Official Review by bookowlie: Miami Iced by Susan Sussman

Post by **bookowlie** » 27 May 2015, 12:00

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Miami Iced" by Susan Sussman.]

4 out of 4 stars

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I initially read the sample pages for Miami Iced by Susan Sussman and was hooked. The main character was likeable and interesting, so I quickly selected this book. I figured that any mystery novel that takes place in South Florida is sure to be wild and quirky. Miami Iced certainly fits that description.

Laura Marks’ husband died of a heart attack seven months ago and she can’t seem to get back into the “land of the living”. Her required appearance for Jury Duty jump-starts her in a big way. After the short-lived Jury Duty stint, Laura accidentally stumbles into a juicy murder trial. Joseph Galdino is on trial for killing his wife’s sister and curious Laura begins attending the trial everyday. Meanwhile, Laura’s super-organized sister Bitsy arrives from Chicago for an open-ended visit; her husband left her and she moves in with Laura.

The real strength of this book lies in the author’s wonderful, witty writing. Every other positive thing about the story is just a bonus. The author could make the Yellow Pages sound interesting. If she tires of writing books, she should go into marketing. She could describe McDonald’s menu and probably reverse the company’s recent decline.

The main character, Laura, is well drawn and very relatable. All of the courtroom watchers that sit with Laura are interesting, particularly Lucille. The descriptions of Laura’s sister Bitsy are beyond hilarious. If the author decides to write an entire book about Laura and Bitsy’s ordinary activities, it would be a must read.

The storyline is laid out well with pieces of the plot revealed in subtle ways. For example, the morning after Laura stumbles into Galdino’s trial, she sees a newspaper headline about the trial and reads the article. I thought this was a creative way to introduce the details of the case. Also, Laura starts attending the trial daily and eats lunch with a small group of trial watchers. They discuss their opinions of the case, another nice plot device for bringing out pieces of the murder puzzle.

The story is well paced and kept my interest from start to finish. There is just the right blend of Laura’s personal life and the murder trial plot. The mystery picks up steam in the last third of the book and roars to a satisfying conclusion. There are a few twists at the end that I really didn’t expect. I wish the book didn’t have to end because I loved it so much.

One pesky annoyance is the inconsistencies between the details of the setting and the book’s title. I am very familiar with South Florida. The book is titled Miami Iced, yet it is stated that Broward Blvd. is outside the courthouse where Laura attends Jury Duty. Broward Blvd. is not located in Miami; the road is centrally located in neighboring Broward County. There are other details in the story which make it clear the story takes place in Broward County. To anyone the least bit familiar with South Florida, Broward County has a distinctly different feel vs. Miami-Dade County, although South Florida is generally a wacky place.

This book deserves nothing less than 4 out of 4 stars. It’s not often that a book contains the right combination of superb writing, interesting characters, absorbing plot, and great climax. After reading the first chapter, I loved the author’s style so much that I went on Amazon and happily saw that she has written other books. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries with a strong main character. Even if mysteries are not your preferred genre, read the book anyway. You won’t be disappointed.

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Miami Iced
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sue sussman · Post by **sue sussman** » 31 May 2015, 14:52

Dear bookowlie, Just a quick note for a delicious review. Many thanks. Since you seem to enjoy my quirky style and would like to read more, might I suggest The Dieter or Audition for Murder next. I think you'll have a good time. And, thanks again for your kind words.
S. S.

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 31 May 2015, 16:22

This sounds like a thrilling read. I love it when authors make mysteries funny and interesting. Great review. Another one to add to the to-read list.

Post by **bookowlie** » 31 May 2015, 16:26

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I have written down your recommendations. Quirky style aside, the excellent writing in this book is the main course and always appreciated. Well done!

-- 31 May 2015, 20:14 --

bluemel4 wrote:This sounds like a thrilling read. I love it when authors make mysteries funny and interesting. Great review. Another one to add to the to-read list.

Thanks Bluemel for your kind words.

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 31 May 2015, 21:18

Great review, and this book sounds great too! I used to love watching CSI: Miami. That show always made Miami seem like it was a hotbed of crime and passion. This book has a really neat premise with the whole courtroom-after-jury-duty aspect. I've wanted to go to small claims' court a few times to watch from the audience, but I never have. It's surprising that no one's ever thought up that concept for a murder mystery before, since many courtrooms are open to the public! Rarin'.

Post by **bookowlie** » 31 May 2015, 21:24

Thanks! I thought it was a neat twist in the beginning that she stumbles into a murder trial after being released from jury duty. The reason?....it started pouring outside.

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 31 May 2015, 21:27

Wow, now that is interesting. Amazing how a rainstorm can completely redirect your life.

gali · Post by **gali** » 31 May 2015, 21:56

Thank you for a well written and convincing review. I am glad you enjoyed the book.

Post by **bookowlie** » 01 Jun 2015, 09:12

Thanks Gali! This book was an absolute joy to read. I loved the main character so much that I really hope the author decides to write a sequel.

ananya92 · Post by **ananya92** » 01 Jun 2015, 13:23

Great review. This book seems really engrossing and a thrilling read.

Post by **bookowlie** » 02 Jun 2015, 08:29

Thanks Ananya. This was one of the best books I've read in a while.

Jesska6029 · Post by **Jesska6029** » 02 Jun 2015, 09:23

I always love your reviews! You always back up your opinions with great detail. Well done!

Post by **bookowlie** » 02 Jun 2015, 10:05

Jesska6029 wrote:I always love your reviews! You always back up your opinions with great detail. Well done!

What a nice compliment! Sometimes I think I am overly analytical - it's a curse.

In this case, the book is so good that it deserved highlighting some of the little things that made it a standout. There are so many great lines and wise observations in the story that I didn't mention, in order to keep the review relatively concise. A difficult task for me!