Monday 17 July 2023

Number 41 - Last Breath - Karin Slaughter

My new theme for the next several books (apart from book 42) is short fiction. So here's a novella from the appropriately named Karin Slaughter.

Her Sarah Linton and Will Trent series are both excellent and haven't dipped in quality so far (and I'm 10 books in) which is remarkable. Some series go downhill fast after 5 books (looking at you Ms Cornwell) but Karin Slaughter is never less than a damned good read.

This short little volume continues that trend.

When lawyer Charlotte (Charlie) Quinn is approached by a teenager seeking emancipation from her guardians, she readily takes the case.  Like the girl, Charlie suffered a violent bereavement as a child and now she feels duty bound to help the helpless cases.

The girl, the ridiculously named Florabama, is in much more trouble than Charlie could have expected.

Despite the brevity, this is a twisty and turny little story and Charlie is a likeable and believable protagonist with a good set of supporting characters to drive the plot forward.

The worst thing about this book is the girl's name, Florabama. It's a good thing she's referred to as Flora for most of the story.

It goes into some dark places by the end, and that's always a positive. It's a good read, if not as good as her last novella I read, Martin Misunderstood. A good way to while away a lazy afternoon.

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