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Micky Knight #3
The Intersection of Law and Desire
In the Big Easy, nothing comes easy, not life, not love . . . not justice. Two cases, one involving an innocent young girl and the other a jaded sophisticate who thinks the rules don't apply to her, lead Micky Knight to a tawdry bar where two streets intersect, the corner of Law and Desire. When Micky finds out what is hidden in the dark rooms behind the bar's façade, she will do anything to make it stop . . . anything . J.M. Redmann is the author of four Micky Knight mysteries. A trade paper edition of Lost Daughters will be available from Bywater Books in the spring of 2005 and a new Micky Knight that fall.
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1995
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388 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Redmann
28 books202 followersAlso writes under the pseudonym R. Jean Reid.
Jean Marie Redmann is an American novelist best known for her mystery series featuring New Orleans private investigator Micky Knight.
Main themes of Redmann's novels are the protagonist's troubled childhood and how it affects her adult life, discrimination based on sexual orientation and alcoholism. Her novels follow the tradition of hardboiled fiction. Redmann's third book The Intersection of Law and Desire won the Lambda Literary Award for lesbian mystery.
Jean M. Redmann is a gay rights activist and works as the Director of Prevention at NO/AIDS Task Force.
Jean Marie Redmann is an American novelist best known for her mystery series featuring New Orleans private investigator Micky Knight.
Main themes of Redmann's novels are the protagonist's troubled childhood and how it affects her adult life, discrimination based on sexual orientation and alcoholism. Her novels follow the tradition of hardboiled fiction. Redmann's third book The Intersection of Law and Desire won the Lambda Literary Award for lesbian mystery.
Jean M. Redmann is a gay rights activist and works as the Director of Prevention at NO/AIDS Task Force.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 10, 2017
With I believe book 9 of the Mickey Knight series, coming out in April, I thought I better start slowly catching up. I'll be reading a lot of Mickey in the next month, it's not a hardship though. Mickey is one of my favorite characters in lesfic.
Redmann, is a brilliant writer and each book seems to be better than the one before. Mickey is a very flawed character, but it just makes her lovable. As each book goes by, the connection we have to Mickey as a reader, grows stronger.
This book was tough to read in parts. One of the cases Mickey took on had to do with the worst kind of child abuse. It was very well written though. Enough to tear your heart out and step on it a bit, but also leaves you so invested, that I had to finish this in one sitting.
This book deals more with Mickeys relationship with her on again off again girlfriend Cordelia, than previous books. I was happy about that as I really love them as a couple. With so many books left, I'm not sure how they will make it as a couple, but I'm hopefully for a HEA.
If you enjoy a mystery/private detective book, that is gritty, realistic, exciting and heartfelt, give the Mickey Knight series a shot. For new readers, I would recommend starting at book one. There is a slow building, important connection between Michelle and Cordelia, you just won't get if you don't read them in order. For an author, Redmann is to brilliant to pass up.
Redmann, is a brilliant writer and each book seems to be better than the one before. Mickey is a very flawed character, but it just makes her lovable. As each book goes by, the connection we have to Mickey as a reader, grows stronger.
This book was tough to read in parts. One of the cases Mickey took on had to do with the worst kind of child abuse. It was very well written though. Enough to tear your heart out and step on it a bit, but also leaves you so invested, that I had to finish this in one sitting.
This book deals more with Mickeys relationship with her on again off again girlfriend Cordelia, than previous books. I was happy about that as I really love them as a couple. With so many books left, I'm not sure how they will make it as a couple, but I'm hopefully for a HEA.
If you enjoy a mystery/private detective book, that is gritty, realistic, exciting and heartfelt, give the Mickey Knight series a shot. For new readers, I would recommend starting at book one. There is a slow building, important connection between Michelle and Cordelia, you just won't get if you don't read them in order. For an author, Redmann is to brilliant to pass up.
February 27, 2020
Introducing Introspective Micky™
The plot. Barely three months after the events of book two, Micky gets caught in another tough situation when she suspects the sexual abuse of a young girl. Trying desperately to save the girl and other kids from suffering the same horrendous fate, Micky soon finds herself having to face her own past demons.
The characters. For a minute I questioned whether this was the same woman I read about in the previous book. Don't get me wrong, I still wanted to dangle her from her little toe over the edge of the Chrysler building but she showed quite a bit of growth in this story. Is our little Micky finally growing up? I sure AF hope so!
The writing. Though I liked the little peek into her relationship with Cordelia in the beginning I found the pace of the narrative a little slow. What immediately snagged my attention however was when Micky was about to get herself into trouble... again. Because of course she can't stay away from dangerous situations too long.
The special. This section of my review always comes back down to 100% Micky. Where in book one I loved her and in book two I couldn't stand her, I don't know how I feel about her right now. She's one of the most complex, interesting and aggravatingly heartbreaking character I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. I certainly understand why this woman who is her own underdog has so many die hard fans.
The negative. This part goes a little without saying but the main story line of this book was incredibly difficult to read. Even though there were thankfully no explicit scenes, I spent a large part of the book reading while being absolutely horrified and disgusted at the pure evilness that some people are capable of.
The verdict. Taking a few days off from reading but once I'm back I will be diving head first into Micky's next (disastrous) adventure. Job well done again Ms. Redmann. Overall rating is a 4,25*
The plot. Barely three months after the events of book two, Micky gets caught in another tough situation when she suspects the sexual abuse of a young girl. Trying desperately to save the girl and other kids from suffering the same horrendous fate, Micky soon finds herself having to face her own past demons.
The characters. For a minute I questioned whether this was the same woman I read about in the previous book. Don't get me wrong, I still wanted to dangle her from her little toe over the edge of the Chrysler building but she showed quite a bit of growth in this story. Is our little Micky finally growing up? I sure AF hope so!
The writing. Though I liked the little peek into her relationship with Cordelia in the beginning I found the pace of the narrative a little slow. What immediately snagged my attention however was when Micky was about to get herself into trouble... again. Because of course she can't stay away from dangerous situations too long.
The special. This section of my review always comes back down to 100% Micky. Where in book one I loved her and in book two I couldn't stand her, I don't know how I feel about her right now. She's one of the most complex, interesting and aggravatingly heartbreaking character I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. I certainly understand why this woman who is her own underdog has so many die hard fans.
The negative. This part goes a little without saying but the main story line of this book was incredibly difficult to read. Even though there were thankfully no explicit scenes, I spent a large part of the book reading while being absolutely horrified and disgusted at the pure evilness that some people are capable of.
The verdict. Taking a few days off from reading but once I'm back I will be diving head first into Micky's next (disastrous) adventure. Job well done again Ms. Redmann. Overall rating is a 4,25*
July 6, 2025
I will write a better and longer review at some point but I don't have the time right now. Safe to say The Intersection of Law and Desire blew me away. They just get better and better. Mickey Knight is on a personal crusade when she goes undercover in a child pornography case. And she gets in some really, really hot water here.
I think I need to make some room to build my next shrine. J.M. Redmann is a writing force of nature and I can't wait to dive into book 4. I just need to reed some fluff to calm my frayed nerves.
f/f explicit
5 stars are not enough
------re-read 6 years later-------------
Time to do a better synopsis this time.
In this installment, Micky gets pulled into two cases: one involving Cissy, a young girl whose brother hires Micky because Cissy has suddenly changed after her friend’s suspicious death, and another involving Karen, a former client with shady connections and a lot of trouble on her hands.
What starts as two separate investigations soon reveals a dark overlap, plunging Micky into the seedy underbelly of New Orleans—specifically, a bar at the literal intersection of Law and Desire, where the city’s secrets fester. The cases force Micky to confront the ugly world of child exploitation, a subject that hits painfully close to home given her own history of abuse. As she digs deeper, the lines between justice and revenge blur, and Micky’s personal demons threaten to overwhelm her.
On top of the cases, Micky’s relationship with, now girlfriend, Cordelia is on shaky ground. Both are carrying a lot of emotional baggage, and Micky’s inability to fully trust or communicate puts their love to the test.
I don't know what it is about Redmann's writing that just keeps me turning page after page. I hardly ever lose sleep over a book these days, but her Mickey Knight keeps me reading long past my bedtime. Even when it's the second time around (although I must confess that most of it reads like new again).
5 Stars
I think I need to make some room to build my next shrine. J.M. Redmann is a writing force of nature and I can't wait to dive into book 4. I just need to reed some fluff to calm my frayed nerves.
f/f explicit
5 stars are not enough
------re-read 6 years later-------------
Time to do a better synopsis this time.
In this installment, Micky gets pulled into two cases: one involving Cissy, a young girl whose brother hires Micky because Cissy has suddenly changed after her friend’s suspicious death, and another involving Karen, a former client with shady connections and a lot of trouble on her hands.
What starts as two separate investigations soon reveals a dark overlap, plunging Micky into the seedy underbelly of New Orleans—specifically, a bar at the literal intersection of Law and Desire, where the city’s secrets fester. The cases force Micky to confront the ugly world of child exploitation, a subject that hits painfully close to home given her own history of abuse. As she digs deeper, the lines between justice and revenge blur, and Micky’s personal demons threaten to overwhelm her.
On top of the cases, Micky’s relationship with, now girlfriend, Cordelia is on shaky ground. Both are carrying a lot of emotional baggage, and Micky’s inability to fully trust or communicate puts their love to the test.
I don't know what it is about Redmann's writing that just keeps me turning page after page. I hardly ever lose sleep over a book these days, but her Mickey Knight keeps me reading long past my bedtime. Even when it's the second time around (although I must confess that most of it reads like new again).
5 Stars
December 16, 2019
This was not an easy read, people. There were many times I put it down because of the awful subject matter, where MC Micky Knight again ends up in the gritty underworld, trying to get to the bottom of a crime, in this case children being trafficked, and finding the shitheads responsible. Even though the content is difficult, the author was still delicate with it and didn't make it "too" descriptive.
What I am so enjoying about this series is the rawness of the main character. She had a terrible upbringing, and without a series like this, her past would be glazed over, touched upon but not gettin' in too deep, but this is an opportunity for us readers to really see into her scarred soul. In this book even more of her demons come out. The author does not present her a rosy light at all, instead highlighting many flaws, which often made me frustrated and angry with Micky. But in the next minute Micky does or says something that is just so perfect and she's immediately forgiven. She has such a skewed view of love and intimacy and the author truly gets INTO it. This quote was profound: "Making women want me because I could, because it gave me control over them.... I became not only the betrayed but the betrayer, burdened with the shame of the victim and the guilt of the user." Micky's finally found love with Cordelia but she can't seem to understand it without her past rearing it's ugly head up, making their relationship quite tenuous.
A few standout emotional scenes for me: When Barbara asks Micky to not see her young daughter Cissy anymore b/c she's gay and hangs around with "those people".....holy moly, what more does Micky have to go through? I realize this series starts in the 1990s and it is not as acceptable as now to be queer (in most places anyway), but my heart BLED for Micky. Also, the part where officer O'Connor asked Micky to babysit his young daughter was heartwarming and heart breaking at the same time....first, why he did it, then Micky's unease at Deidre's unabashed affection and hugs being misconstrued b/c she is queer. "Then I tensed: what would it look like, a lesbian alone with a young girl in a secluded yard?" Ugh, such a different time, yet I know these antiquated viewpoints are still prevalent in some places.
This series continues to blow my mind. I've uttered, "this book is SO FUCKING GOOD!" out loud so many times that my spouse already knows what she's gettin' for christmas.
What I am so enjoying about this series is the rawness of the main character. She had a terrible upbringing, and without a series like this, her past would be glazed over, touched upon but not gettin' in too deep, but this is an opportunity for us readers to really see into her scarred soul. In this book even more of her demons come out. The author does not present her a rosy light at all, instead highlighting many flaws, which often made me frustrated and angry with Micky. But in the next minute Micky does or says something that is just so perfect and she's immediately forgiven. She has such a skewed view of love and intimacy and the author truly gets INTO it. This quote was profound: "Making women want me because I could, because it gave me control over them.... I became not only the betrayed but the betrayer, burdened with the shame of the victim and the guilt of the user." Micky's finally found love with Cordelia but she can't seem to understand it without her past rearing it's ugly head up, making their relationship quite tenuous.
A few standout emotional scenes for me: When Barbara asks Micky to not see her young daughter Cissy anymore b/c she's gay and hangs around with "those people".....holy moly, what more does Micky have to go through? I realize this series starts in the 1990s and it is not as acceptable as now to be queer (in most places anyway), but my heart BLED for Micky. Also, the part where officer O'Connor asked Micky to babysit his young daughter was heartwarming and heart breaking at the same time....first, why he did it, then Micky's unease at Deidre's unabashed affection and hugs being misconstrued b/c she is queer. "Then I tensed: what would it look like, a lesbian alone with a young girl in a secluded yard?" Ugh, such a different time, yet I know these antiquated viewpoints are still prevalent in some places.
This series continues to blow my mind. I've uttered, "this book is SO FUCKING GOOD!" out loud so many times that my spouse already knows what she's gettin' for christmas.
April 3, 2020
This book is so gripping.. you dont want to carry on reading, but yet you find yourself needing to find out what's going to happen next. It's dark and a very tough read. But so fucking fantastically written!
September 19, 2019
Five years after I first read this book, I’ve now reread it. I had started a rereading campaign of the Micky Knight series way back in, hmm, when was it February 2017. I’d reread the first two books in the series and, for reasons that escape me now, didn’t reread the third book until more than two years after I started this reread project.
Knight books are tough, as in they have hard subject matter in them, though I did not recall that this one was the child abuse book. This one was a tough one to read. And, while I knew the series had a large-ish amount of sex in it, I didn’t recall so much of it occurred in the abuse book. I didn’t really want to read graphic depictions of sex in a book like this one, though I know why this one had it (it’s who Micky is, finds connection; plus she doesn’t know how to get her thoughts out, like, say, how she doesn’t actually want to have sex right then and there; and other reasons).
Well, I do not want to go too far one way or another revealing stuff or diving too deep into a review, so I’ll just note a few things; some of which I include so I remember myself later on.
Barbara, that older woman who appeared in at least the previous book (and probably only that one), is recovering from her ordeal from that book. She happened to have kids, and Micky watched over them while Barbara was in the hospital and the like. All of which activity occurred before the start of this book, but mentioned as to show the link between Micky, Barbara, and Barbara’s kids. For, you see, one of the two kids, Patrick, hires Micky because there’s an ‘issue’ with Ciccy (Cissy? I forget spelling), his younger sister. A kid Cissy’s age has died, and Cissy’s personality has changed. Did Jody, that kid that died, die from an accident, or was she murdered? Cissy believes Jody was murdered. That’s the first case that Micky handles in this book, and as happens a lot in fictional works about detectives (amateur and/or professional (private investigator/police)), the other case Micky takes on in the book oddly enough has connections to the Jody investigation.
That other case? Cordelia’s cousin, Karen, who was Micky’s client in the first book in the series, hires Micky again. Micky, reluctantly, takes the case. Mostly because Karen presented her with a check for $5,000. Karen, it appears, has lent money to some unsavory people and she’s having trouble with them. And needs Micky to help her, unexplained how exactly, but help her.
Both cases are investigated and are handled in a rather quick manner – not in a night or anything, but still, quick. I believe both might have been ‘over’ somewhere around the 32% mark. But that was the ‘easy’ and first layer. Neither case actually, technically, concluded right then and there; and both cases continued throughout the rest of the book.
I give a little more detail, again to help myself, by noting that there’s this ‘Joey’ guy who is that unsavory character. I only go deeper into detail so I can note that after Micky untangles Karen from Joey, she bumps into him again while in a very bad neighborhood investigating Cissy’s case (well, the Jody part was ‘over’ (it appeared), but the ‘Cissy’s personality changed’ part continued, including finding her playing with a match-book, one for that bar that had lead Micky to that very bad neighborhood). One thing leads to another and . . . Joey basically hires Micky to work for him. She’s doing it to get information, he’s doing it . . . well, mostly to brag about himself. Luckily for Micky’s later health, well-being, and position on the law-abiding/criminal spectrum, a particular police officer had been investigating that bar, spotted Micky, and gives Micky legal cover (why, you might ask? Because, in a few moments, Micky has gotten ‘further’ than he has, just by having Joey ‘hire’ her). So this is where the undercover tag comes from. A private investigator going under-cover.
On the Cordelia/Micky romance front: they are together in this book but . . . well, neither are exactly good communicators, and they do not exactly have the best relationship. One thing from doing this reread: there are reasons why I thought neither were exactly that good for each other, for their place in life, etc. etc., but I’d forgotten how . . . very very bad Micky was at communication and much she was kind of like a pit-bull that had been rescued from a fighting ring, who might not want to snap at the rescuer, but can’t stop themselves. Micky is very angry in this book. Cordelia has certain issues that occasionally trigger Micky. I’d more remembered Cordelia’s issues and lack of communication, fragile state (regarding relationships, and other things), and certain other traits that showed up in previous books, and then later books. And had kind of forgotten how both parties in this relationship were fragile people.
On friend front: they were mentioned, seen, spent very little time near/with Micky, and mostly lectured her and made snide comments. And this includes both of the cousins who turn up (Bayard, the icky molester, and Torbin, the drag-queen).
On the sex and drinking front: even when undercover, Micky didn’t drink. I already mentioned graphic depictions of sex. That was mostly Cordelia and Micky, but, well…
I end up giving the book a lower rating than first read. It’s actually only a difference of .25 stars, though on GoodReads, it looks like the difference between a 4 star rating and a 5 star rating. As I rated this 4.75 stars the first time, and now rate it 4.50. It is a well-written good book. I’m not sure where that .25 stars went.
Rating: 4.50
September 19 2019
Knight books are tough, as in they have hard subject matter in them, though I did not recall that this one was the child abuse book. This one was a tough one to read. And, while I knew the series had a large-ish amount of sex in it, I didn’t recall so much of it occurred in the abuse book. I didn’t really want to read graphic depictions of sex in a book like this one, though I know why this one had it (it’s who Micky is, finds connection; plus she doesn’t know how to get her thoughts out, like, say, how she doesn’t actually want to have sex right then and there; and other reasons).
Well, I do not want to go too far one way or another revealing stuff or diving too deep into a review, so I’ll just note a few things; some of which I include so I remember myself later on.
Barbara, that older woman who appeared in at least the previous book (and probably only that one), is recovering from her ordeal from that book. She happened to have kids, and Micky watched over them while Barbara was in the hospital and the like. All of which activity occurred before the start of this book, but mentioned as to show the link between Micky, Barbara, and Barbara’s kids. For, you see, one of the two kids, Patrick, hires Micky because there’s an ‘issue’ with Ciccy (Cissy? I forget spelling), his younger sister. A kid Cissy’s age has died, and Cissy’s personality has changed. Did Jody, that kid that died, die from an accident, or was she murdered? Cissy believes Jody was murdered. That’s the first case that Micky handles in this book, and as happens a lot in fictional works about detectives (amateur and/or professional (private investigator/police)), the other case Micky takes on in the book oddly enough has connections to the Jody investigation.
That other case? Cordelia’s cousin, Karen, who was Micky’s client in the first book in the series, hires Micky again. Micky, reluctantly, takes the case. Mostly because Karen presented her with a check for $5,000. Karen, it appears, has lent money to some unsavory people and she’s having trouble with them. And needs Micky to help her, unexplained how exactly, but help her.
Both cases are investigated and are handled in a rather quick manner – not in a night or anything, but still, quick. I believe both might have been ‘over’ somewhere around the 32% mark. But that was the ‘easy’ and first layer. Neither case actually, technically, concluded right then and there; and both cases continued throughout the rest of the book.
I give a little more detail, again to help myself, by noting that there’s this ‘Joey’ guy who is that unsavory character. I only go deeper into detail so I can note that after Micky untangles Karen from Joey, she bumps into him again while in a very bad neighborhood investigating Cissy’s case (well, the Jody part was ‘over’ (it appeared), but the ‘Cissy’s personality changed’ part continued, including finding her playing with a match-book, one for that bar that had lead Micky to that very bad neighborhood). One thing leads to another and . . . Joey basically hires Micky to work for him. She’s doing it to get information, he’s doing it . . . well, mostly to brag about himself. Luckily for Micky’s later health, well-being, and position on the law-abiding/criminal spectrum, a particular police officer had been investigating that bar, spotted Micky, and gives Micky legal cover (why, you might ask? Because, in a few moments, Micky has gotten ‘further’ than he has, just by having Joey ‘hire’ her). So this is where the undercover tag comes from. A private investigator going under-cover.
On the Cordelia/Micky romance front: they are together in this book but . . . well, neither are exactly good communicators, and they do not exactly have the best relationship. One thing from doing this reread: there are reasons why I thought neither were exactly that good for each other, for their place in life, etc. etc., but I’d forgotten how . . . very very bad Micky was at communication and much she was kind of like a pit-bull that had been rescued from a fighting ring, who might not want to snap at the rescuer, but can’t stop themselves. Micky is very angry in this book. Cordelia has certain issues that occasionally trigger Micky. I’d more remembered Cordelia’s issues and lack of communication, fragile state (regarding relationships, and other things), and certain other traits that showed up in previous books, and then later books. And had kind of forgotten how both parties in this relationship were fragile people.
On friend front: they were mentioned, seen, spent very little time near/with Micky, and mostly lectured her and made snide comments. And this includes both of the cousins who turn up (Bayard, the icky molester, and Torbin, the drag-queen).
On the sex and drinking front: even when undercover, Micky didn’t drink. I already mentioned graphic depictions of sex. That was mostly Cordelia and Micky, but, well…
I end up giving the book a lower rating than first read. It’s actually only a difference of .25 stars, though on GoodReads, it looks like the difference between a 4 star rating and a 5 star rating. As I rated this 4.75 stars the first time, and now rate it 4.50. It is a well-written good book. I’m not sure where that .25 stars went.
Rating: 4.50
September 19 2019
June 15, 2019
Hook, line, and sinker. Can't get enough with this serie. Redmann created such a complex character with Mickey. Always fighting the demons from her past and the cases she takes as a P.I. Let see what's next.
January 19, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Detective/Lesbian Noir Reading Level: Adult
Disclosure: I received a free copy of book 7 in this series in exchange for an honest review. I purchased the rest of the books in the series myself, so am under no particular obligation, but am happy to provide an honest review.
Synopsis: Micky Knight is a lesbian detective who is a little too proud of her toughness. She takes on the case of Cissy, the daughter of a friend, who is believed to be sexually abused, not knowing that it will lead her on a dangerous and sexual odyssey. In Cissy's sleepless nights, Micky sees echoes of her own past that fuel an obsession to prevent other children from being abused. To discover what has frightened Cissy, Micky becomes caught up in a world where the lives of young girls are treated as commodities. While doing battle with a handful of seedy thugs, Micky confronts her own childhood sexual abuse and tries to hold on to her rocky relationship with Cordelia James, a striking doctor. She travels between the uptown opulence of the Sans Pareil Club, one of the most exclusive of New Orleans private clubs, and a tawdry hole of a bar near the Desire Projects. Evil exists in both places, and the mystery culminates where law and desire intersect.
My Thoughts: I noticed that a lot of reviewers didn’t much care for this book. After reading it, I can sort of understand why, but I don’t agree. Much of the humor of the previous books is missing, but that is because this book deals with weighty and serious issues, namely pedophilia. An ugly, ugly thing, and Micky, being a victim herself, becomes obsessed with trying to cut off the head of the snake, as she puts it. The title refers to the location of the seedy bar , Heart’s Desire, at which anything can be procured. This was a difficult book to read, and I imagine it was no picnic to write, but it was well-done – handling a very difficult topic with aplomb.
I found the first major plot hole in this book. Micky is thinking about the near-escape in the swamp and states that before Cordelia ran to the car, Micky kissed Cordelia and told her that she loved her. This did not happen – at the time, Cordelia was still engaged to Thoreau. It wasn’t until later that Micky and Cordelia spent the night together, in a carnal sense, and much later before Micky admitted she was in love. Other than that, I found no fault with this book. Recommended for those who enjoy their fiction dark.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of book 7 in this series in exchange for an honest review. I purchased the rest of the books in the series myself, so am under no particular obligation, but am happy to provide an honest review.
Synopsis: Micky Knight is a lesbian detective who is a little too proud of her toughness. She takes on the case of Cissy, the daughter of a friend, who is believed to be sexually abused, not knowing that it will lead her on a dangerous and sexual odyssey. In Cissy's sleepless nights, Micky sees echoes of her own past that fuel an obsession to prevent other children from being abused. To discover what has frightened Cissy, Micky becomes caught up in a world where the lives of young girls are treated as commodities. While doing battle with a handful of seedy thugs, Micky confronts her own childhood sexual abuse and tries to hold on to her rocky relationship with Cordelia James, a striking doctor. She travels between the uptown opulence of the Sans Pareil Club, one of the most exclusive of New Orleans private clubs, and a tawdry hole of a bar near the Desire Projects. Evil exists in both places, and the mystery culminates where law and desire intersect.
My Thoughts: I noticed that a lot of reviewers didn’t much care for this book. After reading it, I can sort of understand why, but I don’t agree. Much of the humor of the previous books is missing, but that is because this book deals with weighty and serious issues, namely pedophilia. An ugly, ugly thing, and Micky, being a victim herself, becomes obsessed with trying to cut off the head of the snake, as she puts it. The title refers to the location of the seedy bar , Heart’s Desire, at which anything can be procured. This was a difficult book to read, and I imagine it was no picnic to write, but it was well-done – handling a very difficult topic with aplomb.
I found the first major plot hole in this book. Micky is thinking about the near-escape in the swamp and states that before Cordelia ran to the car, Micky kissed Cordelia and told her that she loved her. This did not happen – at the time, Cordelia was still engaged to Thoreau. It wasn’t until later that Micky and Cordelia spent the night together, in a carnal sense, and much later before Micky admitted she was in love. Other than that, I found no fault with this book. Recommended for those who enjoy their fiction dark.
May 24, 2022
Tough Subject Great Book
I was caught up in this one right away. It was like being on pins and needles. Very moving and truthful about a hard subject. Kudos to the author for taking it on and doing a great job.
I was caught up in this one right away. It was like being on pins and needles. Very moving and truthful about a hard subject. Kudos to the author for taking it on and doing a great job.
November 18, 2010
This, the third Micky Knight mystery, did not disappoint, much.
There is always so much you can say about a Micky Knight book. Redmann delves into the dark recesses of the human mind in disturbing and exhilarating ways. This continues the evolution of Micky and her ongoing grapple with her past. It's a pretty tough read, the topic is child sexual trafficking, though she does pull some punches. Nothing horribly graphic, but you get the idea, and it's disgusting. "Law and justice aren't the same thing," Micky says. And Redmann isn't lulled into thinking there are happy endings all around. Some aspects went over the top for me, some characters were a tad out of character, even Micky was a bit dumber than I expected, but Micky Knight is literary crack. Once you start, you cannot stop.
I do wish Redmann had included an acknowledgments page. I'd have liked a word or two about why she chose this subject. I fear that it's easy to read fiction and think, well, that was horrible. Good thing it's fiction. I know this is not. I know this goes on every day in every corner of our weird little world. I like that I was forced to look at it. I like that power in fiction. I would know better than to watch a documentary or read a nonfiction book on the subject. I didn't know what this would be about other than Micky Knight would be on the case and I'd, frankly, follow her anywhere. Can Micky, or I, make a difference? Maybe not. Maybe. But nothing can change if we aren't first aware that it exists.
There is always so much you can say about a Micky Knight book. Redmann delves into the dark recesses of the human mind in disturbing and exhilarating ways. This continues the evolution of Micky and her ongoing grapple with her past. It's a pretty tough read, the topic is child sexual trafficking, though she does pull some punches. Nothing horribly graphic, but you get the idea, and it's disgusting. "Law and justice aren't the same thing," Micky says. And Redmann isn't lulled into thinking there are happy endings all around. Some aspects went over the top for me, some characters were a tad out of character, even Micky was a bit dumber than I expected, but Micky Knight is literary crack. Once you start, you cannot stop.
I do wish Redmann had included an acknowledgments page. I'd have liked a word or two about why she chose this subject. I fear that it's easy to read fiction and think, well, that was horrible. Good thing it's fiction. I know this is not. I know this goes on every day in every corner of our weird little world. I like that I was forced to look at it. I like that power in fiction. I would know better than to watch a documentary or read a nonfiction book on the subject. I didn't know what this would be about other than Micky Knight would be on the case and I'd, frankly, follow her anywhere. Can Micky, or I, make a difference? Maybe not. Maybe. But nothing can change if we aren't first aware that it exists.
February 23, 2014
This third book in the Micky Knight series is a superior tense and taut story. The dark overtones that put me face to face with some of the ugliest criminal activity on our planet, swirl continuously throughout the intricate adventure. Additionally, Micky, who gets caught up in that nasty world faster and tighter than she would have liked, also is cut off from her close friends and her lover. Micky does have an uncanny talent of getting herself kicked in the butt and way behind the eight ball. Yet, she is so loveable while sometimes being unbelievable irritating. Nevertheless, Micky is a treasure!
Micky's latest under the radar escapade is initiated by the usually annoying yet ever needy Karen Holloway, first cousin to Micky's lover. Karen is often the comic relief centerpiece, but she has actually gotten herself into a real pickle this time, the magnitude of which neither Micky nor Karen are aware of initially. Running parallel to the Karen entanglement is a complicated scenario involving the daughter of a friend that is set into motion by her brother. He seeks out Micky to help uncover why his sister has seemingly shut down emotionally and appears to be afraid all the time. This smaller substory is an eye opening window onto the uglies and a major motivator for Micky.
Dr. Lindsey McNeil is an associate of Micky's lover Cordelia and a most fascinating individual. Mickey's attempt to help Cissy, the young girl whose brother Patrick came to Micky for help, leads her to the good doctor with some major greasing of the wheels by Cordelia. So many fascinating events unfurl around Dr. McNeil, but primarily she is quite helpful in regard to Cissy. Dr. McNeil is a new entry into Micky's world and a real eye opener. She has her own astounding story plus provides incredibly perceptive insight into Micky's hidden demons. Dr. McNeil totally bowled me over on so many levels. Micky simply has the most incredible collection of friends and acquaintances that always light up the playing field.
Micky insinuates herself into the dark and ugly world she is investigating with fascinating ease. She isn't flying completely solo as a local policeman noted her presence at the "Heart of Desire", a rather sordid club which is located at the intersection of Law and Desire. It would take New Orleans to have two streets named Law and Desire that intersect in a really seedy part of town where the "Heart of Desire" functions. As in all Micky Knight books, there is an extraordinary and heart stopping ending with life and death hanging in the balance. I adore these endings, even though I read them with heart stuck in my throat. I most certainly recommend this book although I suggest reading the earlier books in the series first. Magnificent!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Micky's latest under the radar escapade is initiated by the usually annoying yet ever needy Karen Holloway, first cousin to Micky's lover. Karen is often the comic relief centerpiece, but she has actually gotten herself into a real pickle this time, the magnitude of which neither Micky nor Karen are aware of initially. Running parallel to the Karen entanglement is a complicated scenario involving the daughter of a friend that is set into motion by her brother. He seeks out Micky to help uncover why his sister has seemingly shut down emotionally and appears to be afraid all the time. This smaller substory is an eye opening window onto the uglies and a major motivator for Micky.
Dr. Lindsey McNeil is an associate of Micky's lover Cordelia and a most fascinating individual. Mickey's attempt to help Cissy, the young girl whose brother Patrick came to Micky for help, leads her to the good doctor with some major greasing of the wheels by Cordelia. So many fascinating events unfurl around Dr. McNeil, but primarily she is quite helpful in regard to Cissy. Dr. McNeil is a new entry into Micky's world and a real eye opener. She has her own astounding story plus provides incredibly perceptive insight into Micky's hidden demons. Dr. McNeil totally bowled me over on so many levels. Micky simply has the most incredible collection of friends and acquaintances that always light up the playing field.
Micky insinuates herself into the dark and ugly world she is investigating with fascinating ease. She isn't flying completely solo as a local policeman noted her presence at the "Heart of Desire", a rather sordid club which is located at the intersection of Law and Desire. It would take New Orleans to have two streets named Law and Desire that intersect in a really seedy part of town where the "Heart of Desire" functions. As in all Micky Knight books, there is an extraordinary and heart stopping ending with life and death hanging in the balance. I adore these endings, even though I read them with heart stuck in my throat. I most certainly recommend this book although I suggest reading the earlier books in the series first. Magnificent!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 29, 2009
I haven't been on a reading binge like this in forever. It's like crack. Need to read more about Micky.
This Micky Knight novel, third in the series, goes even deeper in Micky's past and the issues she has because of it. The crime plot centers around child pornography, which isn't easy to read, especially in context with Micky's childhood.
She's such a fascinating character. What makes this one especially good and painful to read is that she closes herself off from her friends, for reasons make sense to her at the time. So she's going it alone, and that loneliness is written very well. It's painful to see how a part of her wants to reach out, and how her friends have seemingly cut her off.
Maybe I don't know where to look, but character studies like this are hard to find and I wish there were more. These novels want to explore a character, and other things, like the crime plot and the romance, while good, all aid that one goal.
This Micky Knight novel, third in the series, goes even deeper in Micky's past and the issues she has because of it. The crime plot centers around child pornography, which isn't easy to read, especially in context with Micky's childhood.
She's such a fascinating character. What makes this one especially good and painful to read is that she closes herself off from her friends, for reasons make sense to her at the time. So she's going it alone, and that loneliness is written very well. It's painful to see how a part of her wants to reach out, and how her friends have seemingly cut her off.
Maybe I don't know where to look, but character studies like this are hard to find and I wish there were more. These novels want to explore a character, and other things, like the crime plot and the romance, while good, all aid that one goal.
June 27, 2015
Mickey Knight...what a fascinating character. Mickey is flawed and difficult to love maybe even like. Some readers maynot enjoy book three because there is limited involvement of characters from the previous two books and she goes it alone which may not be perceived as a smart thing to do. Mickey is relentless and passionate which is something to admire and appreciate. The readers learn more about Mickey's flaws and some more information about Cordelia through the introduction of Lindsay. I would like to read more about Lindsay in the next book(s) which I look forward to reading.
September 14, 2007
This book I believe won the author several important awards from critics and readers. Think that it was also nominated for an edgar award. Her books are all about this area of the country.Mostly Louisianna and Mississippi.Descriptions are accurate and you can find a lot of the places that she describes.Good books just need more of them.
January 30, 2025
Micky Knight has built up quite a reputation as a tortured and unreliable person.
She's forever somewhere on a circuitous route where she questions herself and finds fault where there is none.
In fairness, she is well aware of her problems, she just doesn't ever seem to find a way out.
In “The Intersection of Law and Desire”, Micky is hired by two clients, one a child, the other her old adversary Karen Holloway.
Initially there is no connection between two two but, over time, it becomes clear that they are one and the same.
It's a strong P.I. procedural which, though it takes some time to get off the ground, leads to an exciting finale.
Until now her cousin Thorbin has been about the only constant male character in the series but here another proves essential.
Police detective Tim O'Connor does something exceptionally heart-warming just when Micky is at her lowest ebb – it's a light shining in the darkness coming from a man who owes her nothing.
It's a darker read than the previous novels but it is the best to date by a mile.
4 Stars.
She's forever somewhere on a circuitous route where she questions herself and finds fault where there is none.
In fairness, she is well aware of her problems, she just doesn't ever seem to find a way out.
In “The Intersection of Law and Desire”, Micky is hired by two clients, one a child, the other her old adversary Karen Holloway.
Initially there is no connection between two two but, over time, it becomes clear that they are one and the same.
It's a strong P.I. procedural which, though it takes some time to get off the ground, leads to an exciting finale.
Until now her cousin Thorbin has been about the only constant male character in the series but here another proves essential.
Police detective Tim O'Connor does something exceptionally heart-warming just when Micky is at her lowest ebb – it's a light shining in the darkness coming from a man who owes her nothing.
It's a darker read than the previous novels but it is the best to date by a mile.
4 Stars.
June 29, 2020
Another terrific mystery that combines the turbulent personal life of lesbian private investigator Mickey Knight with a seemingly innocuous case of a troubled child that drags her into the dark world of pornography. Finding a steady partner in successful physician Cordelia, Mickey finds her past keeps intruding into her relationship, putting it in jeopardy. Also causing her angst in the case of seven year old Cissy, whose sudden change into becoming sullen and quiet has her teenage brother hiring Mickey to find out the reason why.
Both stories are expertly intertwined, told again from the first person by Mickey, giving us access to her thought processes and her emotions. This series just keeps getting better and the cast of characters that surround Mickey keep it fresh. Looking forward to the next book!!
Both stories are expertly intertwined, told again from the first person by Mickey, giving us access to her thought processes and her emotions. This series just keeps getting better and the cast of characters that surround Mickey keep it fresh. Looking forward to the next book!!
May 28, 2022
Este tercer libro tiene una trama más oscura que los anteriores, pero es igual de bueno. Aunque debo admitir que al principio me decepció un poco ver que derrumbaba todo lo bueno que había logrado en el libro anterior.
Después del libro 2 una cree que Micky más o menos encontró cierto lugar y estabilidad con sus amigos y pareja, pero no. Todavía tiene un largo camino por delante.
Por otro lado, en el primer libro se menciona que hacía karate... hasta ahora, ha cobrado como las mejores, se ve que no aprendió mucho (?
Después del libro 2 una cree que Micky más o menos encontró cierto lugar y estabilidad con sus amigos y pareja, pero no. Todavía tiene un largo camino por delante.
Por otro lado, en el primer libro se menciona que hacía karate... hasta ahora, ha cobrado como las mejores, se ve que no aprendió mucho (?
May 27, 2021
Cautivador
Esta Vez Micky casi me ha sacado del quicio.
Pero en el fondo hay que quererla. Ella no es perfecta y encima va arrastrando su pasado, cual tampoco mejora la situación.
El libro es muy interesante, y sólo cuando te convence el sueño lo tienes que dejar de leer.
Se nota que el dinero es el poder y asi los escrúpulos son cada vez menos.
Me he encantado, y estoy deseando de seguir leyendo sus historias
Esta Vez Micky casi me ha sacado del quicio.
Pero en el fondo hay que quererla. Ella no es perfecta y encima va arrastrando su pasado, cual tampoco mejora la situación.
El libro es muy interesante, y sólo cuando te convence el sueño lo tienes que dejar de leer.
Se nota que el dinero es el poder y asi los escrúpulos son cada vez menos.
Me he encantado, y estoy deseando de seguir leyendo sus historias
October 5, 2019
Another great book. To be honest, I find myself wanting Micky and Karen to end up together, I just think that Karen would be an interesting character. I can't wait to read the next book, off to so it now!
August 1, 2021
Such a great series. This novel is hardhitting on the issues of child pornography and abuse, with the ending somewhat satisfying but realistic. More is also revealed on Micky's background, adding further nuance to her character and interpersonal relationships. The scene between Micky and a special needs child was particularly moving.
April 24, 2020
This is well written and gripping as a mystery. I like the characters. I was just shook by the content and it really affected me. I think some content warning would be helpful.
June 3, 2020
It's time to start #4 "Lost Daughters".
June 26, 2020
het boek begint zoals de andere 2 langzaam..maar dan na hoofdstuk...begint t wat spannender te worden
May 31, 2021
Micky is a fantastic character, a realistic lesbian Mike Hammer-style figure living a realistic, nonperfect life.
July 4, 2021
It is beautifully written with one particular scene that brought tears to my eyes.
May 19, 2021
This series is perfect. It is a queer classic. It lingers long after <3.
December 26, 2025
Another great Micky Knight novel!
Micky had to fight darker demons, inside and outside.
Full of memorable new side characters with layers: Karen, Lindsey, Joey... and of course New Orleans.
Old pals were less present and it was a good thing because they look too one dimensional.
Micky had to fight darker demons, inside and outside.
Full of memorable new side characters with layers: Karen, Lindsey, Joey... and of course New Orleans.
Old pals were less present and it was a good thing because they look too one dimensional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2020
This novel deals with the very heavy topic of child abuse and prostitution. It was very difficult to read, especially the graphic parts. Asexuals, especially trauma asexuals, should be very wary.
It is well-written in my opinion. Nice balance of calm and action-packed scenes. Undercover and above-board detective work. Another solid hard-boiled work.
A couple of inconsistencies, such as Micky asking a character how many children does he have two pages after he already volunteering the information.
Also a couple of over-dramatic characterization work. Danny is apparently the character whose sole purpose is to challenge and resent the protagonist, but she needs to let off sometimes. She's starting to become a cardboard character and I'm starting to hate her guts. Cordelia also needs to grow a brain and stop telling Micky she trusts and love her one scene then doubting and hating Micky the next scene. Ever heard of Micky's profession? Private detective? Is the possibility of undercover work really so foreign to Cordelia? It's like she grows a brain only at the end of the novels and it hurts because she is otherwise a well-written character.
One thing that I initially didn't like but then appreciated was the therapy room sex scene. I understand now that it was set up to talk about sex during emotionally vulnerable moments, it is a criticism to such scenes in the genre. Well done, Redmann.
It is well-written in my opinion. Nice balance of calm and action-packed scenes. Undercover and above-board detective work. Another solid hard-boiled work.
A couple of inconsistencies, such as Micky asking a character how many children does he have two pages after he already volunteering the information.
Also a couple of over-dramatic characterization work. Danny is apparently the character whose sole purpose is to challenge and resent the protagonist, but she needs to let off sometimes. She's starting to become a cardboard character and I'm starting to hate her guts. Cordelia also needs to grow a brain and stop telling Micky she trusts and love her one scene then doubting and hating Micky the next scene. Ever heard of Micky's profession? Private detective? Is the possibility of undercover work really so foreign to Cordelia? It's like she grows a brain only at the end of the novels and it hurts because she is otherwise a well-written character.
One thing that I initially didn't like but then appreciated was the therapy room sex scene. I understand now that it was set up to talk about sex during emotionally vulnerable moments, it is a criticism to such scenes in the genre. Well done, Redmann.
January 8, 2024
¡¡Por una historia de Miki Knight con una trama centrada en algo más que las aventuras amorosas (pasadas y presentes) de la protagonista!!
Confieso que me ha gustado esta tercera entrega de la serie, el argumento es más complejo que el desarrollado en las novelas anteriores. La trama romántico/erótica ocupa un segundo plano y no le quita protagonismo a la detectivesca. Buena historia muy entretenida y amena aunque la identidad del jefe mafioso no resulte para nada sorprendente.
Confieso que me ha gustado esta tercera entrega de la serie, el argumento es más complejo que el desarrollado en las novelas anteriores. La trama romántico/erótica ocupa un segundo plano y no le quita protagonismo a la detectivesca. Buena historia muy entretenida y amena aunque la identidad del jefe mafioso no resulte para nada sorprendente.
December 8, 2014
What a discovery!
I don't know how she does it, but the author keeps you tied to her world and to her characters in a way that you just don't want to let go. J.M. Redman does not only entertain, she writes incredibly credible. I have only read the first three books so far, but she stays so very true to her characters and their relationships from one book to the other, that you don't even have to fear that with the next book she is going to make big changes. You already know she won't let you down. But if, than just because Micky made her do it. And that wouldn't be a let-down, it would just be another proof of her ability to write credible stories with credible characters.
Because of the first two books we are aware that the main character Micky Knight has been fighting her demons of early sexual abuse for years. Most of the times sex was her way out, very often also alcohol. We were introduced to her demons, we have started to feel sorry for her, we now want her to finally win this aweful battle, and we hope that in the end it will all be good. But the author takes her job seriously. Life is not a fairytale and neither are her books. Micky Knight is a survivor - and the battle of a survivor isn't over after just a few hundred pages. In "Intersection of Law and Desire" we witness how Micky stops running and is forced to face her past without a chance to avoid it. We don't only get a professionally told mystery, with a perfectly timed plot, nerve-racking suspense, a bit of sex and a bit of humour; we get to watch Micky fight back and grow - with constant doubts, constant pain, constant fears, but also with determination. We get this story told by an author who knows how to do it sensitively and thoughful - unlike so many other crime writers, who exploit the subject of sexual abuse for cheap thrills.
In case I wasn't clear enough: This is a really good read, with really good characters, written by a really good author.
I don't know how she does it, but the author keeps you tied to her world and to her characters in a way that you just don't want to let go. J.M. Redman does not only entertain, she writes incredibly credible. I have only read the first three books so far, but she stays so very true to her characters and their relationships from one book to the other, that you don't even have to fear that with the next book she is going to make big changes. You already know she won't let you down. But if, than just because Micky made her do it. And that wouldn't be a let-down, it would just be another proof of her ability to write credible stories with credible characters.
Because of the first two books we are aware that the main character Micky Knight has been fighting her demons of early sexual abuse for years. Most of the times sex was her way out, very often also alcohol. We were introduced to her demons, we have started to feel sorry for her, we now want her to finally win this aweful battle, and we hope that in the end it will all be good. But the author takes her job seriously. Life is not a fairytale and neither are her books. Micky Knight is a survivor - and the battle of a survivor isn't over after just a few hundred pages. In "Intersection of Law and Desire" we witness how Micky stops running and is forced to face her past without a chance to avoid it. We don't only get a professionally told mystery, with a perfectly timed plot, nerve-racking suspense, a bit of sex and a bit of humour; we get to watch Micky fight back and grow - with constant doubts, constant pain, constant fears, but also with determination. We get this story told by an author who knows how to do it sensitively and thoughful - unlike so many other crime writers, who exploit the subject of sexual abuse for cheap thrills.
In case I wasn't clear enough: This is a really good read, with really good characters, written by a really good author.
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