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Paranormal Scene Investigations #2
Pack of Lies
My name is Bonita Torres, and eight months ago I was an unemployed college graduate without a plan. Now I'm an investigator with the Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigations team of New York. Pretty awesome, right?
The Cosa Nostradamus, the magical community, isn't quick to give up its secrets, though. Not even to fellow members. Not even when it's in their best interests. So we've been busting our tails, perfecting our forensic skills, working to gain acceptance. The team's tight… but we have our quirks, too. And our Big Dog, Benjamin Venec…well, he's a special case, all right.
But we can't give up. We're needed, especially when a case comes along that threatens to pit human against fatae. But one wrong move could cost us everything we've worked for….
The Cosa Nostradamus, the magical community, isn't quick to give up its secrets, though. Not even to fellow members. Not even when it's in their best interests. So we've been busting our tails, perfecting our forensic skills, working to gain acceptance. The team's tight… but we have our quirks, too. And our Big Dog, Benjamin Venec…well, he's a special case, all right.
But we can't give up. We're needed, especially when a case comes along that threatens to pit human against fatae. But one wrong move could cost us everything we've worked for….
378 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2011
25 people are currently reading
807 people want to read
About the author
Laura Anne Gilman
122 books824 followersLaura Anne Gilman’s work has been hailed as “a true American myth” by NPR, and praised for her “deft plotting and first-class characters” by Publishers Weekly. She has won the Endeavor Award for THE COLD EYE, and been shortlisted for a Nebula, (another) Endeavor, and a Washington State Book Award. Her work includes the Devil’s West trilogy, the Cosa Nostradamus urban fantasy series, the Vineart trilogy, and the story collection WEST WINDS’ FOOL. Her upcoming move, UNCANNY TIMES, will be out from Saga Books in 2022.
She lives in Seattle with a cat, a dog, and many deadlines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 16, 2017
I have to tell you, reviews I wrote in 2011 were pretty shitty. Bad enough that I only had the vaguest idea of the plot. So, I've erased 2011 and decided to be more explicit. You're welcome, Future carol.
The second in a series, Pack of Lies continues to center on Bonita Torres and her work with a team of investigators. Nine months ago, she and a group of four other people were recruited by a couple of best friends to become the first-ever magical forensic examiners, occupying a strictly non-partisan line in a magical community full of politics. They've had a couple of jobs since the first book, but when the team is called to a fresh crime scene, they jump without looking, viewing it as an opportunity to finally gain credibility. The crime is a sexual attack on a young woman and an impassioned defense by her companion, resulting in one of the attacker's deaths. In the background, the anti-fatae sentiment seems to be growing among the Talented humans in the community.
Plotting improves significantly in this book, with a much more investigation-centered plot and a crime that actually seems to make sense. There's a few twists to the crime, and a wonderful, bittersweet air to the resolution that is satisfying, even as it saddens. So kudos to that part; I really wanted to know what happened.
That said, I found it mildly eye-rolling (must we?) that an attempted rape/attack on a female is the centerpiece of the investigation, and that it ends up having such a profound effect on both Bonita and her teammate Sharon. Although, to give Gilman credit, she also notes Pietr had a strong reaction to the scene. While it may be true, it's such a stereotype to have it continue to color the women and their reactions. It just felt old-school, one-step removed sexism that continued to emphasize the victimness of the woman. Bringing Pietr in only mitigated it slightly, because his emotional reaction was dropped to focus on the women's.
The romantic sub-plot of this book starts to intrude more into the main plot, with Bonita and one of the team leaders, Ben, finally acknowledging their connection. While there's some progression, again, I don't think it's the kind of plotting that paranormal fans would enjoy as it is a secondary storyline with little payoff.
The writing style is very similar to the first book, with improvements in plotting helping it along. Gilman is very much of the story-telling school of narration. There's some dialogue, but mostly we're listening to Bonita or team leader Ben think things through. The Ben-narrated bits are short and mostly give us a little more insight into another underlying conflict as well as heightening the romantic tension.
The beginning of the story suffers a great deal from this sort of story-telling, as Gilman doesn't know when to cut it short, and Bonita thinks some of the same things in different ways. For instance, the significance to the team of being called to an active crime scene is remarked upon quite a bit--in her head. I suppose the reader is supposed to empathize with Bonita's feeling of internal pressure. This is the kind of thing that could have been taken care of with a little dialogue that would have given us more insight into other characters and more interest, period. I'm starting to see why so many reviewers thought it an unmemorable type of book; this style of narration lends itself to distance, and the lack of dialogue only encourages passivity.
The upshot, however, is that it's rather unusual to have a team of people who play equal roles in an urban fantasy. That's kind of a nice dynamic to see, and usually isn't complicated by the normal petty stuff many authors fall pray to (forced misunderstandings, personal drama over professional focus). It's a little annoying that there's still so much maleness around, and that despite hearing about Bonita being bisexual, we have little evidence of her scoping out women the way she does men (she considers a fatae male partner, refuses an offer to meet a woman partner, but does find a male partner). It honestly just doesn't feel like women are really integrated into the story, existing more as tokens (contrast again with my new fandom of Stephen Aryan who has more female than male main characters).
So, the non-dynamic storytelling (low re-readibility, despite my 2011 review) and lack of truly progressive character dynamics mean it's not personal library-worthy. Still, the plotting, generally intriguing set-up and non-full-on-irritatingness mean its a worthy UF distraction read. On Stephen's scale, that makes it a 'borrow.'
The second in a series, Pack of Lies continues to center on Bonita Torres and her work with a team of investigators. Nine months ago, she and a group of four other people were recruited by a couple of best friends to become the first-ever magical forensic examiners, occupying a strictly non-partisan line in a magical community full of politics. They've had a couple of jobs since the first book, but when the team is called to a fresh crime scene, they jump without looking, viewing it as an opportunity to finally gain credibility. The crime is a sexual attack on a young woman and an impassioned defense by her companion, resulting in one of the attacker's deaths. In the background, the anti-fatae sentiment seems to be growing among the Talented humans in the community.
Plotting improves significantly in this book, with a much more investigation-centered plot and a crime that actually seems to make sense. There's a few twists to the crime, and a wonderful, bittersweet air to the resolution that is satisfying, even as it saddens. So kudos to that part; I really wanted to know what happened.
That said, I found it mildly eye-rolling (must we?) that an attempted rape/attack on a female is the centerpiece of the investigation, and that it ends up having such a profound effect on both Bonita and her teammate Sharon. Although, to give Gilman credit, she also notes Pietr had a strong reaction to the scene. While it may be true, it's such a stereotype to have it continue to color the women and their reactions. It just felt old-school, one-step removed sexism that continued to emphasize the victimness of the woman. Bringing Pietr in only mitigated it slightly, because his emotional reaction was dropped to focus on the women's.
The romantic sub-plot of this book starts to intrude more into the main plot, with Bonita and one of the team leaders, Ben, finally acknowledging their connection. While there's some progression, again, I don't think it's the kind of plotting that paranormal fans would enjoy as it is a secondary storyline with little payoff.
The writing style is very similar to the first book, with improvements in plotting helping it along. Gilman is very much of the story-telling school of narration. There's some dialogue, but mostly we're listening to Bonita or team leader Ben think things through. The Ben-narrated bits are short and mostly give us a little more insight into another underlying conflict as well as heightening the romantic tension.
The beginning of the story suffers a great deal from this sort of story-telling, as Gilman doesn't know when to cut it short, and Bonita thinks some of the same things in different ways. For instance, the significance to the team of being called to an active crime scene is remarked upon quite a bit--in her head. I suppose the reader is supposed to empathize with Bonita's feeling of internal pressure. This is the kind of thing that could have been taken care of with a little dialogue that would have given us more insight into other characters and more interest, period. I'm starting to see why so many reviewers thought it an unmemorable type of book; this style of narration lends itself to distance, and the lack of dialogue only encourages passivity.
The upshot, however, is that it's rather unusual to have a team of people who play equal roles in an urban fantasy. That's kind of a nice dynamic to see, and usually isn't complicated by the normal petty stuff many authors fall pray to (forced misunderstandings, personal drama over professional focus). It's a little annoying that there's still so much maleness around, and that despite hearing about Bonita being bisexual, we have little evidence of her scoping out women the way she does men (she considers a fatae male partner, refuses an offer to meet a woman partner, but does find a male partner). It honestly just doesn't feel like women are really integrated into the story, existing more as tokens (contrast again with my new fandom of Stephen Aryan who has more female than male main characters).
So, the non-dynamic storytelling (low re-readibility, despite my 2011 review) and lack of truly progressive character dynamics mean it's not personal library-worthy. Still, the plotting, generally intriguing set-up and non-full-on-irritatingness mean its a worthy UF distraction read. On Stephen's scale, that makes it a 'borrow.'
November 20, 2015
3.5 Stars
I read the first book in this series, Hard Magic in August of 2014, and I'm having trouble remembering a lot of the plot and specifics regarding the characters. It was a pleasant enough read, but definitely felt light. In fact, I even recommended it for those looking for lighter Urban Fantasy fare. After reading this book, I'm not sure I'd stick by that recommendation. This book goes to a much darker place.
*Trigger Warning*
This book contains an attempted rape, murder, and related consequences - including emotional from multiple characters, as well as discussion of and scenes involving rape culture, and victim-blamimg.
Rape is a pretty sensitive subject for me. It's not a trigger, per se, of mine, it's just so often handled badly in books with no regards to actual healing and trauma caused by attempted or actual rape; which means that I generally avoid books that have rape. Unfortunately - or perhaps fortunately - I didn't know that it was such a central issue in this book. I may have avoided reading this book had I known, but I would have missed out on one of the best depiction of this subject I've read yet. I can count on one hand the number of books, or series, I've read that handled it with as much consideration and delicacy and care as this one.
To give a bit more description of what's going on with the case, since the blurb is so incredibly vague: PUPI (Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigators) is called in by the Council to investigate a scene where an attempted rape took place, and the woman's companion (a magical being called a ki-rin - which I'll talk more about later) killed the attacker. Tensions between fatae, the race of magical beings including the ki-rin, and humans have been escalating and this seems to be tinder on the embers that have already been burning. PUPI needs to verify what happened, and quickly, before things intensify out of control.
This aspect of the story was so well done. As I said earlier, it was handled with care. The trauma wasn't brushed under the rug, the difficulties for our investigators to actually investigate and remain somewhat impartial, the accusations that crop up both for and against victims, it's all there - sometimes it's not pretty, often it's not, but Laura Anne Gilman doesn't shy away from it at all. I will warn that it doesn't end on a particularly upbeat note. My heart broke more than once while I was reading, and even when I finished I had to agree with one of the characters that said "This job sucks." Yes, yes it does. Especially in cases like this. I ... appreciated how things are tied up. My one complaint about this aspect of the novel is that, considering how well the author handles the subject of rape, there's some - very justifiable - doubt about the victims' claims. I'd have liked things a little more clean, I guess, but life isn't usually neat and tidy.
One of the things I was having trouble remembering when I started this book was the characters and the details about them. I recognized their names when I read them, but couldn't remember much about their particular powers within the group. I do think Ms. Gilman did a pretty damn good job of bringing me back up to speed, but I'm still a little in the dark on a couple of characters. There's Ian Stosser and Benjamin Venec - they're the "Big Dogs," the bosses. They formed PUPI and are committed to being a company that finds the truth. Bonnie, whose head we're usually in throughout the book, is a great character. She's a lot more subtle than most heroines these days, and a lot less flashy. I came to really appreciate that in this book - more than I did even in the previous one. Also, she's bisexual and it's such a non-issue. I cannot even tell you how much I love and appreciate that.
The other main characters: Sharon, the truth-seeker; Nick, the hacker; Pietr, the retriever; and then there's Nifty, or Lawrence - I'm not sure what his speciality is. I'm sure he has one, but damned if I know right now. These are all great, individual characters with their own tics and issues. We learn a bit more, slowly, and I'm loving it. Additionally, the apparent romance is heating up nicely. I wasn't sure I was a fan in the first book, but here ... yeah, I think I am.
This book does so many things well, and this review is already getting so long, that I'm going to stop before it gets out of control. But I have to mention that I love the lack of slut-shaming, the fact that Bonnie stands up for herself and her choices and doesn't let anyone make her feel badly for her sexual activity.
Before I started writing this review I wasn't sure what I was going to rate it, but I think it's become clear that this is a solid series that's gaining steam. I'll definitely be picking up the third book to see what's going to happen next.
I read the first book in this series, Hard Magic in August of 2014, and I'm having trouble remembering a lot of the plot and specifics regarding the characters. It was a pleasant enough read, but definitely felt light. In fact, I even recommended it for those looking for lighter Urban Fantasy fare. After reading this book, I'm not sure I'd stick by that recommendation. This book goes to a much darker place.
*Trigger Warning*
This book contains an attempted rape, murder, and related consequences - including emotional from multiple characters, as well as discussion of and scenes involving rape culture, and victim-blamimg.
Rape is a pretty sensitive subject for me. It's not a trigger, per se, of mine, it's just so often handled badly in books with no regards to actual healing and trauma caused by attempted or actual rape; which means that I generally avoid books that have rape. Unfortunately - or perhaps fortunately - I didn't know that it was such a central issue in this book. I may have avoided reading this book had I known, but I would have missed out on one of the best depiction of this subject I've read yet. I can count on one hand the number of books, or series, I've read that handled it with as much consideration and delicacy and care as this one.
To give a bit more description of what's going on with the case, since the blurb is so incredibly vague: PUPI (Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigators) is called in by the Council to investigate a scene where an attempted rape took place, and the woman's companion (a magical being called a ki-rin - which I'll talk more about later) killed the attacker. Tensions between fatae, the race of magical beings including the ki-rin, and humans have been escalating and this seems to be tinder on the embers that have already been burning. PUPI needs to verify what happened, and quickly, before things intensify out of control.
This aspect of the story was so well done. As I said earlier, it was handled with care. The trauma wasn't brushed under the rug, the difficulties for our investigators to actually investigate and remain somewhat impartial, the accusations that crop up both for and against victims, it's all there - sometimes it's not pretty, often it's not, but Laura Anne Gilman doesn't shy away from it at all. I will warn that it doesn't end on a particularly upbeat note. My heart broke more than once while I was reading, and even when I finished I had to agree with one of the characters that said "This job sucks." Yes, yes it does. Especially in cases like this. I ... appreciated how things are tied up. My one complaint about this aspect of the novel is that, considering how well the author handles the subject of rape, there's some - very justifiable - doubt about the victims' claims. I'd have liked things a little more clean, I guess, but life isn't usually neat and tidy.
One of the things I was having trouble remembering when I started this book was the characters and the details about them. I recognized their names when I read them, but couldn't remember much about their particular powers within the group. I do think Ms. Gilman did a pretty damn good job of bringing me back up to speed, but I'm still a little in the dark on a couple of characters. There's Ian Stosser and Benjamin Venec - they're the "Big Dogs," the bosses. They formed PUPI and are committed to being a company that finds the truth. Bonnie, whose head we're usually in throughout the book, is a great character. She's a lot more subtle than most heroines these days, and a lot less flashy. I came to really appreciate that in this book - more than I did even in the previous one. Also, she's bisexual and it's such a non-issue. I cannot even tell you how much I love and appreciate that.
The other main characters: Sharon, the truth-seeker; Nick, the hacker; Pietr, the retriever; and then there's Nifty, or Lawrence - I'm not sure what his speciality is. I'm sure he has one, but damned if I know right now. These are all great, individual characters with their own tics and issues. We learn a bit more, slowly, and I'm loving it. Additionally, the apparent romance is heating up nicely. I wasn't sure I was a fan in the first book, but here ... yeah, I think I am.
This book does so many things well, and this review is already getting so long, that I'm going to stop before it gets out of control. But I have to mention that I love the lack of slut-shaming, the fact that Bonnie stands up for herself and her choices and doesn't let anyone make her feel badly for her sexual activity.
Before I started writing this review I wasn't sure what I was going to rate it, but I think it's become clear that this is a solid series that's gaining steam. I'll definitely be picking up the third book to see what's going to happen next.
May 26, 2011
A solid 3-star, but never even close to being a 4.
With the introductions out of the way, there was more time to explore the team and its dynamic. While I enjoyed how the worked the case and nobody was too annoying, I still can't feel a strong connection to any of the characters. With other series, when someone disappears for chapters at a time, I start getting a little anxious and mad at the author for not including that character in that particular scene and other crazy fanboy things that make little sense—except to other readers that know how real they can become. Here, individuals mattered little to me.
It's common on TV procedurals to start like this. Getting glimpses at the characters' personalities through their actions on the case and, from time to time, learning some specifics. That works because there are twenty four cases in a season. In books, not so cool. Other than what they revealed when they all met in book 1, we haven't learned anything specific about anyone. Two whole books and they're still a mystery? Nope, definitely not cool.
Aden's stupidity deserves an honorable mention—She's the eeevil sister of one of the team leaders. Hmm… actually my problem is with her brother's handling of the situation. Her plotting is absurd but puts a lot of people in danger; a few have already died because of it. And yet, they treat her like an unruly child that only merits being sent to her room without dinner. The worst part is that they freely admit that she will try again, so apparently people dying isn't a big deal when compared to being labeled "mean" or "harsh" for actually stopping her. Gilman already had a character in Retrievers similar to her; it was just as annoying then.
Still, they are super quick reads that deals with Magic CSI stuff, something that few other UF series ever consider, so they still have a place on my shelves.
With the introductions out of the way, there was more time to explore the team and its dynamic. While I enjoyed how the worked the case and nobody was too annoying, I still can't feel a strong connection to any of the characters. With other series, when someone disappears for chapters at a time, I start getting a little anxious and mad at the author for not including that character in that particular scene and other crazy fanboy things that make little sense—except to other readers that know how real they can become. Here, individuals mattered little to me.
It's common on TV procedurals to start like this. Getting glimpses at the characters' personalities through their actions on the case and, from time to time, learning some specifics. That works because there are twenty four cases in a season. In books, not so cool. Other than what they revealed when they all met in book 1, we haven't learned anything specific about anyone. Two whole books and they're still a mystery? Nope, definitely not cool.
Aden's stupidity deserves an honorable mention—She's the eeevil sister of one of the team leaders. Hmm… actually my problem is with her brother's handling of the situation. Her plotting is absurd but puts a lot of people in danger; a few have already died because of it. And yet, they treat her like an unruly child that only merits being sent to her room without dinner. The worst part is that they freely admit that she will try again, so apparently people dying isn't a big deal when compared to being labeled "mean" or "harsh" for actually stopping her. Gilman already had a character in Retrievers similar to her; it was just as annoying then.
Still, they are super quick reads that deals with Magic CSI stuff, something that few other UF series ever consider, so they still have a place on my shelves.
December 11, 2012
A very Cranky 3 stars
There were some really interesting things about this book that would definitely be a fun read for a lot of people interested in this genre – (it's like your typical crime scene procedural/ let's solve the mystery but with magic ala urban fantasy) but.... there was also a lot of things about this book that I found very annoying. And these things made me very cranky because I really like this author and this very cool world that she has created. First, the annoying.
First Person Narration: Most of this book is narrated in first person by the main character, Bonita Torres. Unfortunately, Bonnie's narration comes across very braggy and annoying and I found myself not liking her as much as I did in the first book. The overwhelming self centered - ness of the narration skews and warps the story. Bonnie is so busy telling us things about herself and what she feels, and what magical talent she is really good at, and what she is not really good at (but that's ok b/c she is cool enough to have enough self acceptance and self knowledge to know what her shortcomings are), and here are the really great things about her personality, and here is a list of her character shortcomings (but let's not call them flaws b/c these imperfections make her really cute and irresistible )– oh and did she mention how sexy and attractive she is and how much other people find her sexy and attractive – and how she finds everyone she works with so very sexy and attractive. That the narrator was bi didn't bother me – that it was a rather forced and unbelievable character detail did bother me. Bonnie's sexual proclivity was just a device to remind the reader time and time again of her attractiveness.
Bonnie reminds me of one of those girls (or guys) who no matter what the subject or the trial has to prove herself/himself the most knowledgeable and the most overworked. If you had been up all night studying or working then they have had been up for three. If you are hungry and have skipped lunch – they haven't eaten for a week – just gum and ice cubes. If you thought the guy who sat next to you on the bus might have been flirting with you – they will tell you about how their married boss and 4 other coworkers want to sleep with them and are dying of unrequited love. I found the narrator pretty much like that – a slightly sad and pathetic and annoying braggart right out of a SNL sketch– not the quirky confident vixen that I think Gilman was going for.
Because most of the story and other characters are viewed through the biased filter of Bonnie's constant stream of babbling, irritating yammer, the rest of the characters ( her coworkers at PUPI – paranormal unaffiliated private investigators) seem stereotypical and flat . There is the uptight over achieving blond Barbie, the 2 geeky nerds who are almost interchangeable, the jock, and, of course, the boss with the smoldering gaze and the smoldering good looks with the hard exterior that hides his sensitivity and nurturing and feelings of lurve for Bonnie . The only surprise to the characterizations was the other boss – Ian – he was actually an interesting mix of player/ salesman/ soulless chameleon who could pull up sincerity and empathy on cue. The whole thing with Ian's sister as a continuing nemesis was kind of flimsy, but he was the one character that I actually wanted to learn more about.
Over explanation to the point of yammering about details and not enough explanation of plot: I really did like the CSI with magic procedural feel – but it got really bogged down by the “you go girl” ( I'm not claiming to be cool here myself) pat that Bonnie narrates with. So busy with confusing intra/ meta metaphors and analogies (yes like the SATs) to over explain and re-explain magical politics and procedures that there were some plot details that got lost and murky. The Pusher that Ian's sister hires was never fully explained or followed through on – it's possible it was a tease for the next book in the series – but it did really feel like a dropped detail. The rationale and reasoning for the initial crime – the attempted rape and murder of the attacker - was very weak and kind of rushed at the end. Also more information about the Kir-Rin and his relationship with the girl would have been really interesting and helped to fill out the background of the story. Fill me in on that stuff – that was interesting – don't explain to me for the ten thousandth time about how current (magic) runs along side electricity and is bad for appliances and computers – even if it is explained with some pithy descriptors. Some detail about how a talent (a person who can use magic) exists in our modern world is nice and really helps to ground the reader in this world. Geeking out on me too much with over-descriptions – so much so that the magic descriptions start to read like a computer manual - actually muscles out cohesive plot development and characterization – not so good.
And now I will talk about the good – which is still very good even though I don't talk about it for nearly as long:
So this is a grouchy 3 stars . Despite my annoyances with writing style and characterization I do love this world of magic that Gilman has created. And when her explanations are economical and Gilman is able to tamp down a little on the banter and “cool girl” short hand speak and flare her joy in the world she has created is evident. Her fun in writing this becomes my fun in reading it; that's when it's really fun to geek out with her. Not to mention there was a seriously cool, kick-ass fight scene towards the end where the 2 ladies of the agency take on 4 thugs using current to take out their attackers out. More of that please – that was seriously awesome.
And even though I just spent several paragraphs crapping on it; I really do like this author and this series. I just found this installation in the series a little disappointing. I will still probably read the next one - still a very fun read
“You go girl!”
There were some really interesting things about this book that would definitely be a fun read for a lot of people interested in this genre – (it's like your typical crime scene procedural/ let's solve the mystery but with magic ala urban fantasy) but.... there was also a lot of things about this book that I found very annoying. And these things made me very cranky because I really like this author and this very cool world that she has created. First, the annoying.
First Person Narration: Most of this book is narrated in first person by the main character, Bonita Torres. Unfortunately, Bonnie's narration comes across very braggy and annoying and I found myself not liking her as much as I did in the first book. The overwhelming self centered - ness of the narration skews and warps the story. Bonnie is so busy telling us things about herself and what she feels, and what magical talent she is really good at, and what she is not really good at (but that's ok b/c she is cool enough to have enough self acceptance and self knowledge to know what her shortcomings are), and here are the really great things about her personality, and here is a list of her character shortcomings (but let's not call them flaws b/c these imperfections make her really cute and irresistible )– oh and did she mention how sexy and attractive she is and how much other people find her sexy and attractive – and how she finds everyone she works with so very sexy and attractive. That the narrator was bi didn't bother me – that it was a rather forced and unbelievable character detail did bother me. Bonnie's sexual proclivity was just a device to remind the reader time and time again of her attractiveness.
Bonnie reminds me of one of those girls (or guys) who no matter what the subject or the trial has to prove herself/himself the most knowledgeable and the most overworked. If you had been up all night studying or working then they have had been up for three. If you are hungry and have skipped lunch – they haven't eaten for a week – just gum and ice cubes. If you thought the guy who sat next to you on the bus might have been flirting with you – they will tell you about how their married boss and 4 other coworkers want to sleep with them and are dying of unrequited love. I found the narrator pretty much like that – a slightly sad and pathetic and annoying braggart right out of a SNL sketch– not the quirky confident vixen that I think Gilman was going for.
Because most of the story and other characters are viewed through the biased filter of Bonnie's constant stream of babbling, irritating yammer, the rest of the characters ( her coworkers at PUPI – paranormal unaffiliated private investigators) seem stereotypical and flat . There is the uptight over achieving blond Barbie, the 2 geeky nerds who are almost interchangeable, the jock, and, of course, the boss with the smoldering gaze and the smoldering good looks with the hard exterior that hides his sensitivity and nurturing and feelings of lurve for Bonnie . The only surprise to the characterizations was the other boss – Ian – he was actually an interesting mix of player/ salesman/ soulless chameleon who could pull up sincerity and empathy on cue. The whole thing with Ian's sister as a continuing nemesis was kind of flimsy, but he was the one character that I actually wanted to learn more about.
Over explanation to the point of yammering about details and not enough explanation of plot: I really did like the CSI with magic procedural feel – but it got really bogged down by the “you go girl” ( I'm not claiming to be cool here myself) pat that Bonnie narrates with. So busy with confusing intra/ meta metaphors and analogies (yes like the SATs) to over explain and re-explain magical politics and procedures that there were some plot details that got lost and murky. The Pusher that Ian's sister hires was never fully explained or followed through on – it's possible it was a tease for the next book in the series – but it did really feel like a dropped detail. The rationale and reasoning for the initial crime – the attempted rape and murder of the attacker - was very weak and kind of rushed at the end. Also more information about the Kir-Rin and his relationship with the girl would have been really interesting and helped to fill out the background of the story. Fill me in on that stuff – that was interesting – don't explain to me for the ten thousandth time about how current (magic) runs along side electricity and is bad for appliances and computers – even if it is explained with some pithy descriptors. Some detail about how a talent (a person who can use magic) exists in our modern world is nice and really helps to ground the reader in this world. Geeking out on me too much with over-descriptions – so much so that the magic descriptions start to read like a computer manual - actually muscles out cohesive plot development and characterization – not so good.
And now I will talk about the good – which is still very good even though I don't talk about it for nearly as long:
So this is a grouchy 3 stars . Despite my annoyances with writing style and characterization I do love this world of magic that Gilman has created. And when her explanations are economical and Gilman is able to tamp down a little on the banter and “cool girl” short hand speak and flare her joy in the world she has created is evident. Her fun in writing this becomes my fun in reading it; that's when it's really fun to geek out with her. Not to mention there was a seriously cool, kick-ass fight scene towards the end where the 2 ladies of the agency take on 4 thugs using current to take out their attackers out. More of that please – that was seriously awesome.
And even though I just spent several paragraphs crapping on it; I really do like this author and this series. I just found this installation in the series a little disappointing. I will still probably read the next one - still a very fun read
“You go girl!”
February 21, 2019
Mini-Review:
This book was more focused on developing characters and their relationships with each other than the case. I thought the case was cool but it wasn't given the right mix of attention & detail to make it really stand out. Cool ideas for sure. It was a little confusing to have other POVs thrown into the book because the narrator does not have different character voices. Only one stood out as a good input and the rest were unnecessary.
I'd like to see less "summary" info drops and more original thought & planning by Bonnie. There's a habit of having her monologue other people's thoughts & opinions more than her own.
This book was more focused on developing characters and their relationships with each other than the case. I thought the case was cool but it wasn't given the right mix of attention & detail to make it really stand out. Cool ideas for sure. It was a little confusing to have other POVs thrown into the book because the narrator does not have different character voices. Only one stood out as a good input and the rest were unnecessary.
I'd like to see less "summary" info drops and more original thought & planning by Bonnie. There's a habit of having her monologue other people's thoughts & opinions more than her own.
April 6, 2014
I loved the first book in this series but this one has some serious problems. First off the POV is limited to Bonnie but the big mystery within the group is Ian's sister who has set out to destroy the paranormal investigators that her brother co-runs. And there's not a good enough reason for her apparently insane actions. Apparently she's a believer in the status quo so much so that she continues to bring the investigators down despite the disastrous consequences of her actions. Maybe it has something to do with the mysterious Chicago incident. I don't know and it really bothers me.
Secondly, the investigation felt like a mess. The investigators didn't do things they were supposed to do and they lost opportunities to do it. This started to feel like a deus ex machina because every time one of them set out to do a particular scan, something happened to interrupt them. It was too coincidental and started to get very annoying. Also they rarely sat down to talk about everything logically so it felt like they were doing things just to do them. It felt directionless and slow-going and really brought the book down.
The investigation was into an attempted rape. Attempted rape is a horrible thing but I felt like the author was trying to hit me in the head with how horrible this was over and over and over again. Repetition breeds irritation. A single, beautifully crafted and quiet description of the events would have had a devastating impact and been much more appropriate. I felt like I was being told I should feel bad instead of letting me interpret the events myself.
The horribleness of the attempted rape juxtaposed badly with the investigators being called puppies. I understand it comes from their acronym PUPI (professional unaffiliated paranormal investigation) but this group is supposed to be high achievers who are in their 20s. Their work is dangerous and this is not an episode of Scooby Doo. Calling them puppies detracts from what they are trying to accomplish. It wasn't an effective way of lightening the tone of certain passages. It was insulting.
Also the whole Bonnie and Ben thing seemed like an unecessary complication. In the first book, Bonnie seemed to be taking the first steps towards independence and adulthood. Suddenly in this book the whole vibe about her feels different. And when Ben uncovers what is happening to them both, I got annoyed again. It's a big deal and it's fast and it's not who Bonnie is. On the other hand, it gives us an "in" to Ben that we would otherwise not have. I like both of these characters but I'm exhausted on their behalf.
I'll read the next one in hopes it gets back to what made the first book so very very good.
Secondly, the investigation felt like a mess. The investigators didn't do things they were supposed to do and they lost opportunities to do it. This started to feel like a deus ex machina because every time one of them set out to do a particular scan, something happened to interrupt them. It was too coincidental and started to get very annoying. Also they rarely sat down to talk about everything logically so it felt like they were doing things just to do them. It felt directionless and slow-going and really brought the book down.
The investigation was into an attempted rape. Attempted rape is a horrible thing but I felt like the author was trying to hit me in the head with how horrible this was over and over and over again. Repetition breeds irritation. A single, beautifully crafted and quiet description of the events would have had a devastating impact and been much more appropriate. I felt like I was being told I should feel bad instead of letting me interpret the events myself.
The horribleness of the attempted rape juxtaposed badly with the investigators being called puppies. I understand it comes from their acronym PUPI (professional unaffiliated paranormal investigation) but this group is supposed to be high achievers who are in their 20s. Their work is dangerous and this is not an episode of Scooby Doo. Calling them puppies detracts from what they are trying to accomplish. It wasn't an effective way of lightening the tone of certain passages. It was insulting.
Also the whole Bonnie and Ben thing seemed like an unecessary complication. In the first book, Bonnie seemed to be taking the first steps towards independence and adulthood. Suddenly in this book the whole vibe about her feels different. And when Ben uncovers what is happening to them both, I got annoyed again. It's a big deal and it's fast and it's not who Bonnie is. On the other hand, it gives us an "in" to Ben that we would otherwise not have. I like both of these characters but I'm exhausted on their behalf.
I'll read the next one in hopes it gets back to what made the first book so very very good.
April 7, 2014
Unfortunately this main character was built up to be a 22yo club girl...which she just wasn't. So she has casual sex, but wait no then she says all her relationships are relationships, and knows what four clubs are called and gets in with the bouncer. None of these details went very far in making it believable. It would have been better to just let her be just a regular 22 yo. I really just couldn't reconcile the so-called character trait that the author wanted to give her with who she was in this book. It just felt not so much wrong as forced and tacked on. And who cares she spent less than one scene even in a club. Not sure why but that messed up the character that had been built and I just didn't really like the character for being a cardboard cut out of something else.
Ok and the reason this bothered me so much was the weird rumination that she started having because the case included an attempted rape. She suddenly holds herself back from all males, even her friends/colleagues?! I mean seriously? It was uncomfortable for me because suddenly all men are this scary thing? It made no sense. And as someone who is supposed to be a club girl and bi and open sexually she can't suddenly be some timid prude because something that happens often, unfortunately, happened in this case? It made the character stupid and irrational. Also her interactions with the kids on the stoop were forced and again didn't sit well on the character. I mean telling these kids to eat their Wheaties? And if all males set off her rape fear why not these 14 yos too?
I can also see the bad romance subplot coming. Not sure i think these two work together despite their magical current connection.
Ok and the reason this bothered me so much was the weird rumination that she started having because the case included an attempted rape. She suddenly holds herself back from all males, even her friends/colleagues?! I mean seriously? It was uncomfortable for me because suddenly all men are this scary thing? It made no sense. And as someone who is supposed to be a club girl and bi and open sexually she can't suddenly be some timid prude because something that happens often, unfortunately, happened in this case? It made the character stupid and irrational. Also her interactions with the kids on the stoop were forced and again didn't sit well on the character. I mean telling these kids to eat their Wheaties? And if all males set off her rape fear why not these 14 yos too?
I can also see the bad romance subplot coming. Not sure i think these two work together despite their magical current connection.
November 6, 2012
The author often rehashes details from the previous book, to the extent it feels like it would be considerably shorter without their inclusion. The relationship between the characters - especially the protagonist and her boss - is at times deeply cliched and somewhat cringe-inducing. The writing itself has not improved from the previous book, and I feel it may have regressed.
This book includes the first real 'action scene' in the series, and the methods used within show a worrying lack of imagination. Character development - outside the main pairing - also seems to have been put on hold.
I will, regardless, be reading the next book. And hoping.
This book includes the first real 'action scene' in the series, and the methods used within show a worrying lack of imagination. Character development - outside the main pairing - also seems to have been put on hold.
I will, regardless, be reading the next book. And hoping.
May 21, 2011
Pack of Lies is the second of the Paranormal Scene Investigations, as the publisher calls the urban fantasies about Bonita Torres, Talent (that’s a human magic-user to you) and now a PUPI, a Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigator. That unaffiliated part is important, because Bonnie, her team mates and two bosses are trying to create something that has never existed before – people who evaluate the Facts of a magic crime, taking no side.
Eight months into this grand experiment, there are a few people who grudgingly admit their skills might be useful, people (and I use the word loosely)who are deeply suspicious of the idea, and people who bitterly oppose their venture and are doing everything they can to undermine it.
In this novel, what appears to be an open and shut case of an attack upon a fatae (non-human, thinking, magical creature) and his human, Talented companion is not only not simple, it may be related to a slow simmer of bigotry bubbling up in the stew of magic-users. The human Council (heavy hitters who follow certain laws and regs) distrusts the lonejacks (the independent magic-users,) the purebloods are suspicious of the part-bloods and mixed-bloods, and the fatae suspect the humans are out to exterminate them – and a few probably are. Gilman does an excellent job of introducing all these concepts, never interrupting the flow of the story.
This is not a shoot-em-up fantasy racing along at a breakneck pace. Gilman uses multiple POVs, some only to introduce new, key players in the game. There is a lot of introspection and stream-of-consciousness – possibly too much for people who want the plot to move , who want to know where the potential romances are going, who expect to rip through a book a day in their quest for Another Good Story. You’re going to get a very good story here, but although it does not lag at all, it is, well, thick in spots. Characterization is intricate, and on one level the reader will realize what is going on before the characters do. Old tropes are used in new ways, with new intensity or with a light touch that makes this New York City a unique place on the fantasy scene.
This book is not as violent as the Retriever books tended to be, although it is as dark in its own way. Bonnie and her cohorts are all twenty-somethings, and the things they learn about magic, and about human nature, hit with force because the first lessons are often the hardest.
If you enjoy the CSI style of story, if you like urban fantasy, if you like strong characterization, chances are you’ll like this book. Don’t read it as a straight romance (although a strong attraction is being fought in here) and don’t expect the crime to be tied up in a bow. Nothing is that simple in a Gilman novel, and her fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
Eight months into this grand experiment, there are a few people who grudgingly admit their skills might be useful, people (and I use the word loosely)who are deeply suspicious of the idea, and people who bitterly oppose their venture and are doing everything they can to undermine it.
In this novel, what appears to be an open and shut case of an attack upon a fatae (non-human, thinking, magical creature) and his human, Talented companion is not only not simple, it may be related to a slow simmer of bigotry bubbling up in the stew of magic-users. The human Council (heavy hitters who follow certain laws and regs) distrusts the lonejacks (the independent magic-users,) the purebloods are suspicious of the part-bloods and mixed-bloods, and the fatae suspect the humans are out to exterminate them – and a few probably are. Gilman does an excellent job of introducing all these concepts, never interrupting the flow of the story.
This is not a shoot-em-up fantasy racing along at a breakneck pace. Gilman uses multiple POVs, some only to introduce new, key players in the game. There is a lot of introspection and stream-of-consciousness – possibly too much for people who want the plot to move , who want to know where the potential romances are going, who expect to rip through a book a day in their quest for Another Good Story. You’re going to get a very good story here, but although it does not lag at all, it is, well, thick in spots. Characterization is intricate, and on one level the reader will realize what is going on before the characters do. Old tropes are used in new ways, with new intensity or with a light touch that makes this New York City a unique place on the fantasy scene.
This book is not as violent as the Retriever books tended to be, although it is as dark in its own way. Bonnie and her cohorts are all twenty-somethings, and the things they learn about magic, and about human nature, hit with force because the first lessons are often the hardest.
If you enjoy the CSI style of story, if you like urban fantasy, if you like strong characterization, chances are you’ll like this book. Don’t read it as a straight romance (although a strong attraction is being fought in here) and don’t expect the crime to be tied up in a bow. Nothing is that simple in a Gilman novel, and her fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
January 20, 2011
The PUPI team gets a case that seems pretty open and shut. However, they quickly realize things are much more complicated. Tensions rise between the humans and the fatae and it will only take a single spark to ignite a dangerous showdown. Its up to the team to get to the bottom of the case before it's too late. Meanwhile other tensions are brewing as unexplained events happen between Bonnie and Ben making it harder for her to ignore her feelings for him. It seems almost everything is this book is only one step away from disaster and it's up to the team to walk that fine line without stepping over the edge.
My biggest frustration about the last book was the extremely slow pacing. This book however, really picked it up. As soon as they pick up the case, it becomes a roller coaster ride to solve it. I really love how the team or "pack" is really working great together now. While they still clash at times, they really have solidified their bonds and will stick together through it all. I really love how all of them interact, especially the "big dog bosses." Despite their gruff exteriors you can tell that underneath they really care for their "puppies."
This book had some major sexual tension. Bonnie has always been extremely open about her personal life and sexual preferences, or lack there of as she doesn't discriminate on gender. However, for once she may just have some secrets. From the start she has had a major attraction to one of the bosses, Ben Venec. In this book, it becomes apparent that he has some serious attraction to her as well. They both know it would only be a recipe for disaster so they try their best to stay away from each other. But some pretty strange things start happening between them that make it almost impossible to stay apart. Only sheer will power keeps them separate. You can almost taste the tension coming off the page.
I'm really glad that I gave this book a chance. After reading and not really enjoying the first book I was pretty sceptical about continuing the series. The biggest reason I did was while very slow, the first book did pave the way into a really intriguing world. The premise behind these books is really interesting and original, and I'm really glad this one was able to hold my interest much better. The additional sexual tension really added to the book as well, and makes me very eager for the next installment. All in all, it was a much better book than the first one, and now that the world is fully established, and the kinks are mostly out, I hope the series continues on this "new" path.
(Received from Netgalley)
My biggest frustration about the last book was the extremely slow pacing. This book however, really picked it up. As soon as they pick up the case, it becomes a roller coaster ride to solve it. I really love how the team or "pack" is really working great together now. While they still clash at times, they really have solidified their bonds and will stick together through it all. I really love how all of them interact, especially the "big dog bosses." Despite their gruff exteriors you can tell that underneath they really care for their "puppies."
This book had some major sexual tension. Bonnie has always been extremely open about her personal life and sexual preferences, or lack there of as she doesn't discriminate on gender. However, for once she may just have some secrets. From the start she has had a major attraction to one of the bosses, Ben Venec. In this book, it becomes apparent that he has some serious attraction to her as well. They both know it would only be a recipe for disaster so they try their best to stay away from each other. But some pretty strange things start happening between them that make it almost impossible to stay apart. Only sheer will power keeps them separate. You can almost taste the tension coming off the page.
I'm really glad that I gave this book a chance. After reading and not really enjoying the first book I was pretty sceptical about continuing the series. The biggest reason I did was while very slow, the first book did pave the way into a really intriguing world. The premise behind these books is really interesting and original, and I'm really glad this one was able to hold my interest much better. The additional sexual tension really added to the book as well, and makes me very eager for the next installment. All in all, it was a much better book than the first one, and now that the world is fully established, and the kinks are mostly out, I hope the series continues on this "new" path.
(Received from Netgalley)
November 30, 2010
Pack of Lies is the second book in Laura Anne Gilman’s PSI series & it is such a better read then book 1. Now we have the scene set from book one, we are familiar with the characters & their habits. Plus the plot in this book goes more indepth than that of book 1. Pack of Lies is just more fun to read!
It’s now eight months after the events in Hard Magic & Bonnie has settled (as much as she can) into her new job with PUPI in New York City. Bonnie & her co-workers are called in to investigate a very special case involving a Fatae who happens to not be able to tell a lie. On top of that, one of the bosses (Ian’s) sister is up to her old tricks & the other boss (Ben) has formed some weird connection with Bonnie & he won’t get out of her head!
I can’t tell you how much a better read Pack of Lies was compared to Hard Magic. I am so glad I decided to read it, but really I blame the sexual tension between Bonnie & Ben that kept me going.
Pack of Lies surprised the hell out of me, Bonnie got down & dirty…not with Ben! Holy cow! But the sexual tension between Ben & Bonnie has reached a new level, somethings got to give……
All the members of PUPI are finally starting to work together & show their individualized specialties in terms of Talent. And they need it when a companion to one of the oldest species of Fatae is almost raped & the Fatae ends up killing one of the would be attackers. Then someone decides to pit humans against Fatae & all hell is about to break loose unless the members of PUPI can come together & figure out who is telling the truth about the attack.
In Pack of Lies, it seems that Laura Anne Gilman has gotten her stride on this new series. There is less world building & more to the point CSI style investigation all with magic…did I mention the sexual tension?
Get a copy of Pack of Lies, but don’t blame me when you feel the sexual current.
3.5 Stars out of 5
It’s now eight months after the events in Hard Magic & Bonnie has settled (as much as she can) into her new job with PUPI in New York City. Bonnie & her co-workers are called in to investigate a very special case involving a Fatae who happens to not be able to tell a lie. On top of that, one of the bosses (Ian’s) sister is up to her old tricks & the other boss (Ben) has formed some weird connection with Bonnie & he won’t get out of her head!
I can’t tell you how much a better read Pack of Lies was compared to Hard Magic. I am so glad I decided to read it, but really I blame the sexual tension between Bonnie & Ben that kept me going.
Pack of Lies surprised the hell out of me, Bonnie got down & dirty…not with Ben! Holy cow! But the sexual tension between Ben & Bonnie has reached a new level, somethings got to give……
All the members of PUPI are finally starting to work together & show their individualized specialties in terms of Talent. And they need it when a companion to one of the oldest species of Fatae is almost raped & the Fatae ends up killing one of the would be attackers. Then someone decides to pit humans against Fatae & all hell is about to break loose unless the members of PUPI can come together & figure out who is telling the truth about the attack.
In Pack of Lies, it seems that Laura Anne Gilman has gotten her stride on this new series. There is less world building & more to the point CSI style investigation all with magic…did I mention the sexual tension?
Get a copy of Pack of Lies, but don’t blame me when you feel the sexual current.
3.5 Stars out of 5
June 3, 2011
The agents of PUPI (Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigations) are Bonita Torres, Nick, Sharon, Pietr and Nifty with bosses Benjamin Venec and Ian Stosser. They investigate mysteries that occur in the Fae community that may or may not involve humans. They are a completely non-biased group that delve for the truth no matter the consequences.
The mystery in this installment revolves around an immortal unicorn, it's human virgin and two rapists/muggers. When the rapist attacks the girl, the unicorn looses it's mind and kills him and seriously maims the mugger. The public (human) outcry is violent and the Fae Council denies, denies, denies. PUPI is called in to investigate because the scene is just too pat and something is definitely off. There is magical danger to all the agents but they are determined to solve this mystery.
I particularly liked the sexual tension between Ben and Bonnie. They both have rules about sleeping with an employee/boss so nothing is happening so far but you never know. Bonnie is a little bit of a slut who swings both ways so it should be interesting to see if (when) they hook up, how long it really lasts.
The mystery in this installment revolves around an immortal unicorn, it's human virgin and two rapists/muggers. When the rapist attacks the girl, the unicorn looses it's mind and kills him and seriously maims the mugger. The public (human) outcry is violent and the Fae Council denies, denies, denies. PUPI is called in to investigate because the scene is just too pat and something is definitely off. There is magical danger to all the agents but they are determined to solve this mystery.
I particularly liked the sexual tension between Ben and Bonnie. They both have rules about sleeping with an employee/boss so nothing is happening so far but you never know. Bonnie is a little bit of a slut who swings both ways so it should be interesting to see if (when) they hook up, how long it really lasts.
December 2, 2011
I'm really enjoying this series. This second book had a great main plot, although it's hard to get used to the 'bad guy' not being brought forth and made to face justice. This series is about a team that finds out the facts about what happened during a crime, not about bringing the perpetrators of the crime to justice. It doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the story, but it's different. Feels a bit unfinished. I found the secondary plot to be neglected; there was a resolution to it without there being much storyline in front of it: you saw the characters plotting it, and you saw the protagonists ending it, but almost nothing in between. Made that feel very disjointed. I love the main characters, each is interesting, amusing and compelling in their own right. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
October 11, 2012
I love this series! In my opinion this book is about as perfect as it gets. It has a great mystery, good action, and an intriguing romance. I couldn't put it down.
January 15, 2019
I really enjoy Bonnie as a character! I'm excited to get to book 3!
December 18, 2019
Bonita Torres, known as Bonnie, and her fellow trainees are called to investigate an assault on the companion of a ki-rin, an ancient Chinese mythical-magical being. After a day the stories told by the companion and a surviving other person diverge such that they can't both be telling the truth, yet they are. Then the girl is threatened, which ups the ante. There are assaults on fatae (various non-human beings like fauns, demons and other such). Humans are protesting the existence of these creatures in their space.
Bonnie and her friends and colleagues must investigate with no agenda of their own. Find the truth, but it's hard when there are so many layers. And the ki-rin refuses to talk.
Boss man Ian Stosser's sister is still trying to get him to stop his investigations, believing that he will hurt the people he should be protecting, i.e. Talent, especially Council-affiliated Talent, never mind the fatae, the lonejacks (Talent not affiliated with the Council) and the humans.
Very interesting version of New York City, with mythical beings and magic-using humans (Talent) who utilize current to do things. Current is sort of like electricity, but can short out electrical gadgets if over-used or used carelessly.
Bonnie and her friends and colleagues must investigate with no agenda of their own. Find the truth, but it's hard when there are so many layers. And the ki-rin refuses to talk.
Boss man Ian Stosser's sister is still trying to get him to stop his investigations, believing that he will hurt the people he should be protecting, i.e. Talent, especially Council-affiliated Talent, never mind the fatae, the lonejacks (Talent not affiliated with the Council) and the humans.
Very interesting version of New York City, with mythical beings and magic-using humans (Talent) who utilize current to do things. Current is sort of like electricity, but can short out electrical gadgets if over-used or used carelessly.
June 16, 2018
When I felt a cold coming on, I went to the public library to pick out some really light reading appropriate for the invalid I planned to be for the next five days. I chose this series.
I really do not connect with the main character. She's 22 years old, totally naturally and inherently cute who loves to dance and flirt, and just sheer perfection in a cute little bundle of cuteness. Ugh!
On the other hand, the world she inhabits is interesting. The politics is nicely taken care of by the grown ups. The monsters aren't always monstrous.
I've got one more book to go and two more days of being sick.
I really do not connect with the main character. She's 22 years old, totally naturally and inherently cute who loves to dance and flirt, and just sheer perfection in a cute little bundle of cuteness. Ugh!
On the other hand, the world she inhabits is interesting. The politics is nicely taken care of by the grown ups. The monsters aren't always monstrous.
I've got one more book to go and two more days of being sick.
February 28, 2021
I find the premise of this series to be fascinating. The "csi for magic" idea is an awesome idea. Everything in the book that deals with this central idea is awesome.
But then you have all the stupid stuff - primarily this connection between Bonnie and Venec that's super special and unique and really annoying. And so every time Bonnie looks at or thinks about Ben we get some nonsense about their connection... EVERY SINGLE TIME.
But then you have all the stupid stuff - primarily this connection between Bonnie and Venec that's super special and unique and really annoying. And so every time Bonnie looks at or thinks about Ben we get some nonsense about their connection... EVERY SINGLE TIME.
October 31, 2011
Original review at http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo... on January 17, 2011
PACK OF LIES
Laura Anne Gilman http://www.lauraannegilman.net/blog/?...
Harlequin Luna Books Imprint http://www.eharlequin.com/store.html?...
Release Date 01/18/2011 (Amazon date)
E-ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
No remuneration was exchanged
I love this genre: the good, the bad, and even the ugly books that seem to be propagating like rabbits through the universe.
The speculative fiction genres are on an uptick at the moment, and when something sells well it can get pretty crowded on the bandwagon. But, there’s a lot of trash in every genre and frankly I enjoy trashy every bit as much, if not more than, I enjoy literary. But, when something out of the ordinary comes across my desk I get excited about it.
Pack of Lies is Urban Fantasy for the Smart Reader, you know who you are. It is an engaging paranormal, urban fantasy book but, and this is happening with less and less frequency, it is well-written, very well-written. This is a book that you would never feel strange reading in public. It has detailed and complex storylines but only a couple. That helps keep the story cohesive and the action moving forward. The writing has a great balance between description, dialogue and internal-monologue with the added twist that some of the dialogue is internal.
The characters are unique and fully developed characters with background, and choices, likes and dislikes. There are characters of every ilk: good but flawed, bad but redeemable, just plain-evil, and many shades in between. Even supporting characters get a reasonable amount of personality tossed in. The main characters are not the typical heroes and heroines. Bonita is from Boston, smart, well heeled after a fashion, bi-sexual, and brave. She knows her talent, but sometimes plays on the edge of her endurance, like a lot of twenty- somethings do. In other words, she behaves like a well-educated, cultured Bostonian twenty-one year old who has seen too much of life and who has "magical skills."
The other members of the Investigative team have various personalities: two who want to be on top and in control, one who actually disappears like a ghost when he feels stress, a jock, a “good buddy,” and the two bosses, Venec and Stosser. Venec and Bonita (aka Bonnie), have an unrequited thing happening. They are “soul mates” and at the time of this book are not looking for soul mates. Venec feels like he was Special Forces or black-ops. Stosser comes from a high-ranking family and is a genius. The idea behind the agency is that fatae (fae) and talents should be accountable for the misuse of magic and the agency works to find the truth behind events that Talents usually get away with. Bonita knows that she can count on the others and that their diversity makes them a good team. That allows each member of the agency to take the chances, within reason, necessary to find the truth.
While Bonnie is not adverse to a one-night stand with a co-worker, she is not going to have one with her boss. So, we get to continue reading the great tension.
I like the idea,that all people, Talented, or Null, as we poor ordinary slobs are called, are accountable. It would appear that not everyone in the magical community agrees.
Laura Anne also creates a tight parallel Universe, which she tells me is very close to our own. The history is great, Ben Franklin moved magic from woo-woo to science, from mystical to electrical. To the Talent world he is Founder Ben and magic is called current (as in electrical).I am particularly drawn to this because I had a professor who said, often, that all science was once seen as magic.
Bonnie is Bi and it is not a big deal. Indeed, respect for diversity, and objectivity is a theme. Bonnie has a more liberal take on her sexuality than is popular in a right-wing swinging social pendulum of mores. There is only one scene of intimacy and it is not a committed love relationship but two friends. It is not graphic. If you don’t want your kids to read sex, don’t let them read this, but a lot more goes on in the TV show 2 ½ Men. Unless your kids have been cloistered since birth I am sure they have seen more graphic sex.
Often when I read a book, I really can’t describe the characters because they are so typical and/or sketchily written. In Pack of Lies you feel you know these people, not as if you read their dossier, but as if you were part of the team. I do recommend reading Hard Magic and Pack of LIes. While both stand alone, there are terms and history better explained by Hard Magic. You won't be wondering what the heck a "whatever" is; Laura doesn't go out of her way to come up with a term too far removed from our normal world. For example, "Fatae:" because readers of UF and PNR know the "Fae" and the concept of the "Fates" from mythology, we should get a reasonable inkling of what they are.
In addition to the Urban Fantasy the book is also an investigative procedural. Not a whodunnit, but a “why’d-they-do-it.” They are a gutsy bunch. You have to think while you read this book. It is refreshing, different and well written. Highly recommended.
PACK OF LIES
Laura Anne Gilman http://www.lauraannegilman.net/blog/?...
Harlequin Luna Books Imprint http://www.eharlequin.com/store.html?...
Release Date 01/18/2011 (Amazon date)
E-ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
No remuneration was exchanged
I love this genre: the good, the bad, and even the ugly books that seem to be propagating like rabbits through the universe.
The speculative fiction genres are on an uptick at the moment, and when something sells well it can get pretty crowded on the bandwagon. But, there’s a lot of trash in every genre and frankly I enjoy trashy every bit as much, if not more than, I enjoy literary. But, when something out of the ordinary comes across my desk I get excited about it.
Pack of Lies is Urban Fantasy for the Smart Reader, you know who you are. It is an engaging paranormal, urban fantasy book but, and this is happening with less and less frequency, it is well-written, very well-written. This is a book that you would never feel strange reading in public. It has detailed and complex storylines but only a couple. That helps keep the story cohesive and the action moving forward. The writing has a great balance between description, dialogue and internal-monologue with the added twist that some of the dialogue is internal.
The characters are unique and fully developed characters with background, and choices, likes and dislikes. There are characters of every ilk: good but flawed, bad but redeemable, just plain-evil, and many shades in between. Even supporting characters get a reasonable amount of personality tossed in. The main characters are not the typical heroes and heroines. Bonita is from Boston, smart, well heeled after a fashion, bi-sexual, and brave. She knows her talent, but sometimes plays on the edge of her endurance, like a lot of twenty- somethings do. In other words, she behaves like a well-educated, cultured Bostonian twenty-one year old who has seen too much of life and who has "magical skills."
The other members of the Investigative team have various personalities: two who want to be on top and in control, one who actually disappears like a ghost when he feels stress, a jock, a “good buddy,” and the two bosses, Venec and Stosser. Venec and Bonita (aka Bonnie), have an unrequited thing happening. They are “soul mates” and at the time of this book are not looking for soul mates. Venec feels like he was Special Forces or black-ops. Stosser comes from a high-ranking family and is a genius. The idea behind the agency is that fatae (fae) and talents should be accountable for the misuse of magic and the agency works to find the truth behind events that Talents usually get away with. Bonita knows that she can count on the others and that their diversity makes them a good team. That allows each member of the agency to take the chances, within reason, necessary to find the truth.
While Bonnie is not adverse to a one-night stand with a co-worker, she is not going to have one with her boss. So, we get to continue reading the great tension.
I like the idea,that all people, Talented, or Null, as we poor ordinary slobs are called, are accountable. It would appear that not everyone in the magical community agrees.
Laura Anne also creates a tight parallel Universe, which she tells me is very close to our own. The history is great, Ben Franklin moved magic from woo-woo to science, from mystical to electrical. To the Talent world he is Founder Ben and magic is called current (as in electrical).I am particularly drawn to this because I had a professor who said, often, that all science was once seen as magic.
Bonnie is Bi and it is not a big deal. Indeed, respect for diversity, and objectivity is a theme. Bonnie has a more liberal take on her sexuality than is popular in a right-wing swinging social pendulum of mores. There is only one scene of intimacy and it is not a committed love relationship but two friends. It is not graphic. If you don’t want your kids to read sex, don’t let them read this, but a lot more goes on in the TV show 2 ½ Men. Unless your kids have been cloistered since birth I am sure they have seen more graphic sex.
Often when I read a book, I really can’t describe the characters because they are so typical and/or sketchily written. In Pack of Lies you feel you know these people, not as if you read their dossier, but as if you were part of the team. I do recommend reading Hard Magic and Pack of LIes. While both stand alone, there are terms and history better explained by Hard Magic. You won't be wondering what the heck a "whatever" is; Laura doesn't go out of her way to come up with a term too far removed from our normal world. For example, "Fatae:" because readers of UF and PNR know the "Fae" and the concept of the "Fates" from mythology, we should get a reasonable inkling of what they are.
In addition to the Urban Fantasy the book is also an investigative procedural. Not a whodunnit, but a “why’d-they-do-it.” They are a gutsy bunch. You have to think while you read this book. It is refreshing, different and well written. Highly recommended.
July 18, 2018
The Series Gets Better
The series gets better or I just missed how good it could get. This is a long series and if we get to know the characters as we are and if the ecosystem of the novels becomes richer wait is, I'm in for the long run.
The series gets better or I just missed how good it could get. This is a long series and if we get to know the characters as we are and if the ecosystem of the novels becomes richer wait is, I'm in for the long run.
June 7, 2017
the second one is somewhat better than the first.
December 15, 2017
Makes me wonder of Claire (?), Zaki's girlfriend, is the mysterious killer from the first tome.
March 17, 2019
Zbytečně ukecané.
March 25, 2020
Emotionally difficult case well handled.
September 17, 2022
And then it got all the sad and grim, but very well done.
July 6, 2023
Bonnie ftw
Ben? Uhm, ready for him to get his shit together
Ben? Uhm, ready for him to get his shit together
June 18, 2024
Intricate plot that wrapped up nicely. Love seeing how the group is coming together.
January 29, 2011
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
I have always been a sucker for magic mixed with realism, for me, mundane details about a fantastical premise make everything that much more enjoyable and plausible. Laura Anne Gilman is a master at this style of storytelling, and easily juggles realistic mystery, racial and political infighting, and a rich magical tradition. All of these elements were a slam dunk in her Retrievers series and continue to delight in the spin off Paranormal Scene Investigations books.
Despite inhabiting a parallel time frame to the much beloved Retrievers storyline, I have no difficulty viewing HARD MAGIC and PACK OF LIES as their own stand alone series. Gilman writes well for a broad audience, providing enough detail for new readers without any danger of overloading us old fans with unnecessary retreads. This is especially true in PACK OF LIES, which felt like a much more concise, well-balanced read than it’s predecessor. HARD MAGIC did the heavy lifting of establishing Bonnie’s back story and setting up her current job, PACK OF LIES benefits from that foundation with a fast, thrilling pace from start to finish.
Neither police nor civilians, hired by clients but ultimately working for the truth, the PUPI investigation squad has a lot at stake with every case they take on. Bonnie and her co-workers are blazing new trails, using their magical skills to investigate crimes, and one slip up can seriously damage their credibility with the magical community. I really enjoyed how PUPI is unfettered by traditional police procedural rules. This license is both a blessing and a curse, as it allows them the freedom to gather evidence in new and interesting ways but also forces the team to create workarounds and overcome obstacles to serve justice outside the legal system.
Alongside this satisfying gumshoe-procedural, PACK OF LIES offers an intimate glimpse of the friendships amongst the PUPI’s. Bonnie is an astute observer, and I enjoyed her take on her co-workers’ relationship dynamics as much as I savored the sexual tension between her and her boss, one of the “Big Dogs”, Ben Venec. Gilman brings as much loving attention to the details that make up her characters’ personal lives as she does to the world they live in, and that pays off in entertaining dialogue, touching interactions, and sexual tension that steams right up off the page. I adore how Gilman takes one of the most clichéd urban fantasy romance tropes and turns it on its head.
Be forewarned, however, that in both relationship and world building, Gilman is not one to rush the climax. Danger simmers around the PUPI’s, even as their own relationships heat up, and PACK OF LIES leaves plenty of tension for the next installment in the series.
Sexual Content: Mention of rape, discussions of sexual orientation, mild sex scenes.
I have always been a sucker for magic mixed with realism, for me, mundane details about a fantastical premise make everything that much more enjoyable and plausible. Laura Anne Gilman is a master at this style of storytelling, and easily juggles realistic mystery, racial and political infighting, and a rich magical tradition. All of these elements were a slam dunk in her Retrievers series and continue to delight in the spin off Paranormal Scene Investigations books.
Despite inhabiting a parallel time frame to the much beloved Retrievers storyline, I have no difficulty viewing HARD MAGIC and PACK OF LIES as their own stand alone series. Gilman writes well for a broad audience, providing enough detail for new readers without any danger of overloading us old fans with unnecessary retreads. This is especially true in PACK OF LIES, which felt like a much more concise, well-balanced read than it’s predecessor. HARD MAGIC did the heavy lifting of establishing Bonnie’s back story and setting up her current job, PACK OF LIES benefits from that foundation with a fast, thrilling pace from start to finish.
Neither police nor civilians, hired by clients but ultimately working for the truth, the PUPI investigation squad has a lot at stake with every case they take on. Bonnie and her co-workers are blazing new trails, using their magical skills to investigate crimes, and one slip up can seriously damage their credibility with the magical community. I really enjoyed how PUPI is unfettered by traditional police procedural rules. This license is both a blessing and a curse, as it allows them the freedom to gather evidence in new and interesting ways but also forces the team to create workarounds and overcome obstacles to serve justice outside the legal system.
Alongside this satisfying gumshoe-procedural, PACK OF LIES offers an intimate glimpse of the friendships amongst the PUPI’s. Bonnie is an astute observer, and I enjoyed her take on her co-workers’ relationship dynamics as much as I savored the sexual tension between her and her boss, one of the “Big Dogs”, Ben Venec. Gilman brings as much loving attention to the details that make up her characters’ personal lives as she does to the world they live in, and that pays off in entertaining dialogue, touching interactions, and sexual tension that steams right up off the page. I adore how Gilman takes one of the most clichéd urban fantasy romance tropes and turns it on its head.
Be forewarned, however, that in both relationship and world building, Gilman is not one to rush the climax. Danger simmers around the PUPI’s, even as their own relationships heat up, and PACK OF LIES leaves plenty of tension for the next installment in the series.
Sexual Content: Mention of rape, discussions of sexual orientation, mild sex scenes.
February 12, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/02/rev...
Favorite Quote:”Nifty gave me six fingers for skill. I gave him one in reply.”
Bonita (Bonnie) Torres was an unemployed collage student 8 months ago. Now she’s an investigator for PUPI (Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigations). When the team is given a case that pits humans against the fatae, Bonnie and the team will be tested on all levels as the world watches...waiting for them to fail.
Pack Of Lies is the 2nd installment of Laura Anne Gilman’s Paranormal Scene Investigations series. A unique police procedural Urban Fantasy that takes us back in the world of the fatae and all their secrets. Picking up where Hard Magic left off, Bonnie and the team is a little more experienced in the art of investigating and politics. When handed a case by the Cosa Nostradamus they proceed with caution as the Cosa never gives anything for free. The case turns out to be a rape of a young woman with mitigating circumstances. A rare and exulted fatae is also involved and not talking. As relations between the humans and fatae become violent, the team also have to deal with Ian’s crazy sister, a case that twists and misdirects at every turn, and the increased sexual attraction between Bonnie and Ben.
Pack Of Lies starts out slow for me as we are requited with Bonnie and the PUPI team. While the investigation of the case is interesting as we follow them step by step, I found the pacing almost at a stand still. Bonnie over analyzes everything and her dialogue reflects it in the beginning. It picks up for me about ½ way with the speed of a run away train and I was hooked till the end.
The main plot is an exciting and action packed mixture of magic and mystery. I found the police procedural aspect take this story beyond a simple Urban Fantasy for the better. Ms. Gilman hits her stride here and it shows.
Our characters are well developed and filled with high octane personality. Each of them able to hold their own in the story. I find Bonnie refreshing in her attitude and actions. Unashamedly bi sexual and free spirited about sex-Ms. Gilman chooses to portray her in a flattering light without any of the guilt or angst that heroines seem to suffer from these days if they like sex. We are given more insight into her fellow team mates. Nick, Nifty, Pietr and Sharon and they remain prominent characters in this arc. I really hope we see more of their back stories.
The sexual tension between Bonnie and her boss Ben rackets up to out of control in this installment. Something has “connected” them and the chemistry blazes hot and tense as they try to remain professional. I found myself caught between wanting delayed gratification and wanting some serious bed action. You’ll have to read to see what I got.
The ending is a fabulous solving of the mystery that left me elated and satisfied but a little sad. Ms. Gilman leaves enough open ended questions to led us into her next installment.
Rating: C+
Favorite Quote:”Nifty gave me six fingers for skill. I gave him one in reply.”
Bonita (Bonnie) Torres was an unemployed collage student 8 months ago. Now she’s an investigator for PUPI (Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigations). When the team is given a case that pits humans against the fatae, Bonnie and the team will be tested on all levels as the world watches...waiting for them to fail.
Pack Of Lies is the 2nd installment of Laura Anne Gilman’s Paranormal Scene Investigations series. A unique police procedural Urban Fantasy that takes us back in the world of the fatae and all their secrets. Picking up where Hard Magic left off, Bonnie and the team is a little more experienced in the art of investigating and politics. When handed a case by the Cosa Nostradamus they proceed with caution as the Cosa never gives anything for free. The case turns out to be a rape of a young woman with mitigating circumstances. A rare and exulted fatae is also involved and not talking. As relations between the humans and fatae become violent, the team also have to deal with Ian’s crazy sister, a case that twists and misdirects at every turn, and the increased sexual attraction between Bonnie and Ben.
Pack Of Lies starts out slow for me as we are requited with Bonnie and the PUPI team. While the investigation of the case is interesting as we follow them step by step, I found the pacing almost at a stand still. Bonnie over analyzes everything and her dialogue reflects it in the beginning. It picks up for me about ½ way with the speed of a run away train and I was hooked till the end.
The main plot is an exciting and action packed mixture of magic and mystery. I found the police procedural aspect take this story beyond a simple Urban Fantasy for the better. Ms. Gilman hits her stride here and it shows.
Our characters are well developed and filled with high octane personality. Each of them able to hold their own in the story. I find Bonnie refreshing in her attitude and actions. Unashamedly bi sexual and free spirited about sex-Ms. Gilman chooses to portray her in a flattering light without any of the guilt or angst that heroines seem to suffer from these days if they like sex. We are given more insight into her fellow team mates. Nick, Nifty, Pietr and Sharon and they remain prominent characters in this arc. I really hope we see more of their back stories.
The sexual tension between Bonnie and her boss Ben rackets up to out of control in this installment. Something has “connected” them and the chemistry blazes hot and tense as they try to remain professional. I found myself caught between wanting delayed gratification and wanting some serious bed action. You’ll have to read to see what I got.
The ending is a fabulous solving of the mystery that left me elated and satisfied but a little sad. Ms. Gilman leaves enough open ended questions to led us into her next installment.
Rating: C+
Read
January 29, 2011Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy:
www.allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com
I have always been a sucker for magic mixed with realism, for me, mundane details about a fantastical premise make everything that much more enjoyable and plausible. Laura Anne Gilman is a master at this style of storytelling, and easily juggles realistic mystery, racial and political infighting, and a rich magical tradition. All of these elements were a slam dunk in her Retrievers series and continue to delight in the spin off Paranormal Scene Investigations books.
Despite inhabiting a parallel time frame to the much beloved Retrievers storyline, I have no difficulty viewing HARD MAGIC and PACK OF LIES as their own stand alone series. Gilman writes well for a broad audience, providing enough detail for new readers without any danger of overloading us old fans with unnecessary retreads. This is especially true in PACK OF LIES, which felt like a much more concise, well-balanced read than it’s predecessor. HARD MAGIC did the heavy lifting of establishing Bonnie’s back story and setting up her current job, PACK OF LIES benefits from that foundation with a fast, thrilling pace from start to finish.
Neither police nor civilians, hired by clients but ultimately working for the truth, the PUPI investigation squad has a lot at stake with every case they take on. Bonnie and her co-workers are blazing new trails, using their magical skills to investigate crimes, and one slip up can seriously damage their credibility with the magical community. I really enjoyed how PUPI is unfettered by traditional police procedural rules. This license is both a blessing and a curse, as it allows them the freedom to gather evidence in new and interesting ways but also forces the team to create workarounds and overcome obstacles to serve justice outside the legal system.
Alongside this satisfying gumshoe-procedural, PACK OF LIES offers an intimate glimpse of the friendships amongst the PUPI’s. Bonnie is an astute observer, and I enjoyed her take on her co-workers’ relationship dynamics as much as I savored the sexual tension between her and her boss, one of the “Big Dogs”, Ben Venec. Gilman brings as much loving attention to the details that make up her characters’ personal lives as she does to the world they live in, and that pays off in entertaining dialogue, touching interactions, and sexual tension that steams right up off the page. I adore how Gilman takes one of the most clichéd urban fantasy romance tropes and turns it on its head.
Be forewarned, however, that in both relationship and world building, Gilman is not one to rush the climax. Danger simmers around the PUPI’s, even as their own relationships heat up, and PACK OF LIES leaves plenty of tension for the next installment in the series.
Sexual Content: Mention of rape, discussions of sexual orientation, mild sex scenes.
www.allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com
I have always been a sucker for magic mixed with realism, for me, mundane details about a fantastical premise make everything that much more enjoyable and plausible. Laura Anne Gilman is a master at this style of storytelling, and easily juggles realistic mystery, racial and political infighting, and a rich magical tradition. All of these elements were a slam dunk in her Retrievers series and continue to delight in the spin off Paranormal Scene Investigations books.
Despite inhabiting a parallel time frame to the much beloved Retrievers storyline, I have no difficulty viewing HARD MAGIC and PACK OF LIES as their own stand alone series. Gilman writes well for a broad audience, providing enough detail for new readers without any danger of overloading us old fans with unnecessary retreads. This is especially true in PACK OF LIES, which felt like a much more concise, well-balanced read than it’s predecessor. HARD MAGIC did the heavy lifting of establishing Bonnie’s back story and setting up her current job, PACK OF LIES benefits from that foundation with a fast, thrilling pace from start to finish.
Neither police nor civilians, hired by clients but ultimately working for the truth, the PUPI investigation squad has a lot at stake with every case they take on. Bonnie and her co-workers are blazing new trails, using their magical skills to investigate crimes, and one slip up can seriously damage their credibility with the magical community. I really enjoyed how PUPI is unfettered by traditional police procedural rules. This license is both a blessing and a curse, as it allows them the freedom to gather evidence in new and interesting ways but also forces the team to create workarounds and overcome obstacles to serve justice outside the legal system.
Alongside this satisfying gumshoe-procedural, PACK OF LIES offers an intimate glimpse of the friendships amongst the PUPI’s. Bonnie is an astute observer, and I enjoyed her take on her co-workers’ relationship dynamics as much as I savored the sexual tension between her and her boss, one of the “Big Dogs”, Ben Venec. Gilman brings as much loving attention to the details that make up her characters’ personal lives as she does to the world they live in, and that pays off in entertaining dialogue, touching interactions, and sexual tension that steams right up off the page. I adore how Gilman takes one of the most clichéd urban fantasy romance tropes and turns it on its head.
Be forewarned, however, that in both relationship and world building, Gilman is not one to rush the climax. Danger simmers around the PUPI’s, even as their own relationships heat up, and PACK OF LIES leaves plenty of tension for the next installment in the series.
Sexual Content: Mention of rape, discussions of sexual orientation, mild sex scenes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews