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Micky Knight #10
Not Dead Enough
A woman wants to find her missing sister. That should be easy for an experienced PI like Micky Knight. Until the woman―or someone who looks like her―ends up in the morgue.
Micky finds herself in a tangled mess, not knowing who the real victim is, or how her name keeps coming up in places it shouldn’t. Like newly minted Realtor Karen Holloway’s house sale papers, as the contact for another missing buyer, one who looks a lot like Micky’s client.
The same woman? The sister?
Micky has to uncover what the game is and who’s playing. Because the stakes are murder.
Micky finds herself in a tangled mess, not knowing who the real victim is, or how her name keeps coming up in places it shouldn’t. Like newly minted Realtor Karen Holloway’s house sale papers, as the contact for another missing buyer, one who looks a lot like Micky’s client.
The same woman? The sister?
Micky has to uncover what the game is and who’s playing. Because the stakes are murder.
235 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2019
10 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Redmann
28 books202 followersAlso writes under the pseudonym R. Jean Reid.
Jean Marie Redmann is an American novelist best known for her mystery series featuring New Orleans private investigator Micky Knight.
Main themes of Redmann's novels are the protagonist's troubled childhood and how it affects her adult life, discrimination based on sexual orientation and alcoholism. Her novels follow the tradition of hardboiled fiction. Redmann's third book The Intersection of Law and Desire won the Lambda Literary Award for lesbian mystery.
Jean M. Redmann is a gay rights activist and works as the Director of Prevention at NO/AIDS Task Force.
Jean Marie Redmann is an American novelist best known for her mystery series featuring New Orleans private investigator Micky Knight.
Main themes of Redmann's novels are the protagonist's troubled childhood and how it affects her adult life, discrimination based on sexual orientation and alcoholism. Her novels follow the tradition of hardboiled fiction. Redmann's third book The Intersection of Law and Desire won the Lambda Literary Award for lesbian mystery.
Jean M. Redmann is a gay rights activist and works as the Director of Prevention at NO/AIDS Task Force.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 6, 2019
4.50 Stars. After ten books this series is still brilliant. Redmann, is up there as one of the best mystery writers ever. Ten books in a row and all of them are great to fantastic, it’s just damn impressive. It’s has been almost 3 decades Redmann has been writing these books and the characters are still not stale. Think about how impressive that really is.
All of the books star Micky, one of my all-time favorite characters ever. She is a flawed character that has been through more than you can imagine, still drinks a little too much and sometime slips over to the wrong side of the law. But what makes Micky so damn likeable is that her hard outside shell, is really protecting a heart of gold.
In every one of these books is a standalone mystery. You could just pick this book up and read it fine. I personally would suggest starting at good old number one. While the mysteries are completed each book, the drama, angst, heartbreak and love is a continued storyline through all of the books. Micky and her core group of friends, you read about their lives and how they change over the years with each and every book. And sometimes it’s even more than that. A character that was important to the mystery of book one, actually popped back up in this book. Had you not read the first book, you would miss their history together. I know it is daunting to start a series that has ten books. But I honestly dare anyone to read the first three books in a row and not become completely hooked. It’s that good of a series.
I don’t want to talk about what happened in this book too much for spoiler reasons for people who might be new to the series. I will say this was an important stepping block for Micky. Micky needed this book to better understand herself and to have some more inner peace. I guess technically Redmann could end the series here. Micky’s on a good track and it’s a nice even 10 books… but I sure hope not. I want even more for Micky and a big send off, so Redmann, please bring on number eleven.
If you are a mystery fan, these books are a must. Redmann is an excellent author and this series is fantastic. I do believe reading these in order you will get the most out of the Micky experience. My only complaint is I wish Redmann wrote faster, I want more Micky now.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
All of the books star Micky, one of my all-time favorite characters ever. She is a flawed character that has been through more than you can imagine, still drinks a little too much and sometime slips over to the wrong side of the law. But what makes Micky so damn likeable is that her hard outside shell, is really protecting a heart of gold.
In every one of these books is a standalone mystery. You could just pick this book up and read it fine. I personally would suggest starting at good old number one. While the mysteries are completed each book, the drama, angst, heartbreak and love is a continued storyline through all of the books. Micky and her core group of friends, you read about their lives and how they change over the years with each and every book. And sometimes it’s even more than that. A character that was important to the mystery of book one, actually popped back up in this book. Had you not read the first book, you would miss their history together. I know it is daunting to start a series that has ten books. But I honestly dare anyone to read the first three books in a row and not become completely hooked. It’s that good of a series.
I don’t want to talk about what happened in this book too much for spoiler reasons for people who might be new to the series. I will say this was an important stepping block for Micky. Micky needed this book to better understand herself and to have some more inner peace. I guess technically Redmann could end the series here. Micky’s on a good track and it’s a nice even 10 books… but I sure hope not. I want even more for Micky and a big send off, so Redmann, please bring on number eleven.
If you are a mystery fan, these books are a must. Redmann is an excellent author and this series is fantastic. I do believe reading these in order you will get the most out of the Micky experience. My only complaint is I wish Redmann wrote faster, I want more Micky now.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
February 4, 2020
Well, I did it. I got through 10 books and am now so sad. Saddest of sadfaces. I tried to put this off for a few weeks, but was on what turned out to be a disappointing vacation and needed some joy. This was my joy. I'm already planning to go back to book 1 to get constant Micky fixes. Please, please Ms. Redmann......don't tell me this is it. There has GOT to be more. I need more descriptions of turkey sandwiches and pots of coffee. More sweat and grime of NOLA in the summertime. More Torbin, more po'boys, more Joanne, more stakeouts, hopefully another cat with attitude that has been away far too long.
Book 10 has Micky older, wiser, with a few more grey hairs in what I describe as her luscious black curls, but boy do I hate it when she keeps referring to herself as an "old lady." 40s is NOT old, fuck that shit. Micky has somewhat controlled her drinking more, but is still lonely, still goes out alone, still feels she is the odd one out. She is navigating who she is within her friendship circle and what her place is, recognizing that she needs to step up if she wants to keep them around. Which I so admire about her, considering her massive heartbreaks and aches and shatters over the last few books. She is involved in an interesting detective case having to do with a mob family and missing women, and I quite enjoyed this one. It got confusing with all the names and characters at times, and I had to go back and re-read a few parts, but very well written.
As with book 9, there is no lovin' for Micky, again, a tragedy to this girl. I like to think of Micky as irresistible, once a woman sets eyes on her Micky just owns her with her mysterious allure. Whenever book 11 comes I hope she sleeps with everyone, not even lying *lol*. GO MICKY GET SOME ORGASMS!
5/5 out of goddamned 5. Seriously, how often does it happen that ones reads a series of this many books and never rates any of them under 4? Brilliant. Ms. Redmann if ever I meet you, you are so getting top shelf scotch.
Book 10 has Micky older, wiser, with a few more grey hairs in what I describe as her luscious black curls, but boy do I hate it when she keeps referring to herself as an "old lady." 40s is NOT old, fuck that shit. Micky has somewhat controlled her drinking more, but is still lonely, still goes out alone, still feels she is the odd one out. She is navigating who she is within her friendship circle and what her place is, recognizing that she needs to step up if she wants to keep them around. Which I so admire about her, considering her massive heartbreaks and aches and shatters over the last few books. She is involved in an interesting detective case having to do with a mob family and missing women, and I quite enjoyed this one. It got confusing with all the names and characters at times, and I had to go back and re-read a few parts, but very well written.
As with book 9, there is no lovin' for Micky, again, a tragedy to this girl. I like to think of Micky as irresistible, once a woman sets eyes on her Micky just owns her with her mysterious allure. Whenever book 11 comes I hope she sleeps with everyone, not even lying *lol*. GO MICKY GET SOME ORGASMS!
5/5 out of goddamned 5. Seriously, how often does it happen that ones reads a series of this many books and never rates any of them under 4? Brilliant. Ms. Redmann if ever I meet you, you are so getting top shelf scotch.
July 30, 2025
I had a burning need to read Not Dead Enough, knowing it would be Mickey knight’s last adventure. And now that I’ve inhaled the book (there’s no other way to read it) I don’t think J.M. Redmann is planning to write anymore in this series. The end held a finality to it, Cordelia’s letter, Mickey reaching a new normal with her friends, the whole tone of that last chapter. I want to cry. I want to start over with book one just so I can be with them again.
I loved this plot better than book 9 even though there were a lot of names in the Brande clan to juggle with. I’m not even going to start trying to write some sort of recap because there is just way too much going on. It was a clever plot, even if I was able to sniff out the bad guy (or gal) long before Mickey had a clue. But I only guessed part of it so that was not too bad. The story had a good pace and kept me glued to the pages.
I love to be with P.I. Mickey as she is working a case. I love her street smarts, her observations, the office, her endless cups of coffee and her shrimp po’boy lunches, the sticky situations she gets herself into (and out of). Outside work Mickey has matured over the series. No longer the wild, self-destructive woman of the first books. She has worked through most if not all of her traumatic past and has given it a place. We have come full circle.
Throughout the book I had certain hopes for Mickey that didn’t materialize in the end. But still I’m strangely okay with it. I think that is the brilliance of Redmann’s writing. Go read the whole series, start with book 1 and you will see what the big deal is. In the meantime I will nurse my book hangover.
f/f no romance for Mickey
Themes: summer in New Orleans, a missing sister, who is the woman in the morgue, an Atlanta crime family, women are chattel, Mickey working the case, I was waiting for Cordelia this whole time, so sad it’s over.
5 Stars
* when I read this book I was to believe it was the last one. Lucky for me (and you) that wasn't the case :-) Yay!
---re-read 5 years later------
I think I love the book even better the second time around, and reading the series back to back certainly does help as well. This plot was so much stronger than book 9.
Onwards! Almost there.
5 Stars
I loved this plot better than book 9 even though there were a lot of names in the Brande clan to juggle with. I’m not even going to start trying to write some sort of recap because there is just way too much going on. It was a clever plot, even if I was able to sniff out the bad guy (or gal) long before Mickey had a clue. But I only guessed part of it so that was not too bad. The story had a good pace and kept me glued to the pages.
I love to be with P.I. Mickey as she is working a case. I love her street smarts, her observations, the office, her endless cups of coffee and her shrimp po’boy lunches, the sticky situations she gets herself into (and out of). Outside work Mickey has matured over the series. No longer the wild, self-destructive woman of the first books. She has worked through most if not all of her traumatic past and has given it a place. We have come full circle.
Throughout the book I had certain hopes for Mickey that didn’t materialize in the end. But still I’m strangely okay with it. I think that is the brilliance of Redmann’s writing. Go read the whole series, start with book 1 and you will see what the big deal is. In the meantime I will nurse my book hangover.
f/f no romance for Mickey
Themes: summer in New Orleans, a missing sister, who is the woman in the morgue, an Atlanta crime family, women are chattel, Mickey working the case, I was waiting for Cordelia this whole time, so sad it’s over.
5 Stars
* when I read this book I was to believe it was the last one. Lucky for me (and you) that wasn't the case :-) Yay!
---re-read 5 years later------
I think I love the book even better the second time around, and reading the series back to back certainly does help as well. This plot was so much stronger than book 9.
Onwards! Almost there.
5 Stars
January 10, 2020
Private Investigator Micky Knight is approached by a woman requesting help in finding her sister. Much to Knight's surprise, the woman winds up in the morgue .. or is this only someone who looks like her?
And then another woman goes missing .. one who looks a lot like her former client. Is this the sister .. the same woman?
Micky has to uncover what the game is and who’s playing. Because the stakes are murder.
Although 1oth in the series, this easily works as a stand alone. While not getting lost, I believe I would have benefited greatly from reading the first books in this series. This is a well written mystery with compelling characters. The suspense starts on page one and maintains a satisfying pace until the unpredictable ending.
April 18, 2020
Wow.. another good book!
I've binged read this series, not being able to put any of the books down. It is very very good and I really recommend the Micky Knight books!
The storylines are nothing I've read before.. they are, and can be, dark and can cause triggers for some people. The characters.. all off them work so well and very likeable .
Please, someone, tell me there is another book in the works?
I've binged read this series, not being able to put any of the books down. It is very very good and I really recommend the Micky Knight books!
The storylines are nothing I've read before.. they are, and can be, dark and can cause triggers for some people. The characters.. all off them work so well and very likeable .
Please, someone, tell me there is another book in the works?
December 28, 2019
This is book ten (yes, 10) of the 'Micky Knight' private detective series. It's remarkable how Ms. Redmann has written these books in the span of 30 years (the first one was published in 1990) and kept the stories flowing and the characters so realistic. Even though this is a standalone mystery, Micky's personal issues are a relevant part of the book which is connected with the previous installments, so reading the whole series is highly recommendable. I know that
committing to reading ten books might be too much but they are all so worth it. However, you can always start here and, if you like it, read the rest afterward.
Personally, I've started reading this series several years ago in their chronological order and I'm hooked up for good. To start with, the books are well-written page-turners. These are hard-boiled mysteries, not cozy ones in which the main character finds who did it from the comforts of her sofa. The stories seem real and they don't sugarcoat any human tragedies. Additionally, the character development is superb, not only for the lead but also the supporting ones.
Micky is the epitome of the anti-heroine, a woman with serious flaws who had a hard childhood and who paid a high price for her life achievements as an adult. The great thing about this character is that she seems so realistic in her self-deprecation, her sarcasm, even her loneliness. It's inevitable that your heart goes with her as life gives her yet another blow. I absolutely love this character with all her flaws and also her strengths.
The setting of this book as the rest of the series is in New Orleans, where the author lives. Her descriptions of the city are so realistic that you seem to be there, and that includes not only the landscape but also the soundscape and the weather. The constant presence of the heat and humidity is a metaphor for the suffocating environment in which some of the characters live. I like that the author doesn't give us a view of the city taken from a tourist brochure but a place plagued with contradictions. New Orleans is the main pillar of these books, so much so, that if you'd change the setting of these novels, they would lose half of its appeal. I can't wait to see where Ms. Redmann's next book is taking Micky and her friends.
Overall, an excellent lesbian mystery book, part of a fantastic series. Hopefully, there are many more to come. 5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
committing to reading ten books might be too much but they are all so worth it. However, you can always start here and, if you like it, read the rest afterward.
Personally, I've started reading this series several years ago in their chronological order and I'm hooked up for good. To start with, the books are well-written page-turners. These are hard-boiled mysteries, not cozy ones in which the main character finds who did it from the comforts of her sofa. The stories seem real and they don't sugarcoat any human tragedies. Additionally, the character development is superb, not only for the lead but also the supporting ones.
Micky is the epitome of the anti-heroine, a woman with serious flaws who had a hard childhood and who paid a high price for her life achievements as an adult. The great thing about this character is that she seems so realistic in her self-deprecation, her sarcasm, even her loneliness. It's inevitable that your heart goes with her as life gives her yet another blow. I absolutely love this character with all her flaws and also her strengths.
The setting of this book as the rest of the series is in New Orleans, where the author lives. Her descriptions of the city are so realistic that you seem to be there, and that includes not only the landscape but also the soundscape and the weather. The constant presence of the heat and humidity is a metaphor for the suffocating environment in which some of the characters live. I like that the author doesn't give us a view of the city taken from a tourist brochure but a place plagued with contradictions. New Orleans is the main pillar of these books, so much so, that if you'd change the setting of these novels, they would lose half of its appeal. I can't wait to see where Ms. Redmann's next book is taking Micky and her friends.
Overall, an excellent lesbian mystery book, part of a fantastic series. Hopefully, there are many more to come. 5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
October 21, 2019
This was my first book by this author. yeah, I started with the tenth installment in a series...crazy, right? But everything I read about this series said it was a "must-read!' So I jumped in the pool late.
This book loses nothing as a stand-alone. You truly can read it, and enjoy it, without reading the previous nine. (I own the first in the series too, but I bought that one. This book I received as an ARC, and so owe a review. Otherwise, I would have read the first book first)
Anyway, this is a wonderful example of classic P.I mystery for lesbians. Twisty, head-scratching and a real stumper...I loved the many layers of the plot! I had no idea who had hired Micky until the very end. As much as I play the "whodunit" game, I don't want to figure it out too soon, you know? Character interactions were sometimes messy, as they are in RL, and I really enjoyed that bit of realism. The characters were real, even the angst over cashing a check. The food made me hungry, the cold beer made me thirsty and at times, the rest of my world fell away, and I was right there with Micky at the bar.
If you enjoy lesfic, and mysteries, and P.I stories, you definitely want to read this book. And if the previous nine stories in this series are as good as this one...get them too. I bought the first one and don't regret a thing.
Except perhaps never having a po' boy sandwich...
This book loses nothing as a stand-alone. You truly can read it, and enjoy it, without reading the previous nine. (I own the first in the series too, but I bought that one. This book I received as an ARC, and so owe a review. Otherwise, I would have read the first book first)
Anyway, this is a wonderful example of classic P.I mystery for lesbians. Twisty, head-scratching and a real stumper...I loved the many layers of the plot! I had no idea who had hired Micky until the very end. As much as I play the "whodunit" game, I don't want to figure it out too soon, you know? Character interactions were sometimes messy, as they are in RL, and I really enjoyed that bit of realism. The characters were real, even the angst over cashing a check. The food made me hungry, the cold beer made me thirsty and at times, the rest of my world fell away, and I was right there with Micky at the bar.
If you enjoy lesfic, and mysteries, and P.I stories, you definitely want to read this book. And if the previous nine stories in this series are as good as this one...get them too. I bought the first one and don't regret a thing.
Except perhaps never having a po' boy sandwich...
November 9, 2019
Can't go wrong with this serie. Absolutely love it.
November 27, 2019
What an interesting as well as unsettling series. Michele Knight is at it again, reaching out to the downtrodden and solving cases that seem tough to get a handle on. It is indeed her saving grace as she continues to work on/ignore her personal issues. I have enjoyed this series because the main characters are multidimensional and to some extent flawed which in my opinion can make for an excellent read especially if the read is a series. The writing provides depth as we continue to gain insight about the main characters. The writing provides some funny lines which had me chuckling. The story also provided a visit with some characters from previous books in the series which was good to see and we learned a little more about Cordelia and what she is doing and possible thinking?
ARC provided by BoldStrokes Books, Inc. via netGalley
ARC provided by BoldStrokes Books, Inc. via netGalley
October 14, 2019
I love the Mickey Knight series. Spending time in the real New Orleans, seeing the local sights and reading about a city trying to rebuild after a natural disaster. This time Mickey and her friend are used to help the rebel side of the mobster family steal from The Godfather.
March 24, 2020
I finished the series... What am I to do with my life now? 😂 Here's to hoping there's another one coming, I can't bear to wait but I have to.
Another great book, although I still want Micky to END UP WITH KAREN. Here's to hoping, no matter how futile it is.
Another great book, although I still want Micky to END UP WITH KAREN. Here's to hoping, no matter how futile it is.
February 20, 2020
The story starts with a missing person case that quickly turns into what seems to be a murder. At this point Micky should have left it alone, but for some reason she keeps investigating. This turns into an interesting, if somewhat annoying, case.
In some ways Micky is back to her best in this story and makes some bold decisions that make the best of what was a very difficult situation.
However, what I used to like about these stories was they weren’t just about the investigation, but there was also a really interesting relationship that gave the books the edge over many other similar mysteries. Since the author got rid of Cordelia they have never been as good.
I’m not sure what the author is doing with this series, in the last book Cordelia reappeared in the last chapter with a new partner. In this book the author mentions Cordelia over seventy times, although she only actually appears for a couple of pages. Is this the author’s way of putting the Codelia situation ‘to bed’? Is it the end of the series?
In some ways the mystery was worth four stars, but I still can’t get past that I am missing half a story, which is why I have given three.
In some ways Micky is back to her best in this story and makes some bold decisions that make the best of what was a very difficult situation.
However, what I used to like about these stories was they weren’t just about the investigation, but there was also a really interesting relationship that gave the books the edge over many other similar mysteries. Since the author got rid of Cordelia they have never been as good.
I’m not sure what the author is doing with this series, in the last book Cordelia reappeared in the last chapter with a new partner. In this book the author mentions Cordelia over seventy times, although she only actually appears for a couple of pages. Is this the author’s way of putting the Codelia situation ‘to bed’? Is it the end of the series?
In some ways the mystery was worth four stars, but I still can’t get past that I am missing half a story, which is why I have given three.
December 22, 2019
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Okay so lesbian noir was the thing I didn't know I desperately needed! I finished this book in two days and definitely wanted more!
Micky Knight is a private investigator and she's hired by a woman to find her missing sister. Until that woman, or someone who looks like her ends up in the morgue. She also discovers that she's the contact for that same woman who was in the process to buy a house from her ex girlfriend's cousin Karen Holloway. Micky has to uncover what the game is and who’s playing. Because the stakes are murder.
This book was such a fun, quick-paced and smoth read and the plot twists were well placed and unpredictable! I didn't know this book was part of a series before I picked it up but I'll be sure to check out the rest of them because I can't get enough of Micky. She's smart, relatable and interesting and the secondary characters were also well written.
Thank you J.M. Redmann for allowing me to read this early!
Okay so lesbian noir was the thing I didn't know I desperately needed! I finished this book in two days and definitely wanted more!
Micky Knight is a private investigator and she's hired by a woman to find her missing sister. Until that woman, or someone who looks like her ends up in the morgue. She also discovers that she's the contact for that same woman who was in the process to buy a house from her ex girlfriend's cousin Karen Holloway. Micky has to uncover what the game is and who’s playing. Because the stakes are murder.
This book was such a fun, quick-paced and smoth read and the plot twists were well placed and unpredictable! I didn't know this book was part of a series before I picked it up but I'll be sure to check out the rest of them because I can't get enough of Micky. She's smart, relatable and interesting and the secondary characters were also well written.
Thank you J.M. Redmann for allowing me to read this early!
June 4, 2022
It’s been a long time since I read the first 9 books in J.M. Redmann’s wonderful and thrilling Micky Knight series. This was just as well-written and complex of a mystery as the previous ones, maybe even more so. Micky is a multifaceted character with memories and regrets, compassion and ethics. Although this is a mystery story, we are also treated to other parts of her life, including her cousin, her friends and her ex, Cordelia. It feels like these glimpses of Mickey and her friends and acquaintances are a way of showing her dealing with and coming to terms with her personal life. This was an engrossing tale with unexpected turns, from Micky’s personal issues to the mysterious case before her.
July 30, 2021
Es el mejor de los últimos libros de Micky, da la sensación de que la autora recobró la "frescura" de los primeros libros de la saga.
October 11, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Mickey is drawn into a twisted mystery. Mickey takes on a case when a woman named Aimee ask to look for her sister when tries to research the women who hire her because she knows when someone not telling the whole truth.
Things get more complicated when she doesn't know if the woman who hire her is in the morgue or if she still alive who the real victim is as she deal with learning this case is more then it seems especially with the mob family in Atlanta Georgia. Then you have this realtor Karen being drawn into the case as Mickey tried sort out what going on.
You can tell Mickey still heroine but also tell she lonely an that her ex Cordelia is dating someone name Nancy who isn't a great person everybody thinks she is because can't seem to see Cordelia staying with her. I like that we got to glimpse other characters in previous books Joanne Danny Ellie and Alex it was nice seeing them and how they are doing.
Mickey is drawn into a twisted mystery. Mickey takes on a case when a woman named Aimee ask to look for her sister when tries to research the women who hire her because she knows when someone not telling the whole truth.
Things get more complicated when she doesn't know if the woman who hire her is in the morgue or if she still alive who the real victim is as she deal with learning this case is more then it seems especially with the mob family in Atlanta Georgia. Then you have this realtor Karen being drawn into the case as Mickey tried sort out what going on.
You can tell Mickey still heroine but also tell she lonely an that her ex Cordelia is dating someone name Nancy who isn't a great person everybody thinks she is because can't seem to see Cordelia staying with her. I like that we got to glimpse other characters in previous books Joanne Danny Ellie and Alex it was nice seeing them and how they are doing.
February 29, 2024
This is a murder mystery that follows Private Investigator Micky Knight. This is the 10th novel featuring Micky Knight. I didn’t know it was the 10th story when I started it and while I think. I would have benefited from reading the previous stories first, I never felt lost or confused. The story is well written and stands on its own and all back story and necessary character information was well explained. Anyone could pick up the story here and feel caught up.
Micky is a complex and interesting character she spends much of her time trying to convince herself she doesn’t care about others then goes out of her way to help them. She can be jaded and judgmental because of her profession and experiences but she is also intelligent and introspective.
The mystery of this story was very well crafted and constantly kept me guessing.
The characters were all interesting and fun to follow.
This book did not have any romance and while I would have enjoyed it if there was, I never felt like The story was lacking without it.
I loved the way Redmann made me thing about other peoples perspectives and experiences. From the characters and all of their trials to the people of New Orleans and their struggles. It was truly humbling and I am grateful to have experienced it.
This is a must read for fans of mystery.
Micky is a complex and interesting character she spends much of her time trying to convince herself she doesn’t care about others then goes out of her way to help them. She can be jaded and judgmental because of her profession and experiences but she is also intelligent and introspective.
The mystery of this story was very well crafted and constantly kept me guessing.
The characters were all interesting and fun to follow.
This book did not have any romance and while I would have enjoyed it if there was, I never felt like The story was lacking without it.
I loved the way Redmann made me thing about other peoples perspectives and experiences. From the characters and all of their trials to the people of New Orleans and their struggles. It was truly humbling and I am grateful to have experienced it.
This is a must read for fans of mystery.
October 7, 2020
I can't believe this has happened: I am bereft I have finished them all. I have read the whole series, and then re-read it so I could get to this latest one. This novel is as sharp, fast-paced, and delightful as the others. I do hope that there's another one after this! I'm still rooting for Micky, and this book creates further avenues and directions her life can go in a new book, and they'd all be good. I've come to love all the characters and even feel attached to New Orleans. The mysteries are fun page-turners, with the added bonus that the author understands so many nuances of lesbian life and love. Please write more. This can't be all I'll know about Micky: I'm not ready to say goodbye.
October 21, 2019
Thanks to Net Galley and Bold Stroke Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say I am a huge fan of J.M. Redmann's Mickey Knight series. Indeed, Redmann has long been my favourite lesbian/mystery/thriller author. Like many readers, however, I was disappointed with her last two books. Redmann, more than any author I have encountered gives us three- dimensional characters that live long in the memory. She has the unique gift of making the reader laugh or cry when framing the exploits of her irrepressible heroine, Mickey Knight. I must confess I love Mickey. She is exceptionally well drawn by Redmann - lovable, tenacious and fallible. In this book Mickey takes on a rather complex and perplexing case involving multiple series of twins from a mob family in Atlanta, Georgia. This was rather a twisty mystery which drew both Mickey and the ghastly Karen Holloway into the web of organised crime and the factious Brande crime family., As we have come to expect from previous books, Mickey saves the day and rescues more than one damsel in distress. Whilst this was a satisfying mystery, Mickey is still in quite a lonely place. There is little engagement with the fantastic cast of characters we have come to love in earlier books.. Apart from Joanne, we hear little from Danny, Ellie and Alex. This, as we come to learn, is down to the machinations of Cordelia's partner, Nancy. This, for me, is one of the mystery's still to be resolved in the series. Why is Cordelia with Nancy? A rather unpleasant scene between Nancy and Mickey suggests Cordelia and Nancy's relationship may not be the loving one we assumed. Maybe the relationship is held together by obligation on Cordelia’s part? Has Nancy manipulated Cordelia into splitting with Micky? It is simply impossible to believe that Cordelia would willingly stay with Nancy for any other reason. I suspect we have a lot more to learn about Nancy and the events recounted in ‘The Shoal of Time’ which involved Cordelia and Mickey's break-up.
If so, please J.M. resolve these questions in the next book!
If not for the absence of Mickey's friends this would have been a 5 star review.
Let me just say I am a huge fan of J.M. Redmann's Mickey Knight series. Indeed, Redmann has long been my favourite lesbian/mystery/thriller author. Like many readers, however, I was disappointed with her last two books. Redmann, more than any author I have encountered gives us three- dimensional characters that live long in the memory. She has the unique gift of making the reader laugh or cry when framing the exploits of her irrepressible heroine, Mickey Knight. I must confess I love Mickey. She is exceptionally well drawn by Redmann - lovable, tenacious and fallible. In this book Mickey takes on a rather complex and perplexing case involving multiple series of twins from a mob family in Atlanta, Georgia. This was rather a twisty mystery which drew both Mickey and the ghastly Karen Holloway into the web of organised crime and the factious Brande crime family., As we have come to expect from previous books, Mickey saves the day and rescues more than one damsel in distress. Whilst this was a satisfying mystery, Mickey is still in quite a lonely place. There is little engagement with the fantastic cast of characters we have come to love in earlier books.. Apart from Joanne, we hear little from Danny, Ellie and Alex. This, as we come to learn, is down to the machinations of Cordelia's partner, Nancy. This, for me, is one of the mystery's still to be resolved in the series. Why is Cordelia with Nancy? A rather unpleasant scene between Nancy and Mickey suggests Cordelia and Nancy's relationship may not be the loving one we assumed. Maybe the relationship is held together by obligation on Cordelia’s part? Has Nancy manipulated Cordelia into splitting with Micky? It is simply impossible to believe that Cordelia would willingly stay with Nancy for any other reason. I suspect we have a lot more to learn about Nancy and the events recounted in ‘The Shoal of Time’ which involved Cordelia and Mickey's break-up.
If so, please J.M. resolve these questions in the next book!
If not for the absence of Mickey's friends this would have been a 5 star review.
August 29, 2020
Warning: Includes spoilers!
Great mystery with twists and turns, and many characters. I am not going to repeat the book presentation written by the publisher - you all know it allready.
In this book Mickey is turning more and more as a mature adult with natural human faults, though high integrity and soft spot for mistreated women - it just takes time to separate murderers and innocent mob family members.
I am a bit disappointed that Micky did not get the Cordelia back, did not find any love or did not even get laid. She would have deserved it all.
However, the surrealistic private life of Micky probably made the story better. It certainly made Mickey more realistic as an odd person among happy couples.
The plot was great - like Micky Knight books are always. This one might be my all time favourite. I read the book on one go, could not go the sleep before the end.
After reading two thirds of the book I was so intrigued and maybe more than confused - not sure if Redmann could ever wrap up all the loose ends and not get tangled. She did it.
The only detail I can not understand: why in the last big dangerous scene Karen did not seem to recognise her girlfriend's aunt to be the same person she allegedly did meet in the the beginning of the book? The person they were searching together the good first part of the story? Or maybe that odd detail were there on purpose - maybe, after all, Karen were part of the rogue women group though in the end she was going to be sacrificed by them. Blue-eyed (a pun intended) fool and betrayed but not so innocent as Micky, Joanne and rest of them and cops believed. That might have been one more reason she was so devastated.
No matter what, the ending was happy after all for the most of good people and left door open also for Micky to have more content life in future.
Great mystery with twists and turns, and many characters. I am not going to repeat the book presentation written by the publisher - you all know it allready.
In this book Mickey is turning more and more as a mature adult with natural human faults, though high integrity and soft spot for mistreated women - it just takes time to separate murderers and innocent mob family members.
I am a bit disappointed that Micky did not get the Cordelia back, did not find any love or did not even get laid. She would have deserved it all.
However, the surrealistic private life of Micky probably made the story better. It certainly made Mickey more realistic as an odd person among happy couples.
The plot was great - like Micky Knight books are always. This one might be my all time favourite. I read the book on one go, could not go the sleep before the end.
After reading two thirds of the book I was so intrigued and maybe more than confused - not sure if Redmann could ever wrap up all the loose ends and not get tangled. She did it.
The only detail I can not understand: why in the last big dangerous scene Karen did not seem to recognise her girlfriend's aunt to be the same person she allegedly did meet in the the beginning of the book? The person they were searching together the good first part of the story? Or maybe that odd detail were there on purpose - maybe, after all, Karen were part of the rogue women group though in the end she was going to be sacrificed by them. Blue-eyed (a pun intended) fool and betrayed but not so innocent as Micky, Joanne and rest of them and cops believed. That might have been one more reason she was so devastated.
No matter what, the ending was happy after all for the most of good people and left door open also for Micky to have more content life in future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2019
NetGalley:
This series is 100% queer required reading. I don't know when I started to feel this hard for these characters but I think it was sometime during Katrina. As the storm hit, and the chasm between Mickey and CordeIa went to new heights, I developed a persistant anxiety that has never fully subsided. I spent all of this book with knots in my stomach. I can see how that might seem like I am not recommending this series, but it is absolutely wonderful.
Mickey is the best and worst in all of us, and she lives in a world where her friends and acquaintances only see her through the charged and stressful moments they cross her path. I can feel everyone around her misunderstanding her. I can also see that I would do the same. The vodka bottle she purchases but does not open, only to drink martinis the next day. Her battle with alcohol, with guilt, with belief in her self, with loss, she is constantly in dualities. And then there is Cordelia. The ever-present spectre haunting every choice Mickey makes. The constant questioning, "did I abandoned her? was I unlovable"? She never says it, but you can feel it. Cordelia is more present in this book, which had me on edge from start to finish. I am angry at Cordelia, but I love her all the same.
I recommend this book to anyone who has read the series and would like another high paced mystery with a melancholy thread woven through.
This series is 100% queer required reading. I don't know when I started to feel this hard for these characters but I think it was sometime during Katrina. As the storm hit, and the chasm between Mickey and CordeIa went to new heights, I developed a persistant anxiety that has never fully subsided. I spent all of this book with knots in my stomach. I can see how that might seem like I am not recommending this series, but it is absolutely wonderful.
Mickey is the best and worst in all of us, and she lives in a world where her friends and acquaintances only see her through the charged and stressful moments they cross her path. I can feel everyone around her misunderstanding her. I can also see that I would do the same. The vodka bottle she purchases but does not open, only to drink martinis the next day. Her battle with alcohol, with guilt, with belief in her self, with loss, she is constantly in dualities. And then there is Cordelia. The ever-present spectre haunting every choice Mickey makes. The constant questioning, "did I abandoned her? was I unlovable"? She never says it, but you can feel it. Cordelia is more present in this book, which had me on edge from start to finish. I am angry at Cordelia, but I love her all the same.
I recommend this book to anyone who has read the series and would like another high paced mystery with a melancholy thread woven through.
October 25, 2019
I’ve never read any of the other books in this series. I was actually a bit too far into the book to realise it...
That being said, you do miss a bit of the background of the characters but you can read this book without having all that knowledge.
Micky is a PI who gets sucked into a scheme by a mystery woman. The assignment she gets from her turns up nothing, but when the cheque clears she keeps digging. She uncovers a big pile of trouble. Luckily she has some friends in the police force and she has some good common sense. And of course years on the job as PI to get her and her friends out of a sticky situation.
Did I just say sticky? The author does an excellent job to describe the heat and humidity in New Orleans. I’ve never been there but I can imagine it being a “sticky” place.
I think the author does great job taking you through this story and building suspense. I am usually quick to figure out who is involved and why and how the story will end. For this one it took me quite a bit longer to figure out who was involved and I had no clue how it would end. I think it ended perfectly.
I will definitely read another of these books!
*book provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review*
That being said, you do miss a bit of the background of the characters but you can read this book without having all that knowledge.
Micky is a PI who gets sucked into a scheme by a mystery woman. The assignment she gets from her turns up nothing, but when the cheque clears she keeps digging. She uncovers a big pile of trouble. Luckily she has some friends in the police force and she has some good common sense. And of course years on the job as PI to get her and her friends out of a sticky situation.
Did I just say sticky? The author does an excellent job to describe the heat and humidity in New Orleans. I’ve never been there but I can imagine it being a “sticky” place.
I think the author does great job taking you through this story and building suspense. I am usually quick to figure out who is involved and why and how the story will end. For this one it took me quite a bit longer to figure out who was involved and I had no clue how it would end. I think it ended perfectly.
I will definitely read another of these books!
*book provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review*
April 18, 2023
4.5 ✨
I thought I am in love with Lisbeth Salandar till I met Michelle Knight aka Micky Knight and the rest is history. I think I am going to love her for a long time now. She is flawed, but that's make her irresistible.
Yes, I have completed reading the entire series as of now and will wait for the last instalment. I'm sad that there is no longer Micky time in my daily routine from now onwards.
This story is really riveting, Ms.Redmann as usual brilliant in story telling, unlike the #9 which I find a tad boring. Micky here is all alone, no romance this time as well. Request to Ms. Redmann, please, please give her someone for her to go home, someone she should depend on emotionally. And she is irresistible while making love, so please let her have something meaningful in life, not a short stint but a full-fledged one.
Micky is ageing, but her readers want a full-filling if not happy ending for her. When she intends to hang her boots, it must be on a positive note. CJ must return to her life and they must live a full-filling life.
I really wonder why this is yet to find its way to OTT! Such a good storytelling and such good characters.
Ms.Redmann are you listening?
I thought I am in love with Lisbeth Salandar till I met Michelle Knight aka Micky Knight and the rest is history. I think I am going to love her for a long time now. She is flawed, but that's make her irresistible.
Yes, I have completed reading the entire series as of now and will wait for the last instalment. I'm sad that there is no longer Micky time in my daily routine from now onwards.
This story is really riveting, Ms.Redmann as usual brilliant in story telling, unlike the #9 which I find a tad boring. Micky here is all alone, no romance this time as well. Request to Ms. Redmann, please, please give her someone for her to go home, someone she should depend on emotionally. And she is irresistible while making love, so please let her have something meaningful in life, not a short stint but a full-fledged one.
Micky is ageing, but her readers want a full-filling if not happy ending for her. When she intends to hang her boots, it must be on a positive note. CJ must return to her life and they must live a full-filling life.
I really wonder why this is yet to find its way to OTT! Such a good storytelling and such good characters.
Ms.Redmann are you listening?
February 16, 2025
“Not Dead Enough”, tenth in the 'Micky Knight' series, is about as convoluted as it gets.
It relies heavily on multiple sets of twins, some identical, and their extended criminal family.
I eventually gave up on who was who and just went along with the flow.
A woman hires Micky to find her sister. The same woman, maybe, is buying a house through Karen Holloway (a cousin of Cordelia who shows up several times in the series).
Then she, possibly, is found dead.
Part of the problem is that nobody knows who she is. Micky, however, combining her own research and that of the computer grannies in her building, finally narrows it down somewhat.
There's also the question as to why both Micky and Karen were chosen out of the millions of people in New Orleans.
Meanwhile the elephant in the room – Cordelia - is becoming increasingly problematic.
Micky's friends were also Cordelia's and they seem to have chosen Cordelia first.
Micky's house is jointly owned by Cordelia and, even though they haven't met since Cordelia's return, they'll have to at some stage.
Ten books in I am continuing to read the series mainly because of Micky's personal life – it's somewhat like finding a series of diaries containing the writers' most personal thoughts.
3 Stars.
It relies heavily on multiple sets of twins, some identical, and their extended criminal family.
I eventually gave up on who was who and just went along with the flow.
A woman hires Micky to find her sister. The same woman, maybe, is buying a house through Karen Holloway (a cousin of Cordelia who shows up several times in the series).
Then she, possibly, is found dead.
Part of the problem is that nobody knows who she is. Micky, however, combining her own research and that of the computer grannies in her building, finally narrows it down somewhat.
There's also the question as to why both Micky and Karen were chosen out of the millions of people in New Orleans.
Meanwhile the elephant in the room – Cordelia - is becoming increasingly problematic.
Micky's friends were also Cordelia's and they seem to have chosen Cordelia first.
Micky's house is jointly owned by Cordelia and, even though they haven't met since Cordelia's return, they'll have to at some stage.
Ten books in I am continuing to read the series mainly because of Micky's personal life – it's somewhat like finding a series of diaries containing the writers' most personal thoughts.
3 Stars.
July 3, 2023
Book 10 of the Mickey Knight series. I have re-read books 1 to 9 in prep for this, book 10. I’m not going to rave about the story lines, the marvellous pacing, the vivid characters, the the tension and emotional wild rides on which these books have taken me. Nor the imagery and descriptions of New Orleans that enthralled me. Nor the pictures of the place during and post Katrina that cut my heart out. I went to the locations via google maps. There was no glamour there. Just the stark reality of Mickey’s environment.
Book 10 has ended on a note that leaves us with perhaps a tad of hope for the one major stuff up in her life to be eventually resolved.
The author, I hope, can find the stamina to address this in yet another book or books. I can imagine that creating this world has been exhausting. I beg her not to stop yet. There is a rift that screams for a mending. My heart requires it. The burden for writers of riveting, and emotionally engaging stories— reader pressure. Mickey has become a person to us, and we gather in her defense and will her to a good life.
This is now my favourite series in a talent filled genre. I wait, hopefully for the next one. Thank you J M Redmann
Book 10 has ended on a note that leaves us with perhaps a tad of hope for the one major stuff up in her life to be eventually resolved.
The author, I hope, can find the stamina to address this in yet another book or books. I can imagine that creating this world has been exhausting. I beg her not to stop yet. There is a rift that screams for a mending. My heart requires it. The burden for writers of riveting, and emotionally engaging stories— reader pressure. Mickey has become a person to us, and we gather in her defense and will her to a good life.
This is now my favourite series in a talent filled genre. I wait, hopefully for the next one. Thank you J M Redmann
January 30, 2020
This is the 10th book in the Micky Knight mystery series. Micky is a P.I. living in New Orleans. In all of the books in this series, Micky is the main character, and the books are always set in the backdrop of New Orleans. Micky’s character possesses many flaws, and this leads readers to feel as though she could be a real individual.
When I began reading the Micky Knight series, I felt as though I was her sidekick while she solved the mysteries and confronted physical and emotional trauma. This compadre sensation carries through all of her books.
Not Dead Enough can be read as a standalone. However, I believe readers would gain a better understanding of Micky’s character by reading the entire series. Over the years Micky has experienced a cornucopia of feelings. For example, in one book Micky and her friends go through the impact of Hurricane Katrina. As a reader, I felt the raw emotions in that book and shed many tears. Ms. Redmann, who lives in New Orleans, continues to bring out the vivid feelings of the people of this city through her series.
The plot of this complex mystery is well planned. Without reading the preceding books in this series, readers will still find well developed characters.
I highly recommend this book and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
When I began reading the Micky Knight series, I felt as though I was her sidekick while she solved the mysteries and confronted physical and emotional trauma. This compadre sensation carries through all of her books.
Not Dead Enough can be read as a standalone. However, I believe readers would gain a better understanding of Micky’s character by reading the entire series. Over the years Micky has experienced a cornucopia of feelings. For example, in one book Micky and her friends go through the impact of Hurricane Katrina. As a reader, I felt the raw emotions in that book and shed many tears. Ms. Redmann, who lives in New Orleans, continues to bring out the vivid feelings of the people of this city through her series.
The plot of this complex mystery is well planned. Without reading the preceding books in this series, readers will still find well developed characters.
I highly recommend this book and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 17, 2019
An absorbing crime novel featuring the wonderful lesbian private eye Micky Knight, she is strong, funny, thoughtful and capable! No getting herself into dangerous situations here, she uses her wit and her strength to investigate the case of a missing twin sister. The thread leads her to a major misogynist crime family in Atlanta but when she is cornered by an incompetent and angry young man she fights him and gets away. She follows her hunches and proves to be right about a lesbian drama sub plot featuring her exes cousin. I was gripped and read this in two sittings!
With thanks to net galley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
With thanks to net galley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 8, 2019
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once again, Micky Knight, is up to her neck in twisted, knotted mysteries.
This book has it all - mystery, old love, friends and family awkwardness. I love how true to life parts of the story is - how do friends treat a former couple, how do you "choose" sides?
The mystery has several angles and is very well done.
Power, money, revenge, acceptance - it's all there.
Once again, Micky Knight, is up to her neck in twisted, knotted mysteries.
This book has it all - mystery, old love, friends and family awkwardness. I love how true to life parts of the story is - how do friends treat a former couple, how do you "choose" sides?
The mystery has several angles and is very well done.
Power, money, revenge, acceptance - it's all there.
November 3, 2025
Es casi que las cinco estrellas, le pongo el 4 solo porque fue un dolor de cabeza tratar de entender el árbol genealógico de la familia antagónica. Fuera de ello perfecto, me encanta su amistad con Joanne, sus interacciones de heroína con las chicas guapas que inevitablemente siempre se topa, me encanta como se va manejando la vuelta de Cordelia a su vida (Reafirmo que la amo pero siento que no se merece a Micky, siempre tan tibia), y la vuelta de Karen a quien ya extrañaba.
September 27, 2020
This is the best series ever. I love that the books are unapologetically feminist and the characters are both strong and vulnerable. In other words, real. I always look forward to Micky's next adventure because I know it will be both insightful and entertaining. Keep this series rolling J.M. Redmann!
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