ISBN: 0-451-45730-7 Order from: Amazon.com
A classical mystery in a Bordertown-type universe with an interesting PI and quirky suspects, losing some suspense due to a meandering plot.
Reviewed by David on September 29, 1998
Genre: Fantasy (Mystery, Private Investigator, Elfpunk)
Synopsis: In an alternate universe where the Elves cross over into modern America, and cross-species relationships are becoming more common despite widespread prejudice, a human private investigator is called find the source of mischevious Trouble in an artist colony. Situated in a scenic valley in North California, the colony has a mixture of fairy, mortal and halfling artists, as well as their children. Depsite minor feuds, all are disconcerted by several nighttime occurences which are frightening the children and disturb the adults.
Rose Lavine, and her partner Shannon Arthur are hired to find this jokester, and stop the mischief.
Full Review: Rose, who has her own painful memories, has a difficult time dealing with the arrogant elves and odd humans that comprise this remote artist colony. But her difficulties escalate beyond handling artistic temperaments when the Trouble escalates to murder.
Mixing art, romance and elven politics, this mystery book is the sequel to Cold Iron.
The universe is somewhat similar to that of Hamilton's Anita Blake novels, or the shared world Bordertown books. The description of the artists, and especially of the surrounding countryside are deft and evocative. However, the plot, which very much follows the standard mystery conventions, lacks tension until the resolution very near the end.
Sister is a fair fantasy novel in a fresh and beautiful world, but suffering from too long a build-up.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 1998, Penguin Group (Roc), October 1998, Mass market paperback
ISBN: 0-451-45730-7 Order from: Amazon.com