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Ellie Hatcher #5
All Day and a Night
A murder case with ties to a convicted serial killer leads a young defense lawyer and an NYPD homicide detective into parallel investigations with explosive and deadly results in this superb mystery.
The latest story dominating the tabloids - the murder of psychotherapist Helen Brunswick-couldn't be further from Carrie Blank's world handling federal appeals at an elite Manhattan law firm. But then a hard-charging celebrity trial lawyer calls Carrie with an offer she can't refuse: Anthony Amaro, the serial killer police blamed for the murder of Carrie's older sister, Donna, has new evidence related to Brunswick's murder that he believes can exonerate him. Determined to force the government to catch Donna's real killer, Carrie takes on Amaro's wrongful conviction claim.
On the other side of Amaro's case is NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher, who, along with her partner, JJ Rogan, is tapped as the "fresh look" team to reassess the investigation that led to Amaro's conviction. The case is personal for them, too: Ellie wonders whether they got the assignment because of her relationship with the lead prosecutor, and Rogan has his own reasons to distrust Amaro's defense team.
As the NYPD and Amaro's lawyers search for certainty among years of conflicting evidence, their investigations take them back to Carrie's hometown and secrets left behind there. And when Carrie falls victim to a brutal attack, it becomes clear that the young attorney got too close to the truth.
The latest story dominating the tabloids - the murder of psychotherapist Helen Brunswick-couldn't be further from Carrie Blank's world handling federal appeals at an elite Manhattan law firm. But then a hard-charging celebrity trial lawyer calls Carrie with an offer she can't refuse: Anthony Amaro, the serial killer police blamed for the murder of Carrie's older sister, Donna, has new evidence related to Brunswick's murder that he believes can exonerate him. Determined to force the government to catch Donna's real killer, Carrie takes on Amaro's wrongful conviction claim.
On the other side of Amaro's case is NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher, who, along with her partner, JJ Rogan, is tapped as the "fresh look" team to reassess the investigation that led to Amaro's conviction. The case is personal for them, too: Ellie wonders whether they got the assignment because of her relationship with the lead prosecutor, and Rogan has his own reasons to distrust Amaro's defense team.
As the NYPD and Amaro's lawyers search for certainty among years of conflicting evidence, their investigations take them back to Carrie's hometown and secrets left behind there. And when Carrie falls victim to a brutal attack, it becomes clear that the young attorney got too close to the truth.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2014
322 people are currently reading
3377 people want to read
About the author
Alafair Burke
60 books5,641 followersAlafair Burke is the New York Times, Edgar-nominated author of fourteen crime novels, including The Ex, The Wife, The Better Sister, and the forthcoming Find Me. She is also the co-author of several novels with Mary Higgins Clark. A graduate of Stanford Law School and a former Deputy District Attorney in Portland, Oregon, Alafair is now a Professor of Law at Hofstra Law School, where she teaches criminal law and procedure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
June 14, 2014
I am a Burke-lover from way back, and I pulled some strings to get this fantastic book early so that I could read it, and then I read it in a day and a half, and then I was sad because I know Alafair hasn't even started the next one.
Thus is the circle of my reading life.
Thus is the circle of my reading life.
February 22, 2019
I started reading Alafair Burke’s books a number of years ago because she came from a family of writers. Alafair is a law professor at Hofstra University. A few years ago I read the first few books in this series. This is book five in the Ellie Hatcher series. Hatcher and her partner are assigned a twenty year old cold case. An attorney, Carrie Blank, is also investigating the case. According to Alafair, the title “All Day and a Night” in prison parlance means a sentence of life without parole.
The book is well written; the story moves right along. After I started reading, I remembered why I had stopped reading this series. The series and this story are about a serial killer. I am totally burned out on serial killer stories. So will not pick this series up to read again.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and thirty minutes. Andi Arndt does an excellent job narrating the book. Arndt is an exceptional narrator. She is an actress and voice-over artist. In 2018 she was an Audie Award finalist and also in 2018 was installed in the Audible Narrator Hall of Fame. She narrates in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, French and Mandarin Chinese.
The book is well written; the story moves right along. After I started reading, I remembered why I had stopped reading this series. The series and this story are about a serial killer. I am totally burned out on serial killer stories. So will not pick this series up to read again.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and thirty minutes. Andi Arndt does an excellent job narrating the book. Arndt is an exceptional narrator. She is an actress and voice-over artist. In 2018 she was an Audie Award finalist and also in 2018 was installed in the Audible Narrator Hall of Fame. She narrates in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, French and Mandarin Chinese.
April 14, 2014
SPOILERS
Just couldn't enjoy this book due to the convoluted and preposterous plot. It's not badly written (although not the greatest) but I just could not believe (a) a court would vacate a conviction for Murder A based on evidence relating to a different murder, even if everyone thought he did the subsequent murder; (b) after one hearing with no evidence submitted but only the argument of attorneys, a state court could vacate a conviction and the defendant gets let out in a matter of hours -- no appeals, no federal court involvement, no paperwork.....(c) an attorney who is the sibling of a murder victim could represent the man accused of her sister's murder; (d) a detective in a long-term relationship with a DA could work for the DA in a murder case.
I also figured out who killed the sister about 40 pages in.
Feh.
Just couldn't enjoy this book due to the convoluted and preposterous plot. It's not badly written (although not the greatest) but I just could not believe (a) a court would vacate a conviction for Murder A based on evidence relating to a different murder, even if everyone thought he did the subsequent murder; (b) after one hearing with no evidence submitted but only the argument of attorneys, a state court could vacate a conviction and the defendant gets let out in a matter of hours -- no appeals, no federal court involvement, no paperwork.....(c) an attorney who is the sibling of a murder victim could represent the man accused of her sister's murder; (d) a detective in a long-term relationship with a DA could work for the DA in a murder case.
I also figured out who killed the sister about 40 pages in.
Feh.
July 7, 2014
I usually try to avoid picking up a series mid-stream, but when I picked this one up, I initially had no idea that it was the fifth book in the Ellie Hatcher series. With some trepidation, I started reading it - ready at the first sign of being lost in the series to set it aside until I could read the first four books. But, amazingly enough, Burke manages to insert information about her characters without it feeling too "series-y" - I liked Ellie immediately, and never felt too lost when there were obvious references to past novels. Burke includes Hatcher's past here which I appreciated as I have definitely read series books where the author includes no such reminders to readers (or inclusions to newcomers to the series). And most amazingly of all, I never once had that “missing-something” feeling that I expected.
And ultimately, I was quite glad to have read this book! Last year, I read one of Burke's standalone mysteries, If You Were Here and greatly enjoyed it, but I think this one is even better. I like the dynamic between the characters, and the relationships add to their development. The dialogue flows very smoothly and along with the NY setting, adds to the realistic feeling of the novel as a whole. There are new perspectives here, too, outside of the series regulars which I think adds to making this a book that is all right to start with. I like the cold-case angle and it’s a nice blend of police procedural and legal novel. But, I am definitely planning on reading those four previous books in the series now after enjoying this one so much (in order, of course - though nothing seems to have been given away about the plots of the previous books). And I am looking forward to following the future novels as well! It's a fast paced and engaging read!
And ultimately, I was quite glad to have read this book! Last year, I read one of Burke's standalone mysteries, If You Were Here and greatly enjoyed it, but I think this one is even better. I like the dynamic between the characters, and the relationships add to their development. The dialogue flows very smoothly and along with the NY setting, adds to the realistic feeling of the novel as a whole. There are new perspectives here, too, outside of the series regulars which I think adds to making this a book that is all right to start with. I like the cold-case angle and it’s a nice blend of police procedural and legal novel. But, I am definitely planning on reading those four previous books in the series now after enjoying this one so much (in order, of course - though nothing seems to have been given away about the plots of the previous books). And I am looking forward to following the future novels as well! It's a fast paced and engaging read!
August 1, 2019
I'm so glad I read the last 2 books of the Ellie Hatcher series back to back and not procrastinate like I usually do. I was shocked to find a copy of All Day And Night in my Goodwill, but so happy to have it on my unread shelf judging me fir not having read it yet. Ellie Hatcher herself has her own brand of tact, which is right up my alley, but the partnership she has with Rogan makes the case solving so much more interesting. There is the banter between them as well as her brother and boyfriend that makes her so real. I like that there has not been a simple straight forward packaged up case the reader can easily solve without the detectives you are investigating alongside. I'm going to miss her, but I can always start at the beginning.
July 3, 2023
Complicated but enjoyable book! Many interesting points and people in the story, however the ending was not that spectacularly written. Overall, a solid thriller!
February 25, 2016
A strong start and plot parallels that caused me to not really care by the three quarter point. Clear dialogue for some characters, maybe inconsistent with their age.
March 24, 2017
A disappointment in the otherwise great Ellie Hatcher series.
Ellie and her partner JJ, got assigned to a 20 year old case in order to give the case a "fresh look". A man has been serving jail time for 20 years after being guilty of killing 5 woman in a small town. With a similar murder occurring in present day, new lawyers are trying to prove that the real killer is still out there.
The story was divided between Ellie and Carrie (one of the defence attorney lawyers, whose sister was one of the woman killed). I didn't like the Carrie story line and found that there was too much going on. I didn't love the plot and to me the book just didn't have the magic as the previous novels.
Ellie and her partner JJ, got assigned to a 20 year old case in order to give the case a "fresh look". A man has been serving jail time for 20 years after being guilty of killing 5 woman in a small town. With a similar murder occurring in present day, new lawyers are trying to prove that the real killer is still out there.
The story was divided between Ellie and Carrie (one of the defence attorney lawyers, whose sister was one of the woman killed). I didn't like the Carrie story line and found that there was too much going on. I didn't love the plot and to me the book just didn't have the magic as the previous novels.
October 28, 2025
Helen Brunswick took a bullet on a late Sunday afternoon. She rarely worked weekends, yet she needed the money. After he killed her, the murderer broke her bones—a chilling echo of serial killings fifteen years earlier: one in New York City, the others upstate, where the perpetrator shattered victims' bones post-mortem. Police insisted they convicted the right man back then, but Helen's death shrouds that verdict in doubt. A media-savvy defense attorney seeks to exonerate the inmate—or at least secure his release for one murder—and enlists Carrie Blank to assist. Carrie's half-sister fell victim to the alleged killer all those years ago. Detective Ellie Hatcher and her partner, Rogan, must now reaffirm the state's original case.
Alafair Burke delivers compelling prose that held this listener at four steady stars. I never once glanced at the progress bar on my player to gauge remaining time—a sure sign of a taut plot executed with snap and precision.
Ellie Hatcher's evolution captivates me. In earlier installments, she struck me as shrill and overly self-focused. Experience has tempered her edges; I now root for her with genuine investment, and my regard for the series grows accordingly. Carrie Blank, the young attorney at the story's forefront, intrigues as well—I remain unsure if she recurs elsewhere, though I welcome the possibility.
Andi Arndt narrates with brilliance. Her delivery avoids monotony without veering into caricature or forced accents, pitfalls that lesser performers embrace. She proves a delight to hear and elevates the entire experience.
Alafair Burke delivers compelling prose that held this listener at four steady stars. I never once glanced at the progress bar on my player to gauge remaining time—a sure sign of a taut plot executed with snap and precision.
Ellie Hatcher's evolution captivates me. In earlier installments, she struck me as shrill and overly self-focused. Experience has tempered her edges; I now root for her with genuine investment, and my regard for the series grows accordingly. Carrie Blank, the young attorney at the story's forefront, intrigues as well—I remain unsure if she recurs elsewhere, though I welcome the possibility.
Andi Arndt narrates with brilliance. Her delivery avoids monotony without veering into caricature or forced accents, pitfalls that lesser performers embrace. She proves a delight to hear and elevates the entire experience.
July 22, 2020
First book I have read by this author. Holy buckets this is a good book! I will be reading more. Although this is part of a series, it can be read alone.
January 21, 2019
There’s nothing better than small town serial killers, especially when Ellie Hatcher is on the case!
April 10, 2014
When a psychotherapist is murdered in her Brooklyn offices the case has the “signature” of serial killer Anthony Amaro. But Amaro has an alibi—he’s already in prison.
NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher and her partner J. J. Rogan are tapped to take a “fresh-look” at the investigation leading to Amaro’s conviction, which is already the subject of appeal by his hard-nosed celebrity lawyer.
The appeal also has drawn in as second for the defense Carrie Blank, half-sister of one of Amaro’s alleged victims.
Burke provides a double look at the case from the perspectives of Hatcher and Blank, both of them discerning women dedicated to discovering the truth. The case takes them from the big city to Utica, Blank’s hometown in a page-turning thriller.
Ellie finds herself conflicted and angry with her lover, Assistant District Attorney Max Donovan, for his role in putting her and Rogan on the fresh-look team. Carrie also has second thoughts as her role puts her in the position of blaming old friends for flaws in her sister’s case.
It doesn’t take long to unravel what really happened to Carrie’s sister. But Burke’s deft style, her characterization and the sparring between Hatcher and Rogan make this another worthwhile addition to the series.
NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher and her partner J. J. Rogan are tapped to take a “fresh-look” at the investigation leading to Amaro’s conviction, which is already the subject of appeal by his hard-nosed celebrity lawyer.
The appeal also has drawn in as second for the defense Carrie Blank, half-sister of one of Amaro’s alleged victims.
Burke provides a double look at the case from the perspectives of Hatcher and Blank, both of them discerning women dedicated to discovering the truth. The case takes them from the big city to Utica, Blank’s hometown in a page-turning thriller.
Ellie finds herself conflicted and angry with her lover, Assistant District Attorney Max Donovan, for his role in putting her and Rogan on the fresh-look team. Carrie also has second thoughts as her role puts her in the position of blaming old friends for flaws in her sister’s case.
It doesn’t take long to unravel what really happened to Carrie’s sister. But Burke’s deft style, her characterization and the sparring between Hatcher and Rogan make this another worthwhile addition to the series.
March 23, 2015
I really like the Ellie Hatcher and JJ Rogan characters, but this story was a bit lacking. I didn't feel the usual banter between the two characters. The ending was good but wasn't the grand finale I usually enjoy in a story. I figured out the missing link, so guessing other readers were able to do so as well. 6 out of 10 for me on this one.
February 3, 2022
Now, I've only got one "Ellie Hatcher" left...I've read two of the series almost back-to-back, but somehow, I missed #4 "Never Tell"...I'll get on that one as soon as I can because I really like the character development of ALL the main characters, especial the special relationship/banter with her partner, Rogan, her brother jess and her boyfriend Max...In "All Day and a Night," our heroes are pulled into an unusual "cold case"...They're called in to investigate, with "fresh eyes," a serial murder case in which a guy has been serving jail time after being found guilty of killing 5 woman in upstate NY...It becomes "complicated" when a similar murder occurs today and a media savvy lawyer is trying to get his release by showing the real killer is still present...Fun, exciting, suspenseful read!!!
November 26, 2017
This is book 5 in the Ellie Hatcher series. I have read one other in this series so I am someone familiar with the characters, but I have not read them all in order to know the entire back story.
Ellie is tasked with investigating a conviction that is being reopened due to new evidence. The case is very public being it relates to a serial killer and the original cop who closed the case is a local legend. Ellie finds herself pitted against the attorney for the convicted man and her team, which includes a young woman who just happens to be the half-sister of one of the original victims.
This is a well written mystery, with a myriad of twists and turns and characters who each have their own concerns and motivations leading to lots tension, suspicion, and leads in all directions. With the exception of Ellie and her partners, you don’t really know who else to trust. Well written mystery with great tension and good pacing throughout. Works as a standalone although you probably will get more out of the personal subplots if you have read the series in order.
Ellie is tasked with investigating a conviction that is being reopened due to new evidence. The case is very public being it relates to a serial killer and the original cop who closed the case is a local legend. Ellie finds herself pitted against the attorney for the convicted man and her team, which includes a young woman who just happens to be the half-sister of one of the original victims.
This is a well written mystery, with a myriad of twists and turns and characters who each have their own concerns and motivations leading to lots tension, suspicion, and leads in all directions. With the exception of Ellie and her partners, you don’t really know who else to trust. Well written mystery with great tension and good pacing throughout. Works as a standalone although you probably will get more out of the personal subplots if you have read the series in order.
March 3, 2022
Each one improves on the previous one. Great read!
January 6, 2025
There was a lot of repetition in this book. Like why did Ellie have to look at her partner every time someone mentioned a town in upstate New York? It was an okay read, could have been better.
October 16, 2021
Libro un po' lento fino quasi a metà, poi gli eventi si fanno più calzanti e la storia prende un ritmo diverso. Comunque 4 stelle meritate.
September 8, 2022
Direi una fusione perfetta tra avvocati e detective. Trama intricata che non lascia capire quale sia il vero scopo delle indagini, che alla fine non lo sanno neanche i protagonisti. Una storia affascinante, con colpi di scena che fanno sobbalzare dalla sedia e storie intrecciate, pronte per essere slegate e lasciare che il lettore scopra il tutto assieme all'investigatrice.
August 29, 2020
The fifth book in the Ellie Hatcher series by Alafair Burke. Hatcher is a detective in New York. An exciting and entertaining crime novel.
January 8, 2016
ALL DAY AND A NIGHT, an Ellie Hatcher Series #5, by Alafair Burke, opens with the shocking murder of psychotherapist Helen Brunswick, and complicates an old case, as NYPD detective Ellie Hatcher and attorney Carrie Blank both search for the truth from opposite sides of the law. The entire city suspects her estranged husband - until the District Attorney's office receives an anonymous letter.
Over a decade ago Anthony Amaro was tried and convicted for the murder of Donna Blank. She was the suspected fourth victim in a series of murders and the police were able to get a confession out of Amaro for her case.
The letter's author knows a chilling detail that police have kept secret. Her injuries were similar to the signature used 20 years earlier by Anthony Amaro, a serial killer serving a life sentence for his crimes. Now, Amaro is asking to be released from prison, arguing that he was wrongly convicted, and that the true killer is still on the loose. Has suspected serial killer Anthony Amaro spent 18 years in New York’s Five Points Correctional Facility for a murder he didn’t commit?
Meanwhile Amaro has a top-notch defense attorney on his side as well as Donna Blank's sister. Carrie wants her sister's killer to pay for his crimes and knows that joining Amaro's team will allow her full access to the case files.
NYPD Detectives Ellie Hatcher and J. J. Rogan are tapped as the "fresh look" team to reassess the original investigation that led to Amaro's conviction. They are asked by her District Attorney boyfriend, Max Donovan, to take a look at a long closed murder case. Hatcher and Rogan’s task is to take a fresh look at the case to see if anything was missed in the initial investigation. The case pits them against both their fellow officers and a hard-charging celebrity defense lawyer with a young associate Carrie.
As both the NYPD and Amaro's legal team search for certainty in years of conflicting evidence, their investigations take them back to Carrie's hometown and secrets left behind there.
A psychological complex and multi-layered thriller, Burke’s ALL DAY AND A NIGHT raises larger questions about the choices we make, the mistakes we can’t undo. The author’s view of the criminal prosecution is skillfully designed with alternating perspectives of the detective and attorney. Fans of Lisa Gardner, Tess Gerritsen, Amanda Kyle Williams, and Karin Slaughter will enjoy the tough female police officer and complexities of the system.
Looking forward to The EX , coming Jan 26!
Over a decade ago Anthony Amaro was tried and convicted for the murder of Donna Blank. She was the suspected fourth victim in a series of murders and the police were able to get a confession out of Amaro for her case.
The letter's author knows a chilling detail that police have kept secret. Her injuries were similar to the signature used 20 years earlier by Anthony Amaro, a serial killer serving a life sentence for his crimes. Now, Amaro is asking to be released from prison, arguing that he was wrongly convicted, and that the true killer is still on the loose. Has suspected serial killer Anthony Amaro spent 18 years in New York’s Five Points Correctional Facility for a murder he didn’t commit?
Meanwhile Amaro has a top-notch defense attorney on his side as well as Donna Blank's sister. Carrie wants her sister's killer to pay for his crimes and knows that joining Amaro's team will allow her full access to the case files.
NYPD Detectives Ellie Hatcher and J. J. Rogan are tapped as the "fresh look" team to reassess the original investigation that led to Amaro's conviction. They are asked by her District Attorney boyfriend, Max Donovan, to take a look at a long closed murder case. Hatcher and Rogan’s task is to take a fresh look at the case to see if anything was missed in the initial investigation. The case pits them against both their fellow officers and a hard-charging celebrity defense lawyer with a young associate Carrie.
As both the NYPD and Amaro's legal team search for certainty in years of conflicting evidence, their investigations take them back to Carrie's hometown and secrets left behind there.
A psychological complex and multi-layered thriller, Burke’s ALL DAY AND A NIGHT raises larger questions about the choices we make, the mistakes we can’t undo. The author’s view of the criminal prosecution is skillfully designed with alternating perspectives of the detective and attorney. Fans of Lisa Gardner, Tess Gerritsen, Amanda Kyle Williams, and Karin Slaughter will enjoy the tough female police officer and complexities of the system.
Looking forward to The EX , coming Jan 26!
January 4, 2015
Ellie Hatcher, a detective with the NYPD, and her partner, Jeffrey James (“J.J.”) Rogan, working homicide in the 13th Precinct, return in the fifth entry of this wonderful series by Alafair Burke. The pair have conflicted reactions when Ellie’s boyfriend, ADA Max Donovan, assigns them, on behalf of the Conviction Integrity Unit, as a “fresh look” team to look into the 18-year-old murder conviction of Anthony Amaro, a man who had been put away as a serial killer and is serving a life sentence without chance of parole (in prison slang, “all day and a night,” “all day” simply being a life sentence). The problem arises when a Park Slope psychotherapist is found murdered in a manner identical to that of the women Amaro had been accused of killing [those having apparently all been working prostitutes], and the police start receiving anonymous tips. Things get more complex when there is a question about the possibly coerced confession made by Amaro to one of the murders, the fallout of that being a review of all ‘confessions’ elicited by that same cop, again reminiscent of something along similar lines in New York in recent years.
The rather obscure DA unit handles cases of “wrongful conviction,” of which there have been many successful ones over recent years. The attorney who represents Amaro here is Linda Moreland, a celebrity trial lawyer with 8 exoneration wins under her belt, who in turn contacts Carrie Blank, a former law student of Moreland and now an attorney with a prestigious law firm who is the step-sister of one of the victims, killed many years ago in Utica, NY. Carrie can’t refuse, hoping she can gain some insight into her step-sister’s murder. The novel’s point-of-view alternates accordingly, with the parallel investigations.
The writing completely captures the toxic atmosphere currently plaguing the US and, especially, New York City, with regard to community vis-à-vis police relations, and the stop-and-frisk policy just recently changed by New York’s current mayor. The case revolves around both venues, the upstate New York area where most of the murders occurred and where the most recent victim once worked, as well as the New York area, now home to Ellie [originally from Wichita, Kansas], Rogan, Max and the author as well. The novel moves ingeniously and quickly to a terrific conclusion, with several unexpected twists and turns along the way. The author gets everything right, with many ‘ripped from the headlines’ story lines, and the book is highly recommended.
The rather obscure DA unit handles cases of “wrongful conviction,” of which there have been many successful ones over recent years. The attorney who represents Amaro here is Linda Moreland, a celebrity trial lawyer with 8 exoneration wins under her belt, who in turn contacts Carrie Blank, a former law student of Moreland and now an attorney with a prestigious law firm who is the step-sister of one of the victims, killed many years ago in Utica, NY. Carrie can’t refuse, hoping she can gain some insight into her step-sister’s murder. The novel’s point-of-view alternates accordingly, with the parallel investigations.
The writing completely captures the toxic atmosphere currently plaguing the US and, especially, New York City, with regard to community vis-à-vis police relations, and the stop-and-frisk policy just recently changed by New York’s current mayor. The case revolves around both venues, the upstate New York area where most of the murders occurred and where the most recent victim once worked, as well as the New York area, now home to Ellie [originally from Wichita, Kansas], Rogan, Max and the author as well. The novel moves ingeniously and quickly to a terrific conclusion, with several unexpected twists and turns along the way. The author gets everything right, with many ‘ripped from the headlines’ story lines, and the book is highly recommended.
June 16, 2014
The Short of It:
Steady pacing, a slightly predictable plot but overall an entertaining read.
The Rest of It:
All Day and a Night is part of the Ellie Hatcher detective series. I wasn’t aware of this when I agreed to review the book but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone, which I was very happy to find out.
This time, Ellie Hatcher and her partner J.J. Rogan, are asked by her District Attorney boyfriend, Max Donovan, to take a look at a long closed murder case. The recent murder of a local psychiatrist and the details surrounding the case lead him and his office to believe that the killer that they have in prison, is the wrong guy and that the real killer is still on the loose. Hatcher and Rogan’s task is to take a fresh look at the case to see if anything was missed in the initial investigation.
There are several problems with this. One of which has to do with the fact that they are being asked to work outside of their jurisdiction and any cop knows that taking a speculative look at another cop’s work, is not going to be taken lightly. Plus, most of the crimes took place in the small town of Utica, where everyone knows everybody else. Getting the info they need could be a challenge. To complicate things further, the attorney hired to prove her client was wrongly accused is Linda Moreland. Known for her aggressive tactics, she takes on attorney Carrie Blank to assist with the case, but Carrie is much too close to the case. Her half-sister Donna Blank was one of the victims and although she wants to find the real killer, she questions herself repeatedly, wondering if she is doing the right thing.
Some have said that All Day a Night was very predictable. It was a little predictable towards the end and maybe a tad far-fetched, but for the most part, it was a classic detective story. Burke gives the reader the clues a little at a time and what I especially liked, is that it wasn’t overrun with red herrings. I never felt as if the author was “yanking my chain” if you know what I mean. I also noticed how smooth the dialogue was. Sometimes, in crime fiction especially, I find the dialogue to be a little stiff. Not the case here.
I’ve not read the other books in the series but my overall experience was a positive one. Did you know that Burke’s written ten books between two different series? Have you read any?
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
Steady pacing, a slightly predictable plot but overall an entertaining read.
The Rest of It:
All Day and a Night is part of the Ellie Hatcher detective series. I wasn’t aware of this when I agreed to review the book but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone, which I was very happy to find out.
This time, Ellie Hatcher and her partner J.J. Rogan, are asked by her District Attorney boyfriend, Max Donovan, to take a look at a long closed murder case. The recent murder of a local psychiatrist and the details surrounding the case lead him and his office to believe that the killer that they have in prison, is the wrong guy and that the real killer is still on the loose. Hatcher and Rogan’s task is to take a fresh look at the case to see if anything was missed in the initial investigation.
There are several problems with this. One of which has to do with the fact that they are being asked to work outside of their jurisdiction and any cop knows that taking a speculative look at another cop’s work, is not going to be taken lightly. Plus, most of the crimes took place in the small town of Utica, where everyone knows everybody else. Getting the info they need could be a challenge. To complicate things further, the attorney hired to prove her client was wrongly accused is Linda Moreland. Known for her aggressive tactics, she takes on attorney Carrie Blank to assist with the case, but Carrie is much too close to the case. Her half-sister Donna Blank was one of the victims and although she wants to find the real killer, she questions herself repeatedly, wondering if she is doing the right thing.
Some have said that All Day a Night was very predictable. It was a little predictable towards the end and maybe a tad far-fetched, but for the most part, it was a classic detective story. Burke gives the reader the clues a little at a time and what I especially liked, is that it wasn’t overrun with red herrings. I never felt as if the author was “yanking my chain” if you know what I mean. I also noticed how smooth the dialogue was. Sometimes, in crime fiction especially, I find the dialogue to be a little stiff. Not the case here.
I’ve not read the other books in the series but my overall experience was a positive one. Did you know that Burke’s written ten books between two different series? Have you read any?
For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.
July 7, 2014
I tell you, Alafair Burke just gets better and better with every book. (And she was pretty darn good to start with!)
Her latest release is All Day and A Night, the fifth book in her Detective Ellie Hatcher series.
A psychotherapist is murdered in her office. The murder includes unusual elements that echo astring of murders committed almost twenty years - details never revealed to the public. Anthony Amaro was convicted for the murder of those five women and sentenced to life without parole aka all day and a night. Could he be innocent, as he has proclaimed from day one? An ambitious lawyer named Nancy Grace and Carrie, a woman with ties to one of the victims, think he might be. The District Attorney also thinks his case deserves another look. Hatcher and her partner Rogan are assigned to take a 'fresh look.' Is that fresh look going to be hampered by the fact that Ellie is in a relationship with the DA?
I really enjoy Ellie as a character. She's tough, outspoken and driven. I enjoy following the evolution of a character and Burke lets Ellie make some personal decisions in this latest novel. Rogan is a favourite as well - although we are aware of his personal life, it's not to the same degree as the lead role. I would like to see and know more about him.
The antagonists in this book are strongly drawn. Nancy Grace is very easy to dislike, as is Amara. Carrie keeps us guessing as she provides a back and forth perspective on Amara's guilt or innocence.
Burke has created a great set of recurring characters, but the real strength in All Day and A Night was the plotting. The police work is logical and straight forward, allowing the reader to piece together the clues along with Rogan and Hatcher. I had my suspicions about three quarters of the way through, but Burke threw in enough twists and turns to keep things really interesting. Burke's law background gives her legal and criminal situations added dimension and the ring of truth.
Readers new to Alafair Burke would be able to easily read and enjoy this latest novel without having read previous books in the series - although I encourage you to pick up Burke's back list.
Her latest release is All Day and A Night, the fifth book in her Detective Ellie Hatcher series.
A psychotherapist is murdered in her office. The murder includes unusual elements that echo astring of murders committed almost twenty years - details never revealed to the public. Anthony Amaro was convicted for the murder of those five women and sentenced to life without parole aka all day and a night. Could he be innocent, as he has proclaimed from day one? An ambitious lawyer named Nancy Grace and Carrie, a woman with ties to one of the victims, think he might be. The District Attorney also thinks his case deserves another look. Hatcher and her partner Rogan are assigned to take a 'fresh look.' Is that fresh look going to be hampered by the fact that Ellie is in a relationship with the DA?
I really enjoy Ellie as a character. She's tough, outspoken and driven. I enjoy following the evolution of a character and Burke lets Ellie make some personal decisions in this latest novel. Rogan is a favourite as well - although we are aware of his personal life, it's not to the same degree as the lead role. I would like to see and know more about him.
The antagonists in this book are strongly drawn. Nancy Grace is very easy to dislike, as is Amara. Carrie keeps us guessing as she provides a back and forth perspective on Amara's guilt or innocence.
Burke has created a great set of recurring characters, but the real strength in All Day and A Night was the plotting. The police work is logical and straight forward, allowing the reader to piece together the clues along with Rogan and Hatcher. I had my suspicions about three quarters of the way through, but Burke threw in enough twists and turns to keep things really interesting. Burke's law background gives her legal and criminal situations added dimension and the ring of truth.
Readers new to Alafair Burke would be able to easily read and enjoy this latest novel without having read previous books in the series - although I encourage you to pick up Burke's back list.
November 3, 2014
Over a decade ago Anthony Amaro was tried and convicted for the murder of Donna Blank. She was the suspected fourth victim in a series of murders and the police were able to get a confession out of Amaro for her case. So when Helen Brunswick is killed in present day in present-day Brooklyn in a manner similar to that of Amaro's suspected crimes, no one initially draws a connection. But when the DA's office receives a letter claiming Amaro's innocence and suggesting that the killer is not only free but still committing crimes, the case is handed over to Ellie and her partner to investigate.
Meanwhile, Amaro has a top-notch defense attorney on his side as well as Donna Blank's sister. Carrie wants her sister's killer to pay for his crimes and knows that joining Amaro's team will allow her full access to the case files.
This series seriously just keeps getting better and better. Ellie is a clever and tough-as-nails cop with fabulous development. The opening scene in this one alone proves it as she outwits her partner in an investigation where they disagree on a witness's testimony. It's pretty awesome and - for series newbies - is a great introduction to Ellie Hatcher.
The details and intricacies of this mystery (of all of Burke's stories) are the kind that will keep you up late reading, so you've got fair warning from me on that. Yes, I did dive into this pretty late at night and had a very hard time putting it down to go to bed. Of course that's always a sign of a great thriller and a great plot - that desperate need to find out what will happen next, so much so that you start neglecting basic needs (like sleep and meals).
As always, All Day and a Night can very easily be approached by readers who have yet to begin the series even though it is technically fifth in the series, but because I'd hate for a fellow book junkie to miss out on anything, here's the full series list in order for you:
Dead Connection
Angel's Tip
212
Never Tell
All Day and a Night
Meanwhile, Amaro has a top-notch defense attorney on his side as well as Donna Blank's sister. Carrie wants her sister's killer to pay for his crimes and knows that joining Amaro's team will allow her full access to the case files.
This series seriously just keeps getting better and better. Ellie is a clever and tough-as-nails cop with fabulous development. The opening scene in this one alone proves it as she outwits her partner in an investigation where they disagree on a witness's testimony. It's pretty awesome and - for series newbies - is a great introduction to Ellie Hatcher.
The details and intricacies of this mystery (of all of Burke's stories) are the kind that will keep you up late reading, so you've got fair warning from me on that. Yes, I did dive into this pretty late at night and had a very hard time putting it down to go to bed. Of course that's always a sign of a great thriller and a great plot - that desperate need to find out what will happen next, so much so that you start neglecting basic needs (like sleep and meals).
As always, All Day and a Night can very easily be approached by readers who have yet to begin the series even though it is technically fifth in the series, but because I'd hate for a fellow book junkie to miss out on anything, here's the full series list in order for you:
Dead Connection
Angel's Tip
212
Never Tell
All Day and a Night
August 11, 2014
Alafair Burke's latest novel All Day and a Night takes us back to the world of Ellie Hatcher.
Hatcher is assigned the task of re-opening the file convicted serial killer, Anthony Amoro when a new killing using what appears to be Amoro's method is committed. Did the justice system send the wrong man to prison for life (and give the novel it's title -- a life sentence is referred to as "all day and a night.)?
Hatcher isn't the only one looking into the new case and the old evidence. A crusading law firm has taken on a new lawyer to appeal Amoro's case in the light of this new evidence. And if the killer is still out there and operating again, both sides face a ticking clock until he or she strikes again.
Burke's novels always start out with an intriguing hook and have some compelling characters, but often are weighted under by predictable plot twists and resolutions. That is, unfortunately, the case with her latest entry in the Ellie Hatcher series. As the story continued to unfold, I found myself reading less due to interest in the central mystery and more due to my interest in her characters. I suppose that's damning with faint praise.
And yet I keep coming back to Burke time and again. I keep hoping that she'll find that right middle ground with great characters and a central mystery doesn't feel overly familiar. I'm not ready to give up on her just yet, but my patience is starting to wear a bit thin.
Hatcher is assigned the task of re-opening the file convicted serial killer, Anthony Amoro when a new killing using what appears to be Amoro's method is committed. Did the justice system send the wrong man to prison for life (and give the novel it's title -- a life sentence is referred to as "all day and a night.)?
Hatcher isn't the only one looking into the new case and the old evidence. A crusading law firm has taken on a new lawyer to appeal Amoro's case in the light of this new evidence. And if the killer is still out there and operating again, both sides face a ticking clock until he or she strikes again.
Burke's novels always start out with an intriguing hook and have some compelling characters, but often are weighted under by predictable plot twists and resolutions. That is, unfortunately, the case with her latest entry in the Ellie Hatcher series. As the story continued to unfold, I found myself reading less due to interest in the central mystery and more due to my interest in her characters. I suppose that's damning with faint praise.
And yet I keep coming back to Burke time and again. I keep hoping that she'll find that right middle ground with great characters and a central mystery doesn't feel overly familiar. I'm not ready to give up on her just yet, but my patience is starting to wear a bit thin.
July 15, 2014
I want to start out by saying I found two things wrong with this book. 1) Ellie Hatcher drinking Rolling Rock? What's the matter, don't like beer? Your in New York City I'm sure you could find a beer from Brooklyn Brewery! 2) a character in the book calls out "Hey Blondie" to Ellie Hatcher. I have never seen her as a blonde. That just doesn't sit with my perception of the character.
Other than that, this book is great! Alafair Burke writes some of the best mysteries going and she has a lot of competition. Her stories are all good with characters you can believe exist and add to the plot and aren't just stereotypes. In closing to paraphrase the late Abbie Hoffman "READ THIS BOOK"! You'll be happy you did.
Other than that, this book is great! Alafair Burke writes some of the best mysteries going and she has a lot of competition. Her stories are all good with characters you can believe exist and add to the plot and aren't just stereotypes. In closing to paraphrase the late Abbie Hoffman "READ THIS BOOK"! You'll be happy you did.
June 27, 2016
A fairly average policier from the daughter of the great James Lee Burke. The characters were well drawn and the settings well described. However the plotting was pedestrian and the denouement rather lame and predictable.
October 4, 2016
I liked this one, especially the character development for Ellie and Max. Having two strong female characters made the plot more complicated -- and not always in a good way. Great twists and turns --Burke is good at splitting out the crime in unique ways that you don't expect.
June 15, 2021
Quando la psicoterapeuta Helen Brunswick viene ritrovata morta all'interno del suo studio, sembra un omicidio come tanti, fino a che un dettaglio non lo collega ad una serie di omicidi avvenuti parecchi anni prima e per i quali il serial killer colpevole sta già scontando la sua pena.
Il corpo, infatti, riporta una serie di fratture post-mortem agli arti, proprio come quella serie di omicidi per i quali è stato condannato all'ergastolo Anthony Amaro.
L'uomo aveva ucciso sei donne, tutte nel giro della prostituzione e la frattura delle ossa era proprio la firma del killer. Viene scomodata un'unità per l’integrità delle condanne per riesaminare il caso, perchè a parte i detective e Amaro nessuno era a conoscenza del dettaglio riguardante la firma del killer. Che non sia stato Amaro? Che l'uomo si sia dichiarato colpevole per scampare ad un processo che lo avrebbe portato alla pena di morte, patteggiando per un ergastolo? E quella lettera anonima ricevuta da Amaro in carcere fa chiedere all'uomo un'istanza di riesame.
Ad occuparsi di ripercorrere e riesaminare le vecchie indagini in cerca di qualche falla saranno la detective Ellie Hatcher e il suo partner Rogan. Un compito non proprio gradito perchè riprendere in mano le carte di una vecchia indagine significa anche mettere in dubbio l'operato dei colleghi.
Parallelamente si sta istituendo la difesa di Amaro, in mano alla famosa penalista Linda Moreland che come assistente chiede l'aiuto del giovane avvocato Carrie Blank. C'è però un piccolo particolare, tra le vittime di Anthony Amaro c'è anche la sorellastra di Carrie, Donna.
Una quantità enorme di prove da riesaminare e nuove indagini che riportano vecchi e nuovi protagonisti dove tutto è iniziato, nella città di Utica, alla ricerca della verità, scoprendo segreti sepolti da tempo.
Un thriller investigativo interessante, capace di mantenere alta l'attenzione del lettore non soltanto per i vari misteri da svelare ma anche per l'intesa della coppia di detective Hatcher e Rogan.
Il doppio livello narrativo, quello investigativo di Ellie e quello legale di Carrie danno alla storia un taglio particolare che ha soddisfatto la mia passione per i legal thriller e per i polizieschi.
Alafair Burke fa una perfetta descrizione dell'ambiente newyorkese, compreso il clima politico che inevitabilmente si ripercuote a livello legale creando delle storture.
Dalla parte sbagliata fa parte della serie poliziesca dedicata a Ellie Hatcher (per la precisione è il quinto capitolo) ma può essere assolutamente letto come autoconclusivo, sebbene aver letto gli altri libri danno una visione più chiara della personalità dura e sprezzante di Ellie Hatcher e del suo background. Qui la ritroviamo sempre determinata a scoprire la verità usando il suo infallibile intuito da giocatrice e alle prese con una relazione con il procuratore distrettuale che l'ha tirata dentro al riesame del caso Amaro.
I pezzi che compongono i misteri di questa indagine sono andati al loro posto un passo alla volta, un indizio dietro l'altro. Una serie di dettagli disseminati lungo la trama a tenermi incollata alla pagine con qualche colpo di scena ben piazzato.
I personaggi hanno sempre una parte importante nelle storie della Burke che non si esauriscono mai nel semplice accadimento di fatti e di indagini da seguire. All'autore piace mischiare le carte con il passato dei protagonisti, con i loro tormenti e il loro modo di affrontare la vita. Questo, per i puristi del giallo potrebbe risultare straniante e distogliere dal nucleo centrale dei fatti, ma io adoro sapere della vita dei personaggi, perché se questa parte mancasse non farei altro che chiedermi il motivo di certe personalità.
Un'autrice che ho imparato ad apprezzare e di cui non riesco a perdere un'uscita.
https://ariaswild.blogspot.com/2021/0...
Il corpo, infatti, riporta una serie di fratture post-mortem agli arti, proprio come quella serie di omicidi per i quali è stato condannato all'ergastolo Anthony Amaro.
L'uomo aveva ucciso sei donne, tutte nel giro della prostituzione e la frattura delle ossa era proprio la firma del killer. Viene scomodata un'unità per l’integrità delle condanne per riesaminare il caso, perchè a parte i detective e Amaro nessuno era a conoscenza del dettaglio riguardante la firma del killer. Che non sia stato Amaro? Che l'uomo si sia dichiarato colpevole per scampare ad un processo che lo avrebbe portato alla pena di morte, patteggiando per un ergastolo? E quella lettera anonima ricevuta da Amaro in carcere fa chiedere all'uomo un'istanza di riesame.
Ad occuparsi di ripercorrere e riesaminare le vecchie indagini in cerca di qualche falla saranno la detective Ellie Hatcher e il suo partner Rogan. Un compito non proprio gradito perchè riprendere in mano le carte di una vecchia indagine significa anche mettere in dubbio l'operato dei colleghi.
Parallelamente si sta istituendo la difesa di Amaro, in mano alla famosa penalista Linda Moreland che come assistente chiede l'aiuto del giovane avvocato Carrie Blank. C'è però un piccolo particolare, tra le vittime di Anthony Amaro c'è anche la sorellastra di Carrie, Donna.
Una quantità enorme di prove da riesaminare e nuove indagini che riportano vecchi e nuovi protagonisti dove tutto è iniziato, nella città di Utica, alla ricerca della verità, scoprendo segreti sepolti da tempo.
Un thriller investigativo interessante, capace di mantenere alta l'attenzione del lettore non soltanto per i vari misteri da svelare ma anche per l'intesa della coppia di detective Hatcher e Rogan.
Il doppio livello narrativo, quello investigativo di Ellie e quello legale di Carrie danno alla storia un taglio particolare che ha soddisfatto la mia passione per i legal thriller e per i polizieschi.
Alafair Burke fa una perfetta descrizione dell'ambiente newyorkese, compreso il clima politico che inevitabilmente si ripercuote a livello legale creando delle storture.
Dalla parte sbagliata fa parte della serie poliziesca dedicata a Ellie Hatcher (per la precisione è il quinto capitolo) ma può essere assolutamente letto come autoconclusivo, sebbene aver letto gli altri libri danno una visione più chiara della personalità dura e sprezzante di Ellie Hatcher e del suo background. Qui la ritroviamo sempre determinata a scoprire la verità usando il suo infallibile intuito da giocatrice e alle prese con una relazione con il procuratore distrettuale che l'ha tirata dentro al riesame del caso Amaro.
I pezzi che compongono i misteri di questa indagine sono andati al loro posto un passo alla volta, un indizio dietro l'altro. Una serie di dettagli disseminati lungo la trama a tenermi incollata alla pagine con qualche colpo di scena ben piazzato.
I personaggi hanno sempre una parte importante nelle storie della Burke che non si esauriscono mai nel semplice accadimento di fatti e di indagini da seguire. All'autore piace mischiare le carte con il passato dei protagonisti, con i loro tormenti e il loro modo di affrontare la vita. Questo, per i puristi del giallo potrebbe risultare straniante e distogliere dal nucleo centrale dei fatti, ma io adoro sapere della vita dei personaggi, perché se questa parte mancasse non farei altro che chiedermi il motivo di certe personalità.
Un'autrice che ho imparato ad apprezzare e di cui non riesco a perdere un'uscita.
https://ariaswild.blogspot.com/2021/0...
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