Book Review: Whiskey Sour: A Jack Daniels Mystery

Reviewed By: Hurricane7 - RAM

Whiskey Sour: A Jack Daniels Mystery     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
J. A. Konrath
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels # 1

Lieutenant Jack Daniels has been with the Chicago Police Dept. for a number or years, working her way up from the bottom. Police work is in her blood, her mother a retired cop now residing in Florida taught daughter Jacqueline most of what she needs to know. Lt. Jack Daniels has just realized that her steady live-in has left her for his personal trainer and while most books delve into the angst of being a female cop and not being able to hold onto a longterm relationship Mr Konrath makes Jack very human by having his protagonist admit to herself that after meeting her career goals she is now ready to peruse a loving long term relationship even if her spirit is willing but her all consuming job and long hours that entails gets in the way.

When the story opens Jack is on the trail of a serial killer with her long time partner Herb Benedict. Jack has a comfortable relationship with Herb who, due to his age, almost serves as a father/guiding figure for Jack. When Jack investigates what looks to be like a set of serial killings, it is Herb who serves as her grounding force. The two are always bouncing in-jokes and one liners off of one another…if they weren’t cops they would be a famous comedy duo. These continual quips keep the book moving at a pace that has a natural flow and seems to balance a serious subject by putting a very human touch on the subject matter.

Mr. Konrath has a natural sense of humour and warmth and manages to find the balance with all his characters. This story deals with a sensitive matter and is portrayed in a realistic, gritty and graphic manner but never loses touch with its very human basis. I love the way the characters are well fleshed out and hope to have another adventure with Lt. Jack Daniels in the very near future. I wish you every success Mr. Konrath you deserve it!

Hurricane7 - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Hurricane7 - RAM