The Hard Way

Rachel Alexander & Dash #9

by Carol Lea Benjamin

A lifelong New Yorker, Private Investigator Rachel Alexander has lived through some rough times—from 9/11, to a difficult divorce, to cases that have taken her to the depths of the city's dark underbelly. But when wealthy business owner Eleanor Redstone approaches Rachel to ask if she can investigate her father's murder—a brutal slaying that occurred when he was pushed onto the subway tracks—Rachel takes the case, plunging herself into parts of the city only its poorest residents have ever known. Because to solve Gardner Redstone's murder, Rachel must disguise herself as a homeless woman and live on the streets, searching for the dispossessed man witnesses say made the fatal push. In one of the coldest winters New York City has seen in years, Rachel is helped by a homeless Iraq War veteran, a man whose sad circumstances leave Rachel pondering her own fortunate life.

From critically-acclaimed author Carol Lea Benjamin, a writer the Cleveland Plain-Dealer calls "first rate," this is another illuminating look into the heart of New York, a mystery with heartbreaking characters, and a story you'll never forget.

Genres: Mystery, Dogs, Fiction

292 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

A noted dog trainer and former detective, Carol Lea Benjamin is the author of books on canine behavior and training as well as the Rachel Alexander and Dash mystery series. She has been honored by the International Association of Canine Professionals with her election to their Hall of Fame. Ms. Benjamin lives in Greenwich Village with her husband and their dogs.

Reviews

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in contemporary New York City, mystery involves a woman, Rachel Alexander, and her pet bull Dashiel who is hired by a woman to discover who murdered her father. Story involves Rachel's efforts to track down who did it spending part of her time as a homeless person. Story bogged down for me in those homeless parts, but moved along nicely during the Rachael sections.

[Genine Franklin-Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so much more than dog owner/P I stories. The writing is superb, each story is unique, the thought for and understanding of others by the protagonist unusually rich. I love this series. The author's knowledge of her subject and her humanity shine through.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the subject matter interesting but the development of the plot too lengthy. I kept saying to myself,"okay,okay I get it now let's move it along!"

[ReadaBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a new, and more compassionate, perspective about the homeless. I finished the book with tears streaming down my cheeks. Ms. Benjamin is an extremely talented writer.

[Gilek · Rating 2 out of 5]

firstly, it wasn't "bad". just wasn't my thing. so I can't give it three stars as that would be saying "i liked it". this reminds me that I shouldn't decide to not read a book simply due to a low online star rating. it was like an episode of Cold Case or Without A Trace, the tv shows. I didn't feel any satisfaction from it, or that I was benefiting from it re wisdom...also the message seemed to be that we should all throw aside our own selfish dreams and not pursue them until everyone else has a warm place to sleep and something to eat. I just can't agree with that, but I kept reading so as to give the author a chance to change my mind, in case I might learn something. I finally decided that reading it was seeming too much like a chore, that I was only continuing so that I would know I had finished it. so at page 227, with forty pages left, I stopped reading it, and took a few minutes to quick read/scan through the last pages. do not endeavor to read this again, or the author. waste of my time, and I was rather bored by it every time I sat down to read it.

[Kathleen O'Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

#9 in the Rachel Alexander/Dash series, this seems to be the last one, I'm sorry to say. Published in 2006, it doesn't seem likely that Benjamin will resume the series. This was an interesting one, more gritty than some. Rachel goes undercover with 2 different roles: a homeless woman and an employee of a super high end leather goods shop. The author's empathy for the homeless was evident. As usual, a good tale.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this book 4 stars, because I like this author, but it was too politically correct for me. The homeless are only on the streets because of evil, greedy corporations, and even the murder is committed because of a greedy business owner.

[Karen-Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sorry to see this series end. I wish Ms Benjamin would write more about Rachel and Dash but The Hard Way was published in 2006 and she is unlikely to continue...though I still keep an eye out for a new one.

[Arlene Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intersting

The start was a surprise! The murder mystery was a real mystery! I had no clue until the end. Lots of twists and turns; no real red herrings! Very interesting characters!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who pushed Gardner Redstone in the subway? - A Rachel Alexander mystery - great book - makes me want to fend other "Rachel Alexander" books.

[Glennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather sad, but an enjoyable read. I love the dog,, and his scene with the boy were great.

[Jolene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good quick read. Several layers of mystery. Characters from both the very rich and the homeless which makes an interesting contrast as a side story.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read... female PI with Dash, her dog, as her sidekick!

[Renie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked this story. Easy read and good mystery plot.