Whatever Doesn't Kill You

Howe & August #1

by Gillian Roberts

Single mother Billie August is frustrated with her boss and sleuthing mentor, the gruff, perpetually dissatisfied Emma Howe. So far, their relationship has been a personal and professional disaster. To top it off, Billie seems like the only person in town who thinks mentally disabled Gavin Riddock, accused of killing his only friend, might not be guilty, but her inability to turn up any hard evidence could cost Gavin everything. Now, illness at home and dead ends at work have frayed Billie's nerves. The last thing she needs is to come across Emma Howe in the warpath.

Meanwhile, Emma's search for one girl's really mother is being foiled at every turn by the lies and misdirection of the girl's foster mother. When new clues suggest the case may have something to do with Gavin Riddock, seasoned Emma will have to learn to trust her young assistant, and together, mentor and protege must unravel the layers of posh Marin society to uncover the startling truth...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Cat. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in the series about Emma Howe & Billie August, two more mismatched people you'll never find! They just don't seem to be able to get out of their own heads about each other, although as investigators they're pretty evenly paired. This is about the murder of a young animal-rights activist which was 'solved' by assuming her low-intellect friend went crazy on her. He didn't, but he can't find a way to explain what he was doing when her body was found. Good, but somewhat pat.

[Carol · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read about 50 pages and had to stop because I just disliked the characters so much that they made me mad and I wanted to spank them, each and everyone of them!!! I picked the title because I use the phrase: whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger so I thought I'd try the book! As Charlie Brown says: Bleck!!!!

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery by Gillian Roberts. The story was gripping & well written. I felt like book pulled me into the midst of the action and wouldn't let me go until the mystery was solved.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

One in a series of mysteries starring the experience, irritable Emma Howe, PI, and her young, uncertain assist, Billie August. Entertaining, quick read.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Journeyman mystery-not bad; likable characters.