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Krista Larson #2
Girl Can't Help It
A rock band’s reunion is looking more like a farewell tour in a captivating mystery by New York Times bestselling and award-winning crime master Max Allan Collins.
No sooner do Hot Rod and the Pistons reunite for their induction into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, than two band members take a final bow. Both alleged suicides. A tragic way to go out. A bum way for one-hit wonders to be remembered. But it’s Labor Day weekend. The show must go on.
With replacements at the ready, the Pistons are back on home turf to headline the first ever Rock and Country Music Fest. Police Chief Krista Larson and her father, Keith, are there listening. And watching. Because they suspect there may be more to the band members’ untimely deaths than anyone else can see.
As Krista and Keith navigate the investigation, a dark picture of the band’s rocky history begins to take center stage. As betrayal, revenge, and blackmail start playing out in the present, the father-daughter team fear that this encore may be the band’s finale.
No sooner do Hot Rod and the Pistons reunite for their induction into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, than two band members take a final bow. Both alleged suicides. A tragic way to go out. A bum way for one-hit wonders to be remembered. But it’s Labor Day weekend. The show must go on.
With replacements at the ready, the Pistons are back on home turf to headline the first ever Rock and Country Music Fest. Police Chief Krista Larson and her father, Keith, are there listening. And watching. Because they suspect there may be more to the band members’ untimely deaths than anyone else can see.
As Krista and Keith navigate the investigation, a dark picture of the band’s rocky history begins to take center stage. As betrayal, revenge, and blackmail start playing out in the present, the father-daughter team fear that this encore may be the band’s finale.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2020
About the author
Max Allan Collins
820 books1,354 followersReceived the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) in 2006.
He has also published under the name Patrick Culhane. He and his wife, Barbara Collins, have written several books together. Some of them are published under the name Barbara Allan.
Book Awards
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1984) : True Detective
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1992) : Stolen Away
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1995) : Carnal Hours
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) : Damned in Paradise
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Flying Blind: A Novel about Amelia Earhart
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : Angel in Black
Japanese: マックス・アラン・コリンズ
or マックス・アラン コリンズ
He has also published under the name Patrick Culhane. He and his wife, Barbara Collins, have written several books together. Some of them are published under the name Barbara Allan.
Book Awards
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1984) : True Detective
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1992) : Stolen Away
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1995) : Carnal Hours
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) : Damned in Paradise
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1999) : Flying Blind: A Novel about Amelia Earhart
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (2002) : Angel in Black
Japanese: マックス・アラン・コリンズ
or マックス・アラン コリンズ
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 8, 2019
Girl Can't Help It is the second book in Max Allan Collins' light-boiled small midwestern town mystery series featuring young police chief Krista Larson. This time the ghosts from the past come in the form of a once-hot local rock band doing a reunion tour and all the bad stuff from the crazy past coming back to life once again. Blackmail, murder, and rock n' roll play big roles in this mystery. Nevertheless, this series is a sharp departure from Collins' other work and doesn't quite have that edge that Quarry or Nathan Heller does. This one is not altogether successful and feels a bit flat, slow, and not a thrill ride at the local county fair. But, since it's Collins, it's worth a shot as always.
May 23, 2020
“Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll”
Okay! so this is book #2 in the ‘Krista Larsen’ series, however for those of you who tend to dip in and out of a series, it works just fine as a stand alone story. Yes, there is an ongoing backstory which runs through both books, however the author does a good job at weaving the pertinent, need to know details into the narrative, so that you don’t feel as though you are being left out of anything!
This story is an interesting mix of plot versus characters – but if you were to ask me if one prevailed markedly over the other, I would probably say, “no, not noticeably!”
More mystery than thriller; more small-town cozy than hardcore city crime; detailed police procedural, definitely not – but still murder nonetheless!
Don’t they always say that it is easier to write what you know about? Well! this author has enjoyed such a successful, long and varied career, that there was probably only one place left for him to go with that statement, and that would be to reflect and indulge a little in his passion for rock ‘n’ roll music, which he does most eloquently and knowledgeably in this book. You therefore do need to be prepared for some quite detailed narrative about the subject, where and when it is relevant, although Max has achieved such seamless results by blending fact with fiction, that I never lost interest in the storyline from that perspective.
The storyline and motive isn’t overly complicated, although that is predominantly because certain segments of the narrative are written from the perspective of the perpetrator, which could have become rather messy and confusing, but in reality were skilfully written, worked really well and only added to the intrigue. So in effect I knew the how, why and when of all the crimes, just not the who! I had a list with three suspects on it, however one of them became a victim and my other two choices were proved to be innocent, so I definitely wouldn’t have been much help for Krista, in solving the case! As it was, the guilty suspect gave themselves away, but not until the very last moment and I still never saw it coming until it hit me in the face. The final showdown maybe wasn’t quite so much of a surprise and was probably the most suitable and inevitable outcome in the circumstances, making for a definitive ending, following a good strong opening sequence, with some sound focused storyline content.
The mechanics of the police procedures which would undoubtedly be involved in such a complex series of unexplained deaths, are unfortunately not dealt with in quite so much detail. However this kind of reflects the authenticity and reality of the position of the City of Galena, one of the so named Quad Cities. It seems as though there are such limited resources, needing to be drawn with cooperation, from so many different cities, that for a Police Chief in Krista’s position, coordinating and commanding a serious potential murder investigation in-house, is almost impossible. So in that respect Max has stayed true to reality, which although that doesn’t make it quite so satisfying for us fiction crime addicts, who enjoy the complexities of the investigation and the pace of the action and storyline is definitely more sedentary, there is plenty of opportunity for immersing the reader in the whole experience, with some visually good and observationally detailed, descriptive writing, evoking a real sense of time and place. I felt as though I could have been there, in the city, knowing my way around the place and a neutral observer and bystander to the action.
There were a whole raft of characters involved in this complex story of revenge, betrayal and blackmail, some of whom I liked, a number of which I took an instant dislike to, with the rest probably being those whom I loved to hate! Not many of them came across as genuine, caring individuals, who were particularly engaging and there were plenty of sharp, edgy dialogue exchanges. There was also plenty of self-centred ego flying around the place, which made interaction between individual characters very difficult, not very open and certainly not very truthful, but to be honest was pretty much expected given the nature of the storyline.
If anything, I enjoyed this book more than the first, as Keith and Krista are beginning to resonate and grow on me, with Max starting to transform and develop the dynamics between them, giving both their personal and working relationships some genuine depth and engagement with me, the reader. I would also like to see the character of Detective Booker Jackson develop in his role alongside Krista, as they have the potential to make a great team in the future, especially if Keith does take on more of a consultancy role, as right now he is still searching for a sense of belonging, a state which will no doubt evolve and change as Krista finds her feet in her new role and Keith feels emotionally able to take his own life in a new direction.
This is definitely a series with real potential to go places and one which would probably lend itself quite nicely to a television series!
Okay! so this is book #2 in the ‘Krista Larsen’ series, however for those of you who tend to dip in and out of a series, it works just fine as a stand alone story. Yes, there is an ongoing backstory which runs through both books, however the author does a good job at weaving the pertinent, need to know details into the narrative, so that you don’t feel as though you are being left out of anything!
This story is an interesting mix of plot versus characters – but if you were to ask me if one prevailed markedly over the other, I would probably say, “no, not noticeably!”
More mystery than thriller; more small-town cozy than hardcore city crime; detailed police procedural, definitely not – but still murder nonetheless!
Don’t they always say that it is easier to write what you know about? Well! this author has enjoyed such a successful, long and varied career, that there was probably only one place left for him to go with that statement, and that would be to reflect and indulge a little in his passion for rock ‘n’ roll music, which he does most eloquently and knowledgeably in this book. You therefore do need to be prepared for some quite detailed narrative about the subject, where and when it is relevant, although Max has achieved such seamless results by blending fact with fiction, that I never lost interest in the storyline from that perspective.
The storyline and motive isn’t overly complicated, although that is predominantly because certain segments of the narrative are written from the perspective of the perpetrator, which could have become rather messy and confusing, but in reality were skilfully written, worked really well and only added to the intrigue. So in effect I knew the how, why and when of all the crimes, just not the who! I had a list with three suspects on it, however one of them became a victim and my other two choices were proved to be innocent, so I definitely wouldn’t have been much help for Krista, in solving the case! As it was, the guilty suspect gave themselves away, but not until the very last moment and I still never saw it coming until it hit me in the face. The final showdown maybe wasn’t quite so much of a surprise and was probably the most suitable and inevitable outcome in the circumstances, making for a definitive ending, following a good strong opening sequence, with some sound focused storyline content.
The mechanics of the police procedures which would undoubtedly be involved in such a complex series of unexplained deaths, are unfortunately not dealt with in quite so much detail. However this kind of reflects the authenticity and reality of the position of the City of Galena, one of the so named Quad Cities. It seems as though there are such limited resources, needing to be drawn with cooperation, from so many different cities, that for a Police Chief in Krista’s position, coordinating and commanding a serious potential murder investigation in-house, is almost impossible. So in that respect Max has stayed true to reality, which although that doesn’t make it quite so satisfying for us fiction crime addicts, who enjoy the complexities of the investigation and the pace of the action and storyline is definitely more sedentary, there is plenty of opportunity for immersing the reader in the whole experience, with some visually good and observationally detailed, descriptive writing, evoking a real sense of time and place. I felt as though I could have been there, in the city, knowing my way around the place and a neutral observer and bystander to the action.
There were a whole raft of characters involved in this complex story of revenge, betrayal and blackmail, some of whom I liked, a number of which I took an instant dislike to, with the rest probably being those whom I loved to hate! Not many of them came across as genuine, caring individuals, who were particularly engaging and there were plenty of sharp, edgy dialogue exchanges. There was also plenty of self-centred ego flying around the place, which made interaction between individual characters very difficult, not very open and certainly not very truthful, but to be honest was pretty much expected given the nature of the storyline.
If anything, I enjoyed this book more than the first, as Keith and Krista are beginning to resonate and grow on me, with Max starting to transform and develop the dynamics between them, giving both their personal and working relationships some genuine depth and engagement with me, the reader. I would also like to see the character of Detective Booker Jackson develop in his role alongside Krista, as they have the potential to make a great team in the future, especially if Keith does take on more of a consultancy role, as right now he is still searching for a sense of belonging, a state which will no doubt evolve and change as Krista finds her feet in her new role and Keith feels emotionally able to take his own life in a new direction.
This is definitely a series with real potential to go places and one which would probably lend itself quite nicely to a television series!
Want to Read
March 17, 2020eBook Giveaway Win!
June 21, 2022
I received this novel from the author in return for an honest review.
I read the first book in this series, and had mixed feelings about it. When the author offered the second book for review, I decided to give it a shot, because the series seems very important to the author. He's put a lot of time and effort into an iffy proposition. Sometimes the second book in a series turns out to be better than the first.
It certainly was in this case. A long time rock and roller, Collins brings his experiences to the table when describing the ins and outs of a rock band over the years. When one of them dies, possibly of a poisoning, Krista Larson and her father get involved. This time, Collins has a better handle on his characters. Krista doesn't seem like Vivian Bourne, and her father doesn't seem like Nate Heller.
As more members of the band die, the detectives become more and more certain that there is foul play involved.
While the person I hoped did it, didn't do it, the solution is perfectly satisfactory. I think with this book, the series is going to take off. Highly recommended.
I read the first book in this series, and had mixed feelings about it. When the author offered the second book for review, I decided to give it a shot, because the series seems very important to the author. He's put a lot of time and effort into an iffy proposition. Sometimes the second book in a series turns out to be better than the first.
It certainly was in this case. A long time rock and roller, Collins brings his experiences to the table when describing the ins and outs of a rock band over the years. When one of them dies, possibly of a poisoning, Krista Larson and her father get involved. This time, Collins has a better handle on his characters. Krista doesn't seem like Vivian Bourne, and her father doesn't seem like Nate Heller.
As more members of the band die, the detectives become more and more certain that there is foul play involved.
While the person I hoped did it, didn't do it, the solution is perfectly satisfactory. I think with this book, the series is going to take off. Highly recommended.
October 1, 2019
Alright. Coming to terms with the overabundance of clothing descriptions we had once again...
this book was pretty good.
The story was really catching and once again the killer was difficult to figure out.
This is book#2 in the series, but can totally be read as a stand alone.
Collins does enough rehashing to give you the gist of the characters backgrounds.
I liked it even more than the first book.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my ARC.
this book was pretty good.
The story was really catching and once again the killer was difficult to figure out.
This is book#2 in the series, but can totally be read as a stand alone.
Collins does enough rehashing to give you the gist of the characters backgrounds.
I liked it even more than the first book.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my ARC.
March 20, 2020
I received this book through the read now program on "NetGalley".
This story starts out with Hot Rod and the Pistons performing a concert while being inducted into Iowa's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After the concert, one of the followers goes with Rick to the cottage where he is staying. While there, this individual winds up giving Rick a drug which gave the appearance of a heart attack and his death was ruled as normal.
The band reforms with the addition of a new member and is preparing to go on a reunion tour. After a dress rehearsal, Danny winds up dead the following day after meeting with the same individual who was responsible for Rick's death. In this instance, his death was rulled a suicide because he supposedly hung himself. After another dress rehearsal for the group, Rick's wife Donna also met with this individual and met with her death. In this instance, the apartment was ransacked and it appear that the cause of death was a homicide.
The chief of Police and her father followed the clues, but were not able to come up with a suspect. This all came to a conclusion when the individual arranged to have a bomb made that she was going to use on the remaining group at the concert being performed in Galenta. This would have worked except the Police Chief's father realized that the previous speaker doing the introductions had left her purse and on inspection noticed the bomb which he was able to dispose of in the river. The individual responsible was then pursued and ultimately took her own life while she gave her reason to the Police Chief.
If you want to find out what the reason was and who the killer was, then you must read this book which I recommend highly.
This story starts out with Hot Rod and the Pistons performing a concert while being inducted into Iowa's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After the concert, one of the followers goes with Rick to the cottage where he is staying. While there, this individual winds up giving Rick a drug which gave the appearance of a heart attack and his death was ruled as normal.
The band reforms with the addition of a new member and is preparing to go on a reunion tour. After a dress rehearsal, Danny winds up dead the following day after meeting with the same individual who was responsible for Rick's death. In this instance, his death was rulled a suicide because he supposedly hung himself. After another dress rehearsal for the group, Rick's wife Donna also met with this individual and met with her death. In this instance, the apartment was ransacked and it appear that the cause of death was a homicide.
The chief of Police and her father followed the clues, but were not able to come up with a suspect. This all came to a conclusion when the individual arranged to have a bomb made that she was going to use on the remaining group at the concert being performed in Galenta. This would have worked except the Police Chief's father realized that the previous speaker doing the introductions had left her purse and on inspection noticed the bomb which he was able to dispose of in the river. The individual responsible was then pursued and ultimately took her own life while she gave her reason to the Police Chief.
If you want to find out what the reason was and who the killer was, then you must read this book which I recommend highly.
March 18, 2020
I received a complimentary digital copy of this arc book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
This follow up in the Krista Larson series is a stand alone read for the most part. The history and situation from the first novel have no impact or relation to this storyline.
In the first book you are introduced to Krista Larson who has become the youngest female Police Chief in Galena, IL at 28 years old. It seems she is following in her father Keith’s footsteps as he recently retired at 58 from his position as Chief Detective at Dubuque PD. Krista has her father move back to the family home in Galena months after her mother passes away.
This second novel involves a murder mystery surrounding a popular rock band, Hot Rod and the Pistons. They were written about in the Dubuque Telegraph Herald as reuniting for their induction performance into the Iowa Hall of Fame.
The book describes a lot of music history as related to rock and roll of the past. Of course the group takes a look down memory lane of all the wild nights and crazy performances. By now most of them are married and have moved on with their lives. There are a few who wish they could rekindle the old days and some who wish they could erase evidence of the past.
Some members of the band seem to be dying unexpectedly as Detective Larson begins to learn of a missing video tape with potentially incriminating evidence of the past. It seems like a race to uncover and catch the killer before another victim is found.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first book. It seemed to drag and contain too much information about music history in my opinion. I didn’t find the main character and her father as instrumental in the storyline as the first book.
January 1, 2020
Krista and Keith are caught up in the deaths of aging rock and rollers after band members commit suicide after their induction into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Or was it really suicide? Old grudges, misunderstandings and musical differences all come up in the investigation as Krista tries to find out why band members are dying. Another fantastic read from Max Alla Collins and Thomas and Mercer Publishers. Thanks for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review. It is well worth the day it took me to zip through this story. It was that engrossing for me!
March 10, 2020
Girl Can’t Help It brings together an aging rock band for a reunion and a place in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, it also brings a murderer to the party.
I had no idea that there was any rock and roll history in Iowa. So that was interesting. I’ve been around bands much of my life and the band dynamics and backstage hubbub are true to my experience. Maybe it is because of my prior knowledge that I found Girl Can’t Help It’s pace glacially slow (even boring at times). The mystery itself was challenging. Plus, I liked the detective and her father’s relationship. 3 stars.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I had no idea that there was any rock and roll history in Iowa. So that was interesting. I’ve been around bands much of my life and the band dynamics and backstage hubbub are true to my experience. Maybe it is because of my prior knowledge that I found Girl Can’t Help It’s pace glacially slow (even boring at times). The mystery itself was challenging. Plus, I liked the detective and her father’s relationship. 3 stars.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
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March 9, 2020
Is there anything nicer than being pleasantly surprised by a novel? Particularly after realising he novel is not quite what you thought it would be?
Based on the cover and synopsis of this book, coupled with my inexperience with the author I was expecting something a bit satirical and outrageous... that's not what this is. Instead I got a crime novel about the members of a newly reunited band dropping dead. And I did not hate it.
Sure, I guessed the culprit less than half way through. And yes, the constant listing of artists' names and descriptions of what every single person is wearing regardless of whether or not that makes any difference to the character or plot got kinda annoying. The latter got particularly annoying: such-and-such turned up - in such-and-such (uninspired) apparel - they did such-and-such. Why do I need to know this useless tidbit?
But despite these complaints I adored the characters, particularly our lead and her father. It's just wonderful to see a father-daughter duo in a book and the dynamics of their relationship, coupled with the dynamics of their individual love lives was so pleasant to read about. It never felt like it pulled the attention away from the "mystery" but it provided all the soul of the book.
Let's talk about the mystery for a second (spoiler free). The book opens with a chapter from the perspective of a woman who from line one reveals that she is the murderer. Then interspersed throughout the book you get more chapters from her perspective. You don't get her name or anything directly identifying her in these chapters but in my opinion they gave too much of her story and thoughts away to not make it extremely obvious who the killer is. I wish that the author had played these scenes a little more subtly, been more vague on the motive so that if you've guessed the killer you can at least get some satisfaction from finding out her true motive. I also feel like the climax and conclusion wrapped a little too neatly but that's generally my issue with all crime novels.
All in all a solid read that I definitely enjoyed even though it wasn't what I had been anticipating. I will be picking up the first book in the series and any subsequent additions to the series as well.
Based on the cover and synopsis of this book, coupled with my inexperience with the author I was expecting something a bit satirical and outrageous... that's not what this is. Instead I got a crime novel about the members of a newly reunited band dropping dead. And I did not hate it.
Sure, I guessed the culprit less than half way through. And yes, the constant listing of artists' names and descriptions of what every single person is wearing regardless of whether or not that makes any difference to the character or plot got kinda annoying. The latter got particularly annoying: such-and-such turned up - in such-and-such (uninspired) apparel - they did such-and-such. Why do I need to know this useless tidbit?
But despite these complaints I adored the characters, particularly our lead and her father. It's just wonderful to see a father-daughter duo in a book and the dynamics of their relationship, coupled with the dynamics of their individual love lives was so pleasant to read about. It never felt like it pulled the attention away from the "mystery" but it provided all the soul of the book.
Let's talk about the mystery for a second (spoiler free). The book opens with a chapter from the perspective of a woman who from line one reveals that she is the murderer. Then interspersed throughout the book you get more chapters from her perspective. You don't get her name or anything directly identifying her in these chapters but in my opinion they gave too much of her story and thoughts away to not make it extremely obvious who the killer is. I wish that the author had played these scenes a little more subtly, been more vague on the motive so that if you've guessed the killer you can at least get some satisfaction from finding out her true motive. I also feel like the climax and conclusion wrapped a little too neatly but that's generally my issue with all crime novels.
All in all a solid read that I definitely enjoyed even though it wasn't what I had been anticipating. I will be picking up the first book in the series and any subsequent additions to the series as well.
March 16, 2020
Girl Can’t Help It is the second book in Max Allan Collins’ Krista Larson series. This is a great read for those who enjoy mysteries. Krista Larson is the Chief of Police in a small Iowa town. She grew up in this town and is familiar not only with the residents but also with the band that is a main focal point of this second book. Hot Rod and the Pistons have reunited for a farewell tour due to their upcoming induction into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Before things can get off a start, tragedy strikes the band in the form of death. Did these band members die form suicide and natural causes or was it something more than that? Because this is a big Labor Day Weekend, the show must go on. And it does…with Krista and her father Keith keeping an eye out. They say revenge is best served cold and, in this case, all of the tragedy that besets the band can be traced back to their earlier years.
I will admit to reading other reviews of this book prior to reading the book, and I will admit that I was a bit worried that it would not measure up to the first book. Now don’t get me wrong: each book can be read as a stand-alone. I definitely enjoyed this book. It is told from the perspective of the killer as well as in general. I was pleasantly surprised and am glad that I read this book. It is a solid read that I believe you will enjoy. There is more to this story than meets the eye. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
I will admit to reading other reviews of this book prior to reading the book, and I will admit that I was a bit worried that it would not measure up to the first book. Now don’t get me wrong: each book can be read as a stand-alone. I definitely enjoyed this book. It is told from the perspective of the killer as well as in general. I was pleasantly surprised and am glad that I read this book. It is a solid read that I believe you will enjoy. There is more to this story than meets the eye. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
March 23, 2020
Girl Can’t Help It is the second book in Max Allan Collins’ Krista Larson series. This is a great read for those who enjoy mysteries. Krista Larson is the Chief of Police in a small Iowa town. She grew up in this town and is familiar not only with the residents but also with the band that is a main focal point of this second book. Hot Rod and the Pistons have reunited for a farewell tour due to their upcoming induction into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Before things can get off a start, tragedy strikes the band in the form of death. Did these band members die form suicide and natural causes or was it something more than that? Because this is a big Labor Day Weekend, the show must go on. And it does…with Krista and her father Keith keeping an eye out. They say revenge is best served cold and, in this case, all of the tragedy that besets the band can be traced back to their earlier years.
I will admit to reading other reviews of this book prior to reading the book, and I will admit that I was a bit worried that it would not measure up to the first book. Now don’t get me wrong: each book can be read as a stand-alone. I definitely enjoyed this book. It is told from the perspective of the killer as well as in general. I was pleasantly surprised and am glad that I read this book. It is a solid read that I believe you will enjoy. There is more to this story than meets the eye. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
I will admit to reading other reviews of this book prior to reading the book, and I will admit that I was a bit worried that it would not measure up to the first book. Now don’t get me wrong: each book can be read as a stand-alone. I definitely enjoyed this book. It is told from the perspective of the killer as well as in general. I was pleasantly surprised and am glad that I read this book. It is a solid read that I believe you will enjoy. There is more to this story than meets the eye. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
March 3, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the series, but my first, and I did not feel that I had gaps in my understanding of the locale or the lead protagonists.
A fairly low danger murder mystery based around a local band's revival concert which I thought worked pretty well, and whilst the original rockers were now pretty sedentary, it was clear that their pasts were a little less strait-laced. I liked the concept of looking back, and reflecting on how the decisions they took affected each of them. We soon know that someone else is also feeling the impact of the time she spent with the band.
Krista and her father Keith are quite fun, although why I needed to know what they (and everyone else) was wearing all the time did confuse me. At the beginning, being a committed murder mystery reader, I was keeping note, in case there was a twist based on clothing, but it certainly didn't seem to be what I needed to remember at all. I enjoyed their romance problems due to them sharing a house, although it certainly wasn't the focus of the book.
I enjoyed the read, and it would be perfect for a beach read, when you don't want to think too hard and yet have a satisfying mystery with some clever if nasty twists.
This is the second book in the series, but my first, and I did not feel that I had gaps in my understanding of the locale or the lead protagonists.
A fairly low danger murder mystery based around a local band's revival concert which I thought worked pretty well, and whilst the original rockers were now pretty sedentary, it was clear that their pasts were a little less strait-laced. I liked the concept of looking back, and reflecting on how the decisions they took affected each of them. We soon know that someone else is also feeling the impact of the time she spent with the band.
Krista and her father Keith are quite fun, although why I needed to know what they (and everyone else) was wearing all the time did confuse me. At the beginning, being a committed murder mystery reader, I was keeping note, in case there was a twist based on clothing, but it certainly didn't seem to be what I needed to remember at all. I enjoyed their romance problems due to them sharing a house, although it certainly wasn't the focus of the book.
I enjoyed the read, and it would be perfect for a beach read, when you don't want to think too hard and yet have a satisfying mystery with some clever if nasty twists.
March 10, 2020
A new book by Max Allan Collins is always an event, something to which to look forward, and this fun mystery/police procedural is no exception. This is the second of a series, but can be read easily as a standalone as everything is satisfactorily explained. The book is set in Galena, Illinois, near the Quad Cities, which for those of you who don’t live there are the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois. (Yes, the Quad Cities actually number five. What can I tell you?)
Hot Rod and the Pistons were once a big group in the area, playing the Midwest circuit before hitting it big as a one-hit wonder group. They are about to be inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame, and are making a mini-comeback and touring. The young Chief of Police of Galena, Krista Larsen and her retired police officer father get involved when there is a death. I don’t like spoilers, so I am not going to say more about the plot.
I had not known previously that Max Allan Collins is also a rock musician, but he certainly makes all of the details of the behind-the-scenes of the group seem authentic. As always with this author, the novel hangs together quite nicely, and I didn’t see the end coming. I really enjoyed this book; I liked the characters, the story line, and the writing. I am looking forward to further books about Krista Larsen and her father Keith, and I recommend this one.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions are my own.
Hot Rod and the Pistons were once a big group in the area, playing the Midwest circuit before hitting it big as a one-hit wonder group. They are about to be inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame, and are making a mini-comeback and touring. The young Chief of Police of Galena, Krista Larsen and her retired police officer father get involved when there is a death. I don’t like spoilers, so I am not going to say more about the plot.
I had not known previously that Max Allan Collins is also a rock musician, but he certainly makes all of the details of the behind-the-scenes of the group seem authentic. As always with this author, the novel hangs together quite nicely, and I didn’t see the end coming. I really enjoyed this book; I liked the characters, the story line, and the writing. I am looking forward to further books about Krista Larsen and her father Keith, and I recommend this one.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions are my own.
March 9, 2020
There's more to Hot Rod and the Pistons than meets the eye. They might be new inductees to the Iowa Rock n'Roll Hall of Fame (really?) but they're also dropping like flies. Krista Larson, who is the police chief of Galena, Iowa, and her father Keith find themselves truing to sort out who committed suicide and who was murdered. Or was it all murder? There's good interaction between Krista and Keith and some chuckles about the band but the mystery isn't too complex. This also would have benefited from another edit (yes, as others have noted, there are a lot of references to clothing). That said, it's a good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
July 1, 2020
Good follow up to the first book, taking place in the same small town.
Once again we find that secrets of the past can lead to murder after decades. This time around a rock band that had a local following and briefly a national hit are coming together for a reunion concert and tour. An incident in the past, that involved many of the original members might be causing someone to look for material that would not be good for their current plans.
Collins displays his skill of building characters and also his love of music. Looking forward to more in the series.
Once again we find that secrets of the past can lead to murder after decades. This time around a rock band that had a local following and briefly a national hit are coming together for a reunion concert and tour. An incident in the past, that involved many of the original members might be causing someone to look for material that would not be good for their current plans.
Collins displays his skill of building characters and also his love of music. Looking forward to more in the series.
March 17, 2020
THIS REVIEW PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN AUTHOR REVIEW COPY:
I have been clear here that Max Allan Collins is one of my favorite mystery writers. One of the big reasons why is that many of his books that I have read are set in past eras that fascinate me (the old West, America of the 1930s - 1960s). I even sent him a bit of a fan letter (actually, a comment on one of his weekly blogposts on his site). Because of that, I was not sure what to expect in reading a book by him set in the present day. Also, the book is about a reunion of a minor rock band of the 1980s. Now I love music as much as anyone but I was never in a band (as Collins still is) and never aspired to join one. Even with all these cautions, Girl Can't Help It is a fun mystery in which Krista Larson, a small-town police chief, and her retired cop father Keith catch the killer targeting the band. While I do believe he could have gotten to the (bloody) business at hand a bit faster, Collins has crafted an entertaining whodunit in which the culprit's identity is not obvious from the start. This book showcases his strengths as a writer, his plotting skills, the ability to craft suspense and a strong sense of place. This allows me to strongly recommend the book to anyone who likes a good mystery.
I have been clear here that Max Allan Collins is one of my favorite mystery writers. One of the big reasons why is that many of his books that I have read are set in past eras that fascinate me (the old West, America of the 1930s - 1960s). I even sent him a bit of a fan letter (actually, a comment on one of his weekly blogposts on his site). Because of that, I was not sure what to expect in reading a book by him set in the present day. Also, the book is about a reunion of a minor rock band of the 1980s. Now I love music as much as anyone but I was never in a band (as Collins still is) and never aspired to join one. Even with all these cautions, Girl Can't Help It is a fun mystery in which Krista Larson, a small-town police chief, and her retired cop father Keith catch the killer targeting the band. While I do believe he could have gotten to the (bloody) business at hand a bit faster, Collins has crafted an entertaining whodunit in which the culprit's identity is not obvious from the start. This book showcases his strengths as a writer, his plotting skills, the ability to craft suspense and a strong sense of place. This allows me to strongly recommend the book to anyone who likes a good mystery.
September 29, 2019
This is the second book in the series, I read the first right before reading this one. I really enjoyed the first so was looking forward to the second one however this book felt a little flat and drawn out to me and not very "thrilling" It was not a total loss I I did enjoy the book just felt like it took a while to get through. I would still give a third book if it ever was to come out a chance in the series I definitely see it going places.
February 28, 2020
Girl Can't Help ItMax Allan Collins
Whoo boy! It's the good ol' days all over again for Hot Rod and The Pistons upon their induction into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. The resurgence of the good ol' days for the Quad Cities favorite rockers, but old memories make it a date with destiny for one, then two of the beloved original band. The follow-up to the great "Girl Most Likely" finds Galena Iowa's Cheif of Police Krista Lawson back in action to get to the bottom of what some would call a coincidence. Except cops typically don't believe in coincidences. The characters are witty and likable, and the dialogue is sharp and humorous, which is true to form for Mr. Collins. The latest from Max Allan Collins is A HIT in my book! Mr. Collins (quite the enduring rocker himself), is skilled at writing parts for the band mates and may have some inside knowledge about the sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll within these pages; you'll know why he's won so many mystery writers awards when you close the cover on this taught thrill-ride. A+ MAC, good show!
Whoo boy! It's the good ol' days all over again for Hot Rod and The Pistons upon their induction into the Iowa Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. The resurgence of the good ol' days for the Quad Cities favorite rockers, but old memories make it a date with destiny for one, then two of the beloved original band. The follow-up to the great "Girl Most Likely" finds Galena Iowa's Cheif of Police Krista Lawson back in action to get to the bottom of what some would call a coincidence. Except cops typically don't believe in coincidences. The characters are witty and likable, and the dialogue is sharp and humorous, which is true to form for Mr. Collins. The latest from Max Allan Collins is A HIT in my book! Mr. Collins (quite the enduring rocker himself), is skilled at writing parts for the band mates and may have some inside knowledge about the sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll within these pages; you'll know why he's won so many mystery writers awards when you close the cover on this taught thrill-ride. A+ MAC, good show!
February 24, 2020
Girl Can't Help It is the second entry in Max Allan Collins' Krista Larson series which began with Girl Most Likely published last year. Although I liked Girl Most Likely, I didn't love it, mainly because there were too many pages devoted to interviews of too many suspects, plus, Collins' depictions of high school teachers didn't ring true with my professional experience. Regardless, I understand that a series being established has some growing pains.
Max Allan Collins hits the sweet spot with Girl Can't Help It. The subject matter, a rock and roll group that travels the Midwest ballroom circuit before briefly hitting it big, is familiar material to Collins, who spent many years in successful local bands, in addition to being an exceptional crime writer. The novel involves the reunion of an 80's band, Hot Rod and the Pistons, a group in the mode of the rockabilly Stray Cats band, who find that old sins cast long shadows with a killer targeting the members.
I enjoyed this outing much more due to the rock and roll background, the genuine suspense that is built up, and the characters of police chief Krista Larson and her retired cop father Keith becoming more fleshed out. Keith came more alive for me and Krista still remains a little vague, but it is early in the series yet. Also, I should mention that I loved the punk 80's cover of the book, a design that should capture potential readers' attention.
Looking forward to the next entry in the series. I hope it has a long successful run.
Max Allan Collins hits the sweet spot with Girl Can't Help It. The subject matter, a rock and roll group that travels the Midwest ballroom circuit before briefly hitting it big, is familiar material to Collins, who spent many years in successful local bands, in addition to being an exceptional crime writer. The novel involves the reunion of an 80's band, Hot Rod and the Pistons, a group in the mode of the rockabilly Stray Cats band, who find that old sins cast long shadows with a killer targeting the members.
I enjoyed this outing much more due to the rock and roll background, the genuine suspense that is built up, and the characters of police chief Krista Larson and her retired cop father Keith becoming more fleshed out. Keith came more alive for me and Krista still remains a little vague, but it is early in the series yet. Also, I should mention that I loved the punk 80's cover of the book, a design that should capture potential readers' attention.
Looking forward to the next entry in the series. I hope it has a long successful run.
August 7, 2020
I hope this series will continue. Both books are good.
March 21, 2020
The second book in the Krista Larson series by Max Allan Collins. The aging members of a rock band reunite when they are inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Soon after, two members die. Both alleged suicides. Replacements are found and the band plans to play a local music festival. Police Chief Krista suspects the deaths may not be suicide. Krista's dad, a former police detective, knows the band members and helps with the investigation.
Krista, the youngest police chief in the country, is a fun character. I especially enjoy her relationship with her father. A fast-paced and entertaining read.
Krista, the youngest police chief in the country, is a fun character. I especially enjoy her relationship with her father. A fast-paced and entertaining read.
February 26, 2020
As a musician, I'm a sucker for a mystery with music in the plot. In this case the plot revolves around Hot Rod and the Pistons, a New Wave rockabilly band that had a brief moment of fame and have reunited for their induction into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. They happen to be based in Galena, where Krista Larson (the series protagonist) is sheriff.
The story begins with a murder, on the evening of the band's big honor. Unplanned, but it sets the pattern for the rest of the book. Band members and those close to them fall one by one. Krista and her father Keith (a retired police officer) are convinced that someone is a threat to the band members and everyone close to them. But they lack proof, due to the poison used for most of the murders, which is especially hard to detect, even when those doing the autopsy are looking for it.
So the grand climax is a surprise--at least it was to me--which brings together all of the story threads. And also reveals the identity of the mystery murderer. The ultimate resolution is a bit unsatisfying, but it does answer all of the questions.
The story begins with a murder, on the evening of the band's big honor. Unplanned, but it sets the pattern for the rest of the book. Band members and those close to them fall one by one. Krista and her father Keith (a retired police officer) are convinced that someone is a threat to the band members and everyone close to them. But they lack proof, due to the poison used for most of the murders, which is especially hard to detect, even when those doing the autopsy are looking for it.
So the grand climax is a surprise--at least it was to me--which brings together all of the story threads. And also reveals the identity of the mystery murderer. The ultimate resolution is a bit unsatisfying, but it does answer all of the questions.
September 19, 2019
This marks the third book in my entire life that I've posted a DNF for. I always give at least the first 100 pages a try before I give up, and I did the same in this instance. I couldn't have cared less about the story or the characters if I tried. My eyes were glazed over from the first few pages.
December 8, 2021
This is the second book in the Krista Larson series. I have not read the first book but was able to understand the plot and characters with no problem. I love books with music as the plot and this book revolves around a reunited rock and roll band. who is being inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. While it was a quick read, I felt it dragged in several spots, which made me put it down for a time. The characters were interesting, especially the two main characters. I really enjoyed the father-daughter duo. Overall, I enjoyed this musical mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy in return for my honest review.
February 17, 2020
It's not as awesome as the first in the series, but it is still worth reading.
Krista Larson is back and this time, she is investigating the deaths of a few band members.
As soon a popular local band known as The Pistons are inducted into The Iowa Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame, they start getting bumped off.
Having a personal connection to the band, Galena, Illinois' Chief-of-Police, Krista Larson, is on the case.
I know a lot of people have been giving up on this book after the first 50 or even 100 pages, but I have to encourage you to keep on reading it because the second half of the book is a thrilling ride that will keep you in suspense until the end.
Krista Larson is back and this time, she is investigating the deaths of a few band members.
As soon a popular local band known as The Pistons are inducted into The Iowa Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame, they start getting bumped off.
Having a personal connection to the band, Galena, Illinois' Chief-of-Police, Krista Larson, is on the case.
I know a lot of people have been giving up on this book after the first 50 or even 100 pages, but I have to encourage you to keep on reading it because the second half of the book is a thrilling ride that will keep you in suspense until the end.
February 13, 2020
Even if it's well written I couldn't connect to the characters and the book fell flat.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
March 15, 2020
What a coup! Hot Rod & the Pistons have made it into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. So, after more than 30 years, they’re getting together again to play. As used to happen so long ago, the groupies flock to their performance. Older now, obviously, but any wiser? Well, not all of them. A few just don’t seem to grow up.
Following the ceremony, lead guitarist Rick, always the bad boy, sneaks out to his rented cabin with his main squeeze from way back, a woman still living in Galena where the band originated. She and Rick were once an item, at least in her mind. Are they now rekindling an old flame? Not exactly. It turns out that he has somewhat different ideas than she does. By evening’s end, she leaves Rick behind, ensuring that he will never play again. Ever.
The next summer, the town of Galena is making plans to kick off the season with a music festival, featuring, naturally, their own home-grown band, Hot Rod & the Pistons, minus Rick, of course. When another member of the group dies --- this time of an apparent suicide --- Galena Police Chief Krista Larson begins to suspect foul play. She can’t prove anything, but no cop believes in coincidences, and two deaths of the Pistons’ music men strike her as just plain wrong.
Like the Class Reunion Murders a short while back, Krista decides to engage the help of her father Keith, a retired detective. At only 29, despite a good instinct, she lacks her dad’s experience. Besides, Keith Larson was a roadie for the Pistons back in the day, a valuable connection in the current police investigation, and it looks as though the band may need his help again now, not just to haul equipment. It appears that someone has a serious bone to pick with the band. And Keith has a license to carry.
As the days wear on, it seems like the killer may be targeting people outside the band, too, when someone close to one of its members dies suspiciously. What the heck is going on? There must be a common bond to the victims, but discovering what it is remains a puzzle. Good police work and keen observation go hand in hand. Still, it comes right down to the wire before detectives finally figure out the identity of their killer. And what a shocker! No one was looking even vaguely in that direction.
Our delightful police chief may be young, but she has a lot going for her. The citizens of Galena like and respect Krista, and most of them trust and back her decisions, much like they did her father. With this case, though, she has more than a professional stake in the band’s survival. Krista recently has begun dating one of their new members, and the relationship is heating up.
Max Allan Collins crafts a fine thriller with characters you can’t help but like. This series will hook you, guaranteed. Pick up GIRL CAN’T HELP IT, settle in for a few hours of thrilling escape and try to figure out whodunit. I dare you.
Reviewed by Kate Ayers
Following the ceremony, lead guitarist Rick, always the bad boy, sneaks out to his rented cabin with his main squeeze from way back, a woman still living in Galena where the band originated. She and Rick were once an item, at least in her mind. Are they now rekindling an old flame? Not exactly. It turns out that he has somewhat different ideas than she does. By evening’s end, she leaves Rick behind, ensuring that he will never play again. Ever.
The next summer, the town of Galena is making plans to kick off the season with a music festival, featuring, naturally, their own home-grown band, Hot Rod & the Pistons, minus Rick, of course. When another member of the group dies --- this time of an apparent suicide --- Galena Police Chief Krista Larson begins to suspect foul play. She can’t prove anything, but no cop believes in coincidences, and two deaths of the Pistons’ music men strike her as just plain wrong.
Like the Class Reunion Murders a short while back, Krista decides to engage the help of her father Keith, a retired detective. At only 29, despite a good instinct, she lacks her dad’s experience. Besides, Keith Larson was a roadie for the Pistons back in the day, a valuable connection in the current police investigation, and it looks as though the band may need his help again now, not just to haul equipment. It appears that someone has a serious bone to pick with the band. And Keith has a license to carry.
As the days wear on, it seems like the killer may be targeting people outside the band, too, when someone close to one of its members dies suspiciously. What the heck is going on? There must be a common bond to the victims, but discovering what it is remains a puzzle. Good police work and keen observation go hand in hand. Still, it comes right down to the wire before detectives finally figure out the identity of their killer. And what a shocker! No one was looking even vaguely in that direction.
Our delightful police chief may be young, but she has a lot going for her. The citizens of Galena like and respect Krista, and most of them trust and back her decisions, much like they did her father. With this case, though, she has more than a professional stake in the band’s survival. Krista recently has begun dating one of their new members, and the relationship is heating up.
Max Allan Collins crafts a fine thriller with characters you can’t help but like. This series will hook you, guaranteed. Pick up GIRL CAN’T HELP IT, settle in for a few hours of thrilling escape and try to figure out whodunit. I dare you.
Reviewed by Kate Ayers
April 24, 2020
Check out our GIRL CAN'T HELP IT post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, but my first, and I did not feel that I had gaps in my understanding of the locale or the lead protagonists.
A fairly low danger murder mystery based around a local band's revival concert which I thought worked pretty well, and whilst the original rockers were now pretty sedentary, it was clear that their pasts were a little less straitlaced. I liked the concept of looking back and reflecting on how the decisions they took affected each of them. We soon know that someone else is also feeling the impact of the time she spent with the band.
Krista and her father, Keith, are quite fun, although why I needed to know what they (and everyone else) was wearing all the time did confuse me. At the beginning, being a committed murder mystery reader, I was keeping note, in case there was a twist based on clothing, but it certainly didn't seem to be what I needed to remember at all. I enjoyed their romance problems due to them sharing a house, although it certainly wasn't the focus of the book.
I enjoyed the read, and it would be perfect for a beach read, when you don't want to think too hard and yet have a satisfying mystery with some clever if nasty twists.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
March 10, 2020
Girl Can’t Help It, the second novel in the Krista Larson series by author Max Allan Collins is a worthy read for mystery and thriller lovers. Hot Rod and the Pistons are a one hit wonder band from the 1980’s, who are made up from locals from the area where the novel takes place. Suspiciously band members begin to die, and though the reader is secretly let into the reason “why,” the “who” remains what the protagonists need to solve.
Krista Larson is the Chief of Police in her Iowa small town, and grew up with people, like her, who were fans of the band. Also, she currently dates one of the members of the group. In her small-town police force she is assisted again, by her father, a former police officer himself.
Within this fine, fun plot, are also the relational elements that drew me in as a reader. I love the close Iowa town atmosphere, and everyone in the book who resides in it. Besides the mystery itself, the reader receives a look at the workings, the gossip, as well as both the broad and hidden histories of the area.
As always, author Max Allan Collins, does a masterful job especially writing about intricate, intertwined relationships. For instance, Chief Krista and her dad live together in the home where her mother, his wife recently died, and during the course of the book, have to navigate new loves for one another, and how and when to bring them home. Using their relationship, as well as others from the community, the author brings the reader in closer comradery with the protagonists, and thus a deeper connection to the events that take place within the novel.
Even if you have not read the first installment in this series, you can begin with this one. If you like mysteries, stories in a small-town setting, and thrillers that are not “cozy,” than Girl Can’t Help It, is a read that should not be missed!
Krista Larson is the Chief of Police in her Iowa small town, and grew up with people, like her, who were fans of the band. Also, she currently dates one of the members of the group. In her small-town police force she is assisted again, by her father, a former police officer himself.
Within this fine, fun plot, are also the relational elements that drew me in as a reader. I love the close Iowa town atmosphere, and everyone in the book who resides in it. Besides the mystery itself, the reader receives a look at the workings, the gossip, as well as both the broad and hidden histories of the area.
As always, author Max Allan Collins, does a masterful job especially writing about intricate, intertwined relationships. For instance, Chief Krista and her dad live together in the home where her mother, his wife recently died, and during the course of the book, have to navigate new loves for one another, and how and when to bring them home. Using their relationship, as well as others from the community, the author brings the reader in closer comradery with the protagonists, and thus a deeper connection to the events that take place within the novel.
Even if you have not read the first installment in this series, you can begin with this one. If you like mysteries, stories in a small-town setting, and thrillers that are not “cozy,” than Girl Can’t Help It, is a read that should not be missed!
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