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Micky Knight #2
Deaths of Jocasta
Micky Knight had a pleasant evening to look forward to; she was running security at a swank party full of beautiful lesbians and gay men. A dead body ruins the affair. When more dead women are found the police target Dr. Cordelia James as the killer. The same Cordelia who broke Micky's heart. As Micky works to expose the killer she tries to keep her heart hidden. But the killer and Micky keep getting closer to Cordelia . . .Deaths of Jocasta has long been out of print and a prized find at used bookstores for years. Bella Books in proud to reissue this exciting mystery.
398 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1992
23 people are currently reading
351 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 63 reviews
June 30, 2019
Me starting this book -
"Oh Micky, you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind, hey Micky! hey Micky!"
Before I go further, here are some survival tips from the great Micky Knight.
- Never stare at an ex lover's boobs when her current lover is watching.
- Never try to imagine ex lover with her current lover. Particularly when you've got your hand for distraction.
- Never say 'Fcuk' in front of a bunch of Nuns, unless you want to create a commotion.
- Always wear cute undies. During a bomb scare, Micky had on 'Sapho's Diner, Eat Out or Come On In' printed on the crotch.
Me, after several chapters -
"Is it possible to get ulcer from reading?"
Adui, it was really difficult reading the chapters. The thriller element was horrible enough but Micky's relationship insecurity was even worse. Every.single.time. when she and her 'said I hate you but I lied' love interest appeared on the same page, I was yessing but when they opened their mouths to converse, I wanted to put on the zebra referee shirt, order them to sit on the opposite corners to
a. think before they opened their mouths
b. stop hiding their feelings
c. talk
d. stop thinking, just kiss already, be a power couple and get the culprit. Eventually, they did as advised, what a relief.
Ms.Redmann had to rub salt into the wound by introducing a sexual relationship plot twist. For someone who treasures fidelity, I struggled reading those scenes and wanted to stop several times but I remembered what Lex and Jo said - Book 2 is so much better than Book 1 so what else can I do but to continue, cringing constantly. Were they right? Yes.
Ms.Redmann also gave more info on Micky's childhood, and that's when the waterworks came. I couldn't help but to think on how many kids out there who are going through the same situation and how many are being rescued / getting help. Really gut wrenching.
Recommended, yes, definitely but some painful stuffs so stock up on meds, chocolates, the cartoon version of The Smurfs and tissues. I will be consulting my Micky Gurus to find out whether should I or not, continue with the series based on the romantic aspect. Ms.Redmann is a thriller yoda, so no worries there.
"Oh Micky, you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind, hey Micky! hey Micky!"
Before I go further, here are some survival tips from the great Micky Knight.
- Never stare at an ex lover's boobs when her current lover is watching.
- Never try to imagine ex lover with her current lover. Particularly when you've got your hand for distraction.
- Never say 'Fcuk' in front of a bunch of Nuns, unless you want to create a commotion.
- Always wear cute undies. During a bomb scare, Micky had on 'Sapho's Diner, Eat Out or Come On In' printed on the crotch.
Me, after several chapters -
"Is it possible to get ulcer from reading?"
Adui, it was really difficult reading the chapters. The thriller element was horrible enough but Micky's relationship insecurity was even worse. Every.single.time. when she and her 'said I hate you but I lied' love interest appeared on the same page, I was yessing but when they opened their mouths to converse, I wanted to put on the zebra referee shirt, order them to sit on the opposite corners to
a. think before they opened their mouths
b. stop hiding their feelings
c. talk
d. stop thinking, just kiss already, be a power couple and get the culprit. Eventually, they did as advised, what a relief.
Ms.Redmann had to rub salt into the wound by introducing a sexual relationship plot twist. For someone who treasures fidelity, I struggled reading those scenes and wanted to stop several times but I remembered what Lex and Jo said - Book 2 is so much better than Book 1 so what else can I do but to continue, cringing constantly. Were they right? Yes.
Ms.Redmann also gave more info on Micky's childhood, and that's when the waterworks came. I couldn't help but to think on how many kids out there who are going through the same situation and how many are being rescued / getting help. Really gut wrenching.
Recommended, yes, definitely but some painful stuffs so stock up on meds, chocolates, the cartoon version of The Smurfs and tissues. I will be consulting my Micky Gurus to find out whether should I or not, continue with the series based on the romantic aspect. Ms.Redmann is a thriller yoda, so no worries there.
February 17, 2020
*Nails slowly dragging across a chalkboard.
The plot. Micky Knight is back to being a magnet for all things dangerous when she's hired by Dr. Cordelia James to find out what's going on at her clinic after receiving some anonymous threats. When the body of a young woman is also found at the clinic, Cordelia finds herself in danger of being arrested for murder and it's up to Micky to prove the Doc's innocence.
The characters. Honestly by the end of this book the only characters I still liked were Torbin and Hepplewhite. Can't all of these women just be thrown into a padded cell somewhere? Actually, I take that back. Three things could happen; A - they have an orgy, B - they kill each other, C - they kill each other while having an orgy.
The writing. What I loved about the previous book was the balance between all the drama, action and humor, this book was just nonstop angst and aggravation. Despite racing through this story and the book still being a page turner, I had to take several breaks because these characters were driving me up the wall.
The special. Micky. Oh she's special alright. If she saw a banana peel on the sidewalk, instead of saying "I should avoid that" she'd say "this is going to hurt". Of course it will hurt you idiot! Stop making horrible choices!
The negative. The book is packed with one trigger after another. Anything seemed to be fair game and though the majority of these difficult subjects and situation were well written, it was still gut wrenching to read about some of them.
The verdict. I must be a bloody masochist to continue with this series because as many times as I wanted to throw my reader out the window, I'm still going to continue. Rating for this ends in a 3,5*
*Book 2 survival kit:
1 bucket of ice cream
1 bottle of scotch (not the cheap kind)
1 straitjacket
1 bottle of Advil
1 psychiatrist on speed dial
1 GF or bestie to hide your book or E-reader
May the odds be ever in your favor, if you decide to read this.
The plot. Micky Knight is back to being a magnet for all things dangerous when she's hired by Dr. Cordelia James to find out what's going on at her clinic after receiving some anonymous threats. When the body of a young woman is also found at the clinic, Cordelia finds herself in danger of being arrested for murder and it's up to Micky to prove the Doc's innocence.
The characters. Honestly by the end of this book the only characters I still liked were Torbin and Hepplewhite. Can't all of these women just be thrown into a padded cell somewhere? Actually, I take that back. Three things could happen; A - they have an orgy, B - they kill each other, C - they kill each other while having an orgy.
The writing. What I loved about the previous book was the balance between all the drama, action and humor, this book was just nonstop angst and aggravation. Despite racing through this story and the book still being a page turner, I had to take several breaks because these characters were driving me up the wall.
The special. Micky. Oh she's special alright. If she saw a banana peel on the sidewalk, instead of saying "I should avoid that" she'd say "this is going to hurt". Of course it will hurt you idiot! Stop making horrible choices!
The negative. The book is packed with one trigger after another. Anything seemed to be fair game and though the majority of these difficult subjects and situation were well written, it was still gut wrenching to read about some of them.
The verdict. I must be a bloody masochist to continue with this series because as many times as I wanted to throw my reader out the window, I'm still going to continue. Rating for this ends in a 3,5*
*Book 2 survival kit:
1 bucket of ice cream
1 bottle of scotch (not the cheap kind)
1 straitjacket
1 bottle of Advil
1 psychiatrist on speed dial
1 GF or bestie to hide your book or E-reader
May the odds be ever in your favor, if you decide to read this.
June 27, 2025
“Holy religious nutburger, batman!” Deaths of Jocasta (Micky Knight #2) proves to be even better than the first one. J.M. Redmann is on fire and I am totally and utterly hooked.
Another Fall Back Friday addition, this one was first published in 1992. There is talk of computers and the first mobile phone but we don’t really see much of it yet. It’s pay phones and answering machines all the way, baby!
Micky is pining for Cordelia James and that is not all that is going to happen. Being sober (and celibate) in secret proves to be very hard when all your friends expect you to drink like a fish and whore around. Emotions will run high and friendships will be put to the test.
I love the whole cast of characters, they are great individuals each with their own baggage. Redmann does not shy away from the heavy subjects. Some of our characters still grapple with the after effects sexual abuse and even incest they suffered as a kid and it will all come to a head in this book. The 400 page plot was captivating until the very end, the dialogue superb and the romance… wow, there is a lot going on there. It doesn’t get any better than this!
f/f explicit
Themes: New Orleans, sins from the past, oh Micky, being sober is not what your friends expect of you, not much stage time for Hepplewhite this time around, Alex is a saint, nuns, abortions, religious fanatics, sexual abuse and incest, bombs.
5 stars
-----re-read 6 years later----------------
Didn't remember Mickey being so raw, angry and horny. Also kinda forgot about her and Joanne. It's great to read this series a second time around.
Still 5 Stars, baby.
Another Fall Back Friday addition, this one was first published in 1992. There is talk of computers and the first mobile phone but we don’t really see much of it yet. It’s pay phones and answering machines all the way, baby!
Micky is pining for Cordelia James and that is not all that is going to happen. Being sober (and celibate) in secret proves to be very hard when all your friends expect you to drink like a fish and whore around. Emotions will run high and friendships will be put to the test.
I love the whole cast of characters, they are great individuals each with their own baggage. Redmann does not shy away from the heavy subjects. Some of our characters still grapple with the after effects sexual abuse and even incest they suffered as a kid and it will all come to a head in this book. The 400 page plot was captivating until the very end, the dialogue superb and the romance… wow, there is a lot going on there. It doesn’t get any better than this!
f/f explicit
Themes: New Orleans, sins from the past, oh Micky, being sober is not what your friends expect of you, not much stage time for Hepplewhite this time around, Alex is a saint, nuns, abortions, religious fanatics, sexual abuse and incest, bombs.
5 stars
-----re-read 6 years later----------------
Didn't remember Mickey being so raw, angry and horny. Also kinda forgot about her and Joanne. It's great to read this series a second time around.
Still 5 Stars, baby.
December 6, 2019
Well, my journey through the Mickey Knight series continues, and because I want them to last, I try spread them out accordingly. But I gotta apologize to other authors, because whatever book comes in between may not fully grab me, because I am so distracted as to just WHAT Mickey is going to get up to next. It's a conundrum people! What do I do??!
Ms. Redmann, I am only finished book 2 and I am utterly and unabashedly HOOKED. Severely so. Like bait to a fish, like a first sip of coffee in the morning, like a lesbian in a all-female mud wrestling pit.
What I loved so much about book 2 is the pacing. The author does not shy away from very intense subject matter, so be warned. It gets deep and dark, I'm not kidding, But also, heart-pounding adventures happen throughout, and we readers don't have to wait all the way to the end for the big bang. Mickey manages to get herself in trouble pretty much throughout. There is also a healthy dose of lady-lady stuff in quite unconventional manners sprinkled through, and I do mean real sprinkles from yummy donuts, people. Sure there is one theme of infidelity in this read, something that could hit a raw nerve with some, but I can't stress enough how mature it is dealt with here. It was....somewhat refreshing? Is that the right word? For a taboo subject, I thought Ms. Redmann dealt with it quite well, considering the character. While I love the romance stuff, always and forever, it doesn't dominate or take away from the story, but sure adds ooomph to all the parts that need the ooomph, ifyouknowwhatimean.
This author has created a character that is so flawed, so complex, so kind yet infuriating, with layers that go beyond my own comprehension. Her wit and devotion and loyalty and angst and vulnerability just keep unwinding more and more, and I'm only on book 2! God.....just......yes. YES. Like, Meg Ryan's Yes in When Harry Met Sally. There you go.
Ms. Redmann, I am only finished book 2 and I am utterly and unabashedly HOOKED. Severely so. Like bait to a fish, like a first sip of coffee in the morning, like a lesbian in a all-female mud wrestling pit.
What I loved so much about book 2 is the pacing. The author does not shy away from very intense subject matter, so be warned. It gets deep and dark, I'm not kidding, But also, heart-pounding adventures happen throughout, and we readers don't have to wait all the way to the end for the big bang. Mickey manages to get herself in trouble pretty much throughout. There is also a healthy dose of lady-lady stuff in quite unconventional manners sprinkled through, and I do mean real sprinkles from yummy donuts, people. Sure there is one theme of infidelity in this read, something that could hit a raw nerve with some, but I can't stress enough how mature it is dealt with here. It was....somewhat refreshing? Is that the right word? For a taboo subject, I thought Ms. Redmann dealt with it quite well, considering the character. While I love the romance stuff, always and forever, it doesn't dominate or take away from the story, but sure adds ooomph to all the parts that need the ooomph, ifyouknowwhatimean.
This author has created a character that is so flawed, so complex, so kind yet infuriating, with layers that go beyond my own comprehension. Her wit and devotion and loyalty and angst and vulnerability just keep unwinding more and more, and I'm only on book 2! God.....just......yes. YES. Like, Meg Ryan's Yes in When Harry Met Sally. There you go.
May 4, 2016
This was fantastic, even better than the first book. Redmann writes wonderfully, 400 pages flew by and I wish there was 400 more. Mickey is my favorite type of character, flawed but just wants to do the right thing. Mickey makes you smile one minute, than breaks your heart the next. This book is written in first person, so you really become connected to Mickey. For those that don't care for first person POV, fear not. Redmann write so well, that the secondary characters become so alive, that you almost become as invested in them as you do Mickey.
The mystery was good, the action was great, and there was enough relationship/romance to tie it all together. This is a Lambda Literary Award finalist for mystery, I can't believe another book was better(i'll have to figure out who won) I going to believe they made a mistake not making this the winner. If I could give this a rating of 6 Stars I would.
If you are like me, and missed the magic of Redmann's writing back when these book first came out, don't pass these up! Start at book one though, it's fantastic too.
The mystery was good, the action was great, and there was enough relationship/romance to tie it all together. This is a Lambda Literary Award finalist for mystery, I can't believe another book was better(i'll have to figure out who won) I going to believe they made a mistake not making this the winner. If I could give this a rating of 6 Stars I would.
If you are like me, and missed the magic of Redmann's writing back when these book first came out, don't pass these up! Start at book one though, it's fantastic too.
May 8, 2017
Loved this one too. We learn a little more about troubled Micky.
February 22, 2017
Note: those with issues/problems with reading depictions of rape/rape-like/torture/abuse/etc. should not read this book.
Sex. Something of the main theme of my review for the first book in this series. I think I must have forgotten that this book here was a lot more 'drenched in' sex than the first. Plus - cheating. This is a messed up group of friends in a lot of ways. I think that two of the, I believe, six friends are borderline 99.9% sane, while the other four border on being . . . oh, kind of messed up - (I might be under or over counting -> in the 'messed up column': Danny, Micky, Joanne, Cordelia (least 'messed up'); 'sane-ish' - Elly (I think that's her name), Alex (again, think that's her name).
Danny spent a good deal of time in the first book, and a lot of time in this book taking every opportunity to make snide, smearing, awful comments about and to Micky (who, unless she's drunk, takes it as her due, because she knows she's garbage (which doesn't mean she won't lash back) ). Due entirely to the fact that the two women were lovers 8 years ago, and Micky freaked out when the relationship went super serious (what with Danny using the L word), and did everything she could to kill the relationship that would make herself look bad (i.e., fucking everything around her that was female, while drinking enough to selflessly keep several alcohol business in operation).
Micky – well, she’s the main character. Messed up childhood (I’d be more explicit, but spoilers), messed up relationships with her family (including abuse – both physical and mental), messed up adulthood – what with thinking of herself as garbage (bayou trash), drinking away her pain, and fucking everyone around her (I think there’s only one female friend Micky hasn’t slept with – of the six already listed, which I note since I’m leaving people like Emma off this specific list, for reasons). Well, of course the book starts with Micky attempting to better herself (two months sober and celibate), which isn’t helped by Danny still beating her up, and the others expecting Micky to be Micky – a drunken player.
Joanne has her own messed up childhood, has very . . . odd ideas about the word ‘love’ and the word ‘relationships’, as can be seen by her moving from being among the few women Micky hadn’t slept with to the thousands who have ().
I do not really want to say why Cordelia is messed up for . . . reasons but . . .. She fools around with Micky (this occurring in the prior book), but then says she isn’t sure she can be with Micky, but give her time and she’ll be more definite yes or no . . . later. She’ll call. That was two months before the start of this story, and the first time Micky and Cordelia actually see each other again is at a party and Cordelia appears to arrive with a date (still without, you know, having ever let Micky know where she stands relationship wise with Cordelia). Cordelia plays a lot of games, creates a lot of drama, even though she gives off the vibe of being super serious and not being a drama-queen while at the same time leaping to conclusions – always going for the negative interpretation when Micky is involved.
Ah well. Weird mix of messed up adults.
The mystery? Quite an interesting mystery. Two part – someone is killing women through botched abortions – is it a sloppy doctor? Serial killer? Something else? The police, because of evidence so far gathered, strongly suspect Cordelia; second part – everyone at the shared clinic/community building Cordelia works at are being harassed by letter and/or phone (this is where Micky comes in – she’s hired to investigate part two; she looks into part one of the mystery because of the chief suspect and her lack of belief that Cordelia could be a murderer).
The romance? The Joanne-Micky-Alex triangle reads like it could fit in perfectly in a lesbian pulp book of the 1950s/60s. Heck, I think I even read this specific story-line in a book from then. First book didn’t really have a romance, and wasn’t a ‘romance’ but a mystery (other than the pursuit of Cordelia by Micky); second book, this one, is also a mystery not a romance. Though there was that love triangle mentioned, plus further pursuit of Cordelia by Micky. On a side note, I never really liked the Micky/Cordelia thingie, but whatever.
Mystery, romance, hmms . . . what else . . .. Family – you can’t choose your blood relatives, but you can chose your ‘family’ or something like that. That little saying doesn’t work here – her horrible family, i.e. Aunt Greta and Baynard aren’t actually blood relatives; and the chosen family, i.e., the Danny/Elly/Joanne/Cordelia/Alex/Micky friendship, is bloody messed up. Hell, even Torbin got on my last nerve in this book, and he was barely in it (the one ‘good’ ‘not-really-a-relative’ of Micky’s, a cousin).
As a mystery, I really enjoyed this book. As a ‘slice of life’, ‘people have fucked up lives’ . . . I also enjoyed this book. So, 4 instead of 5? Well, enjoyed, not loved. It’s hard to push this into a ‘love’ column when so many people are fucked up in this book.
Last point, tied into review for first book –once again I started a book roughly corresponding to previous read, as in Feb 18 2014 vs. Feb 19 2017. Again unplanned, that. Heh, just noticed it took me longer to read this book this time – just one day in 2014, 4 days this time. Though there was a three-day weekend that occurred – I read less on weekends. Let me see, using this as a theme, book three reread will occur . . . oh – I should have already read book three, what with how I appear to have read the book February 19 2014. Hmm. Oops.
February 22 2017
Sex. Something of the main theme of my review for the first book in this series. I think I must have forgotten that this book here was a lot more 'drenched in' sex than the first. Plus - cheating. This is a messed up group of friends in a lot of ways. I think that two of the, I believe, six friends are borderline 99.9% sane, while the other four border on being . . . oh, kind of messed up - (I might be under or over counting -> in the 'messed up column': Danny, Micky, Joanne, Cordelia (least 'messed up'); 'sane-ish' - Elly (I think that's her name), Alex (again, think that's her name).
Danny spent a good deal of time in the first book, and a lot of time in this book taking every opportunity to make snide, smearing, awful comments about and to Micky (who, unless she's drunk, takes it as her due, because she knows she's garbage (which doesn't mean she won't lash back) ). Due entirely to the fact that the two women were lovers 8 years ago, and Micky freaked out when the relationship went super serious (what with Danny using the L word), and did everything she could to kill the relationship that would make herself look bad (i.e., fucking everything around her that was female, while drinking enough to selflessly keep several alcohol business in operation).
Micky – well, she’s the main character. Messed up childhood (I’d be more explicit, but spoilers), messed up relationships with her family (including abuse – both physical and mental), messed up adulthood – what with thinking of herself as garbage (bayou trash), drinking away her pain, and fucking everyone around her (I think there’s only one female friend Micky hasn’t slept with – of the six already listed, which I note since I’m leaving people like Emma off this specific list, for reasons). Well, of course the book starts with Micky attempting to better herself (two months sober and celibate), which isn’t helped by Danny still beating her up, and the others expecting Micky to be Micky – a drunken player.
Joanne has her own messed up childhood, has very . . . odd ideas about the word ‘love’ and the word ‘relationships’, as can be seen by her moving from being among the few women Micky hadn’t slept with to the thousands who have ().
I do not really want to say why Cordelia is messed up for . . . reasons but . . .. She fools around with Micky (this occurring in the prior book), but then says she isn’t sure she can be with Micky, but give her time and she’ll be more definite yes or no . . . later. She’ll call. That was two months before the start of this story, and the first time Micky and Cordelia actually see each other again is at a party and Cordelia appears to arrive with a date (still without, you know, having ever let Micky know where she stands relationship wise with Cordelia). Cordelia plays a lot of games, creates a lot of drama, even though she gives off the vibe of being super serious and not being a drama-queen while at the same time leaping to conclusions – always going for the negative interpretation when Micky is involved.
Ah well. Weird mix of messed up adults.
The mystery? Quite an interesting mystery. Two part – someone is killing women through botched abortions – is it a sloppy doctor? Serial killer? Something else? The police, because of evidence so far gathered, strongly suspect Cordelia; second part – everyone at the shared clinic/community building Cordelia works at are being harassed by letter and/or phone (this is where Micky comes in – she’s hired to investigate part two; she looks into part one of the mystery because of the chief suspect and her lack of belief that Cordelia could be a murderer).
The romance? The Joanne-Micky-Alex triangle reads like it could fit in perfectly in a lesbian pulp book of the 1950s/60s. Heck, I think I even read this specific story-line in a book from then. First book didn’t really have a romance, and wasn’t a ‘romance’ but a mystery (other than the pursuit of Cordelia by Micky); second book, this one, is also a mystery not a romance. Though there was that love triangle mentioned, plus further pursuit of Cordelia by Micky. On a side note, I never really liked the Micky/Cordelia thingie, but whatever.
Mystery, romance, hmms . . . what else . . .. Family – you can’t choose your blood relatives, but you can chose your ‘family’ or something like that. That little saying doesn’t work here – her horrible family, i.e. Aunt Greta and Baynard aren’t actually blood relatives; and the chosen family, i.e., the Danny/Elly/Joanne/Cordelia/Alex/Micky friendship, is bloody messed up. Hell, even Torbin got on my last nerve in this book, and he was barely in it (the one ‘good’ ‘not-really-a-relative’ of Micky’s, a cousin).
As a mystery, I really enjoyed this book. As a ‘slice of life’, ‘people have fucked up lives’ . . . I also enjoyed this book. So, 4 instead of 5? Well, enjoyed, not loved. It’s hard to push this into a ‘love’ column when so many people are fucked up in this book.
Last point, tied into review for first book –once again I started a book roughly corresponding to previous read, as in Feb 18 2014 vs. Feb 19 2017. Again unplanned, that. Heh, just noticed it took me longer to read this book this time – just one day in 2014, 4 days this time. Though there was a three-day weekend that occurred – I read less on weekends. Let me see, using this as a theme, book three reread will occur . . . oh – I should have already read book three, what with how I appear to have read the book February 19 2014. Hmm. Oops.
February 22 2017
February 16, 2018
Struggled with this one, at the end of the last book I was looking forward to a mystery with a firey chemistry and romance and was left disappointed. From the beginning my anxiety levels rose too much and I couldn't bare to read anymore. Skim a few pages and still no improvement. There was nothing wrong with the story or the writing, it was gripping as I had to know how it ended. I think on a personal level this was a hard read. I was pleased with it how it ended but it took far far too long to get there for me.
June 27, 2015
I am a Mickey Knight fan! What an engaging and not so perfect character you want to believe in and cheer for. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 30, 2020
This series of mystery romantic fictions is my favourite now. I can’t wait to read the third novel.
May 22, 2022
Wonderful
I am enjoying this series so much. I am totally hooked. I can’t wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book and this author.
I am enjoying this series so much. I am totally hooked. I can’t wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book and this author.
October 2, 2014
I really enjoyed the first volume in this series but thought this one was quite disappointing in comparison. In the first book the plot was really engaging and reflected a lot on the main character's background. In this one the "mystery" was quite incidental and unrealistic and the majority of the book was more failed romance than any detective work. There were no hints as to who could be doing the murders till they showed up. In the end the reasons, when revealed, just seemed really flimsy and unrealistic.
The main character Mickey also lost her edge. In the first book she was the hard drinking, womanising female detective, pulp noir turned on its head. But in this one she was sober, full of shame for her drinking and being constantly "slut shammed" by her best friend. In the first book they got on fine but in this one every time Danny opened her mouth it was to bad mouth Mickey for sleeping with so many women and being so easy. It was really unpleasant.
It wasn't all bad though. There were some very touching and well written bits dealing with sexual abuse and it's consequences. In the end her friends became accepting of her. There were some really lovely nun characters that weren't at all judgemental and some nice young baby dykes just trying to understand their sexuality. Because I liked the first book so much I will definitely get the third in this series. But if it doesn't improve I think I will stop there.
The main character Mickey also lost her edge. In the first book she was the hard drinking, womanising female detective, pulp noir turned on its head. But in this one she was sober, full of shame for her drinking and being constantly "slut shammed" by her best friend. In the first book they got on fine but in this one every time Danny opened her mouth it was to bad mouth Mickey for sleeping with so many women and being so easy. It was really unpleasant.
It wasn't all bad though. There were some very touching and well written bits dealing with sexual abuse and it's consequences. In the end her friends became accepting of her. There were some really lovely nun characters that weren't at all judgemental and some nice young baby dykes just trying to understand their sexuality. Because I liked the first book so much I will definitely get the third in this series. But if it doesn't improve I think I will stop there.
August 21, 2020
I am loving this series!
Just protect my baby Micky please :(
Just protect my baby Micky please :(
February 3, 2014
This second 'Micky Knight Mystery' book is really, really good. It is a tremendous follow-up to book one with all the key folks still in the mix and providing more than delightful interludes, expanded interactions, heartfelt friendship, and love of the best kind. Speaking of love, I am totally enamored with Micky and I positively adore her coterie of friends! The exciting mystery and murders that come to light truly stand on their own, but with all the shenanigans also happening to Micky and her delightful pals, this book is quite impressively packed! I wish I had started reading the Micky Knight series from the beginning. My first introduction was the latest installment, 'The Shoal of Time', which wowed me, but it would have been super to have started with the first book. I totally recommend that approach. However, 'Murders of Jocasta' is not to be missed. By the way, Micky clues us in to the 'Jocasta' reference. She was the wife of Oedipus who in a Roman version of the tale commits suicide in a manner that is highlighted in this book…classic!
Micky Knight, private investigator, is often a bit skint, so a job that could last a few weeks is a true blessing. The fact that it involves Dr. Cordelia Jones and her clinic is a definitely an extra plus. Micky has strong feelings for Cordelia, but will sometimes put her foot in her mouth and skewer her possibilities for expanding on this relationship. That humorously falls into the category of "what else is new". She also has a very emotional reconciliation with her college pal, Danny, that was remarkably moving and I feel quite cleansing for Micky's soul. This all happens while Micky is closing in on the criminal culprits involved in a poison pen assault that will mushroom into much greater threats.
Dr. Cordelia Jones is wonderfully featured and highlighted in this book. I got to see her in her working element and as a great friend to many of her close associates. She is primarily a dedicated doctor and is genuinely loyal to friends and staff. Her feelings towards Micky continue to be mixed until after the intense battle between Micky and the pure slime balls both orchestrating and implementing the terror assault on clinics being smeared as abortion sites. I was warmly rewarded at the book's conclusion with what evolved for Dr. Jones and Micky Knight. Really fine and wonderfully hot!
The action is top-notch and the interpersonal developments complement and enhance all the story's twists and turns. I am delighted to add that the sexual activities stand on their own, hold their own, and certainly add a spicy nuance to the overall epic. This is a wonderfully rich follow-up to the opening story in the series—'Death by the Riverside'. I doff my hat in respect to J.M. Redmann for such high quality which more than stands on its own for five star entertainment and suspense. I do suggest you read the opening book, but this one is a winner all on its own! Superb!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Micky Knight, private investigator, is often a bit skint, so a job that could last a few weeks is a true blessing. The fact that it involves Dr. Cordelia Jones and her clinic is a definitely an extra plus. Micky has strong feelings for Cordelia, but will sometimes put her foot in her mouth and skewer her possibilities for expanding on this relationship. That humorously falls into the category of "what else is new". She also has a very emotional reconciliation with her college pal, Danny, that was remarkably moving and I feel quite cleansing for Micky's soul. This all happens while Micky is closing in on the criminal culprits involved in a poison pen assault that will mushroom into much greater threats.
Dr. Cordelia Jones is wonderfully featured and highlighted in this book. I got to see her in her working element and as a great friend to many of her close associates. She is primarily a dedicated doctor and is genuinely loyal to friends and staff. Her feelings towards Micky continue to be mixed until after the intense battle between Micky and the pure slime balls both orchestrating and implementing the terror assault on clinics being smeared as abortion sites. I was warmly rewarded at the book's conclusion with what evolved for Dr. Jones and Micky Knight. Really fine and wonderfully hot!
The action is top-notch and the interpersonal developments complement and enhance all the story's twists and turns. I am delighted to add that the sexual activities stand on their own, hold their own, and certainly add a spicy nuance to the overall epic. This is a wonderfully rich follow-up to the opening story in the series—'Death by the Riverside'. I doff my hat in respect to J.M. Redmann for such high quality which more than stands on its own for five star entertainment and suspense. I do suggest you read the opening book, but this one is a winner all on its own! Superb!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 24, 2012
Book Info: Genre: Detective 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 had a pleasant evening to look forward to; she was running security at a swank party full of beautiful lesbians and gay men. A dead body ruins the affair. When more dead women are found the police target Dr. Cordelia James as the killer. The same Cordelia who broke Micky's heart. As Micky works to expose the killer she tries to keep her heart hidden. But the killer and Micky keep getting closer to Cordelia . . .
My Thoughts: This book reads more like romantic suspense – there are a number of sex scenes, for instance, although they’re fairly tasteful and realistic. The mystery is very complex and this addresses a very controversial topic – abortion, right to choose vs. right to life, and whether it is okay to murder someone in order to save a life. I imagine this created a firestorm when it was first published, not that the topic has become any less controversial. We learn more about Micky’s past, more about the damage that has been done to her, and start to peel back the layers on her complicated personality. We learn more about Ranson, too, and we meet the wonderful Emma Auerbach. I really wish I had a support group like Micky has – what a wonderful set of friends she has! While I didn’t much care for O’Connor when he first appeared, he grew on me. He and Micky could be great friends, I think, and I hope to see more of him in the future. It never hurts for a PI like Micky to have lots of friends on the force!
I’m definitely enjoying this series and looking forward to the next book, The Intersection of Law and Desire. If you like your detective novels with a bit of spice and a lesbian protagonist, then these books are definitely for you!
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 had a pleasant evening to look forward to; she was running security at a swank party full of beautiful lesbians and gay men. A dead body ruins the affair. When more dead women are found the police target Dr. Cordelia James as the killer. The same Cordelia who broke Micky's heart. As Micky works to expose the killer she tries to keep her heart hidden. But the killer and Micky keep getting closer to Cordelia . . .
My Thoughts: This book reads more like romantic suspense – there are a number of sex scenes, for instance, although they’re fairly tasteful and realistic. The mystery is very complex and this addresses a very controversial topic – abortion, right to choose vs. right to life, and whether it is okay to murder someone in order to save a life. I imagine this created a firestorm when it was first published, not that the topic has become any less controversial. We learn more about Micky’s past, more about the damage that has been done to her, and start to peel back the layers on her complicated personality. We learn more about Ranson, too, and we meet the wonderful Emma Auerbach. I really wish I had a support group like Micky has – what a wonderful set of friends she has! While I didn’t much care for O’Connor when he first appeared, he grew on me. He and Micky could be great friends, I think, and I hope to see more of him in the future. It never hurts for a PI like Micky to have lots of friends on the force!
I’m definitely enjoying this series and looking forward to the next book, The Intersection of Law and Desire. If you like your detective novels with a bit of spice and a lesbian protagonist, then these books are definitely for you!
August 14, 2018
Puoi trovare questa recensione anche sul mio blog, La siepe di more
Sto amando davvero tanto questa serie: Micky Knight, con il suo carattere spigoloso e riottoso nei confronti di qualunque vicinanza umana a causa di un passato familiare che in Deaths of Jocasta affonderà di nuovo i suoi artigli. Redmann è molto brava nel far interagire Micky in un ambiente che le è ostile, sia per le sue idee personali, sia per il suo rifiuto di sottostare alla moralità altrui.
Proprio per questo è molto brava nello sbugiardare l’ipocrisia e nel rinfacciarla prontamente, cosa che non le fa guadagnare punti con le amiche e le amanti. Tuttavia, ho tifato ogni volta per lei, perché per quanto sia dura con il perbenismo, sa essere molto gentile con chi non ha mai conosciuto altro ed è disposta ad ascoltare un’altra campana.
Di Deaths of Jocasta ho apprezzato molto la discussione sull’aborto e l’evidente contraddizione dei prolife che compiono attentati, uccidendo delle persone, in difesa della sacralità della vita. La cosa peggiore, come fa notare Micky, è che con questo tipo di gente non si può ragionare, sono al di là di ogni razionalità.
Un altro argomento che temevo scatenasse il solito dramma e invece viene affrontato in maniera adulta è quello del tradimento. C’è decisamente un’overdose di storie dove il tradimento è calamità peggiore che possa accadere in una relazione, ma è una scemenza: dipende da quello che si vuole da quella relazione. Ho trovato molto bella la chiacchierata tra amante e amata tradita e molto realistiche le accuse che tuttə sono prontə a lanciare all’amante.
Proseguirò sicuramente la serie: non vedo l’ora di vedere cosa combinerà Micky la prossima volta!
Sto amando davvero tanto questa serie: Micky Knight, con il suo carattere spigoloso e riottoso nei confronti di qualunque vicinanza umana a causa di un passato familiare che in Deaths of Jocasta affonderà di nuovo i suoi artigli. Redmann è molto brava nel far interagire Micky in un ambiente che le è ostile, sia per le sue idee personali, sia per il suo rifiuto di sottostare alla moralità altrui.
Proprio per questo è molto brava nello sbugiardare l’ipocrisia e nel rinfacciarla prontamente, cosa che non le fa guadagnare punti con le amiche e le amanti. Tuttavia, ho tifato ogni volta per lei, perché per quanto sia dura con il perbenismo, sa essere molto gentile con chi non ha mai conosciuto altro ed è disposta ad ascoltare un’altra campana.
Di Deaths of Jocasta ho apprezzato molto la discussione sull’aborto e l’evidente contraddizione dei prolife che compiono attentati, uccidendo delle persone, in difesa della sacralità della vita. La cosa peggiore, come fa notare Micky, è che con questo tipo di gente non si può ragionare, sono al di là di ogni razionalità.
Un altro argomento che temevo scatenasse il solito dramma e invece viene affrontato in maniera adulta è quello del tradimento. C’è decisamente un’overdose di storie dove il tradimento è calamità peggiore che possa accadere in una relazione, ma è una scemenza: dipende da quello che si vuole da quella relazione. Ho trovato molto bella la chiacchierata tra amante e amata tradita e molto realistiche le accuse che tuttə sono prontə a lanciare all’amante.
Proseguirò sicuramente la serie: non vedo l’ora di vedere cosa combinerà Micky la prossima volta!
January 29, 2015
I had liked the first of the Micky Knight series and had really liked it.
This one fell a bit short, I believe (although I gave the same rating to both). I like the writing and I absolutely love the characters and their interactions. I love how sarcastic Micky is, it's sexy. But it was hard to read about Micky going back to her "old" ways, simply following "wherever her vagina leads". Her sexual relationship with Joanne made me a bit confused, and angry. I wish she'd fought for Cordelia more, but instead she just sought distraction elsewhere and let Cordelia make all the decisions for her.
I also thought the story dragged for too long and the "mystery" wasn't all that interesting.
It took too long for Micky and Cordelia to finally admit they wanted to be together. And when they did, it felt a bit too rushed.
Still... I loved the characters too much not to enjoy the book.
This one fell a bit short, I believe (although I gave the same rating to both). I like the writing and I absolutely love the characters and their interactions. I love how sarcastic Micky is, it's sexy. But it was hard to read about Micky going back to her "old" ways, simply following "wherever her vagina leads". Her sexual relationship with Joanne made me a bit confused, and angry. I wish she'd fought for Cordelia more, but instead she just sought distraction elsewhere and let Cordelia make all the decisions for her.
I also thought the story dragged for too long and the "mystery" wasn't all that interesting.
It took too long for Micky and Cordelia to finally admit they wanted to be together. And when they did, it felt a bit too rushed.
Still... I loved the characters too much not to enjoy the book.
December 2, 2025
This is a sequel to Death By the Riverside. New Orleans PI Micky Knight returns and this time she's caught between the personal and professional when hired by Dr Cordelia James to investigate poison pen letters sent to her and her staff at a local clinic. We also learn a lot more about Micky's past as she struggles to put her drinking days behind her.
I love Redmann's style, and in Micky and her friends she has created a really interesting group of characters.
I love Redmann's style, and in Micky and her friends she has created a really interesting group of characters.
January 28, 2025
Micky Knight had a terrible childhood and, as an adult, she can be relied on to cause chaos wherever she goes.
Most recently she's been celibate and pining for Dr. Cordelia James who has made Micky wait while she decides whether to have a relationship.
So, when Cordelia reveals that she, and other staff at her clinic, has been receiving threatening letters Micky is in like Flynn.
It ties in with a series of women who have been murdered, initially assumed to be botched abortions, and Cordelia, who does provide the service, quickly becomes the one (and only) suspect despite Micky's insistence that she is being framed.
And when a body is found in the clinic, and files seem to prove that Cordelia knows more than her prayers, Micky has to move into top gear before Cordelia faces prison time.
First published in 1992 there are no mobile phones so keeping in touch or asking for assistance when in danger proves a major hindrance but, overall, there is little to anchor it to a particular era.
The story is told from Micky's point of view so the reader spends a lot of time inside her head – this is not a calm place even at the best of times.
“Deaths of Jocasta”, second in the 'Micky Knight' series, is a book of two inter-mixed plots – the murders providing the impetus, and Micky's relationship with herself and others the glue that holds the series together.
I probably won't remember the plot (at one point I was sure that I had read it before but that proved not to be the case) but I will remember the prickly and unpredictable Micky Knight.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
Most recently she's been celibate and pining for Dr. Cordelia James who has made Micky wait while she decides whether to have a relationship.
So, when Cordelia reveals that she, and other staff at her clinic, has been receiving threatening letters Micky is in like Flynn.
It ties in with a series of women who have been murdered, initially assumed to be botched abortions, and Cordelia, who does provide the service, quickly becomes the one (and only) suspect despite Micky's insistence that she is being framed.
And when a body is found in the clinic, and files seem to prove that Cordelia knows more than her prayers, Micky has to move into top gear before Cordelia faces prison time.
First published in 1992 there are no mobile phones so keeping in touch or asking for assistance when in danger proves a major hindrance but, overall, there is little to anchor it to a particular era.
The story is told from Micky's point of view so the reader spends a lot of time inside her head – this is not a calm place even at the best of times.
“Deaths of Jocasta”, second in the 'Micky Knight' series, is a book of two inter-mixed plots – the murders providing the impetus, and Micky's relationship with herself and others the glue that holds the series together.
I probably won't remember the plot (at one point I was sure that I had read it before but that proved not to be the case) but I will remember the prickly and unpredictable Micky Knight.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
April 28, 2023
For a book to be considered good....not only the writing and language should be the things to qualify...
So how did this book get such a high rating I would never understand. Except if it was read and rated by a bunch of lesbians with self hatred over their sexuality and whatever else they hate about themselves and the people who surround them... Because relationship described in this book, and how lesbians in this book act, are worth only inducing vomiting and nothing else! I understand the nowadays times versus 80s, 90s past... But it is not forgivable and should not be forgivable to act like most of the characters in this second part of the novel do, to hurt others deliberately and use your childhood, your life as an excuse even in your 30s (thats the approximate age of the female characters) to act the way you do. The list why this book is disgusting actually is a long one for me... and the only pages worth reading were the 2 last ones...
PS At least it is clear now where the creators of that DISGUSTING show L word got their inspiration from....
So how did this book get such a high rating I would never understand. Except if it was read and rated by a bunch of lesbians with self hatred over their sexuality and whatever else they hate about themselves and the people who surround them... Because relationship described in this book, and how lesbians in this book act, are worth only inducing vomiting and nothing else! I understand the nowadays times versus 80s, 90s past... But it is not forgivable and should not be forgivable to act like most of the characters in this second part of the novel do, to hurt others deliberately and use your childhood, your life as an excuse even in your 30s (thats the approximate age of the female characters) to act the way you do. The list why this book is disgusting actually is a long one for me... and the only pages worth reading were the 2 last ones...
PS At least it is clear now where the creators of that DISGUSTING show L word got their inspiration from....
February 4, 2019
In the second Micky Knight novel, the mystery takes a back seat to an examination of the events that led the person that became Micky. The mystery is a family planning clinic led by Micky's friend Cordelia that is receiving threatening letters that quickly escalate into patients of the clinic turning up murdered, the victims of apparent botched abortions. The police suspect Cordelia, leading Micky to hunt for the real killer while working on her newfound sobriety. Complicating the case is her growing feelings for Cordelia as the the killer begins to target the hunter, Micky.
The book does get into the past of Micky, more than the first one does, and shows why her relationships are filled with passion and heartbreak. Once I got a few chapters in, I really enjoyed the switching back and forth from Micky's personal life and her case. I'm definitely interested in where the series goes from here. Recommended.
The book does get into the past of Micky, more than the first one does, and shows why her relationships are filled with passion and heartbreak. Once I got a few chapters in, I really enjoyed the switching back and forth from Micky's personal life and her case. I'm definitely interested in where the series goes from here. Recommended.
December 15, 2020
Love this series still but this book felt like it needed firmer editing. The plot is great. Definitely a page turner but sometimes it felt like things were being repeated or over-wrought and could have been cut.
Characters are fascinating (if highly irritating at times). Really appreciated having a character like Alex around who is mentally stable and not obsessed with monogamy. Danny was on my nerves in this one... like grow up for god’s sake! (But such is life, and probably a sign of a good story).
Looking forward to book 3.
Characters are fascinating (if highly irritating at times). Really appreciated having a character like Alex around who is mentally stable and not obsessed with monogamy. Danny was on my nerves in this one... like grow up for god’s sake! (But such is life, and probably a sign of a good story).
Looking forward to book 3.
April 13, 2021
Micky Knight! 12 points
La secunda novela de la vida de micky knight es como la primera muy interesante. Nunca sabes lo que va a pasar y en todo el tiempo estás atenta a ver que giro coge la historia.
La pobre micky tiene que tener un cuerpo de acero. Porque no hay cosas que no le pasan. A final parece que la detective hace más su trabajo que la propia policía.... Y si no fuera por los líos amorosos.... La vida de micky sería demasiado aburrida. Chapó. Me encantó
La secunda novela de la vida de micky knight es como la primera muy interesante. Nunca sabes lo que va a pasar y en todo el tiempo estás atenta a ver que giro coge la historia.
La pobre micky tiene que tener un cuerpo de acero. Porque no hay cosas que no le pasan. A final parece que la detective hace más su trabajo que la propia policía.... Y si no fuera por los líos amorosos.... La vida de micky sería demasiado aburrida. Chapó. Me encantó
September 11, 2020
Entertaining and lively but I would have liked more on the mystery side of things and less with the constant angsty arguments. Also I know this is a silly thing to say about a murder mystery but some of the violence seemed unnecessary and the cover is terrible. (Yeah yeah, “don’t judge a book by its cover”. But seriously...)
December 18, 2018
A bizarre cross between a lesbian regency romance and mystery, and yet it works! A lively bunch of characters entangled in way too much of each others' lives, and a lunatic sending threatening letters and bomb threats...and a good time was had by all!
October 22, 2020
A very solid hard-boiled novel. There are some elements of the investigative plot that I did not like at all, a rushed climax, but all in all very good.
I think the strongest elements are the characterization and the hard-boiled vs anti-hard-boiled twists.
I think the strongest elements are the characterization and the hard-boiled vs anti-hard-boiled twists.
May 21, 2021
A lucky find I just happened to come across and am glad I did. A fantastic mystery starring a hard-boiled lesbian detective in New Orleans. I've already ordered the next three books in the series to read.
February 3, 2022
I recommend this book. Mystery, suspense, romance and gay characters perfect combination. The characters are unique and likable the mystery kept my interest from beginning to end. Thanks foe a very enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2022
Wow! This is so good. Usually, I can predict the villain, but I failed until Sister Ann received a threat.
I love the way CJ and MK finally admit what was already there. I'm in love with MK and her sarcasms, they are just too good.😁😁
I love the way CJ and MK finally admit what was already there. I'm in love with MK and her sarcasms, they are just too good.😁😁
October 18, 2018
A murder mystery with graphic lesbian sex thrown in at every opportunity. Super lame.
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