Murder Unleashed

July 18, 2011
In Brown's provocative second novel featuring wealthy Reno, Nev., octogenarian Jeep Reed (after 2010's A Nose for Justice), Jeep takes on nothing less daunting than solving the national financial crisis. Starting with a handful of foreclosed homes currently occupied by homeless squatters, she endeavors to rejuvenate the community, aided by great-niece Mags Rogers and local realtor Babs Gallagher. Too bad unscrupulous Patrick Wentworth, who's running for Congress, is working at cross purposes to the trio to further his political campaign. When a murder and then a young man's death appear to fan the flames of Wentworth's heated rhetoric, Jeep has no recourse but to fight back. Naturally, Jeep's trusty shepherd mix, King, and Mags's dachshund, Baxter, prove wiser than their humans. RMB fans, dog lovers, and those sharing her point of view will likely enjoy Jeep, an outspoken, no nonsense Mary Sue with a heart of gold. Others should be prepared for some flimsily veiled social proselytizing.

March 1, 2012

As the economy worsens, former stockbroker Mags Rogers, her great-aunt Jeep Reed, and their beloved dogs discover homelessness is epidemic in Reno, NV. While they work to get food, utility services, and medical care for the squatters of Yolanda Street, politicians and bankers have their own agendas, which sometimes include murder. Unfortunately, as in the first book of this series (A Nose for Justice), plot, character development, and dialog are overshadowed by wordy and boring ideological diatribes. VERDICT Brown is the award-winning author of two much-loved mystery series and several other wonderful novels. She should either return to her former mystery-writing style or switch to nonfiction. This combination isn't working. Conditionally recommended for fans of Brown's work or listeners interested in stories set in Nevada.--I. Pour-El, Des Moines Area Community Coll., Boone, IA

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 28, 2011
This delightful second book in Brown’s Mags and Baxter Series set in Reno, Nev., finds transplanted stock trader Mags Rogers; her elderly great-aunt, Jeep Reed; and real estate broker Babs Gallagher trying to find a solution to the local foreclosure crisis. But when a body turns up in an abandoned house, Mags and her wire-haired dachshund, Baxter, must once again take it upon themselves to crack the case. Narrator Johanna Parker ably conveys Mags’s gracefulness and intelligence, Babs’s enthusiasm, and Jeep’s warmhearted crankiness. But where Parker really shines is in giving voice to the ladies’ crime-fighting dogs. Baxter speaks with a speedy squeak, while German shepherd King is deep, thoughtful, and almost regal. Parker is equally successful in providing voices for a kindly neighborhood coyote and her spiky, bickering brood. Honorable canines, good-hearted people, a serious discussion of current financial woes, and top-notch narration make for a surprisingly winning mix. A Ballantine Books hardcover and consumer digital download from Recorded Books.