Hard Time by Sara Paretsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am so excited to find that there have been several new Warshawski novels. I read the first several, and then I thought she wasn't writing them any more. They are maybe my favorite mystery series (featuring a female detective, of course)! It is probably because of the heroine, who is brave and stubborn and smart.

This complicated plot gives the author a chance to expose the corruption and violence in the for-profit prison system. I don't know how realistic it is, but I suspect that we need to find out. I admire her ability to use fiction to promote social justice, and I think it must be frustrating to pour yourself into a work like this and find no change!

My main quibble with this book (and all of them) is that I can't read them at bedtime! Not really a complaint, just a warning/note to self. Read in an airport or when you have a block of time.

The second concern is that there a some unrealistic plot elements. It is the magic of writing that we suspend our disbelief that someone could be so "evil," and that a woman like V.I. could confront him and win and survive...and keep doing it over and over, against the advice of those who care about her. Her friendship with the little boy is endearing but a little hard to swallow.

Looking forward to reading more of those I have missed!


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