Suitable for Framing

Britt Montero #3

by Edna Buchanan

The third in the Britt Montero series. Britt takes a young reporter under her wing, but Trish Ainsley proves to be a slick operator as well as a fast learner, keen to grab the headlines and glory. Then Trish ends up murdered and Britt finds herself in the middle of a red-hot story.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Edna Buchanan knew she wanted to be a writer since she was 4 years old. She moved to Florida where she got a job at a small newspaper. Ms. Buchanan became a reporter for the Miami Beach Daily Sun in the late 1960s.

In 1970, she was hired as a general assignment and police-beat reporter at the Miami Herald. In 1973, Ms. Buchanan became a police beat reporter, which coincided with the rise of Miami as a center of the international drug trade.

Winning a Pulitzer Prize, Ms. Buchanan became one of the best-known crime reporters in the U.S. She discussed some of her assignments in the books, The Corpse Had a Familiar Face (1991) and Never Let Them See You Cry (1993). She has retired from journalism and writes mystery novels. The main character in her crime mystery series is Britt Montero.

Reviews

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

#3 in the Britt Montero series

I can't believe it's taken me so long to get back into this series. As I wrote in my previous reviews, it's a fast-moving mystery series with great characters, and this book is no exception. Britt is a crime reporter for the Miami News, having lived there her whole life. When a young and eager reporter joins the team, she's happy to help her get started. At the same time, Britt offers friendship to a young black kid on the streets who has gotten in with a bad crowd and wants to get out and make a better life for himself. Unfortunately, neither situation works out very well. Not only that, but Britt becomes the main suspect in a murder and is arrested. Lots of action, for sure. And I love Britt as a main character. She tries hard to be honest and straightforward, while still being sensitive to the people involved in the story. She's not too involved in office politics, but she's definitely got an inside track with multiple sources around town. She's savvy, independent, but she's also vulnerable. There's a brief revisit with Kendall, the cop she was seeing. Exciting stuff--a quick read. I'll continue with this series sooner rather than later.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this novel/audiobook was better than the last two. Sure, I knew one of the revelations before it was revealed, but I'm betting lots of other readers did, also. This in no way spoiled the novel or its storyline.
I really like this narrator for the series, Erin Bennett. She can really show all the emotions the author must have been trying to convey, and very well. When she's emoting snarkiness or rolling her eyes at someone, you can hear it. It's great. I snorted at one point, lol.
This book is a solid 4 stars, and recommended for lovers of mystery novels and journalists.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read this Brit Montero mystery before, but didn't remember until I was half way through it this time. It's a fast read, and I love Buchanan's writing. She's a talented story-teller.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the first two books in this series (Contents Under Pressure and Miami, It's Murder, respectively) about Miami crime reporter Britt Montero-written by Miami crime reporter Edna Buchanan. This entry was decent, but sadly not nearly as good as the first two.

The plot involves a too good to be true wanna-be reporter who inserts herself into Britt's job. Double crosses and murder follow (the title gives you a hint.) It's not bad but nothing that really will stick with you either. I was so enamored with Britt in the first two books, I might eventually work my way back around to this series and see whether this entry was an anomaly or a sign post for where the series quality headed.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miami crime beat report Britt Montero becomes a murder suspect as she covers crime stories for a Miami newspaper. Story moves from crime scene to crime scene as Britt follows stories, beomes involved with young criminal who she tries to help, while developing a relationship with a new reporter she helps get started on the paper. It's this reporter who is murdered after she and Britt have a fight outside a police station.

The murder mystery doesn't start until late in the novel, so much of the story moves quickly as Britt covers various crimes, an ongoing series cenetered around one young car thief, and a young guy she tries to save.

[Rob Breen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started off well, but it lacked greatly in details. The plot was a bit predictable and it felt rushed. I felt there was a lot missing from this book. Nowhere near as epic as “Contents Under Pressure”. I still loved the characters (Britt and Lottie primarily) which made the book tolerable. I will still read the remainder of the series.

[Bobbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Although I enjoyed this light, cozy mystery, I couldn’t quite give it a 4 star rating because I fell asleep twice while listening to it and had to go back and re-listen. Nicely narrated, so that wasn’t the problem. Maybe I was just tired. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Kathryn in FL · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like mystery, you probably will want to read this author. I've read many of Edna Buchanan's stories, I especially enjoyed the Britt Montero series. While I don't remember this story (I read it over twenty or probably closer to thirty years ago). These were clever mysteries without a lot of sex and explicit gore. Though definitely not a cozy mystery, I found this to be without the "HORROR Component".

I always finished each one eagerly anticipating what would be released next. I was sure to read it hot off the presses.

Ms. Buchanan won a lot of awards for her writing but never got the following I thought she deserved. Any crime writer will fair well by learning from this master.

[Chris Gager · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing special so far. Miami's a nasty and violent place and we all hate how scumbags(no matter how old)evade justice and appropriate incarceration. The usual elements are in place along with nice local details. Not as flashy as Miami Vice - more grit. A quibble... why do these crime writers want to bore us with details of the protagonists romantic lives(or lack thereof)? There's all the formula details about streets, buildings, booze, food and weaponry. A nice character creation with Cornflake/Howie though...

I skimmed to the ending after becoming discouraged by the "downturn" of quality at the past-midway point. How/why did this woman win a Pulitzer Prize????? It began to fall apart when Trish was elevated to super-psycho status and lost me completely in the onrush of romance near the end. I had hopes that Howie would have a different-than-predictable fate but alas... It all ended up as a money-grabbing cruddy wordpile. Based on this one book I'd say Ms. Buchanan deserves to be near the bottom of the Mystery writers list for me. Sara Paretsky was better, P.D. James was better, Dorothy L. Sayers was WAY better... 2 stars...

I just realized I'd read 2 (almost)straight books based in Miami. Maybe I was pushing my luck. I see that the book is pretty well rated by Goodreads reviewers - WHY???

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book of the Britt Montero series but I thought it really lacked the previous books' momentum.  I simply didn't buy a reporter getting so involved in a teen's life, as this book portrayed.  I have multiple members of my family who have been reporters and that behavior would have not been tolerated. Britt also has more autonomy in what she writes about than is normal in a major newspaper hierarchy. 

The story starts with a very interesting story about the hit-and-run of a young woman and her two children by teen carjackers.  Then, Britt helps Trish Tierney to get a job as a reporter at the same newspaper where she works. Before long, Trish is scooping Britt's stories (on her own beat). Much of the book is about Britt working her contacts in the Miami police (especially Det. Bill Rakestraw) to catch a ring of juveniles who are responsible for massive numbers of car thefts.

I don't know if the author overstated the crime in Miami or was telling the straight story. But Miami comes across as a horrible place to live. Frankly, after reading these three books, I have absolutely no interest in visiting Miami.  It seems to be a particularly lawless area of the country.

Britt Montero 
1. Contents Under Pressure (1992)  
2. Miami, It's Murder(1994) 
**3. Suitable for Framing (1995) 

[P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is sometimes entertaining and sometimes frustrating. How could a smart girl be so trusting? Why do authors feel the need to kill off certain characters? One in particular was very upsetting to me. The young juvenile named Willy who is smart and kind and who is trying to get his life on track. Why kill him? Of course real life has no meaning and is unfair but I want my fictional characters who are good and trying to do what is right to live happily ever after.

[William Howle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read with the character Britt Montero as a newspaper crime reporter in Miami. My first take is I don’t want to visit Miami as there appears to be a lot of crime toward tourists. Secondly it identifies a problem throughout the country of teenage criminals getting away with crime due to their age. The story deals with a reporter wanting to take Britt’s job by manufacturing crimes she can report on. This person is ultimately killed and Britt is framed, but the truth comes out in the end.

[Bobby G. Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read

Having been born and raised in Miami, I cannot resist the local color and character of my hometown. Yes it is a dangerous place but as Britt, would say, “lt is my dangerous place.”

Along with local color the reader is gifted sharp wit and true compassion which are part of the character of reporter Britt Monterey. In this selection Britt learns how it feels to be the story.

[Bryan Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the Britt Montero series and this one was not a disappointment. Lots of things going on in this book, but I thought Edna Buchanan balanced them all well. Love that this was written in 1995 and she's discussing issues of police violence even then.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is clearly an example of “ more is more” . . . The more I read the Britt Montero series, the more I enjoy it.

The evil-doer ( in the sub-plot) was definitely fore-shadowed early in the novel, but it was still interesting and suspenseful for the story to play out. A great summer read.

[Christine Lucia Asha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am officially calling this a thriller! Author Edna Buchanan has upped her game infinitesimally since book 1 (which was thrilling) book 2 (which contained a little terror for our protagonist) and this novel, which is on par with Gardner and Gerritsen!

[Rory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid mystery book with suspense but not gore. Excellent narration by Barbara Caruso.

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent; Continuing Character: Britt Montero; crime reporter is looking for a car jacker, while a new reporter will stop at nothing to take her job.

[Yves Lefevre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.
A good story of betrayal. The end is a little weak though.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book by Edna Buchanan. I couldn't put it down!

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4th in the Britt Montero series. A thirtyish newspaper reporter covers the Miami police beat. Extremely well written by someone who knows all the ins and outs of a big-city newsroom

[Patricia Piacentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

can't put her books down until I'm finished!

[Melissa Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the book, I felt the ending was rushed, but loved the idea of being the new versus reporting the news. I'll definitely read the whole series.

[Beth Birnbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this deadly version of All About Eve!
Well written, fast paced, vintage but fresh, and a scenic tour of Miami.
Can't be beat!

[Mary Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun, as always. An interesting twist to solve the quandary.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and a good read. Slow beginning but it picks up and the last 100 pages fly by. Biggest criticism is that, once again, Britt's stupidity causes all of her problems.

[Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this four-star addition to the Britt Montero series. Edna Buchanan has such immense talent—she makes you root hard for Britt, a fierce Cuban-American crime reporter navigating the chaos of ‘90s Miami. That era’s wild unpredictability really amps up the tension in both the plots and the characters.

The story kicks off with Britt throwing herself into a terrifying spate of carjackings tearing through the city. A ruthless teen gangster dubbed “FMJ” (Full Metal Jacket) leads a crew that doesn’t just steal cars—they shoot victims in the legs to make sure they can’t fight back, and far too often, it ends in tragedy. Britt sees the horror up close when a mother and her young child fall victim to a hit-and-run after one of these attacks, igniting her drive to uncover the truth.

As she digs deeper, Britt tries to turn a frightened kid on the gang’s edges into an informant—someone who could blow the case wide open. Meanwhile, in the newsroom, she takes an ambitious newbie named Trish Tierney under her wing, showing her the ropes on the police beat. But Trish turns out to be a fast climber, scooping stories, poaching sources, and sparking a bitter rivalry laced with deceit and betrayal.

Things escalate fast when a shocking murder drags Britt even further in. Wrongly accused and thrown behind bars, she faces a gut-wrenching loss of freedom that hits her on a deeply personal level. In jail, Britt grapples with how fragile liberty truly is, finding unexpected emotional ties to her father’s tragic past—an unjust imprisonment in Cuba as a freedom fighter, ending in execution by Castro’s regime when she was just a little girl. This ordeal brings her closer to the dad she never really knew, layering real growth and introspection into the nonstop action.

All the threads crash together in a heart-pounding climax that jeopardizes Britt’s career, reputation, and safety. It’s pure ‘90s Miami grit: high-speed chases, cutthroat newsroom drama, and Britt’s unbreakable spirit shining through. Buchanan weaves in sharp commentary on juvenile crime, journalistic ethics, and the heavy price of lost freedom without ever slowing the pace.
If you love fast-paced crime thrillers with a strong, relatable heroine and that authentic reporter’s edge, this one’s a winner.

[Ken Heard · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, Edna Buchanan is one of my heroes. She's a newspaper reporter who has written several books. I'm a newspaper reporter who has never written a book. She, like Michael Connolly, has success in both of her ventures.

I read Suitable for Framing 11 years ago and gave it four stars here. Maybe I was younger and not as cynical about the news profession back then as I am now. I dropped it a star on a second read because of several things:

Cliches: This is ridden with drama cliches. SPOILER ALERT AHEAD>> Some of the characters follow actions based upon cliches created by the genre. Howie, one of the car jackers police are looking for, lives in a parking garage. Britt finds him, while cops are stumped on his location. He has a Star Trek Enterprise toy he hangs on to. The toy becomes a moment of reflection later in a cliche-like scene that you see in all tear-jerking moments.

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT:
You know what will happen to Howie long before it does. Buchanan builds up hope that Britt can help him become a good kid. Of course, he dies in a dumb SWAT shoot out. Cliche.

Dialogue: Wow. If you read some of the quotes out loud, they sound really forced and not like what real people would say. Lottie's Texas accent is a tad overdone as well.

Trish: Her development from good to bad is too fitting, too puzzle pieced together. Marty, the Chicago investigative reporter finds out a lot about her. Even Trish's mother rats her out as an attention-seeking person.

The crime: Britt is accused of murder in the last quarter of the book. That part goes too quickly. She bonds out on a $75,000 bail (for first-degree murder!) I've seen people have higher bonds for theft. And she solves the case quickly.

I've read Buchanan's other stuff in the past and it serves well as escape fiction. If you're looking for extreme depth of characters, realistic dialogue and complex plot development , pass on this. If you're looking for a quick read just to avoid life, this may fit in your reading plan.

Again, kudos for Buchanan for writing this in the first place. Anyone who can write a book is a hero of mine, regardless. And she is a great reporter as well.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read several of the Britt Montero reporter/crime fiction books back in the 1990's/early 2000's when they were first published; a recent essay I read about author Edna Buchanan prompted me to revisit some of the series. I'm glad I did. The novel holds up very well to the passage of time and reminded me of what a great writer Buchanan is. Before she was a novelist, Buchanan was a journalist, her skills finely honed from years covering the police beat for the Miami Herald. That experience shows in her books.

I also enjoyed that this book hearkens back to an earlier era of crime fiction. So many of today's crime novels tend to lean toward the thriller/psych thriller/unreliable narrator/twisty ending forms of the genre. Which is all well and good - I love those books too. But the Britt Montero series is a little bit more old school, a little more straightforward (again, cue the journalism influence), and it makes for a nice reading departure.

Have already purchased/downloaded another Montero book from the past. Can't wait to dive in.

[Carol A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th Edna Buchanan book I've read (read the first two & "You Only Die Twice") and it was my favorite...until the last 30 pages. I just didn't like how the plot wound down (things felt rushed and I wanted a different scenario), but that doesn't erase my good feelings about the bulk of the novel. Wow, that Trish character, sort of a "Single White Female"; I found her dangerous, complicated, & compelling. Trish wasn't built to last, since someone would eventually catch on to the things she pulled off. If I was Britt though, I'd leave the Miami News; that organization sort of hung her out to dry for the shine of a rising star, and they gave in to what Trish was about too easily (that happens at times with human nature). At least Lottie (although Lottie said she thought she was losing britt as a friend, when in reality it was more the feeling of Britt possibly finding a friend she'd be closer to) & Onnie stuck by Britt; like britt says in the book, friends are family we choose for ourselves:-).
I also felt the Peanut/FMJ storyline was exciting & gripping to the max, and that was a fella that was way out of hand (no redeeming qualities going for him for sure).
I still recommend the book, I just have reservations about its conclusion.