G1147 Book Review of The Body in Griffith Park by Jennifer Kincheloe
Author: Jennifer Kincheloe
ISBN:978-1-63388-540-0
Publisher: Seventh Street Books
Part of a Series:Anna Blanc Mysteries #3
Type of book: California, 1908s, detective work, women, prostitutes, police matron duties, relationship, family, murder, humor, traveling, treatment of genders,
Year it was published: 2019
Summary:
Los Angeles, 1908. Anna Blanc is a former so-so socialite, a flailing police matron, and a killer detective.
Ex-heiress, Anna Blanc, is precariously employed by the Los Angeles Police Department, reforming delinquent children and minding lady jailbirds. What she really wants is to hunt criminals and be alone with Detective Joe Singer--both no-nos that could get her fired. On a lover's tryst in Griffith Park, Anna and Joe discover the body of a young gambler. Anna can't resist. She's on the case.
With a murder to solve and her police matron duties piling up, a young girl shows up at Central Station claiming to have been raped by a man from Mars. The men at the station scoff, but Anna is willing to investigate. Meanwhile, Anna begins getting strange floral arrangements from an unknown admirer. Following the petals leads her to another crime--one close to home. Suddenly pitted against Joe, Anna must examine her loyalties and solve the crimes, even if it means losing the man she loves.
Characters:
Main characters include Anna Blanc and Joe Singer. Anna Blanc is a formerly disgraced heiress who is the only legitimate daughter of a wealthy banker. She is stubborn, extremely independent and wants to do the impossible in her time: to solve mysteries and become a detective. She is also very loyal to family and will do whatever she can for them. Joe Singer is a police chiefs son who loves Anna and will do whatever he can to help her solve mysteries. He is also more level headed than Anna and often gives her great advice. Also yes, they are dating and Joe is hoping that Anna will marry him, and Joe tends to follow rules and regulations, trying to be fair.
Theme:
Nothing is what it seems
Plot:
The story is in third person narrative from Anna's point of view as well as Joe Singers. It can stand on its own, but i imagine that knowing Anna's background will make it a very delightful tale. In my opinion, the author has outdone herself because literally this Anna Blanc mystery just shone all over from the sharp and unpredictable plot twists to the intense rivalry between Anna and Joe over the mysterious new character in Anna's life. There is humor, mystery and fascinating historical tidbits of information as well as a curse. This is truly a worthy read to savor.
Author Information:
(From Book)
Jennifer Kincheloe is the award-winning author of THE SECRET LIFE OF ANNA BLANC and THE WOMAN IN THE CAMPHOR TRUNK. She lives with her family in Denver, Colorado where she does research on the jails.
Opinion:
First of all, it's a crime that Jennifer Kincheloe's Anna Blanc mysteries are not better known because honestly, for me, reading an Anna Blanc mystery is like rewatching my favorite TV show, I Love Lucy, except there is a twist to these mysteries: Anna Blanc is a very competent woman and Joe Singer just happens to be her sidekick. Seriously, why aren't these mysteries better known? There is a lot to love in this particular mystery which includes not only a plot involving prostitutes and the mysterious Black Pearl, but it also includes the heart, the sibling rivalry, and Anna being her bull-headed self towards a lot of scenes. These pages are literally gemstones embedded with words and a fun mystery if the reader is looking for a historical mystery that takes place at the turn of the century.
This was given to me for a review
4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)
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