- Paperback: 448 pages
- Publisher: Signet (MM); 1st mmpb edition (April 13 2001)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0451203615
- ISBN-13: 978-0451203618
- Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 10.4 x 3.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 204 g
- Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Still haunted by the suicide of a former lover and the disappearance of another, 34-year-old interior designer and architect Judy Sussman is struck especially hard by the news of a beloved colleague's murder. While Judy's live-in "soul mate," Skeet, offers emotional support, her neighbor, professional sleuth and mystery novelist Annie Chestnut, examines the case. The dumpy private investigator provides a good measure of noxious Southern humor, but her investigative skills are irreproachable. Through her snooping, Annie uncovers bizarre evidence (such as stolen underwear, a used toothbrush and an altar) that seems to incriminate Judy's gorgeous gardener. When a young waiter who'd openly admired Judy mysteriously overdoses on an obscure poisonous substance, Judy becomes concerned that her new fianc may be targeted next. Racina (Secret Weekend) firmly establishes the killer's interest in Native American lore and the history of the California desert lands, but the cryptic and ultimately misleading diary entries he intersperses throughout are distracting and interrupt the narrative's fast-paced momentum. Although readers will enjoy Racina's crisp dialogue and quirky characters, the "madman's" incessant ramblings and obsessions will prove tiresome. (Apr. 10)
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Romantic Times
Harrowing.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
When Judy Sussman stepped outside to get the morning paper, she suspected it was going to be one of those days when you could fry an egg on the sidewalk. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
When Judy Sussman stepped outside to get the morning paper, she suspected it was going to be one of those days when you could fry an egg on the sidewalk. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most helpful customer reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Trash!,
By
This review is from: Madmans Diary (Paperback)
I made the mistake when purchasing this book of not noticing that there were only 5 reviews here at Amazon. I just noticed 4 and 5 stars and alot of praise. Those folks are obviously friends and family of Thom Racina...I'm not. This book Stinks with a capital S! I only regret that I had to give a star! In every possible way this book is a failure. The characters are incredibly shallow, the killer is obvious by page 50,the story is spectacularly implausible and pretty clearly includes very little research by the author and to top it off I constantly had the feeling that the author was getting a kickback for liberal use of brand names throughout the story. A character doesn't reach for a cell phone...she reaches for her Nokia. This happens throughout the book and is annoying to say the least. This is one of those books that you feel like throwing away 1/3 of the way through and for some strange reason I can never do that, I endure it to the end. The most amazing thing about it is that someone published it to begin with. 90% of the people reading this review could write a story as well as this.(Which tells you how bad it is!)It really is trash.
4.0 out of 5 stars
I FOUND YOUR DIARY....,
By
This review is from: Madmans Diary (Paperback)
Thom Racina has become a master of what I would call the "soap opera thriller." And that is not all meant to be derogatory. As a former writer for "Days of Our Lives," Mr. Racina has learned what people really want---escapism. So he gives us stereotypical characters, predictable plot developments, and the usual sex/scandal/murder collage. And he does it well.Who is so obsessed with Judy that he/she wants to bump off anybody who likes the girl? Is it the strange gardener Juan? Or how about her new boyfriend, Ben? And what about her roomie and former lover, Skeet? Or is it someone else? And why did Judy's first lover kill himself? And why did her second one disappear? Racina weaves this mystery in good style, and he keeps you guessing until you realize that the obvious killer is right in front of your eyes. The character of Annie Chestnut is a hoot; she reminds me of Kathy Bates or maybe even Roseanne Barr. Her private investigation styles are vastly reminiscent of several of the popular "cozies" and she steals most of her scenes. The epilogue is kind of disappointing in light of what the reader has experienced in the book, but it is a twist I hadn't expected. Also, the scene in the gondola where Judy and Ben are forced to decide who jumps out is so overboard, it's hilarious. But, don't get me wrong. I devoured the book. Only reason I didn't give it the fifth star is the epilogue. Otherwise, I recommend it---it's a fun escapist fare!
1.0 out of 5 stars
I want my day back,
By
This review is from: Madmans Diary (Paperback)
I couldn't put it down, but I hated myself for reading it. All formula, way too pat. Characters are one dimensional with no development. It reads like the plot of a tv movie. If you like that sort of thing, go for it.
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