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Bobbi Logan Crime Novel #2
A Kind of Justice
Against all odds, Bobbi Logan, a statuesque transgender woman, has become one of Chicago's most celebrated hair stylists and the owner of one of the city's poshest salons. She is finally comfortable with who she is, widely admired in her community, about to enjoy the success she deserves.
Then her impossibly perfect life falls apart.
In the space of a few weeks, the Great Recession drags her business to the brink of failure, her beloved ex-wife needs help in facing a terrible tragedy, and a hateful police detective storms back into her life, determined to convict her of the five-year-old murder of John Strand—pillar of the community—and a sexual predator.
As the detective builds an ever more convincing case against her, both of them will be shaken by revelations—about themselves, about their own deeply held secrets, and about the bizarre ritual murder of John Strand.
Then her impossibly perfect life falls apart.
In the space of a few weeks, the Great Recession drags her business to the brink of failure, her beloved ex-wife needs help in facing a terrible tragedy, and a hateful police detective storms back into her life, determined to convict her of the five-year-old murder of John Strand—pillar of the community—and a sexual predator.
As the detective builds an ever more convincing case against her, both of them will be shaken by revelations—about themselves, about their own deeply held secrets, and about the bizarre ritual murder of John Strand.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2016
18 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
dnf
June 7, 2017this book was provided to me from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
dnf @31%
I just ... couldn't. PLEASE NOTE: there is nothing inherently wrong with this book. Actually, I think possible for another audience it could be really enjoyable
A Kind of Justice follows Bobbi Logan, a trans woman working in a popular, up market hair salon. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but what this book turned out to be alot of was ... business falling apart, the stress of going broke and that fun business jazz. And by fun I mean, boring.
I didn't HATE THIS, because there was elements of it I really liked. I really liked the friendships between the girls at the salon, I really liked it was diverse, I really liked some of the characters.
But there was also things I didn't - like super cliche detectives, and some of the comments on lgbt+ communities.
I just had zero interest in finishing or continuing this, and I don't want to drag myself through books I don't like anymore.
I DO think people could enjoy this, if you like adult contemporaries it'd probably be more enjoyable.
March 29, 2017
I read this book during our summer holiday, and I am so sorry that I couldn't write my review immediately after I had finished it. It would have been much longer and maybe more helpful.
The best thing about this book is Bobbi Logan. I am not completely "virgin" in regard of books with transgender characters, but I have never read a book with a transgender woman as a first-person narrative. And to be in Bobbi's head was a great experience. Because Bobbi Logan is a wonderful character that you won't forget and who maybe helps you to learn a bit more about transgender people.
Bobby Logan was born as a man, but in the wrong body. She was married to a woman in her previous life, came out as gay - though was never really sure she was a girl, she was only sure she wasn't a boy - then later she made the permanent step of gender reassignment surgery.
Now, 5 years after her transition she is a star hairdresser and an owner of a beauty salon in Chicago in the midst of the economic crisis, she is over forty, tries to rebuild her relationship with her ex-wife, she is probably without a chance in love with a man who everyone is in love with, and... she is a main suspect in a murder case.
A Kind of Justice is a brilliantly written mystery, but it is also an emotional and fascinating story about a fantastic character you'll fall in love with. Because it is simply impossible not to feel with/for Bobby, not to admire her personality. This book will change you, it will give you an insight into a transgender world, that you probably would have never got to know.
What I found also great in this book: it has a heartwarming satisfying ending that made me happy, but didn't give me a feeling of being manipulated into it. It was soooo right and sooooo touching!..
I truly hope that this book will find many many many fans.
It is so different from everything I read, in a WOW way, I can't recommend it highly enough.
Great mystery.
Great characters.
Great writing.
Great plot.
**Copy provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
The best thing about this book is Bobbi Logan. I am not completely "virgin" in regard of books with transgender characters, but I have never read a book with a transgender woman as a first-person narrative. And to be in Bobbi's head was a great experience. Because Bobbi Logan is a wonderful character that you won't forget and who maybe helps you to learn a bit more about transgender people.
Bobby Logan was born as a man, but in the wrong body. She was married to a woman in her previous life, came out as gay - though was never really sure she was a girl, she was only sure she wasn't a boy - then later she made the permanent step of gender reassignment surgery.
Now, 5 years after her transition she is a star hairdresser and an owner of a beauty salon in Chicago in the midst of the economic crisis, she is over forty, tries to rebuild her relationship with her ex-wife, she is probably without a chance in love with a man who everyone is in love with, and... she is a main suspect in a murder case.
A Kind of Justice is a brilliantly written mystery, but it is also an emotional and fascinating story about a fantastic character you'll fall in love with. Because it is simply impossible not to feel with/for Bobby, not to admire her personality. This book will change you, it will give you an insight into a transgender world, that you probably would have never got to know.
What I found also great in this book: it has a heartwarming satisfying ending that made me happy, but didn't give me a feeling of being manipulated into it. It was soooo right and sooooo touching!..
I truly hope that this book will find many many many fans.
It is so different from everything I read, in a WOW way, I can't recommend it highly enough.
Great mystery.
Great characters.
Great writing.
Great plot.
**Copy provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
September 5, 2016
Bobbi Logan is a transgender woman and has just became one of Chicago's most celebrated hair stylists finally comfortable with who she is. Then the Great Recession hits and nearly drags her business to the brink of failure. Bobbi's ex-wife also needs her help coping with a family tragedy. The police officer returns trying to successfully convict Bobbi of the murder of John Strand that happened five years ago.
What a fantastic character Bobbi Logan is. Born in the wrong body. This is an insight into the world of transgenders. A very good mystery with a great ending.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Oceanview Publishing and the author Renee James for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic character Bobbi Logan is. Born in the wrong body. This is an insight into the world of transgenders. A very good mystery with a great ending.
I would like to thank Net Galley, Oceanview Publishing and the author Renee James for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2017
3.5 stars
A unique book in which the main protaganist is a transgender woman - Bobbi Logan. Robert Logan was a successful businessman, married without children. He transitioned into Bobbi Logan who is a successful businesswoman, owning and operating a high-end beauty salon in Chicago. She is going through a lot of stress not only with her new identity but also the business world and the return of her ex-wife who has had a personal crisis. Bobbi is being pulled in so many directions including an ongoing investigation of the Strand murder case. The Strand murder case took place 5 years in the past. Bobbi knew the victim and no one has been identified as the killer.
Enter Detective Wilkins who is determined to solve the Strand murder case and to prove that Bobbi Logan is the killer. Det. Wilkins also brings along a great deal of prejudice against the LGBTQ community.
This is book #2 of an ongoing series and I admit it is the first one I have read. What was lacking for me was details of the Strand murder case which I think may have been covered in the first, 1a and 1b, books. But, saying that I was still able to understand what was happening with Det. Wilkins and Bobbi Logan. This novel had a strong beginning and a strong ending but the middle is what seemed to get caught in a 'loop' for me. The chapters are narrated by the two main characters. Bobbi seems to have so many things happening to her that it is almost overwheming to keep rereading all the issues. Det Wilkins seemed to have so much prejudice and hate that became overwhelming to keep reading.
Did I hate this book? No, because I continue to think of the characters and the plot which are both very strong. Would I read another edition of this series? Yes, because I think author Renee James has a great idea with this series and has potential to make this a winner. This author is just getting started.
Recommend to those looking for the beginning of a unique protaganist and series.
A unique book in which the main protaganist is a transgender woman - Bobbi Logan. Robert Logan was a successful businessman, married without children. He transitioned into Bobbi Logan who is a successful businesswoman, owning and operating a high-end beauty salon in Chicago. She is going through a lot of stress not only with her new identity but also the business world and the return of her ex-wife who has had a personal crisis. Bobbi is being pulled in so many directions including an ongoing investigation of the Strand murder case. The Strand murder case took place 5 years in the past. Bobbi knew the victim and no one has been identified as the killer.
Enter Detective Wilkins who is determined to solve the Strand murder case and to prove that Bobbi Logan is the killer. Det. Wilkins also brings along a great deal of prejudice against the LGBTQ community.
This is book #2 of an ongoing series and I admit it is the first one I have read. What was lacking for me was details of the Strand murder case which I think may have been covered in the first, 1a and 1b, books. But, saying that I was still able to understand what was happening with Det. Wilkins and Bobbi Logan. This novel had a strong beginning and a strong ending but the middle is what seemed to get caught in a 'loop' for me. The chapters are narrated by the two main characters. Bobbi seems to have so many things happening to her that it is almost overwheming to keep rereading all the issues. Det Wilkins seemed to have so much prejudice and hate that became overwhelming to keep reading.
Did I hate this book? No, because I continue to think of the characters and the plot which are both very strong. Would I read another edition of this series? Yes, because I think author Renee James has a great idea with this series and has potential to make this a winner. This author is just getting started.
Recommend to those looking for the beginning of a unique protaganist and series.
July 24, 2022
3.5 stars
Love of women. James love of women shows throughout the whole book. It is a gentle love caring of the non perfect moments as well as the perfect ones. Ok I have to admit that James idea of women and what they are and how they should be is a bit stereotypical for me, starting from the dainty handshake, going on to the impossibly high heels, shorts skirts and cleavage. But more than that it’s the idea of how women think, feel and act portrayed in the book which I’m not fully on board with. I want and need the freedom to be me without having to fit myself into the tight boxes of how I should be to be a woman. I am not sure if this is an author’s view or an American view. A little example, I wouldn’t dream of seeing a hairdresser in high heels here and they usually have some sort of salon uniform. The hairdressers in Bobbi’s salon worked in high heels, short dresses and flaunted assets.
I liked Bobbi and how James paints her but for me her best work was with Wilkins who totally stole the show for me. James builds his slow transformation bit by bit and I loved this unfolding. I enjoyed this part of the story the best.
I only became aware that this was a second book in a series after I started reading. I continued reading because I saw that friends who read and enjoyed the book, had not read the first book either. I found that this did not deduct from the story. The story appeared complete on it’s own and James gives enough background to satisfy my questions.
An ARC gently given by the author/publishers in exchange for a review.
”There’s how you look and there’s who you really are.”
Love of women. James love of women shows throughout the whole book. It is a gentle love caring of the non perfect moments as well as the perfect ones. Ok I have to admit that James idea of women and what they are and how they should be is a bit stereotypical for me, starting from the dainty handshake, going on to the impossibly high heels, shorts skirts and cleavage. But more than that it’s the idea of how women think, feel and act portrayed in the book which I’m not fully on board with. I want and need the freedom to be me without having to fit myself into the tight boxes of how I should be to be a woman. I am not sure if this is an author’s view or an American view. A little example, I wouldn’t dream of seeing a hairdresser in high heels here and they usually have some sort of salon uniform. The hairdressers in Bobbi’s salon worked in high heels, short dresses and flaunted assets.
I liked Bobbi and how James paints her but for me her best work was with Wilkins who totally stole the show for me. James builds his slow transformation bit by bit and I loved this unfolding. I enjoyed this part of the story the best.
I only became aware that this was a second book in a series after I started reading. I continued reading because I saw that friends who read and enjoyed the book, had not read the first book either. I found that this did not deduct from the story. The story appeared complete on it’s own and James gives enough background to satisfy my questions.
An ARC gently given by the author/publishers in exchange for a review.
July 9, 2016
I read the first few paragraphs of this book and I was hit by the realisation that this was going to be a really great mystery, and that one book would not be enough. It has an excellent plot, rich characters, suspense, emotions and grit, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
This is a brilliant murder mystery story with vivid and multi-dimensional characters and a great pace. Right from the word go I was drawn into the world of Bobbi Logan a trans woman who is also a sister, aunt and popular hairdresser. The story has a kind of edgy feel to it but discloses nothing until the very end.
Is the heroine the murderer? If she isn't then who is? Who killed the evil John Strand, violent murderer and abuser of women?
Bobbi's life has not been easy. She was a married man before her transition and although Betsy, her ex wife, is still in her life and cares for her, Bobbi yearns to be accepted by others. She yearns for a deep and true love of her own, and this was so palpable in the book that I could feel it. Bobbi experiences what everyone feels when they live alone but yearn for love - both men and women.
In any case life is good because Betsy's daughter from her second marriage regards Bobbi as an aunt and Bobbi now has a chance to own her hair salon. Life might be unfulfilled in all sorts of way but the future overflows with light and potential. Unfortunately that light darkens and becomes overcast as an enemy from the past, a transphobic detective, seeks to pin Strand's murder on Bobbi and the darkness from the past threatens to overwhelm the brightness of the future.
Detective Wilkins doesn't really regard himself as transphobic. He is just determined to resurrect an old murder case and close the case like a good cop should. The murder of John Strand, a respected business man, has continued to trouble him. He is sure that Bobbi Logan is the murderer and is determined to do all that he can to pin the murder on her. Five years ago Bobbi's friend was murdered and Bobbi was raped by two thugs linked to John Strand. As Detective Wilkins tracks down clues and witnesses, it seems as if John Strand was not the upstanding member of society that people believed him to be, but instead was man who hungered after trans women and subjected them to violence and oppression. No one misses John Strand but Detective Wilkins believes Bobbi Logan did it and should pay for her crime.
So just when life should be light for Bobbi she is faced with shadows from the past and a persecuting police detective who is determined to make her pay for something she didn't do. Bobbi is staring the loss of her business in the face and the loss of her friendship with Betsy, and the many employees who rely on her will lose their livelihoods.
The most frightening thing is that the murderer is still alive and who knows whether this will put Bobbi and those she loves at risk.
I really enjoyed reading this. First of all it is a great mystery which increases in suspense and gathers pace as the story progresses. I really appreciated the way the story is told from the perspective of a trans woman, holding back no punches and exploring the real violence that many trans people face in our world today. This is a story that has roots in reality. Violence against trans people is real and the author brings this to life without compromise.
I also enjoyed this because it is clever in the way it depicts the main characters as human, with joys and pains of the past which shape their responses to the present. Both Bobbi and her ex-wife Betsy have suffered loss in different ways and yet seeing the bond they share creates a hopeful dimension in the story.
Bobbi is a beautiful character. As she seeks to understand what it is to be a woman she goes through the pain of yearning for real love that so many people face. She also faces the pressure of being a professional woman with a career, family and the need to juggle that with community responsibilities and personal fulfilment.
And so for me this is going in my list of exquisite reads for 2016 because it was not only a great mystery but also a story about a woman who manages to survive and overcome adversity and violence, and live through monumental change.
I needed to know about Bobbi Logan from the very beginning and so I also took the time to order the first story, but this second story is complete in itself and can be read as a stand alone. It is an excellent story in so many different ways and a pleasure to read.
Many thanks to the author and Oceanview Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy via NetGalley.
August 2, 2016
This book just really hit the spot. Very happy to see a book come up in a genre that just happens to have a transgendered woman as the lead.
It's a murder mystery where Bobbi Logan who is a star of a hair stylist who has her own salon... but the detective who was bound and determined to pin a murder on her 5 years ago, resurrects his efforts.
Add on to that the Great Recession impacting her business. Her attempts to make the next major steps in her business and stay afloat.
And above all, maintain her existing relationships and beginning opening herself to being able to make new ones as a post op woman. She's very filled with self-doubt and I loved how the transgender community helped each other. Bonded with each other. And also had their spats and feuds.
It felt very authentic and I hope it really is. Not certain if the author is transgendered herself but I'm not looking as it doesn't and shouldn't matter. It's a great murder mystery and that's all anyone needs to really pay attention to.
I did think that the writing was a bit weak at times in the first half. I can't speak as to the second as I was too engrossed to notice if any. My joy at seeing yet another community of people finally get a starring role, and well done at that made it a no-brainer to give it a 5 anyways.
Irrelevant but I have to confess. Bobbi is white but I could only particular the lovely Laverne Cox in my mind.
Will be marking this as one of my best reads of 2016.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. And I very much look forward to anything Renee James writes in the future.
It's a murder mystery where Bobbi Logan who is a star of a hair stylist who has her own salon... but the detective who was bound and determined to pin a murder on her 5 years ago, resurrects his efforts.
Add on to that the Great Recession impacting her business. Her attempts to make the next major steps in her business and stay afloat.
And above all, maintain her existing relationships and beginning opening herself to being able to make new ones as a post op woman. She's very filled with self-doubt and I loved how the transgender community helped each other. Bonded with each other. And also had their spats and feuds.
It felt very authentic and I hope it really is. Not certain if the author is transgendered herself but I'm not looking as it doesn't and shouldn't matter. It's a great murder mystery and that's all anyone needs to really pay attention to.
I did think that the writing was a bit weak at times in the first half. I can't speak as to the second as I was too engrossed to notice if any. My joy at seeing yet another community of people finally get a starring role, and well done at that made it a no-brainer to give it a 5 anyways.
Irrelevant but I have to confess. Bobbi is white but I could only particular the lovely Laverne Cox in my mind.
Will be marking this as one of my best reads of 2016.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. And I very much look forward to anything Renee James writes in the future.
Read
November 6, 2017this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
dnf at 21%
I'm sorry, but I could not finish this book. Maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea, but I had no motivation to continue with this. It's not there was anything wrong with this book. In fact, it was more of a, it's not you, it's me sort of thing. It just didn't interest me like I was hoping it would.
I found that this book is more for fans of Adult Fiction or Adult Contemporary, but for me it was just boring. It was a lot of business problems and confusion. I felt as if things happened too quickly, with no buildup to create excitement or tension. Therefore, nothing motivated me to continue reading and as I'm trying to stop pulling myself though books I'm not enjoying anymore, I dnfed it.
I think the greatest thing about this book is the diversity. There's so much of it, and it's fantastic. It portrays transsexual and racially diverse people especially, which can be hard to find.
All in all, this book was just not for me, but could definitely be for you if you're into more of Adult Contemporary.
dnf at 21%
I'm sorry, but I could not finish this book. Maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea, but I had no motivation to continue with this. It's not there was anything wrong with this book. In fact, it was more of a, it's not you, it's me sort of thing. It just didn't interest me like I was hoping it would.
I found that this book is more for fans of Adult Fiction or Adult Contemporary, but for me it was just boring. It was a lot of business problems and confusion. I felt as if things happened too quickly, with no buildup to create excitement or tension. Therefore, nothing motivated me to continue reading and as I'm trying to stop pulling myself though books I'm not enjoying anymore, I dnfed it.
I think the greatest thing about this book is the diversity. There's so much of it, and it's fantastic. It portrays transsexual and racially diverse people especially, which can be hard to find.
All in all, this book was just not for me, but could definitely be for you if you're into more of Adult Contemporary.
June 26, 2016
really fascinating book, although I would say it's more a psychological thriller rather than a mystery.. Narrated by Bobbi a transwoman, it's also an insight into her life. Bobbi has a complicated life - her ex wife and daughter are now living with her. The hairdressing business Bobbi runs is suffering due to the recession, and to cap it all she's being investigated for her suspected part in a murder.
Bobbi's voice is wonderful, she's incredibly warm hearted and tolerant despite the knocks she gets. her ex wife veers between acceptance and condemnation. Detective Phil, Bobbi's occasional lover clearly loves her, but can't always accept her.
The book is over long on places, and meanders a bit but the sincerity of Bobbi''s voice, her joy and pain counterbalances that..
The mystery ending, finding out who did murder John Strand, was a compete surprise to me, and the ending of this chapter of Bobbi's life was incredibly moving. as well.
Bobbi's voice is wonderful, she's incredibly warm hearted and tolerant despite the knocks she gets. her ex wife veers between acceptance and condemnation. Detective Phil, Bobbi's occasional lover clearly loves her, but can't always accept her.
The book is over long on places, and meanders a bit but the sincerity of Bobbi''s voice, her joy and pain counterbalances that..
The mystery ending, finding out who did murder John Strand, was a compete surprise to me, and the ending of this chapter of Bobbi's life was incredibly moving. as well.
July 14, 2016
Disclaimer 1: Thanks to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for the ARC, which I recieved in exchange for my honest review.
Disclaimer 2: This story is about a woman who is transgender, which is not a space I occupy. If anything I say in this review needs to be called out, discussed, or thought about from another angle, please let me know. There is an addendum at the end of this review that expands on this disclaimer more.
Disclaimers out of the way, let’s talk about this book!
Your general synopsis: Bobbi Logan is a seriously BAMF hairstylist working in Chicago and she is also transgender. We enter her life right around the time she purchases the hair salon she works at. The Great Recession is just hitting its “peak”, and a detective with a transphobic chip on his shoulder has made her the #1 suspect in a five-year-old murder case.
The story moved along at a good pace, never too rushed nor too slow. Most of the characters were far from two-dimensional and not a single one was perfect. Nor was anyone really explicitly evil, except for John Strand, the man Bobbi is being accused of killing.
Renee James’ writing was full of tenderness, feeling, and pain. There were multiple times throughout the story that Bobbi’s despair had me crying, her humour had me laughing, and her desires had me wishing her all that she wanted.
We hold each other for a long time, Betsy broken-hearted and lost, me guilty and inept. At moments like this, I'm overwhelmed by how much it somteimes hurts to have people you love in your life.
Renne James also did an amazing job of weaving themes throughout the story. With the character in question, it should come as no surprise to my review-readers that one of the centric themes is transitioning. In addition to Bobbi’s own discussed transition, there’s also a transition for each of the main characters as well as some of the side characters. Each one has their own “coming-of-age” moment that tie beautifully together with Bobbi’s story. By the end of the book, I regained a lot of hope I’ve been losing in humanity this past year.
Without giving too much away, I’ve seen from other reviewers that the ending wasn’t really what they were expecting, and not in a “that’s an awesome twist” sort of way. I’m inclined to agree, for a lot of the same reasons that they’ve raised. In an effort to prevent spoilers, let me just say that there are several characters in the novel that I wish we would have spent a good chunk of time with before the story ended.
4.5/5 Stars: 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. The story was a wonderful read I had a difficult time putting down. The ending came as a surprise in a not-so-good way, and really could have been better had certain characters been flushed out more prior.
Addendum: Hey all. I really wasn’t sure how I wanted to broach this subject, so I’ve decided to append it onto the end of this review as it is not relevant to the review in itself.
As I said in Disclaimer 2, being transgender is not a space I occupy. There are two more points I need to make off of this disclaimer. Number one is that if this is a space you occupy, the content of this story may be very triggering for you. Again, to avoid spoilers, at a glance you can expect a lot of gender dysphoria, transphobia, transmisogyny, and discussions about sexual assault where all the victims are trans*. If you would like more detailed content/trigger warnings, please feel free to message me for them.
Expanding off of that first point, for those of you that are cisgender, this book is very uncomfortable. This story is told mostly in first person, and is a very raw look into Bobbi’s life. Renee James’ does not sugarcoat a damn thing about how Bobbi is feeling. As an example, here is a conversation she has with a fellow transwoman she volunteer/works with:
"Don't say that. You're a proud, beautiful woman, Bobbi."
Yay rah. It's nice of her to say something encouraging, but this is strictly pro forma script in the trans world. Everyone is proud and beautiful. Lisa means well. She's here to save the wonderful people of transgenderland and some of them are somewhat between ugly and embarassing to look at. Being patient with us is part of being a savior.
Even though you will have every desire in the world to tell Bobbi “don’t play yourself like that”, remember that you can’t.
Again, I can’t stress enough that this isn’t a space I occupy, so I encourage, nay, insist, other cisgender readers remember the same. You don’t know what life is like in that space. Don’t try giving advice to people who occupy that space on how they should occupy it.
All of that being said, I do hope if you’ve taken the time to read this review that you’ll also take the time to read this book when you get the chance. Especially if this isn’t your space. Get uncomfy, friends. It’s how we grow.
July 11, 2016
Wow, how fortunate to be able to read about such a colourful person, Bobbi Logan is a very talented stylist, she also owns one of Chicago's top hair salons, the one thing that makes Bobbi stand out, is, she is statuesque and transgender, her life is far from dull. She is loved by family and friends alike, and admired in the community for the success she has worked so hard for, little does she know this about to change. A detective is determined to pin a murder on her, John Strand, was a sexual predator, he was murdered 5 years ago, to some though, he was a pillar of the community, and Bobbi is entering a nightmare, within a couple of weeks she is fighting for her business as the recession takes hold, her ex wife desperately needs her help, and the detective is building a case against her, this is a journey through the transgender community, their struggle to be accepted, the heartache they experience , the families drawn into this diverse community, and their triumph's , You will get right behind Bobbi, and those close to her, sometimes you will be frustrated with certain characters as we wait to find out, will justice prevail and who is the real killer?.... Renee James has I would imagine, drawn from her experience in writing this book, it now makes me want to read the first book. Thank you to Netgalley and Oceanview publishers for a copy of A Kind Of Justice in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2016
Mystery written in the voice of Bobbi, a transwoman and a successful hairstylist; and perspective of detective Wilkins, who is trying to solve the murder mystery that happened five years ago. It's an interesting book that sheds some light of life being a transwoman in a society and friend circle that wasn't ready yet to fully embrace her new identity. Though Bobbi has a great personality and a great heart, throughout the book there are moments I just wonder why her ex-wife and cop friend keep saying hurtful things and throwing bad reactions at her. The last twist towards the end of the plot and the murderer ... hum... I'm a little bit lukewarm with that twist. It doesn't seem to be very consistent with that particular character. All in all I'd give it a 3.5 stars.
Note: Review copy received from NetGalley
Note: Review copy received from NetGalley
November 18, 2016
This was the second in a series and despite not having read the first, I really enjoyed this one. The story flowed well and I was sucked in from the very beginning. All of the characters were flawed in one way or another and that made them feel real.
Overall, I was impressed with the flow of the story and the characters themselves. I will definitely keep an eye out for new stories coming from Renee James.
For a more detailed review go to http://reviews.c-spot.net/archives/5754
Overall, I was impressed with the flow of the story and the characters themselves. I will definitely keep an eye out for new stories coming from Renee James.
For a more detailed review go to http://reviews.c-spot.net/archives/5754
November 22, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
DNF
I used to love reading crime novels in my teens. For some reason I can't get back into them though.
A lot of the time the writing felt like the author was trying to make word count in an essay, I think that most of all threw me off and I couldn't get into it enough to get any further than the first few chapters. I think it is mostly a 'It's not you, it's me' scenario.
DNF
I used to love reading crime novels in my teens. For some reason I can't get back into them though.
A lot of the time the writing felt like the author was trying to make word count in an essay, I think that most of all threw me off and I couldn't get into it enough to get any further than the first few chapters. I think it is mostly a 'It's not you, it's me' scenario.
December 15, 2025
dnf @ 14%
March 20, 2017
Review later, except to say now this is an excellent story with characters who are puzzling, amazing, inexplicable, brave and sexy. It's an engrossing story with a befuddling mystery.
June 5, 2018
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Until this, I had yet to read a book that took place with a transgender person as the narrator. I feel like anyone who questions the transgender experience, doesn't understand how someone could feel transgender or decide to commit to sexual reassignment surgery should absolutely read this book. Because not only is it about ALL of those things, not only are you inside this wonderful person's head and get to see what it's like to be transgender whilst also getting to benefit from reading about their past, their struggles, and how they came to live their truth, you also get to read about a murder.
Bobby Logan is so personable and you cannot help but be entranced by her as a person and really feel for her and her experiences. She's been through a lot, not just the sexual reassignment surgery, but also a marriage to a woman in her previous life, and is now owns her own business in Chicago as the proprietor of a hair salon..
I'm not spoiling the mystery and the murder, but needless to say this book captivated me and left me so happy at the ending.
Until this, I had yet to read a book that took place with a transgender person as the narrator. I feel like anyone who questions the transgender experience, doesn't understand how someone could feel transgender or decide to commit to sexual reassignment surgery should absolutely read this book. Because not only is it about ALL of those things, not only are you inside this wonderful person's head and get to see what it's like to be transgender whilst also getting to benefit from reading about their past, their struggles, and how they came to live their truth, you also get to read about a murder.
Bobby Logan is so personable and you cannot help but be entranced by her as a person and really feel for her and her experiences. She's been through a lot, not just the sexual reassignment surgery, but also a marriage to a woman in her previous life, and is now owns her own business in Chicago as the proprietor of a hair salon..
I'm not spoiling the mystery and the murder, but needless to say this book captivated me and left me so happy at the ending.
July 10, 2019
I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.
Read
November 21, 2017Great book. Very intriguing. Definitely a subject for this time and age. Highly recommend
November 21, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This isn't your typical murder mystery. It's really more of a slice-of-life novel, but with a mystery thrown in to drive things forward a bit.
Our main character is Bobbi Logan. We meet Bobbi at the beginning of the 2008 recession, just after she's decided to buy her friend's salon business. Bobbi has been working at the salon for years, but is a bit uncertain if she either wants to take the financial plunge or wants the responsibility. Her friend is sure she'll make a success of it, and she goes forward just as the recession hits. Now Bobbi has the responsibility for all her employees, the responsibility of paying for her business as well as her home.
In addition, Bobbi has an ex-wife. Bobbi is transgender, and so is the author of this book. One of the things I most admired is how the author wrote what must certainly be personal issues into her book, with rich emotion and complexity. She never turns Bobbi into just a mouthpiece for transgender issues, although Bobbi certainly does touch on quite a few of those issues. They are just part of the life that she's living. Bobbi's ex-wife has remarried and has a little girl. Bobbi considers her ex-wife to be a sort of sister to her, and loves this little girl with all her heart.
The other side of the story is a long-term murder investigation. A detective decides that he's going to work a cold case on his own time. A man has been murdered, and that man had known ties to the transgender community- he liked the girls, but he also liked to rough them up. The detective himself has nothing but disgust for transgender people. He thinks of them as sub-human and he hopes to have the chance to put one of them away. We see into his head as readers and it's truly an ugly place.
A spokesperson for the police department lets Bobbi know of this detective's interest. Bobbi does have a history of sorts with the dead man, but we don't learn too much more than that for most of the book. Instead of that focus, we see how Bobbi helps her ex-wife when the new husband suddenly dies. We see how she thinks up new ways to promote her business during financial hard times. And we see her hopes and fears because she thinks this new police spokesman might be attracted to her. Through Bobbi, we experience a myriad of hopes and fears around relationships. What if he just has some sort of fascination with transgender females and wants to see what it's like to sleep with one? What if she's reading too much into things? Should she follow her heart or stay safe, knowing the odds are that things won't work out into the long term relationship that she would like? What if he does really like her but is ashamed of that?
Meanwhile, the detective undergoes a sort of sea change as he interviews various people who knew the dead man. One young transgender woman reminds him a bit of his own daughter, and that begins to humanize all transgender people a bit for him. Again, we read along as his views slowly evolve.
So, the book's not really about the mystery. We do find out what happened, but frankly that part of the book wasn't very satisfying. What I did like most was learning more about Bobbi. I related to her striving to succeed in her independent business, her readiness to accept blame from others about their feelings, her worries about finding love. I didn't rate the book 5 stars because it does read a bit like a first book- the writing is just a bit clunky at times. But the voice was authentic, and I would gladly read more by this author.
This isn't your typical murder mystery. It's really more of a slice-of-life novel, but with a mystery thrown in to drive things forward a bit.
Our main character is Bobbi Logan. We meet Bobbi at the beginning of the 2008 recession, just after she's decided to buy her friend's salon business. Bobbi has been working at the salon for years, but is a bit uncertain if she either wants to take the financial plunge or wants the responsibility. Her friend is sure she'll make a success of it, and she goes forward just as the recession hits. Now Bobbi has the responsibility for all her employees, the responsibility of paying for her business as well as her home.
In addition, Bobbi has an ex-wife. Bobbi is transgender, and so is the author of this book. One of the things I most admired is how the author wrote what must certainly be personal issues into her book, with rich emotion and complexity. She never turns Bobbi into just a mouthpiece for transgender issues, although Bobbi certainly does touch on quite a few of those issues. They are just part of the life that she's living. Bobbi's ex-wife has remarried and has a little girl. Bobbi considers her ex-wife to be a sort of sister to her, and loves this little girl with all her heart.
The other side of the story is a long-term murder investigation. A detective decides that he's going to work a cold case on his own time. A man has been murdered, and that man had known ties to the transgender community- he liked the girls, but he also liked to rough them up. The detective himself has nothing but disgust for transgender people. He thinks of them as sub-human and he hopes to have the chance to put one of them away. We see into his head as readers and it's truly an ugly place.
A spokesperson for the police department lets Bobbi know of this detective's interest. Bobbi does have a history of sorts with the dead man, but we don't learn too much more than that for most of the book. Instead of that focus, we see how Bobbi helps her ex-wife when the new husband suddenly dies. We see how she thinks up new ways to promote her business during financial hard times. And we see her hopes and fears because she thinks this new police spokesman might be attracted to her. Through Bobbi, we experience a myriad of hopes and fears around relationships. What if he just has some sort of fascination with transgender females and wants to see what it's like to sleep with one? What if she's reading too much into things? Should she follow her heart or stay safe, knowing the odds are that things won't work out into the long term relationship that she would like? What if he does really like her but is ashamed of that?
Meanwhile, the detective undergoes a sort of sea change as he interviews various people who knew the dead man. One young transgender woman reminds him a bit of his own daughter, and that begins to humanize all transgender people a bit for him. Again, we read along as his views slowly evolve.
So, the book's not really about the mystery. We do find out what happened, but frankly that part of the book wasn't very satisfying. What I did like most was learning more about Bobbi. I related to her striving to succeed in her independent business, her readiness to accept blame from others about their feelings, her worries about finding love. I didn't rate the book 5 stars because it does read a bit like a first book- the writing is just a bit clunky at times. But the voice was authentic, and I would gladly read more by this author.
February 3, 2017
When I started this book, I thought it was about a transwoman hairdresser who solved crimes. I was wrong, but my mistake was understandable. Bobbi starts off as the point-of-view character. When I was in her head, the pacing was too slow, the present tense wasn’t working for me, and I didn’t feel close to her or any of her friends. I kept dropping the book mid-scene.
Beyond basic structure, there were also some moments from her perspective that grated on me. Betsy calls Bobbi her “ex-husband”, even though Bobbi is a woman. Betsy is, in general, pretty awful and ungrateful, but Bobbi keeps insisting to herself that she doesn’t deserve anything better than their friendship. There’s also a guy—of course, he’s gorgeous—that Bobbi’s interested in. He flat out tells her he’s worried he only likes her because he has a fetish for her because she’s a transwoman. Forbidden fruit. And she still wants to see him because she thinks he’s great and she can’t do better.
Admittedly, some of the dissonance I felt could be due to the fact that this is the second book in a series and I haven’t read the first; I didn’t have those previous opportunities to bond with Bobbi. Also, I’m not interested in fashion or the industry, and that was basically the setting of the world. Certainly not the gritty murder mystery I was hoping for.
When the book really clicked for me was when another point-of-view character was introduced. A tough-as-nails detective is trying to convict Bobbi Logan of first degree murder, and the emotional growth he experiences from inhabiting her world creates a poignant and beautiful truth.
In all honesty, I’m not certain if James intended for the detective to be the protagonist of her story. She mentions in her rating that she felt the character—Bobbi—was interesting, which to me signals that she feels Bobbi is the protagonist, but I can’t let go of my interpretation that easily.
The detective’s character undergoes the most transformation. Bobbi starts out in good circumstances, the detective brings her down, and she struggles to climb back up. But by the end of the book, she’s still her best self. Her character growth doesn’t compare to the detective’s, who starts out as a complete asshole and changes into… maybe not a butterfly, but I saw something beautiful in him.
I hate to say Bobbi’s story is better told through the eyes of a straight cis man, but there was some real brilliance in the detective’s character. Bobbi was too much of a Mary Sue—she did no wrong but everyone still hated her. Her ex treated her poorly when she offered nothing but love. Her dates treated her disrespectfully, and she stuck with them because she felt it was the best she could do. People accused her of being a slut when she wasn’t. People accused her of being a bitch when she went out of her way to be kind. People accused her of being shrewd, but she only took over her business because an older gay man needed to retire due to health reasons. People accused her of murder….
The detective was a minority, however, and I think that aided how he came to an eventual understanding and respect for Bobbi. Despite the circumstances, by the end of the novel I felt as if that respect was mutual. Bobbi may be an honest woman, but the detective is also an honest cop. And justice must be served. Unfortunately, according to the law, there’s only one kind.
Reviewed by Ben for The Novel Approach Reviews
Beyond basic structure, there were also some moments from her perspective that grated on me. Betsy calls Bobbi her “ex-husband”, even though Bobbi is a woman. Betsy is, in general, pretty awful and ungrateful, but Bobbi keeps insisting to herself that she doesn’t deserve anything better than their friendship. There’s also a guy—of course, he’s gorgeous—that Bobbi’s interested in. He flat out tells her he’s worried he only likes her because he has a fetish for her because she’s a transwoman. Forbidden fruit. And she still wants to see him because she thinks he’s great and she can’t do better.
Admittedly, some of the dissonance I felt could be due to the fact that this is the second book in a series and I haven’t read the first; I didn’t have those previous opportunities to bond with Bobbi. Also, I’m not interested in fashion or the industry, and that was basically the setting of the world. Certainly not the gritty murder mystery I was hoping for.
When the book really clicked for me was when another point-of-view character was introduced. A tough-as-nails detective is trying to convict Bobbi Logan of first degree murder, and the emotional growth he experiences from inhabiting her world creates a poignant and beautiful truth.
In all honesty, I’m not certain if James intended for the detective to be the protagonist of her story. She mentions in her rating that she felt the character—Bobbi—was interesting, which to me signals that she feels Bobbi is the protagonist, but I can’t let go of my interpretation that easily.
The detective’s character undergoes the most transformation. Bobbi starts out in good circumstances, the detective brings her down, and she struggles to climb back up. But by the end of the book, she’s still her best self. Her character growth doesn’t compare to the detective’s, who starts out as a complete asshole and changes into… maybe not a butterfly, but I saw something beautiful in him.
I hate to say Bobbi’s story is better told through the eyes of a straight cis man, but there was some real brilliance in the detective’s character. Bobbi was too much of a Mary Sue—she did no wrong but everyone still hated her. Her ex treated her poorly when she offered nothing but love. Her dates treated her disrespectfully, and she stuck with them because she felt it was the best she could do. People accused her of being a slut when she wasn’t. People accused her of being a bitch when she went out of her way to be kind. People accused her of being shrewd, but she only took over her business because an older gay man needed to retire due to health reasons. People accused her of murder….
The detective was a minority, however, and I think that aided how he came to an eventual understanding and respect for Bobbi. Despite the circumstances, by the end of the novel I felt as if that respect was mutual. Bobbi may be an honest woman, but the detective is also an honest cop. And justice must be served. Unfortunately, according to the law, there’s only one kind.
Reviewed by Ben for The Novel Approach Reviews
October 21, 2016
A transgender crime mystery.
This is a most unusual book and gives an insight into the transgender world in Chicago and how prejudices are fostered and acted upon.
Bobbi Logan is a 43-year-old transgender woman who has become a high-class hairstylist running a successful salon. She has succeeded in most areas of her life including a brilliant relationship with her ex-wife, Betsy and her child Robbie by her new husband Don. Everything seems to be going well when Don unexpectedly dies leaving Betsy almost penniless and the recession starts to affect the salon. As well as this Detective Sergeant Wilkins, has reopened a 5-year-old murder case of a man called John Strand, because he is convinced that Bobbi is the killer.
Bobbi is trying to keep her head above water with her business, care for her ex-wife and try to convince Detective Wilkins that she was not the killer even though circumstances imply that she is. We do not learn the whole truth until the end of the novel and the ending was a shock and not what I was expecting.
However, although the story in itself was interesting and well written, I got the feeling that this was almost incidental to the main aim of the book which was to explain the problems facing transgender people of both sexes. Unfortunately, this is an area which still brings out the worst in many people and probably always will. I did feel however that in some areas it was almost too graphic when Bobbi is explaining some of the events that have happened to her and that is why I have only given it 3 stars.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
This is a most unusual book and gives an insight into the transgender world in Chicago and how prejudices are fostered and acted upon.
Bobbi Logan is a 43-year-old transgender woman who has become a high-class hairstylist running a successful salon. She has succeeded in most areas of her life including a brilliant relationship with her ex-wife, Betsy and her child Robbie by her new husband Don. Everything seems to be going well when Don unexpectedly dies leaving Betsy almost penniless and the recession starts to affect the salon. As well as this Detective Sergeant Wilkins, has reopened a 5-year-old murder case of a man called John Strand, because he is convinced that Bobbi is the killer.
Bobbi is trying to keep her head above water with her business, care for her ex-wife and try to convince Detective Wilkins that she was not the killer even though circumstances imply that she is. We do not learn the whole truth until the end of the novel and the ending was a shock and not what I was expecting.
However, although the story in itself was interesting and well written, I got the feeling that this was almost incidental to the main aim of the book which was to explain the problems facing transgender people of both sexes. Unfortunately, this is an area which still brings out the worst in many people and probably always will. I did feel however that in some areas it was almost too graphic when Bobbi is explaining some of the events that have happened to her and that is why I have only given it 3 stars.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
March 20, 2017
While I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I must say it took me a number of chapters to get used to the narration. Not only is this story told in present tense, it also alternates between first (Bobbie) and third person (Wilkins).
The most enjoyable, or should I say moving part of this story for me, was the insight into Bobbie’s life as a transsexual woman. Bobbie’s story is so gut-wrenchingly authentic, I wouldn’t be surprised to discover the author has walked a mile in Bobbie’s shoes.
As per the blurb, Wilkins’ has reopened a five-year-old murder case and his number one suspect is Bobbie. This part of the story was so-so for me, so I’m not going to rehash it.
With the story being set in the 80’s, the plot also focuses on the recession and how hard it hits people and business. Speaking of, the hairdressing salon and supporting characters were also a treat.
I know cancer is a widespread issue, but the fact three characters in this story had the dreaded disease struck me as odd. Two of the characters I didn’t know, so it didn’t upset me, the other I didn’t like so again I didn’t find it distressing, therefore don’t let the C-word stop you from picking up this compelling story.
Summary – This story made me think, made me feel, and stayed with me for days after turning the last page.
Copy received via NetGalley
The most enjoyable, or should I say moving part of this story for me, was the insight into Bobbie’s life as a transsexual woman. Bobbie’s story is so gut-wrenchingly authentic, I wouldn’t be surprised to discover the author has walked a mile in Bobbie’s shoes.
She can see me as the woman I am to the very depths of my soul, but others will see me as a dickless man, and see anyone who loves me as some kind of pervert.
As per the blurb, Wilkins’ has reopened a five-year-old murder case and his number one suspect is Bobbie. This part of the story was so-so for me, so I’m not going to rehash it.
With the story being set in the 80’s, the plot also focuses on the recession and how hard it hits people and business. Speaking of, the hairdressing salon and supporting characters were also a treat.
I know cancer is a widespread issue, but the fact three characters in this story had the dreaded disease struck me as odd. Two of the characters I didn’t know, so it didn’t upset me, the other I didn’t like so again I didn’t find it distressing, therefore don’t let the C-word stop you from picking up this compelling story.
Summary – This story made me think, made me feel, and stayed with me for days after turning the last page.
Copy received via NetGalley
January 17, 2017
I’ve read lots of books with gay/lesbian/bi characters but this was my first one with a transgender character and I was very curious to see how it would flow. I was especially curious because the book is written from her point of view which helps someone who does not have that much familiarity with transgendered people get a greater understanding. I was hooked from the first chapter because the author has a great writing style and has written a character you want to get invested in.
This is a charmingly written mystery that has the surprising ability to take the reader on an emotionally satisfying journey. Reading about the violence faced by transgender people simply for being who they are was so heartbreaking and a stark reminder of the reality people like Bobbi face every day. I admired the main character, Bobbi, a great deal and it helped give me insight into a world I did not have that much experience with before. The ending is beautiful and was thankfully satisfying, I just can’t imagine a better written conclusion for this book.
As a woman I thoroughly enjoyed reading a powerful story about a fellow female who fights back to survive and overcome adversity to change her life. If we all had a little bit of her strength this world would be a better place.
This is a charmingly written mystery that has the surprising ability to take the reader on an emotionally satisfying journey. Reading about the violence faced by transgender people simply for being who they are was so heartbreaking and a stark reminder of the reality people like Bobbi face every day. I admired the main character, Bobbi, a great deal and it helped give me insight into a world I did not have that much experience with before. The ending is beautiful and was thankfully satisfying, I just can’t imagine a better written conclusion for this book.
As a woman I thoroughly enjoyed reading a powerful story about a fellow female who fights back to survive and overcome adversity to change her life. If we all had a little bit of her strength this world would be a better place.
October 25, 2016
The mystery here wasn't compelling, but our protagonist was a fully characterized, dimensional and interesting (trans) woman. I liked being able to enter this headspace, with all her insecurities and passions on display.
December 14, 2016
“Write what you know” and “begin with the character” are two common—perhaps clichéd—pieces of advice most writers hear throughout their career. For Renee James, those words of wisdom culminated at a crucial point in her personal life, a time when she had finally come to terms with her true identity and was struggling to decide whether she wanted to live the rest of her years as the man she was born as, or the woman she is.
Inspired by her wife’s sage advice, James ultimately decided to keep her true self private, instead exploring her emotions through a fictional journal that imagined what life could have been like if she’d made the decision to fully embrace the change.
That diary turned into a 50,000-word character study that became the back story of Bobbi Logan, one of the most successful transgender women in Chicago—and the protagonist of James’ Bobbi Logan Crime series.
That first book—originally published as Coming Out Can Be Murder in Chicago and then re-published as Transition to Murder—was admittedly light on plot, but achieved exactly what James intended from a character standpoint. For A KIND OF JUSTICE, James focused more on plot.
Within the space of a few weeks, Bobbi’s thriving salon goes bankrupt, her ex-wife is in dire need of her help, and a hateful police officer is hell bent on convicting her of a crime she didn’t commit—the murder of John Strand, a pillar of the community and a sexual predator.
New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult writes of A KIND OF JUSTICE, “You’ve most likely never met a narrator like Bobbi. Tough, tender, funny, full of heart—and a transgender woman—she is navigating not just a new life, but also an unsolved murder that a detective is trying to pin on her. Renee James takes the reader on whirlwind of a ride, while subtly revealing the honest heartbreaks and successes of the trans community.”
The quote strikes a chord as it’s clear James wants to contribute to the LGBTQIA community in a meaningful way, keeping the momentum of acceptance striving forward. In this interview with The Big Thrill (http://www.thebigthrill.org/2016/09/a...) James is quick to acknowledge that recent coming out stories—such as that of the Wachowski sisters—has created a monumental awareness of transgender issues, but when she’s out in public, James is conscious of how people view her.
These observations—and the feelings and vulnerabilities that often come with them—are acutely described in James’ outstanding work, and in the very make-up of her truly remarkable protagonist.
Inspired by her wife’s sage advice, James ultimately decided to keep her true self private, instead exploring her emotions through a fictional journal that imagined what life could have been like if she’d made the decision to fully embrace the change.
That diary turned into a 50,000-word character study that became the back story of Bobbi Logan, one of the most successful transgender women in Chicago—and the protagonist of James’ Bobbi Logan Crime series.
That first book—originally published as Coming Out Can Be Murder in Chicago and then re-published as Transition to Murder—was admittedly light on plot, but achieved exactly what James intended from a character standpoint. For A KIND OF JUSTICE, James focused more on plot.
Within the space of a few weeks, Bobbi’s thriving salon goes bankrupt, her ex-wife is in dire need of her help, and a hateful police officer is hell bent on convicting her of a crime she didn’t commit—the murder of John Strand, a pillar of the community and a sexual predator.
New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult writes of A KIND OF JUSTICE, “You’ve most likely never met a narrator like Bobbi. Tough, tender, funny, full of heart—and a transgender woman—she is navigating not just a new life, but also an unsolved murder that a detective is trying to pin on her. Renee James takes the reader on whirlwind of a ride, while subtly revealing the honest heartbreaks and successes of the trans community.”
The quote strikes a chord as it’s clear James wants to contribute to the LGBTQIA community in a meaningful way, keeping the momentum of acceptance striving forward. In this interview with The Big Thrill (http://www.thebigthrill.org/2016/09/a...) James is quick to acknowledge that recent coming out stories—such as that of the Wachowski sisters—has created a monumental awareness of transgender issues, but when she’s out in public, James is conscious of how people view her.
These observations—and the feelings and vulnerabilities that often come with them—are acutely described in James’ outstanding work, and in the very make-up of her truly remarkable protagonist.
July 3, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Kind of Justice follows Bobbi Logan, a trans woman, running an upmarket hair salon in Chicago. I found most of the book focused on Bobbi's struggle to keep the salon and the harassment she faced at the hands of a detective obsessed with a murder linked to the trans community in the local area.
I started reading this book quite a few months ago, but really struggled to get into it, though admittedly this may be because this is the second book in the series and I haven't read the first.
The best part this book was Bobbi. The character evolution was what kept me reading through most of the book and I was able to create my own image of Bobbi. She is a warm and wonderful character and I enjoyed getting to know her and understand her insight to the struggles of a trans woman in Chicago.
The story line was slow and I didn't warm to the other main characters, which left me unable to finish the book. I also admit this is not a genre I usually follow. I attempted to pick it back up on a couple of occasions, but it didn't pique my interest, I wasn't dying to know the ending and because of that I moved on.
I honestly hope that this book finds a lot of fans. Alongside the fiction, it covers an important topic and it's about time we saw more diverse books in this category!
A Kind of Justice follows Bobbi Logan, a trans woman, running an upmarket hair salon in Chicago. I found most of the book focused on Bobbi's struggle to keep the salon and the harassment she faced at the hands of a detective obsessed with a murder linked to the trans community in the local area.
I started reading this book quite a few months ago, but really struggled to get into it, though admittedly this may be because this is the second book in the series and I haven't read the first.
The best part this book was Bobbi. The character evolution was what kept me reading through most of the book and I was able to create my own image of Bobbi. She is a warm and wonderful character and I enjoyed getting to know her and understand her insight to the struggles of a trans woman in Chicago.
The story line was slow and I didn't warm to the other main characters, which left me unable to finish the book. I also admit this is not a genre I usually follow. I attempted to pick it back up on a couple of occasions, but it didn't pique my interest, I wasn't dying to know the ending and because of that I moved on.
I honestly hope that this book finds a lot of fans. Alongside the fiction, it covers an important topic and it's about time we saw more diverse books in this category!
July 26, 2017
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.
This novel, centered around a transgender hairdresser and the murder investigation following her, feels real and authentic to a level I didn't expect. I loved Bobbi Logan, and I feel like I gained some genuine insight on what it's like to be a trans person, likely due to the fact that Renee James is both transgender herself and an excellent writer.
The central "mystery," if you can call it that, is really secondary to the story of Bobbi's life and relationships with the people around her. One of the central themes of the book is that outward appearances can be deceiving, and people can change/be much different than you thought initially. The warmth that radiates from the main character (and the book itself) makes this theme feel true and moving, but even with that warmth, the book never shies away from the violence, bigotry, and turmoil trans people often face. The characters in A Kind of Justice are so well-drawn and compassionately written that it might even make you think twice about easy judgments, and that's a takeaway message that couldn't be more necessary in the world.
This novel, centered around a transgender hairdresser and the murder investigation following her, feels real and authentic to a level I didn't expect. I loved Bobbi Logan, and I feel like I gained some genuine insight on what it's like to be a trans person, likely due to the fact that Renee James is both transgender herself and an excellent writer.
The central "mystery," if you can call it that, is really secondary to the story of Bobbi's life and relationships with the people around her. One of the central themes of the book is that outward appearances can be deceiving, and people can change/be much different than you thought initially. The warmth that radiates from the main character (and the book itself) makes this theme feel true and moving, but even with that warmth, the book never shies away from the violence, bigotry, and turmoil trans people often face. The characters in A Kind of Justice are so well-drawn and compassionately written that it might even make you think twice about easy judgments, and that's a takeaway message that couldn't be more necessary in the world.
April 9, 2018
This is my first book with a transgender person as the main character. It definitely had me hooked from the first few pages. We meet Bobbi Logan, a salon owner who is under a lot of stress, one of which is her new identity, the other from her ex-wife. The mystery is on-point, I really enjoyed it. The writing was well done and immersing (a big problem in LGBTQIA currently, in my opinion). This book is part two in a series and I have no read the second one. It causes minor confusion in some areas but I was still able to follow along and enjoy it. This is not a knock to the book, I suppose I should be diligent about reading a series in order, especially one in the mystery genre.
The book staggers a little near the middle but manages to right itself for the finish line.
As a side-note, I have a particularly hard time with depictions of rape which this book did contain. I was able to get through it because I felt it was poignant and important to the story. It was very real which, while difficult for me, made me appreciate the effort of the author in not shying away from scenes like this.
All in all a solid 4 out 5 stars, very well done.
The book staggers a little near the middle but manages to right itself for the finish line.
As a side-note, I have a particularly hard time with depictions of rape which this book did contain. I was able to get through it because I felt it was poignant and important to the story. It was very real which, while difficult for me, made me appreciate the effort of the author in not shying away from scenes like this.
All in all a solid 4 out 5 stars, very well done.
August 29, 2017
After receiving the book from Net Galley I realized it was the second book in a series. I had to go back and read the first one, and I am glad I did, though you really did not have to in order to enjoy this one. The book does build on the events of the first book but a lot of it is rehashed in case you were not able to read the book. Bobbi Logan, a trans woman and hair stylist has gone through a lot in her life and she is not allowed to enjoy anything with a detective from the previous book who is making her life a living hell, by trying to pin a crime on her.
The book shines in the personal drama and life of the main characters. All are painted in great detail and are fully drawn real life characters that we can believe live off of the page. I believe that the "mystery" is the weakest part of the book and there seems to be a "deus ex machina" quality to the overall tone of that aspect, but as a continuing character study it is brilliant and is allowed to shine. I do look forward to the further exploits of Bobbi Logan.
The book shines in the personal drama and life of the main characters. All are painted in great detail and are fully drawn real life characters that we can believe live off of the page. I believe that the "mystery" is the weakest part of the book and there seems to be a "deus ex machina" quality to the overall tone of that aspect, but as a continuing character study it is brilliant and is allowed to shine. I do look forward to the further exploits of Bobbi Logan.
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