Wednesday, October 6, 2010

On My Nightstand - The Incumbent by Alton Gansky

Mayor Madison "Maddy" Glenn knew politics could be a nasty business, but she had no idea it would endanger her friends' lives. When her former campaign treasurer is kidnapped, a macabre clue is left behind.

Throw in an old boyfriend, a not-so-friendly chief of police, and a handsome detective, and you have the makings of a mystery that challenged my mind.

The author did an excellent job with his characters. Madison came to life from page one with her feisty, but kind, personality. My heart broke as I learned about her life and the awful loss she suffered. Keep the Kleenex handy. I needed it several times.

Alton Gansky is a name I've heard in writer's circles for years. I'm glad I finally got around to reading one of his books. While this book is the first of a series, it is a stand-alone novel with a satisfying ending.

Question for You: Do you like mysteries? What do you think of male authors writing female protagonists and vice versa? I'd like to know.


8 comments:

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for the info about this book. Have read one of Gansky's books and enjoyed it, so may check this out. I do like mysteries, but still lean toward my favorite genre - historical fiction.

I don't have a problem with an author writing characters of the opposite gender as long as they do it well and are accurate.
Blessings,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

I agree with you. Mr. Gansky did a great job portraying his heroine.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Bess said...

You certainly have an eye for good books, Susan. This looks like another keeper.

I listened to a talk given my Alton Gansky at the BRCWC 2004. he was honest and witty. He gave me the first idea of how hard it is to get published.

~Britt

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Interesting pick Susan... I love books where the writer writes about the opposite gender, it tells me how they see them (us).. haha! Are you on www.goodreads.com Susan, you write excellent reviews, you could do a great job there, to a specific audience.

Diane said...

Love mysteries! I don't mind who writes it as long as it's written good. :O)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Britt -

I've only seen pictures of the author. How neat that you got to hear him speak!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja -

No, I'm not on good reads. Thanks for the suggestion - so kind of you. I'll check them out. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

You'll enjoy this one. It's well written and kept me guessing. :)

Blessings,
Susan