DEAD BODIES, SUFFERING SOULS – Freddie didn’t mean to kill the mugger – she barely had time to think. But when it was over, her boyfriend was in the hospital and the teenaged assailant was dead. Now, trying to cope with aggressive reporters, inquisitive cops, concerned relatives, and her own nagging conscience, Freddie finds one source of the strength and comfort offered by Mike Danken, an ex-cop-turned-minister. But when Danken suggests that Freddie can soothe her guilt feelings by using her P.I. skills to help out a member of the dead mugger’s family, she suddenly finds herself involved in a murder – and wondering if it’s true that no good deed goes unpunished…
MORE AUDIOBOOKS OF CATHERINE DAIN'S FREDDIE O'NEAL MYSTERY
WALK A CROOKED MILE, by Catherine Dain, (Freddie O'Neal Mystery Series, Book 1) Read by Stephanie Brush SING A SONG OF DEATH, by Catherine Dain, (Freddie O'Neal Mystery Series, Book 2) Read by Stephanie Brush LAY IT ON THE LINE, by Catherine Dain, (Freddie O'Neal Mystery Series, Book 3), Read by Stephanie Brush LAMENT FOR A DEAD COWBOY, by Catherine Dain, (Freddie O'Neal Mystery Series, Book 4), Read by Stephanie Brush BET AGAINST THE HOUSE, by Catherine Dain, (Freddie O'Neal Mystery Series, Book 5), Read by Stephanie Brush THE LUCK OF THE DRAW, by Catherine Dain, (Freddie O'Neal Series, Book 6), Read by Stephanie Brush
PROTAGONIST: Freddie O'Neal, PI SETTING: Reno, NV SERIES: #1 of 7 RATING: 3.5 WHY: Freddie O'Neal is a PI in Reno and hired by Joan Halliday to investigate some con artists who are tasking care of her father, Charlie. Before she know it, there's been a murder, and Joan is the prime suspect. There's some treacherous family and business stuff. Somewhat above average, but I could have done without the tell-all denouement.
Very enjoyable. Has the early 90s cynical feminism that I particularly enjoy reading, but also has enough story. Kind of like Philip Marlowe but female and better. Her love-life didn't annoy me too much. I was disappointed when it didn't spark, they seem to only really fall for assholes and I was happy for once the protagonist was into someone who wasn't an asshole- I guess she was right about Peter Pan syndrome though (that used to be my weakness when I was straight). I found Freddie's ambivalence about looking "pretty" also interesting and relatable.
The mystery had a few too many characters so at times it was a bit confusing but it had some good potential supporting characters for later novels. At least one of the bad guys was likeable but not enough to ruin the fun of reading. There was a suitably tense and satisfying ending, even if bits of it were inrealistic. I think I will enjoy a few more of these.
Lay it On The Line - VG Dain, Catherine - 1st in the Freddie O'Neal Series
Freddie O'Neal lives among the motels and casinos of Reno, Nev., pilots a small plane to Las Vegas when she needs to check leads, and subsists on a stomach-numbing diet of greasy burgers and instant coffee. She's also a loner who's capable of steely pragmatism but tentative about showing affection for those close to her. Freddie is hired by Joan Halliday, an ex-showgirl, to investigate the drug-dealing, neglectful caretakers of Joan's elderly father. However, when Joan's not-so-beloved sister is killed in a suspicious hit-and-run and Joan is named the prime suspect, Freddie must figure out if the crime was committed by the caretakers, by Joan or by Joan's father, who appears to be involved in a shady real-estate firm. Not surprisingly, another murder thickens the plot, the obligatory love interest temporarily turns Freddie's head, and Freddie's life is threatened.
Freddie O'Neal is a private investigator in Reno NV. I love her. I love the setting. This series was written between 1992 and 1997 and books may be hard to find but they're worth it! Definitely recommend for mystery lovers.
Another delightful Freddie, private eye, mystery! If you like a good mystery peopled with diverse characters and/or you love Reno/Tahoe/Carson City.. this I recommend this book to you!