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Woman with a Gun
Visiting an art museum exhibiting a retrospective of the work of acclaimed photographer Kathy Moran, aspiring novelist Stacey Kim is stunned by the picture at the center of the show—the famous Woman with a Gun, which won a Pulitzer Prize and launched the artist's career. Shot from behind, the enigmatic black-and-white image depicts a woman in a wedding dress standing on the shore at night, facing the sea. In her hands, clasped behind her back, she holds a six-shooter.
The image captures Stacey's imagination, and raises a host of compelling questions. Obsessed with finding answers, she soon discovers the identity of the woman, who is a suspect in a ten-year-old murder investigation. Convinced that proof of the woman's guilt, or innocence, is somehow connected to the photograph, Stacey embarks on a relentless investigation. But Kathy Moran isn't talking. Stacey must find a way to get to the reclusive photographer, and get her to talk, or the truth about what happened that day will stay forever hidden in the shadows.
The image captures Stacey's imagination, and raises a host of compelling questions. Obsessed with finding answers, she soon discovers the identity of the woman, who is a suspect in a ten-year-old murder investigation. Convinced that proof of the woman's guilt, or innocence, is somehow connected to the photograph, Stacey embarks on a relentless investigation. But Kathy Moran isn't talking. Stacey must find a way to get to the reclusive photographer, and get her to talk, or the truth about what happened that day will stay forever hidden in the shadows.
291 pages, Hardcover
First published December 2, 2014
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October 20, 2021
Aspiring writer Stacy Kim is working as a receptionist in a Manhattan law firm while she mulls over ideas for the great American novel.
When Stacy sees a prize-winning photo at an art gallery, lightning strikes. The picture - a shot of a bride on a beach holding a gun - triggers the idea for a story.
When Stacy researches the photo she learns that the picture was taken near Portland, Oregon ten years ago. The bride, Megan Cahill, was widowed on her wedding day when her wealthy husband Raymond Cahill was shot in their beach house.
Valuable collectibles were taken from Raymond's safe and Megan, who was severely shell-shocked and suffering from memory loss, somehow wandered off with a gun. Photographer Kathy Moran happened to be passing by, and got the picture.
The police considered Megan a suspect, but she was never charged, and neither was anyone else.
In order to research her book, Stacy pulls up stakes and moves to Oregon. She plans to interview people involved with the Cahill case before writing a fictionalized version of the incident.
In flashbacks we learn that photographer Kathy Moran - who took the bride's photo - started her career as a defense attorney. Fifteen years ago she outwitted a cocky assistant district attorney called Jack Booth, who was distracted by Kathy's beauty and sex appeal.
Jack was embarrassed by the incident and the upward trajectory of his career was affected.
Jack got some of his own back a few years later, when Kathy became a drug abuser and an embezzler. Kathy agreed to give up her law career to avoid prosecution, and - after rehab - became a successful photographer.
Jump ahead to Raymond Cahill's murder, and Jack is assisting the district attorney on the case. Since Kathy is a witness, she and Jack become re-acquainted, and Jack feels those sparks once again.
Meanwhile, Jack and his colleagues are investigating persons of interest in Raymond Cahill's murder. These include his wife Megan; Megan's first husband - an abusive former football player; Raymond's business enemies; a sadistic drug-dealing thug; thieves who target collectibles; etc.
However, as I mentioned above, no one is charged.
As Stacy digs into the Cahill case NOW, secrets are exposed.....and the killer is eventually unmasked.
Trigger warning: The story contains ugly scenes of sexual abuse, which don't ring true, but are still disturbing.
My early theory about the murderer(s) was partially correct, but for the wrong reasons.....so the author hoodwinked me successfully. 🙂
All in all, this is an enjoyable, if somewhat overly convoluted, mystery with a bit of romance. ❤ Recommended to fans of the genre.
Your can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
December 2, 2014
Now Available!
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Harper via Edelweiss for the purpose of providing an honest review.
3 Stars
When I saw that I had a chance to read Phillip Margolin's newest book prior to its official release, I jumped at the chance. I have read several books by Phillip Margolin and have really enjoyed every one of them. I liked this book but found myself feeling somewhat underwhelmed by the story. I think this book had an excellent mystery at its core but the manner in which it was told took away from the story. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed this book and 3 stars is a good rating.
I think my biggest problem with this book was the way it jumped around in time and the change in focus of the story. The story is told in parts all focused on the photograph seen on the cover of this book - Woman with a Gun. Parts of the book are told from the perspective of an aspiring writer who decides to write a novel based on this photo. Then the book jumps to the time period when the photo was taken which happens to be the night the woman's husband was murdered. Then the book jumps further back in time to show some history between the photographer and the Attorney General on the case. The last parts of the book are set in the present when everything comes together.
I really liked the two sections of the book that were set in the past the best. Those parts of the book focused mainly on Jack Booth's point of view, the Attorney General who I was able to connect with more than anyone else in the book. The sections that focused mainly on Stacey Kim, the writer just did not connect with me as much until the action picked up. To be honest, I can't remember reading a book that talks about writing a book as a focus that has ever completely pulled me in. The writing in the book seemed somewhat awkward at times and I felt the author told me things instead of showing me.
I did really enjoy the underlying mystery in the book and felt the complexity surrounding that mystery was the major strength in the book. I did guess some of the big reveal before the end of the story but the plotting was done you only learned a small piece at a time which kept me guessing for most of the book. I would recommend this book to mystery lovers and I plan to continue to look for works by Phillip Margolin.
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Harper via Edelweiss for the purpose of providing an honest review.
3 Stars
When I saw that I had a chance to read Phillip Margolin's newest book prior to its official release, I jumped at the chance. I have read several books by Phillip Margolin and have really enjoyed every one of them. I liked this book but found myself feeling somewhat underwhelmed by the story. I think this book had an excellent mystery at its core but the manner in which it was told took away from the story. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed this book and 3 stars is a good rating.
I think my biggest problem with this book was the way it jumped around in time and the change in focus of the story. The story is told in parts all focused on the photograph seen on the cover of this book - Woman with a Gun. Parts of the book are told from the perspective of an aspiring writer who decides to write a novel based on this photo. Then the book jumps to the time period when the photo was taken which happens to be the night the woman's husband was murdered. Then the book jumps further back in time to show some history between the photographer and the Attorney General on the case. The last parts of the book are set in the present when everything comes together.
I really liked the two sections of the book that were set in the past the best. Those parts of the book focused mainly on Jack Booth's point of view, the Attorney General who I was able to connect with more than anyone else in the book. The sections that focused mainly on Stacey Kim, the writer just did not connect with me as much until the action picked up. To be honest, I can't remember reading a book that talks about writing a book as a focus that has ever completely pulled me in. The writing in the book seemed somewhat awkward at times and I felt the author told me things instead of showing me.
I did really enjoy the underlying mystery in the book and felt the complexity surrounding that mystery was the major strength in the book. I did guess some of the big reveal before the end of the story but the plotting was done you only learned a small piece at a time which kept me guessing for most of the book. I would recommend this book to mystery lovers and I plan to continue to look for works by Phillip Margolin.
October 13, 2014
I have been a fan of Phillip Margolin's writing for many years. I normally find his characters and their stories compelling. This time, though, I just didn't get that connection. Something was lacking here for me.
This book is really a story within a story. We start off with Stacey Kim, a young wannabe writer stuck in a job she dislikes. She comes across the Woman With A Gun photograph at an art gallery and is immediately consumed. Her part just didn't feel believable. She's young and in debt, without a publisher backing her, yet uproots to Oregon in order to research a real case she intends to then fictionalize. Any struggling author out there knows how absurd this is. I still have no idea how she managed to support herself during this time.
Once these basics are established, we're transported back a decade to the actual murder case involving the woman in the photo. During the first few chapters, I found myself distracted because I was wondering when this sub-story would connect with Stacey. Eventually, when everything does intersect, I once again found myself seriously questioning Stacey's involvement in this now cold-case murder.
All of the characters fell flat. Stacey immediately meets someone and they apparently fall in love, though this is something I surmised by the events rather than anything I felt or was shown. The characters did basically what they were supposed to do in order to propel the story forward. Most of the dialogue sounded trite or scripted. I missed the quirks and subtle behaviors that make characters feel real.
Overall, I found the story within the center of the book, the characters and details surrounding the murder, far more realistic than the story of Stacey and her obsession with a photo. But a well-written story is usually able to lift me beyond this kind of doubt. In the end, I felt the story was lacking Margolin's usual flare with bringing character's to life.
This book is really a story within a story. We start off with Stacey Kim, a young wannabe writer stuck in a job she dislikes. She comes across the Woman With A Gun photograph at an art gallery and is immediately consumed. Her part just didn't feel believable. She's young and in debt, without a publisher backing her, yet uproots to Oregon in order to research a real case she intends to then fictionalize. Any struggling author out there knows how absurd this is. I still have no idea how she managed to support herself during this time.
Once these basics are established, we're transported back a decade to the actual murder case involving the woman in the photo. During the first few chapters, I found myself distracted because I was wondering when this sub-story would connect with Stacey. Eventually, when everything does intersect, I once again found myself seriously questioning Stacey's involvement in this now cold-case murder.
All of the characters fell flat. Stacey immediately meets someone and they apparently fall in love, though this is something I surmised by the events rather than anything I felt or was shown. The characters did basically what they were supposed to do in order to propel the story forward. Most of the dialogue sounded trite or scripted. I missed the quirks and subtle behaviors that make characters feel real.
Overall, I found the story within the center of the book, the characters and details surrounding the murder, far more realistic than the story of Stacey and her obsession with a photo. But a well-written story is usually able to lift me beyond this kind of doubt. In the end, I felt the story was lacking Margolin's usual flare with bringing character's to life.
December 26, 2014
Margolin's latest crime novel branches into some interesting directions to keep the reader highly entertained. Stacey Kim seeks inspiration for her next writing project, seeking to find the 'next great novel'. On her lunch break, Stacey visits MoMA and stumbles upon a photo exhibit featuring Kathy Moran's "Woman with a Gun". The highly provocative photo portrays a woman in a wedding dress, staring out on a beach with an antique pistol behind her back. While Kim begins to dig around into the real story behind the photo, the reader is taken into a flashback to discover that the woman is Megan Cahill, whom Moran found on the beach. Cahill, unable to remember how she got there, becomes a prime suspect in her husband's murder, when Raymond's body is found in their home. Megan's amnesia keeps her from presenting a thorough alibi, though the authorities feel she may have planned the event with an accomplice. In addition to the murder, some antique collectables are missing, one of which ends up being the murder weapon, a pistol purported to have been owned by Wyatt Earp. While Raymond Cahill had a large fortune and made many enemies in his time, the authorities are unable to solve the crime, as the bodies of other potential suspects begin turning up, their murders equally baffling. Moran has her own troubled past before she discovered photography, which becomes the focus of another flashback. Now Kim seeks to go further than the authorities could a decade before while she compiles information for her next fictional classic. However, someone seeks to shut down her investigation before she discovers too much and unravels the mystery to its core. Margolin tells a great story with a wonderful twist, all while keeping the reader wondering how a single photo might hold the key to a number of murders.
Since discovering Margolin and his writing style, I have been highly entertained and thoroughly pleased. His legal style and ability to take the reader down a path of high excitement does not wane from beginning to end. While this novel had a slight matryoshka doll feel, a story within a mystery within a criminal tale, I was able to peel back the three time periods and piece it all together to tell the larger story. Margolin keeps the characters constantly developing and the plot line ever-evolving. By the end, the reader is fully ensconced in the story and is surely looking for more.
Kudos, Mr. Margolin for this interesting story and highly unique approach.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Since discovering Margolin and his writing style, I have been highly entertained and thoroughly pleased. His legal style and ability to take the reader down a path of high excitement does not wane from beginning to end. While this novel had a slight matryoshka doll feel, a story within a mystery within a criminal tale, I was able to peel back the three time periods and piece it all together to tell the larger story. Margolin keeps the characters constantly developing and the plot line ever-evolving. By the end, the reader is fully ensconced in the story and is surely looking for more.
Kudos, Mr. Margolin for this interesting story and highly unique approach.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 2, 2016
The characters seemed a bit cliche and not well developed, but despite some flaws, it was a quick read, because I did look forward to picking it up whenever I could!
November 14, 2014
Another great book by the extremely talented, Mr. Margolin. This is my third book that I have read by this author. Every book that he comes out with is a must read for me. I can't wait to get my hands on his books. Mr. Margolin infuses his characters with such life and makes the stories that he is writing so personal that I just fall for the characters and their story. Just like Mr. Margolin I too was very intrigued by the title of this book and the book cover. I wanted to know more about the mystery woman in the photo and what secret she held.
I liked the way the author went smoothly from present, past and back to the present. I kept trying to figure out the truth before the author revealed it to me. Sadly, I was not able to uncover the secret before it was time. The way the author wrote the story was very smart. He never revealed anything. He had a good poker face. I can't wait to see what inspiration the author finds next for his next book. Woman with a Gun is a must, must read!
I liked the way the author went smoothly from present, past and back to the present. I kept trying to figure out the truth before the author revealed it to me. Sadly, I was not able to uncover the secret before it was time. The way the author wrote the story was very smart. He never revealed anything. He had a good poker face. I can't wait to see what inspiration the author finds next for his next book. Woman with a Gun is a must, must read!
November 8, 2014
I have read several of Margolin’s mysteries over the years and this latest book displays a different sort of approach from his earlier novels. The book encompasses fifteen years with several different storylines all brought together by one arresting photograph (there is room for a joke here...). The main character of the 2015 plot is Stacey Kim, a girl from an unnamed Midwestern state who moves to New York hoping to finish her novel. On a lunch break she visits a special exhibit at the MoMA which sends her creative juices in an entirely new direction when she finds inspiration in the photograph on the cover of the novel - a woman clad in a wedding dress, clutching a six-shooter behind her back on a beach. The storyline also goes back to the murder surrounding the photograph, as well as an even earlier murder case involving the now famous photographer.
It is not the most fast-paced novel in the beginning, but the last two sections really amp up the pacing and excitement. There are a few small things that may overly distract some readers - some inconsistencies to the point-of-view, and a run-down motel in the year 2000 which has flat screen televisions... And there is a sort of Murder She Wrote-feel to Stacey’s role in the plot, but it is an interesting storyline and all in all, an enjoyable read.
It is not the most fast-paced novel in the beginning, but the last two sections really amp up the pacing and excitement. There are a few small things that may overly distract some readers - some inconsistencies to the point-of-view, and a run-down motel in the year 2000 which has flat screen televisions... And there is a sort of Murder She Wrote-feel to Stacey’s role in the plot, but it is an interesting storyline and all in all, an enjoyable read.
July 12, 2018
I am a big fan of true crime so I knew I was going to like this book, I just didn't know I was going to like it this much. This book kept me on the edge of my seat for the longest time, even though it kind of started out a little slow. I was truly surprised by the end of the book but I love when that happens. I listen and watch so much true crime shows that it's very rare to be put on the edge of my sit anymore but this book did that and more.
Longer review to come soon!
Longer review to come soon!
February 13, 2015
Woman with a Gun by Phillip Margolin is one of those books that will leave you, as a reviewer, torn by your sense of writing and your sense of story. And yes they are two separate things.
Budding and frustrated young novelist Stacey Kim, takes lunch from her mundane job as a legal assistant to visit an art museum which is featuring work by the famed photographer, Kathy Moran. It is there she sees and becomes obsessed with one of the photographs on display. It is a black and white, rear view shot of a woman, standing on the beach, the tide coming in, dressed in a white dress, holding a large six shooter behind her back.
Kim is intrigued by the photograph and researches the history behind it. In doing so she uncovers a mystery that has spanned fifthteen years in the lives of those involved.
The woman in the photograph is Megan Cahill and the photo was taken by Kathy Moran. On the night of Megan's wedding, when her new husband is found in their beach house, beaten and then shot to death. Megan is wondering the beach in a daze, holding the gun. Megan is suspected in her husband's death but without evidence, is never tried. The mystery is never solved.
Kim begins to contact all the parties involved and uncovers histories and secrets between all of them. Megan, her ex-husband and now her dead husband. Kathy and the special prosecutor on loan to help investigate the case. Also both of their relationship with a drug dealing felon recently released.
As she digs deeper she finds that everyone has a different opinion on Megan and the murder of her husband. Is she guilty? Is she innocent? How much does Kathy Moran really know? Layer by layer, Kim begins to peel back the secrets of the Woman with a Gun.
This novel is a throwback to the old Gregory McDonald mysteries of a few decades ago. Characters as rich in personality as they are shrouded in their own personal drama. A horrible crime that on the surface seems cut and dry, but as you step into the darkness of the murder you find that nothing is quite what it seems. Told in flashbacks and through the narrative of various characters, Woman with a Gun ties together neatly as it builds to its finish.
And there is the issue.
Woman with a Gun ties together too neatly and too quickly. The subplots of who is sleeping with who and who is hiding what are at times far more interesting than the main plot itself. Which is too bad because this may be one of the most original plots in a murder mystery I have read in a long time. But there is a certain amount of suspension of belief required in this story and its not with the plot but with the actions and dialogue of some of the characters.
A District Attorney known for winning and aggressive tactics makes a blunder of epic incompetent proportions that a new defense attorney takes advantage of; resulting in putting a murdering drug dealer back on the streets. All because she is so damn sexy that he couldn't think of anything but screwing her throughout his investigation?
A disgraced lawyer who takes photos as a hobby and becomes famous as a photographer overnight?
A first time writer who becomes inspired by a photograph and uproots herself and her life to pursue a story about the photograph. And then all the lawyers and witnesses and police are not only willing, but make time to talk to her about the old case. When she has no credibility as a journalist? She is even given the case files because with her background she might find something out in the old case that all the professionals could not? And of course she does.
Woman with a Gun is in too many ways like an old seventies private eye or police drama. Like Columbo. Streets of San Francisco. The Rockford files. What a terrific mystery! But don't worry, as hopeless as it looks now, there are only ten more minutes in the hour left so you know they'll figure it all out soon!
But hey, I loved the freakin' Rockford Files!
So that is where as a reviewer I am left in a lurch. The writing itself leaves quite a bit to be desired but story...dammit!...story. This is really a great story! And for that alone I am able to forgive all else.
Woman with a Gun is a great story and a good read. It won't win a Pulitzer but its a load of fun!
Budding and frustrated young novelist Stacey Kim, takes lunch from her mundane job as a legal assistant to visit an art museum which is featuring work by the famed photographer, Kathy Moran. It is there she sees and becomes obsessed with one of the photographs on display. It is a black and white, rear view shot of a woman, standing on the beach, the tide coming in, dressed in a white dress, holding a large six shooter behind her back.
Kim is intrigued by the photograph and researches the history behind it. In doing so she uncovers a mystery that has spanned fifthteen years in the lives of those involved.
The woman in the photograph is Megan Cahill and the photo was taken by Kathy Moran. On the night of Megan's wedding, when her new husband is found in their beach house, beaten and then shot to death. Megan is wondering the beach in a daze, holding the gun. Megan is suspected in her husband's death but without evidence, is never tried. The mystery is never solved.
Kim begins to contact all the parties involved and uncovers histories and secrets between all of them. Megan, her ex-husband and now her dead husband. Kathy and the special prosecutor on loan to help investigate the case. Also both of their relationship with a drug dealing felon recently released.
As she digs deeper she finds that everyone has a different opinion on Megan and the murder of her husband. Is she guilty? Is she innocent? How much does Kathy Moran really know? Layer by layer, Kim begins to peel back the secrets of the Woman with a Gun.
This novel is a throwback to the old Gregory McDonald mysteries of a few decades ago. Characters as rich in personality as they are shrouded in their own personal drama. A horrible crime that on the surface seems cut and dry, but as you step into the darkness of the murder you find that nothing is quite what it seems. Told in flashbacks and through the narrative of various characters, Woman with a Gun ties together neatly as it builds to its finish.
And there is the issue.
Woman with a Gun ties together too neatly and too quickly. The subplots of who is sleeping with who and who is hiding what are at times far more interesting than the main plot itself. Which is too bad because this may be one of the most original plots in a murder mystery I have read in a long time. But there is a certain amount of suspension of belief required in this story and its not with the plot but with the actions and dialogue of some of the characters.
A District Attorney known for winning and aggressive tactics makes a blunder of epic incompetent proportions that a new defense attorney takes advantage of; resulting in putting a murdering drug dealer back on the streets. All because she is so damn sexy that he couldn't think of anything but screwing her throughout his investigation?
A disgraced lawyer who takes photos as a hobby and becomes famous as a photographer overnight?
A first time writer who becomes inspired by a photograph and uproots herself and her life to pursue a story about the photograph. And then all the lawyers and witnesses and police are not only willing, but make time to talk to her about the old case. When she has no credibility as a journalist? She is even given the case files because with her background she might find something out in the old case that all the professionals could not? And of course she does.
Woman with a Gun is in too many ways like an old seventies private eye or police drama. Like Columbo. Streets of San Francisco. The Rockford files. What a terrific mystery! But don't worry, as hopeless as it looks now, there are only ten more minutes in the hour left so you know they'll figure it all out soon!
But hey, I loved the freakin' Rockford Files!
So that is where as a reviewer I am left in a lurch. The writing itself leaves quite a bit to be desired but story...dammit!...story. This is really a great story! And for that alone I am able to forgive all else.
Woman with a Gun is a great story and a good read. It won't win a Pulitzer but its a load of fun!
December 11, 2014
Surprisingly great. Dropped to 4 instead of 5 stars because it ended up being ever so slightly predictable.
Running my complete review on my blog on Dec. 10 for TLC Book Tours. Check it out!!
REVIEW:
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review!
Woman With a Gun starts with the story of Stacey Kim, a talented writer, who is having trouble with ideas for her first novel. She dropped everything to move to New York and become successful, only she hasn’t been able to do that yet. One day, on her lunch break she goes to the Museum of Modern Art and stumbles upon the photo, “Woman with a Gun” by famous photographer Kathy Moran. Stacey is immediately intrigued and inspired to write a novel loosely based on the story behind the photo – the only problem is that no one knows the story. Stacey eventually finds out that the photo is of Megan Cahill, the wife of Raymond Cahill who was brutally murdered in their home on the night of their wedding. So begins her journey to learn more – Stacey interviews the lead detective on the Cahill murder, Jack Booth, and the story quickly jumps back to the Kilbride case, which happened several years before the Cahill murder, and explains Kathy Moran’s background and Jack’s connection to her. As Stacey is uncovering the truth about these cases, she begins to put the puzzle together that no one has been able to before and ends up finding herself in danger also.
So we have three main plots: the present where Stacey is investigating the photo, the Cahill case, and the Kilbride case. However, unlike a lot of books with subplots in different timelines, Woman with a Gun does not jump back and forth incessantly. For this reason, I loved it. The fact that each story is told almost independently adds a lot of suspense and keeps you guessing who the Cahill killer is until the end.
I’ve seen other reviews that say this book was difficult to get into and that it didn’t keep the reviewers attention since it is difficult to see how the different crimes are connected until the very end. Yes, the connections are not there in the beginning, but the stories are written without fluff, almost like a detective is presenting you the facts. So, in my opinion, the writing style is perfect for this story.
Throughout the entire book, I was prepared to give a 5-star rating – The premise of the story being based on a photo is amazing; the story keeps your attention; the characters are developed just enough to make you interested in all of their outcomes but not too much to detract from the actual whodunit plot. I did slightly lower my rating at the end though because I’m a snob when it comes to mystery and I don’t like when I am able to guess who the killer is. Although, I only guessed in the last couple of chapters.
If you want a quick mystery (this book literally took me less than one day to read), then I highly recommend Woman with a Gun. This was my first time to read Phillip Margolin, and I was definitely not disappointed.
Running my complete review on my blog on Dec. 10 for TLC Book Tours. Check it out!!
REVIEW:
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review!
Woman With a Gun starts with the story of Stacey Kim, a talented writer, who is having trouble with ideas for her first novel. She dropped everything to move to New York and become successful, only she hasn’t been able to do that yet. One day, on her lunch break she goes to the Museum of Modern Art and stumbles upon the photo, “Woman with a Gun” by famous photographer Kathy Moran. Stacey is immediately intrigued and inspired to write a novel loosely based on the story behind the photo – the only problem is that no one knows the story. Stacey eventually finds out that the photo is of Megan Cahill, the wife of Raymond Cahill who was brutally murdered in their home on the night of their wedding. So begins her journey to learn more – Stacey interviews the lead detective on the Cahill murder, Jack Booth, and the story quickly jumps back to the Kilbride case, which happened several years before the Cahill murder, and explains Kathy Moran’s background and Jack’s connection to her. As Stacey is uncovering the truth about these cases, she begins to put the puzzle together that no one has been able to before and ends up finding herself in danger also.
So we have three main plots: the present where Stacey is investigating the photo, the Cahill case, and the Kilbride case. However, unlike a lot of books with subplots in different timelines, Woman with a Gun does not jump back and forth incessantly. For this reason, I loved it. The fact that each story is told almost independently adds a lot of suspense and keeps you guessing who the Cahill killer is until the end.
I’ve seen other reviews that say this book was difficult to get into and that it didn’t keep the reviewers attention since it is difficult to see how the different crimes are connected until the very end. Yes, the connections are not there in the beginning, but the stories are written without fluff, almost like a detective is presenting you the facts. So, in my opinion, the writing style is perfect for this story.
Throughout the entire book, I was prepared to give a 5-star rating – The premise of the story being based on a photo is amazing; the story keeps your attention; the characters are developed just enough to make you interested in all of their outcomes but not too much to detract from the actual whodunit plot. I did slightly lower my rating at the end though because I’m a snob when it comes to mystery and I don’t like when I am able to guess who the killer is. Although, I only guessed in the last couple of chapters.
If you want a quick mystery (this book literally took me less than one day to read), then I highly recommend Woman with a Gun. This was my first time to read Phillip Margolin, and I was definitely not disappointed.
July 30, 2016
Overall rating = 3 & 1/2 stars
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: Phillip Margolin is one of my favorite authors, his previous series books starring Amanda Jaffe & Dana Cutler are some of the best thrillers I've read. While the books primarily focussed on legal aspects (Amanda Jaffe) and political aspects (Dana Cutler), they also mixed a large cast of characters along with a lot of twists. This is classic Margolin as he lays out the story in different time periods as he introduces all the main characters before taking the reader along for a roller coaster ride.
This story of is no different but has a unique start to it because of its cover. The author spotted this picture in a restaurant in the south and from there, the germ of an idea was born. Coincidentally one of the main characters of the book Stacey Kim, sees the same picture and wants to write a book about it. The story is set in three time periods of 2000, 2005 & 2015. The main plot deals with the murder of Raymond Cahill in 2005 with his bride Megan Cahill being the prime suspect. Stacey's story begins in 2015 while we learn more about Jack Booth and Kathy Moran in 2000 and how do they know each other.
The earlier half of the book deals with the events in 2000 & 2005 while the latter half is almost exclusively set in 2015, the story is a good thriller with enough red herrings interspersed to keep the readers from guessing who did it. Over all I enjoyed the story but I can't say this was Phil Margolin's best.
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: Phillip Margolin is one of my favorite authors, his previous series books starring Amanda Jaffe & Dana Cutler are some of the best thrillers I've read. While the books primarily focussed on legal aspects (Amanda Jaffe) and political aspects (Dana Cutler), they also mixed a large cast of characters along with a lot of twists. This is classic Margolin as he lays out the story in different time periods as he introduces all the main characters before taking the reader along for a roller coaster ride.
This story of is no different but has a unique start to it because of its cover. The author spotted this picture in a restaurant in the south and from there, the germ of an idea was born. Coincidentally one of the main characters of the book Stacey Kim, sees the same picture and wants to write a book about it. The story is set in three time periods of 2000, 2005 & 2015. The main plot deals with the murder of Raymond Cahill in 2005 with his bride Megan Cahill being the prime suspect. Stacey's story begins in 2015 while we learn more about Jack Booth and Kathy Moran in 2000 and how do they know each other.
The earlier half of the book deals with the events in 2000 & 2005 while the latter half is almost exclusively set in 2015, the story is a good thriller with enough red herrings interspersed to keep the readers from guessing who did it. Over all I enjoyed the story but I can't say this was Phil Margolin's best.
December 9, 2014
I think that once again I am going to be in the minority in how I feel about this book. Woman with a Gun has gotten rave reviews, but it was just an OK read for me. I didn't find the story to be a compelling thriller. It was more of a plot driven mystery that just kind of plodded along until the solution was revealed. I also had the killer figured out way before the end, I just didn't know the why. To me, the author made it pretty obvious into which direction he was going right from the start. I didn't think there were any big twists that made me gasp with surprise.
I'm not saying the book was bad. I did like it for the most part and the writing was solid. It just didn't wow me. I liked the varying points of view. The characters were interesting and helped keep my attention. I also liked the way the time changes in the story laid out the plot for the reader. The premise of basing a fiction novel on a painting was an interesting one. I think fans of true crime and straight crime fiction will enjoy this one.
I'm not saying the book was bad. I did like it for the most part and the writing was solid. It just didn't wow me. I liked the varying points of view. The characters were interesting and helped keep my attention. I also liked the way the time changes in the story laid out the plot for the reader. The premise of basing a fiction novel on a painting was an interesting one. I think fans of true crime and straight crime fiction will enjoy this one.
March 21, 2015
This was an attempt to discover a new mystery thriller writer. Heard of the author's name, but wanted to try a stand alone, not series like so many genre books tend to be. Striking cover sealed the deal. But overall, this book was something of a disappointment. It was entertaining enough, but so flat, from really average writing to clichéd characters, nothing original at all. The legal side was perfect, no surprise considering the author's past as a criminal defense attorney. The writing...entirely too bland and somewhat pandering as if targeted for intellectually challenged or at least simple masses, which it most likely was. And sure enough, there is a huge market out there for this sort of thing, but really didn't work for me much. The mystery aspect was there especially if one can master up enough interest in any of the characters to care, but thrillers should be thrilling, shouldn't they. It was a very quick one sitting read and reasonably entertaining way to pass about three hours, but as far as introduction to new authors go, not a particularly impressive one.
June 6, 2024
A Carrie Upshaw type woman sees a picture that inspires her to write a novel and start a true crime podcast. Enough to set you against forgiving student debt.
October 23, 2014
In WOMAN WITH A GUN, Phillip Margolins latest offering, it's hard to judge who is the central character in this tale. All of the blurbs would have you believe that the story is about Stacey Kim, a young woman who has relocated to New York from the Midwest to pursue her dream of becoming a best selling author. She is currently stuck in a receptionist's job that she hates. Using her lunch hour to visit an art exhibit at MOMA, she sees and is captivated by a photograph depicting a woman in a wedding dress, standing at the ocean's edge, holding a gun that could easily have been held by Dirty Harry as he commanded "make my day".
Stacey begins to imagine a variety of possible stories the picture could tell which could serve as the basis for her, as yet, unwritten book. All of this occurs in the first seven pages of the novel and the elusive Stacey does not re-appear until page 168 when she decides to leave her dead end job and relocate to the "scene of the picture" in order to pursue her true love......writing. In the intervening 161 pages we meet Megan Cahill, the subject of the photo, two of Mrs. Cahill's lawyers Glen Kraft and Henry Baker, Assistant Attorney General Jack Booth who has more than a passing interest in photographer Kathy Moran as well as an assortment of other peripheral individuals, ranging from an ex-husband to a bar owner to a drug supplier, all of whom float in and out of the story at various intervals.
What we ultimately have is a tale of love, revenge and murder perpetrated by an individual whose identity, when revealed, will come as no surprise to most readers. The motives for the crime(s)are a little more involved, but relatively simple. Having previously read several books by Phillip Margolin I was expecting this book, like his GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN, to be an exceptional and riveting reading experience. Instead, what was delivered was a less than gripping, run of the mill tale that does not live up to the "haunting, unforgettable thriller that provides a compelling insider's view of criminal behavior" hype promised on the books' back cover.
This is an okay read that will keep you occupied but not necessarily engrossed. I can recommend it over becoming involved in a mind-numbing conversation with the guy seated next to you on a long flight, but that's about the extent of my endorsement. Barely 2 1/2 stars.
Stacey begins to imagine a variety of possible stories the picture could tell which could serve as the basis for her, as yet, unwritten book. All of this occurs in the first seven pages of the novel and the elusive Stacey does not re-appear until page 168 when she decides to leave her dead end job and relocate to the "scene of the picture" in order to pursue her true love......writing. In the intervening 161 pages we meet Megan Cahill, the subject of the photo, two of Mrs. Cahill's lawyers Glen Kraft and Henry Baker, Assistant Attorney General Jack Booth who has more than a passing interest in photographer Kathy Moran as well as an assortment of other peripheral individuals, ranging from an ex-husband to a bar owner to a drug supplier, all of whom float in and out of the story at various intervals.
What we ultimately have is a tale of love, revenge and murder perpetrated by an individual whose identity, when revealed, will come as no surprise to most readers. The motives for the crime(s)are a little more involved, but relatively simple. Having previously read several books by Phillip Margolin I was expecting this book, like his GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN, to be an exceptional and riveting reading experience. Instead, what was delivered was a less than gripping, run of the mill tale that does not live up to the "haunting, unforgettable thriller that provides a compelling insider's view of criminal behavior" hype promised on the books' back cover.
This is an okay read that will keep you occupied but not necessarily engrossed. I can recommend it over becoming involved in a mind-numbing conversation with the guy seated next to you on a long flight, but that's about the extent of my endorsement. Barely 2 1/2 stars.
May 2, 2015
The cover and title intrigued me. I was sure I was reading a book from a first time author. I found the dialogue to be less than exciting and stilted. Descriptions of characters and places did not provide me with enough information to "see" the book as I read. I knew who the killer was immediately and the connection between those involved in the murder was unbelievable. The only surprise for me was when I learned this is the 20th book for Ohillip Margolin.
July 3, 2016
Goodreads Giveaway
This is the first book by Margolin that I've read but I'd heard good things about him and thoroughly enjoyed this interesting mystery.
Twists and turns, forward and backward, layer upon layer the story of the woman with the gun unfolds. The old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words may not be an exact fit here, more like a picture is worth several stories, but it is an interesting premise. All the stories that one picture holds.
This is the first book by Margolin that I've read but I'd heard good things about him and thoroughly enjoyed this interesting mystery.
Twists and turns, forward and backward, layer upon layer the story of the woman with the gun unfolds. The old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words may not be an exact fit here, more like a picture is worth several stories, but it is an interesting premise. All the stories that one picture holds.
June 23, 2015
This was a quick read. Once you start, you don't want to stop. Margolin has a great skill at building suspense. But I don't think his executions in the end are worth the extra star(s). Everything always ends up nice and tidy. To me, it just doesn't get that great climax. I think his stories deserve more. I'll give it a rest with his novels for a while.
August 17, 2015
Margolin has written much better than this. He chose to leave too much to chance and coincidence to get excited over. 4 of 10 stars
February 4, 2022
This was a bit different and what seems to be the chasing of characters throughout side stories pays off in the end when they come together. Overall, it seems a bit convoluted until it comes together. It’s an interesting mystery and a fast read. Really though the final clue was one the reader could never see. I find that a bit of a cheat. But still it’s a good story.
July 11, 2021
This is....in my top three worst books I have ever read. How was this published? Who edited this!? Who thought that dialogue was okay? The sexism. The male gaze. The god complex. The poor writing. The HORRENDOUS dialogue (which my phone tried to correct to diarrhea and I almost left it) The terrible plot. What a fucking mess.
May 12, 2025
this shit almost put me right back into that reading slump LMAO what a drag
January 21, 2015
I read a very brief blurb about Woman with a Gun in USA Today. Because USA Today doesn’t often tout mysteries, the blurb made me think its author was a new writer who managed to turn out a very clever whodunit. By golly, I wanted to read that! So I did. While the story was compelling and while I read it through in no time, I have to say that it was very poorly written. Imagine my surprise when I researched the author, Phillip Margolin, and learned that he has more than a dozen legal thrillers under his belt. So perhaps the blurb in the newspaper was a tip of the hat honoring his past prowess?? It certainly couldn’t be praising this project.
OK, so here is the story told in the book – an aspiring novelist sees a Pulitzer Prize winning photograph depicting a woman in a wedding dress, standing on the shore at night, facing the sea. Behind her back, she holds a gun. The news article that had accompanied the photo tells that the bride’s husband was shot dead on their wedding night and you guessed it, the gun in the photo is the murder weapon. Is the bride the murderer? Unfortunately, the ten year old case has never been solved. The aspiring author decides to write a novel that would answer all the questions about the case, though of course, fictionally. But oh my goodness, in researching the story, she manages to solve the cold case! She also manages to fall in love! And it all happens just about as fast as I made it happen here. Yuch! Bad writing!
So why did this book win a blurb in the “New and Noteworthy” section of USA Today? I went back and researched it and here is what I found. The blurb in the newspaper gave this “buzz” about the book. “Margolin…deliver(s) one of his cleverest cases,” says Kirkus Reviews. When I then looked up the full Kirkus Review I found a lengthy book description with this conclusion, “The Chinese box puzzle takes some getting used to, but it allows Margolin to deliver one of his cleverest cases while concealing his principal flaw—paper-thin characters—beneath constant shifts in time and case.”
I am saddened that USA Today only gave me half of this sentence. And I am glad that the Kirkus opinion and mine are the same: compelling story; poorly written.
OK, so here is the story told in the book – an aspiring novelist sees a Pulitzer Prize winning photograph depicting a woman in a wedding dress, standing on the shore at night, facing the sea. Behind her back, she holds a gun. The news article that had accompanied the photo tells that the bride’s husband was shot dead on their wedding night and you guessed it, the gun in the photo is the murder weapon. Is the bride the murderer? Unfortunately, the ten year old case has never been solved. The aspiring author decides to write a novel that would answer all the questions about the case, though of course, fictionally. But oh my goodness, in researching the story, she manages to solve the cold case! She also manages to fall in love! And it all happens just about as fast as I made it happen here. Yuch! Bad writing!
So why did this book win a blurb in the “New and Noteworthy” section of USA Today? I went back and researched it and here is what I found. The blurb in the newspaper gave this “buzz” about the book. “Margolin…deliver(s) one of his cleverest cases,” says Kirkus Reviews. When I then looked up the full Kirkus Review I found a lengthy book description with this conclusion, “The Chinese box puzzle takes some getting used to, but it allows Margolin to deliver one of his cleverest cases while concealing his principal flaw—paper-thin characters—beneath constant shifts in time and case.”
I am saddened that USA Today only gave me half of this sentence. And I am glad that the Kirkus opinion and mine are the same: compelling story; poorly written.
December 12, 2014
Woman With A Gun: Phillip Margolin
Some photographs speak volumes making the subject matter come alive and allowing viewers to become so immersed within the scenery or transfixed with the subject they often lose sight of where they are and become one and the same with the photo. “Woman with a Gun,” was a photo that author Phillip Margolin saw when in the bathroom of a men’s washroom and he immediately knew that this photo of a woman on the beach with her back to her audience holding a gun behind her back in her right hand was just the perfect cover for his next book and triggered a plot so diabolical, so brilliantly crafted that not only did the author tell the story but his main character, Stacey Kim decided to use this same photo in her novel after viewing this same photo. Stuck in a writer’s rut or writer’s block trying to figure out where to go in her writing career, Stacey contemplated her options while working as a receptionist for a law firm and hating every minute. All it takes is one change viewing or meeting and your life can change forever. A short lunch break and a visit to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Stacey becomes so taken and obsessed with this photo that she has to learn more about it, the photographer and wonders and asks some of the same questions our author did when viewing this photo: Who is this woman? Why was she at the beach wearing a wedding dress? Why was she holding a gun and did she use it to kill her husband? Someone took this picture moments before the photographer of the picture, Kathy Moran, came upon the wife of millionaire, Ray Cahill, the woman in the photo on the beach. Megan Cahill is the woman in the photo and although she presents a puzzle and mystery to both the author, the potential novelist and the reader there are many questions that will go unanswered, there are many reasons why her husband was killed but who was behind the murder and why is only known by one person besides the murderer our author. Woman with a Gun provides a complex novel that takes readers back to where it all began namely the night of the murder before we get to know Stacey better, her motives for wanting to write this book and how she tries to find the answer to a ten year old murder that was never solved.
Relationships cannot be carved out and created just the way you might want them to be. There is no recipe that can be prepared to make two people join together as one. Jack Booth found his way to Palisades Heights through the Oregon Attorney General’s office asked to help in Raymond Cahill’s murder investigation. Finding a position with the Oregon Department of Justice District Attorney Assistance Program, Jack was noted for his experience, exceptional skills in being able to detect what others cannot and his straightforward way of handling cases. But, this one before all was said and done would not only test his every fiber but also make him question himself, his integrity and his objectiveness. Teddy Winston was waiting for him when he arrived appreciated the fact that Jack was there to help. Explaining the case, reviewing the facts one being that Raymond Cahill was a millionaire and that his wife was a person of interest. The photographer of the picture, Kathy Moran, found Megan Cahill and lead back to her home in what Kathy claims was a daze and unsteady demeanor. Claiming she remembered nothing, was hit over the head and thought to have a concussion, Jack realized right away that her actions and words might be suspect, her reasons for killing Raymond, financial and that there was more to this case. Defining the case and deciding who might be guilty would take readers back to 2010 when the murder occurred before getting to know Stacey and watching her weave a web of questions taking her investigation to a level that would not only endanger some of the players in the present but Stacey too. Someone does not want this solved and will go to any lengths to stop Stacey and anyone that gets in his/her way.
Getting to know Jack, hearing the investigators involved and learning more about Megan, you begin to wonder whether she is guilty or not or being framed. Meeting Megan provided him with some clues but in his own mind he realized that there was more that she would not reveal. Who would want to kill Raymond? Who stole some of his collection from his vault or safe and where did the gun she was holding come from? The author flashes back to 2005 when the murder took place as Stacey views the painting ten years later. Jack and Kathy were once adversaries in the courtroom and although he was taken with her right away she kept her distance. Kathy Moran’s past is sorted and shady and if revealed could ruin her career. Learning more about her we realize that she was addicted to drugs and alcohol and often the victim of abuse. Kathy Moran filled in some of the blanks as she revealed to the investigators and Jack that Megan Cahill was married to an abusive man named Parnell Crouse. Implying that he was the victim of Megan as a result of their divorce the stories do not seem to mesh and the end result will surprise readers as we get to know both Megan and Kathy and the reader has to decide with whom the truth lies. Getting close to a witness might not have been the best strategy but Jack was taken.
As the case progresses in the past we meet Glen Kraft and Henry Baker who will do everything to defend Megan Cahill. Megan is starlet quality and has everyone convinced by her actions and mannerisms that she was a victim in all of this. But, others supply information to the contrary making Jack wonder if she would more than profit from her husband’s death, if she was really so dazed and duped when Kathy found her and what really was behind the murder.
The victim hired Frank Janowitz, as the curator of his collection would house guns, coins and stamps. But, did he buy them from legitimate collectors or did he buy them from a thief? Many questions go unanswered as Jack tries to piece it all together but first the author takes us back five more years to where his life took a downward spin and his first encounter with Kathy Moran when dealing with the Kilbride Disaster. Meet Detective Oscar Llewellyn a twenty-year veteran who is investigating this case. As he and Jack begin to unravel the clues, meet with the witness little does Jack know that meeting Kathy Moran, in the past when she practiced law would be his downfall. Never take your eyes off the subject and never allow yourself to not pay close attention as Kathy Moran takes advantage of Jack’s obvious feelings for her and the end result is deadly. A murder trial that should have been a slam-dunk for Jack and a clever lawyer that made him look bad. Read chapter 10 and learn the end result in Chapter 11 when Jack’s attention is wrongly diverted. But, information is revealed and the link between lawyer and client is solid as Jack learns about Kathy’s addiction to cocaine and the reasons behind her taking his case. Trusting a witness is fine but not investigating her and learning about her past was a fatal error. When the truth comes out Jack has to find a way to rebuild himself, his career and get a sadistic killer behind bars as the deal is made, Kathy pays some of the price and the author flashes ahead 2005 where Kathy is now working in a the Seafarer as a waitress, is protected by the owner and many others and we learn more about Raymond Cahill, Megan, her ex-husband and his dealings and we meet George Mendez the chief of police. But, some cases are not meant to be solved and with all of the evidence, all of the speculations somehow the case remained cold and the only or end result was Kathy Moran found herself a victim as she claims and was worried about Gary Kilbride having been released early from prison. So, why does Jack believe her stories and why do they provide her with the weapon that she would use to take this killer down?
As the case unfolds more and clues are pieced together a clever killer gets away with murder and the author flashes to the present as we learn more about Stacey, Kathy Moran’s Pulitzer Prize photograph, her showing at a gallery in New York as we learn of two other victims from the past. Stacey is so taken with the photo of Woman with a Gun that she uproots herself and moves to Portland to be where it all began. New apartment, new career in the making and hopefully meeting both Megan and Kathy, Stacey sets out with her idealistic attitude hoping to connect not only with them but with Jack Booth too. But, some investigations prove dangerous and when the killer realizes just how close Stacey is coming, the questions she’s asking just might lead back to the killer, something had to be done to stop her. With her list of people to question and her hope to solve a case writing a fictional novel focused on the photo, Stacey finds herself in Portland hoping to connect with those involved as Jack faces yet another failed relationship and must come to grips with his own realities. Watching Jack in the courtroom is revealing as he unveils a case filled with lies, betrayals and deceit when an officer is wrongly accused and the court learns how and why. But, suspicious rise as evidence is revealed making the reader and Jack wonder the connection between Moran and Gilbride, and Megan’s ex-husband. When pasts are revealed and truths known just who the killer is and why will not surprise readers but the fact that it took one photo to reveal the truth will let you know that the saying “A Picture is worth a thousand words,” and in this case the answer to a murder. How? Use your own detective skills to figure it out as Stacey starts a web of events, creates a trail leading directly to a killer and with the help of one young lawyer named Glen, Jack Booth and her own persistence and tenaciousness a killer just might be brought down. Characters so diverse and cleverly crafted they will draw you into the case and keep you glued to the printed page until you too decide: Woman with a Gun just who holds the smoking gun? Find out when you learn more about Woman With A Gun!
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Some photographs speak volumes making the subject matter come alive and allowing viewers to become so immersed within the scenery or transfixed with the subject they often lose sight of where they are and become one and the same with the photo. “Woman with a Gun,” was a photo that author Phillip Margolin saw when in the bathroom of a men’s washroom and he immediately knew that this photo of a woman on the beach with her back to her audience holding a gun behind her back in her right hand was just the perfect cover for his next book and triggered a plot so diabolical, so brilliantly crafted that not only did the author tell the story but his main character, Stacey Kim decided to use this same photo in her novel after viewing this same photo. Stuck in a writer’s rut or writer’s block trying to figure out where to go in her writing career, Stacey contemplated her options while working as a receptionist for a law firm and hating every minute. All it takes is one change viewing or meeting and your life can change forever. A short lunch break and a visit to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Stacey becomes so taken and obsessed with this photo that she has to learn more about it, the photographer and wonders and asks some of the same questions our author did when viewing this photo: Who is this woman? Why was she at the beach wearing a wedding dress? Why was she holding a gun and did she use it to kill her husband? Someone took this picture moments before the photographer of the picture, Kathy Moran, came upon the wife of millionaire, Ray Cahill, the woman in the photo on the beach. Megan Cahill is the woman in the photo and although she presents a puzzle and mystery to both the author, the potential novelist and the reader there are many questions that will go unanswered, there are many reasons why her husband was killed but who was behind the murder and why is only known by one person besides the murderer our author. Woman with a Gun provides a complex novel that takes readers back to where it all began namely the night of the murder before we get to know Stacey better, her motives for wanting to write this book and how she tries to find the answer to a ten year old murder that was never solved.
Relationships cannot be carved out and created just the way you might want them to be. There is no recipe that can be prepared to make two people join together as one. Jack Booth found his way to Palisades Heights through the Oregon Attorney General’s office asked to help in Raymond Cahill’s murder investigation. Finding a position with the Oregon Department of Justice District Attorney Assistance Program, Jack was noted for his experience, exceptional skills in being able to detect what others cannot and his straightforward way of handling cases. But, this one before all was said and done would not only test his every fiber but also make him question himself, his integrity and his objectiveness. Teddy Winston was waiting for him when he arrived appreciated the fact that Jack was there to help. Explaining the case, reviewing the facts one being that Raymond Cahill was a millionaire and that his wife was a person of interest. The photographer of the picture, Kathy Moran, found Megan Cahill and lead back to her home in what Kathy claims was a daze and unsteady demeanor. Claiming she remembered nothing, was hit over the head and thought to have a concussion, Jack realized right away that her actions and words might be suspect, her reasons for killing Raymond, financial and that there was more to this case. Defining the case and deciding who might be guilty would take readers back to 2010 when the murder occurred before getting to know Stacey and watching her weave a web of questions taking her investigation to a level that would not only endanger some of the players in the present but Stacey too. Someone does not want this solved and will go to any lengths to stop Stacey and anyone that gets in his/her way.
Getting to know Jack, hearing the investigators involved and learning more about Megan, you begin to wonder whether she is guilty or not or being framed. Meeting Megan provided him with some clues but in his own mind he realized that there was more that she would not reveal. Who would want to kill Raymond? Who stole some of his collection from his vault or safe and where did the gun she was holding come from? The author flashes back to 2005 when the murder took place as Stacey views the painting ten years later. Jack and Kathy were once adversaries in the courtroom and although he was taken with her right away she kept her distance. Kathy Moran’s past is sorted and shady and if revealed could ruin her career. Learning more about her we realize that she was addicted to drugs and alcohol and often the victim of abuse. Kathy Moran filled in some of the blanks as she revealed to the investigators and Jack that Megan Cahill was married to an abusive man named Parnell Crouse. Implying that he was the victim of Megan as a result of their divorce the stories do not seem to mesh and the end result will surprise readers as we get to know both Megan and Kathy and the reader has to decide with whom the truth lies. Getting close to a witness might not have been the best strategy but Jack was taken.
As the case progresses in the past we meet Glen Kraft and Henry Baker who will do everything to defend Megan Cahill. Megan is starlet quality and has everyone convinced by her actions and mannerisms that she was a victim in all of this. But, others supply information to the contrary making Jack wonder if she would more than profit from her husband’s death, if she was really so dazed and duped when Kathy found her and what really was behind the murder.
The victim hired Frank Janowitz, as the curator of his collection would house guns, coins and stamps. But, did he buy them from legitimate collectors or did he buy them from a thief? Many questions go unanswered as Jack tries to piece it all together but first the author takes us back five more years to where his life took a downward spin and his first encounter with Kathy Moran when dealing with the Kilbride Disaster. Meet Detective Oscar Llewellyn a twenty-year veteran who is investigating this case. As he and Jack begin to unravel the clues, meet with the witness little does Jack know that meeting Kathy Moran, in the past when she practiced law would be his downfall. Never take your eyes off the subject and never allow yourself to not pay close attention as Kathy Moran takes advantage of Jack’s obvious feelings for her and the end result is deadly. A murder trial that should have been a slam-dunk for Jack and a clever lawyer that made him look bad. Read chapter 10 and learn the end result in Chapter 11 when Jack’s attention is wrongly diverted. But, information is revealed and the link between lawyer and client is solid as Jack learns about Kathy’s addiction to cocaine and the reasons behind her taking his case. Trusting a witness is fine but not investigating her and learning about her past was a fatal error. When the truth comes out Jack has to find a way to rebuild himself, his career and get a sadistic killer behind bars as the deal is made, Kathy pays some of the price and the author flashes ahead 2005 where Kathy is now working in a the Seafarer as a waitress, is protected by the owner and many others and we learn more about Raymond Cahill, Megan, her ex-husband and his dealings and we meet George Mendez the chief of police. But, some cases are not meant to be solved and with all of the evidence, all of the speculations somehow the case remained cold and the only or end result was Kathy Moran found herself a victim as she claims and was worried about Gary Kilbride having been released early from prison. So, why does Jack believe her stories and why do they provide her with the weapon that she would use to take this killer down?
As the case unfolds more and clues are pieced together a clever killer gets away with murder and the author flashes to the present as we learn more about Stacey, Kathy Moran’s Pulitzer Prize photograph, her showing at a gallery in New York as we learn of two other victims from the past. Stacey is so taken with the photo of Woman with a Gun that she uproots herself and moves to Portland to be where it all began. New apartment, new career in the making and hopefully meeting both Megan and Kathy, Stacey sets out with her idealistic attitude hoping to connect not only with them but with Jack Booth too. But, some investigations prove dangerous and when the killer realizes just how close Stacey is coming, the questions she’s asking just might lead back to the killer, something had to be done to stop her. With her list of people to question and her hope to solve a case writing a fictional novel focused on the photo, Stacey finds herself in Portland hoping to connect with those involved as Jack faces yet another failed relationship and must come to grips with his own realities. Watching Jack in the courtroom is revealing as he unveils a case filled with lies, betrayals and deceit when an officer is wrongly accused and the court learns how and why. But, suspicious rise as evidence is revealed making the reader and Jack wonder the connection between Moran and Gilbride, and Megan’s ex-husband. When pasts are revealed and truths known just who the killer is and why will not surprise readers but the fact that it took one photo to reveal the truth will let you know that the saying “A Picture is worth a thousand words,” and in this case the answer to a murder. How? Use your own detective skills to figure it out as Stacey starts a web of events, creates a trail leading directly to a killer and with the help of one young lawyer named Glen, Jack Booth and her own persistence and tenaciousness a killer just might be brought down. Characters so diverse and cleverly crafted they will draw you into the case and keep you glued to the printed page until you too decide: Woman with a Gun just who holds the smoking gun? Find out when you learn more about Woman With A Gun!
Fran Lewis: reviewer
January 30, 2017
3.5 stars. Most of the book takes place in Oregon where, 10 years earlier, Ray Cahill is murdered on his wedding night. His wife Megan is hit over the head and is too dazed to remember what happened at first. Later she remembers seeing her ex-husband attack and rob them but he is later found dead with only one of the stolen coins. The case fades from the limelight. Ten years later, budding author Stacey Kim sees a captivating photo at an art gallery of Megan in her wedding dress with an old revolver behind her back. The picture was taken by photographer Kathy Moran, the woman who found Megan wandering by the ocean on that fateful night. Stacey has been experiencing writer's block but she is sure she could produce a great novel if she got more details about the murder. So she journeys to Oregon and begins asking lots of questions that someone doesn't want brought up again.
I've enjoyed the Phillip Margolin books I've read in the past so when the library got in this copy from 2014, I immediately checked it out. This standalone is not my favorite but I'll still be looking to buy any of his books I can run across.
I've enjoyed the Phillip Margolin books I've read in the past so when the library got in this copy from 2014, I immediately checked it out. This standalone is not my favorite but I'll still be looking to buy any of his books I can run across.
July 24, 2017
This is my first book by this author so I have nothing to compare it to. Some reviews by people that have read many Phillip Margolin books, wrote this one wasn't as good. I thoroughly enjoyed his writing and the story. Did I figure who did it early on yes, but it was still worth reading. Jack was a complete moron from the get go. In my opinion he wouldn't have a job long. He didn't seem very grown up. I really liked when the story took an unusual turn that I wasn't expecting....but you will have to read it to find out what that is. I will definitely read more from this author. What made me pick up the book? The picture on the cover.
May 22, 2023
This was an interesting read/listen. It had 1 or 2 surprises for me but the pace was a bit slow for me. I felt like the background story consumed most of the book. As a photographer, I did enjoy that the story revolved around a photograph though. 2.5.
October 13, 2018
3.6 I recently read The Third Victim and enjoyed it and wanted to read another Philip Margolin novel. My friend Joy recommended this novel.
I was enjoying the story and then got confused when it jumped to Stacy Kim. I thought wait a minute ~ ”what am I missing ? The first part really didn't end, as I have questions”
I liked Stacy so was curious and sure enough discovered the connection.
I was enjoying the story and then got confused when it jumped to Stacy Kim. I thought wait a minute ~ ”what am I missing ? The first part really didn't end, as I have questions”
I liked Stacy so was curious and sure enough discovered the connection.
October 5, 2022
WOW, what a Great Read and ENDING*****
April 12, 2020
I was drawn to this book by the book cover. A gun & the backside of a young woman. What can I say? The book was in a $2 bin at the local bookstore. Anyway, I bought the book and found it interesting enough. It is a book written in the style of the 40s-50s noir writers. The tone, style and characters seem transported from the days of Hammett, Chandler and Cain. It had the feel of an older book even though it is set in current times. It is a mystery novel set mostly along the beautiful Oregon coast in the fictional town of Palisades Heights. The heart of the story begins with the murder of a wealthy man on the night of his wedding. A witness on the beach encounters the bride of the deceased standing alone along the ocean shore shortly after the murder. The bride is holding a handgun. Case closed? Not so fast.
The writer of the book is a former defense attorney so he knows his criminal law. As a former criminal investigator I liked the fact that the law enforcement officers and prosecutors in the story adhere to the rule of law. They proceed like professionals even though one atty is tempted by the beautiful photographer (a witness). The case ends up going cold and is fired up ten yrs later by a writer doing some research in the uncleared case. Perhaps calling the case "cold" is the wrong way to put it. Although no one was charged with the murder, reasonable conclusions were drawn by police and prosecutors as to what happened on the night in question. Anyway, the young writer in the story wants to learn more about the case. She sees a book. So she leaves NYC for Portland.
The writer (Margolin) was partially inspired to write this book after he saw a photograph (see book cover) hanging above a toilet in a cafe in St Simons, Is., GA. I know SSI, Portland and the Oregon coast so those facts sparked more interest in the book. Settings I know and have enjoyed.
Facts about the gun in the photo. The revolver is not an antique Schofield .44 Smith & Wesson once owned and carried by Wyatt Earp more than a century ago. That is simply the writer employing literary license by making the gun more interesting and valuable. (Note: Margolin sets the record straight after the book ends.) The actual gun in the photo/book cover is a modern Ruger Blackhawk, single action, stainless steel, 7.5" barrel, unfluted cylinder, possibly chambered for .357 (most Blackhawks) or .44 (fewer Super Backhawks). I can tell it is a Blackhawk by the gun profile, the front sights and the round Ruger medallion that is located at the right spot on the grip. I'm sure most readers could care less. Enjoy the story.
The writer of the book is a former defense attorney so he knows his criminal law. As a former criminal investigator I liked the fact that the law enforcement officers and prosecutors in the story adhere to the rule of law. They proceed like professionals even though one atty is tempted by the beautiful photographer (a witness). The case ends up going cold and is fired up ten yrs later by a writer doing some research in the uncleared case. Perhaps calling the case "cold" is the wrong way to put it. Although no one was charged with the murder, reasonable conclusions were drawn by police and prosecutors as to what happened on the night in question. Anyway, the young writer in the story wants to learn more about the case. She sees a book. So she leaves NYC for Portland.
The writer (Margolin) was partially inspired to write this book after he saw a photograph (see book cover) hanging above a toilet in a cafe in St Simons, Is., GA. I know SSI, Portland and the Oregon coast so those facts sparked more interest in the book. Settings I know and have enjoyed.
Facts about the gun in the photo. The revolver is not an antique Schofield .44 Smith & Wesson once owned and carried by Wyatt Earp more than a century ago. That is simply the writer employing literary license by making the gun more interesting and valuable. (Note: Margolin sets the record straight after the book ends.) The actual gun in the photo/book cover is a modern Ruger Blackhawk, single action, stainless steel, 7.5" barrel, unfluted cylinder, possibly chambered for .357 (most Blackhawks) or .44 (fewer Super Backhawks). I can tell it is a Blackhawk by the gun profile, the front sights and the round Ruger medallion that is located at the right spot on the grip. I'm sure most readers could care less. Enjoy the story.
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