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Both Ends of the Night by Marcia Muller
Amazon.com San Francisco-based private detective Sharon McCone is tracking a man whose actions have already caused the deaths of two women who loved and trusted him in the 18th installment of this memorable series. Because Marcia Muller's books are as much about McCone's relationships with her extended, occasionally dysfunctional family as they are about the cases themselves, first-time visitors might have trouble sorting out all the relatives. But, as always, the rewards are well worth the effort. In this case, there are several evocative flying scenes that help groundlings understand why people do it, a stinging attack on the callousness of the Witness Protection Program, and more glimpses into the tangled soul of Hy Ripinsky, McCone's interesting lover. Other McCone adventures in paperback include The Broken Promise Land, A Wild and Lonely Place, Till the Butchers Cut Him Down, and Wolf in the Shadows. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Reader Reviews I Keep Reading, October 24, 2003 Reviewer: antiochandy from Antioch, CA USA I keep coming back for Muller's next Sharon McCone story, so it's safe to conclude that I have enjoyed the series so far. By number 19, it's become as much about McCone and her extended family of familiar characters as it is about the mysteries. For that reason, I suggest that somebody new to the McCone books not start with this one. You can, but it all works better if you have some background. I didn't find BOTH ENDS OF THE NIGHT to be one of Ms. Mullers' most compelling mysteries. It held my interest all the way through, but there was a little more rhapsodizing on the joys of airplane piloting than I wanted. I also thought that there weren't many real surprises in this one and the climax was too straightforward and obvious. Further, given the personal history of the guy living in the woods, he wouldn't have been difficult for a wealthy father to locate over the course of ten years. I have enjoyed Mullers' McCone novels and will certainly read more of them. This one, however, while OK, was a bit of a letdown. Not bad, but not one of the best. I'm not suggesting that people (especially fans) not read it, just that there are others I liked better. My four-star rating on this one is a bit soft.
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