. It actually hurts, but I just can’t concentrate enough to get through a page. I am truly aching to start reading again. I have a pile of books I can’t wait to get to. I wish you luck as well.
I have always said I don’t like to read mysteries. When I said this recently, my daughter looked at me and said “you watch every Dateline and love all the crime shows on TV. You are always trying to figure out what will happen next. How can you not like mysteries?” I think when I was about 12 I read a Nancy Drew and didn’t love it, so decided mysteries weren’t for me. So, now 53 years later, I think I need to re-think that decision and add some mysteries to my TBR pile. And I LOVE books which are part of a “series” so I can enjoy the characters as they develop. Great review!!
It does hurt- because reading is my FRIEND. I miss it so much!
thank you for your wishes- and i wish for you too that your reading block
will lift and be gone!@!@!@! POOF!!!! Have a wonderful day Chris K.
I unfortunately haven’t read the first book you recommended…but this is on the list for sure! Too much to do…so little time…it’s always the same dilemma! Enjoy your day! ;)
That sounds like an interesting book. The brain so amazing. What can go right and what can go wrong with it. Please enter me in the drawing.
I love Laura Lippman ~ glad to hear this is another good one!
Sounds good to me..!
Laura is one of my favorite authors, and I love her Tess character. I would really enjoy reading this book. Thanks for having the giveaway.
I haven’t read them yet but this one makes me want to get all her books! I usually put them in my Amazon wish list so I don’t forget them. Thanks
So far everything I have read about this book makes me want to be sure I get a copy. If I could win that would make it even sweeter. Your reviews are always so inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to share with us.
This sounds like a good book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
I have not reads time fiction book ins long time. This one really looks interesting!
I am embarrassed looking at my just posted comment–typing too fast and not proof reading. Again: I have not read Crime Fiction in a long time. This one really looks interesting!
I love her especially since I live in Baltimore. I always say, “I know where that is!” when she’s describing a street or an area. I’ve read almost all of her books.
Your taste in reading seems to be very similar to mine. I will be looking up Lippman as I need a new author to hook up with. Thanks
SueZK
Hi Claudia, I am going to put this author on my list now! Thanks for the chance to win this book.. Doris
Claudia, my daughter(visiting from OZ) and I were just discussing this author. She is reading Baltimore Blues and is raving about Lippman’s talent. I’d love to win a copy, for fun!
You must have a lot of readers. I went to put a hold on this book at my library, and their were 98 people ahead of me.
Love this series. Can’t wait to read it. xo Laura
I have read all of Laura Lippman’s books and wish she would write a little faster! My daughter lives in Baltimore and the references to the city are always right on which make her books even more captivating.
It sounds like a very good book. I have read other works by this author and enjoyed them. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway.
Sounds like a book I would absolutely love.
Put me in for the book. Meanwhile, I am going to check out this author.
Thanks for another great series to put on the list, as well a chance to win this book!
I look forward to your reviews. What an interesting book. Will check out her other works. Thanks for the chance to win!
This sounds just like my cup of tea, I can’t wait to read this!
This book sounds great!! I’ll have to get on a list at the library IF I don’t win this!
Thoroughly enjoy both your blogs, your book reviews, and your links……not to mention the glimpses of your cozy, slight l y whimsical cottage :)
I would love to win! I need to start the series too. Thanks for a giveaway. Love your blog!!
I’m so pleased that you’ve enjoyed immersing yourself in this series! Thanks for being a part of the tour!