The story immediately starts with a corporate mobile phone being stolen and Valencia and Elizabeth working to find the culprit. A stolen phone with important data could so easily happen in real life.
I think the cover is suitable for the book and very eye catching.
Others have described this as a thriller. I disagree. It's more along the lines of action because the killer is identifiable. It is not a 'Who done it?'.
My first impression was 'It isn't often there are two strong female character leads, let alone working together, and written by a male author.' How refreshing. I stand by this, however would like to add after reading the entire book why do the two female leads have sexual undertones?. An example is 'Valencia and her fancy clothes - she was probably having sex with someone'. Another is '..Elizabeth again considered what she found so intriguing about Valencia. It wasn't work related. It was something more personal than that'. This doesn't develop into a story line and adds nothing to the plot. I'm guessing Hoffman is trying to demonstrate how the characters feel admiration for one another (since strong female characters are rare), and show how Liz is jealous of and charmed by perfect Valencia. It is refreshing the two leads get along, but I guess it is just a façade because it's only who and what they know that keeps their connection going. In the acknowledgments someone is credited for urging the author to change Valencia from male to female. Perhaps these unnecessary references were leftover when the author did a quick swap of the pronouns. Most books have a male/female relationship going on as a side plot. I'm only speculating and found the perspective interesting from a male author.
There is a focus on appearances and how much makeup each female character is wearing, but that is because it is all about keeping up the appearances that everything is fine (when it isn't), and power.
There were a number of sub characters, which can make it slightly difficult to know who is who, particularly who is related to whom. But they are all believable and well developed. This is probably helped by how we follow the different character perspectives.
Considering there are some technology descriptions, it is all easy to follow.
There is quite a lot of description in the book. It draws the reader in for most of the time. We know when all the characters use the toilet! but I suppose this makes the book realistic. To be honest, I didn't need to know.
I feel like the blurb has given away most of the story, which is a real shame, especially since this is only 277 pages. Thankfully there are a few plot twists remaining.
This book will grab your attention because it can easily happen in real life. The ending was a bit of a let down.
I read this within 24 hours and would recommend.
I think the cover is suitable for the book and very eye catching.
Others have described this as a thriller. I disagree. It's more along the lines of action because the killer is identifiable. It is not a 'Who done it?'.
My first impression was 'It isn't often there are two strong female character leads, let alone working together, and written by a male author.' How refreshing. I stand by this, however would like to add after reading the entire book why do the two female leads have sexual undertones?. An example is 'Valencia and her fancy clothes - she was probably having sex with someone'. Another is '..Elizabeth again considered what she found so intriguing about Valencia. It wasn't work related. It was something more personal than that'. This doesn't develop into a story line and adds nothing to the plot. I'm guessing Hoffman is trying to demonstrate how the characters feel admiration for one another (since strong female characters are rare), and show how Liz is jealous of and charmed by perfect Valencia. It is refreshing the two leads get along, but I guess it is just a façade because it's only who and what they know that keeps their connection going. In the acknowledgments someone is credited for urging the author to change Valencia from male to female. Perhaps these unnecessary references were leftover when the author did a quick swap of the pronouns. Most books have a male/female relationship going on as a side plot. I'm only speculating and found the perspective interesting from a male author.
There is a focus on appearances and how much makeup each female character is wearing, but that is because it is all about keeping up the appearances that everything is fine (when it isn't), and power.
There were a number of sub characters, which can make it slightly difficult to know who is who, particularly who is related to whom. But they are all believable and well developed. This is probably helped by how we follow the different character perspectives.
Considering there are some technology descriptions, it is all easy to follow.
There is quite a lot of description in the book. It draws the reader in for most of the time. We know when all the characters use the toilet! but I suppose this makes the book realistic. To be honest, I didn't need to know.
I feel like the blurb has given away most of the story, which is a real shame, especially since this is only 277 pages. Thankfully there are a few plot twists remaining.
This book will grab your attention because it can easily happen in real life. The ending was a bit of a let down.
I read this within 24 hours and would recommend.