Shyster

Pistachio and Grant Comic Mysteries #2

by Alex Washoe

Still reeling from the fallout of her first major trial -- and running from her brush with celebrity -- Dora Grant agrees, against her better judgment, to accompany her new (boy?)friend David on a weekend birding cruise. Despite the fact that she doesn't love water and Pistachio hates birds. It's not long before David and Dora are fighting, and Pistachio is channeling the fearsome pirate Captain Greennuts.

Throw in an impossible murder, a hapless suspect in need of defense, a prosecutor who doesn't believe Dora is an attorney, and a once-in-a-decade storm ... and the ride is about to get rough for Greennuts and her crew.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2017

About the author

Alex Washoe (they/them) is a nonbinary writer, game designer, and full-time pet parent living in Seattle, WA. In previous incarnations, they have been a bookseller, a wildlife rehab care assistant, a dog walker at a companion animal shelter, a public speaker, an amateur stand-up comedian, and many other less interesting things. Alex is prone to sudden, seemingly random enthusiasms — the list currently includes birdwatching, baking, running, hair dye … and of course writing. Writing is always job one.

Reviews

[Mark Sabol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book found its way into my rotation and quickly took over (as is my way, I'm always reading 4 or 5 books in various modalities. This passed them up and got finished first because it quickly grabbed me and was the one I wanted to pick up).
It's a great whodunit with humor start to finish (laughed so many times), and humor on many levels - there's humor that speaks specifically to the craft of writing, humor that speaks to 60s/70s pop culture, psychological humor, and an ongoing pirate schtick between the protagonist and her alter-ego puppet that totally kicks butt. Oh! And humor ABOUT humor... I love it! But the ninth-inning, bases-loaded home-run for me in the book is (figuratively, this isn't Diamond Heat -- it's better!) how it called to me as a human, affirmed that the many ways to be human and relate to others are deep, wonderful, and a gift that so transcends the cookie-cutter mold that would constrain us from the fullness of who we are, each and every one. I think this author is brilliant at conveying such in a seemingly simple and engaging way. BTW - If you haven't read Mouthpiece (same main character), don't miss it!

[Madison Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shyster picks up a little bit after the end of book 1. In this one, Pistachio is playing a pirate, Captain Greennuts, while she and Dora investigate a locked room murder that took place during their birdwatching cruise with her "friend" David. The entire ship ends up stranded on an island during the storm and Dora has to catch the killer before more people die.
I feel Stach's joking stick wore a little thinner here (at least for me), and at one point I had to put it down until the next day just to take a break. Otherwise this is a fun quick read that really fleshes out Dora's character even more.
Once the pace picked up in the middle with the twists coming hard and fast I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read book 3 when it comes out!

[D.L. Solum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great comedy/mystery!

I continue to love the crazy. Dora and Pistachio may not be the heroes you thought you deserved, but they are the heroes that showed up, so.... What was I saying again?

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was as humorous as the first. I loved Stash's new woman and was sad it didn't work out. Dora always seems to bring trouble with her wherever she goes.