Official Review: The Girl and the Gangster

tortoise keeper · Post by **tortoise keeper** » 11 Apr 2016, 12:24

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Girl and the Gangster" by Cheryl Upchurch.]

3 out of 4 stars

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The Girl and the Gangster by Cheryl Upchurch is a fast-paced mystery focused around the story protagonist Sara Kelley. The book follows Sara, her brother Jack, and various family and friends, through their escapades running a detective agency in St. Louis, Missouri. The story is primarily told in first person by Sara. Sara is fearless, funny, and always getting into some type of trouble. In the first few pages of the book a criminal enters the agency, and attempts to shoot Sara because he blames her for his prison sentence.

The book does not slow down from there, and continues on an entertaining, though sometimes convoluted path dealing with blackmail, kidnappings, shootings, and mobsters. Sara has a long distance relationship with a Las Vegas FBI agent, but is introduced to Anthony Cunnelli, the young, handsome new boss of the local crime family and there is an immediate attraction. Though romance is not the main theme of the book, Sara is pulled by her feelings for both men throughout the story.

I did find the plot hard to follow at times. There were a lot of random characters briefly introduced, and some not referred to again, or if they were, not until the resolution of the story. Others were brought in as having been met "on a previous case" often with just enough back story given that I felt like there was a previous book that I had missed reading. Also, every person and case, no matter how obscure the characters dealt with in the story were all tied in a little too neatly at the end of the book.

That being said, I enjoyed the story, and on more than one occasion laughed to myself about the humorous situations in which the characters had gotten themselves involved. The book did not try to take itself too seriously, which in my opinion, was one of it's best qualities. It was fast-paced, with a lot of action, and entertaining dialog. The main characters were likable and well developed, leaving a lot of potential for additional books about them.

Overall the storyline was creative, and I would be happy to read more about Sara and her adventures. I would rate this novel 3 out of 4 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a light hearted, fast-paced mystery, with multiple characters, and plot twists.

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The Girl and the Gangster
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kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 12 Apr 2016, 08:50

Sounds like an interesting book with interesting protagonist. Romance in a crime story always adds a different flavor

Good job on the review.

tortoise keeper · Post by **tortoise keeper** » 12 Apr 2016, 09:03

Thank you! I appreciate that.

Shelle · Post by **Shelle** » 12 Apr 2016, 14:00

Good review! This sounds like a fun, fast-paced book. I like quirky characters and unexpected plot twists.

tortoise keeper · Post by **tortoise keeper** » 12 Apr 2016, 15:18

Thank you so much!

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 18 Apr 2016, 11:58

Great review, sounds like a fun read! Even with the aspects you mentioned that could be improved, I'm glad that you seemed to enjoy the book!
Congratulations to the author for receiving a good review!

tortoise keeper · Post by **tortoise keeper** » 18 Apr 2016, 12:00

Thank you! I appreciate your comments!

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 18 Apr 2016, 12:02

tortoise keeper wrote:Thank you! I appreciate your comments!

CrescentMoon · Post by **CrescentMoon** » 01 May 2016, 15:14

Oh I remember reading the blurb for this book and thinking that it sounded really interesting. This sounds like a story that is fast-paced, funny, and hard to put down. I love mystery books too with a little romance on the side. Great review!