Breakdown

V. I. Warshawski, Book 15

By: Sara Paretsky

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

A strange crime gets V.I. Warshawski involved with some of Chicago’s most rich and powerful players in this thriller from New York Times bestselling author Sara Paretsky.

When a group of Chicago tweens holds a ritual in an abandoned cemetery, they stumble on an actual corpse - stabbed through the heart in a vampire-style slaying. V.I. Warshawski arrives on the scene to escort the girls home - but protecting them places her at the tangled center of the investigation. And the girls include daughters of some of Chicago’s most powerful families: the grandfather of one, Chaim Salanter, is among the world’s wealthiest men; the mother of another, Sophy Durango, is running for the United States Senate.

For V.I., the questions multiply faster than the answers. Is the killing linked to a hostile media campaign against Durango - or to Salanter’s childhood in Nazi-occupied Lithuania? As V.I. struggles to find an answer, she finds herself fighting enemies who are no less terrifying for being all too human.

©2012 Sara Paretsky (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Political correctness...really?

As usual, Paretsky is an amazing story teller & keeps you on the edge of your seat with this mystery! But the great narration by Susan Ericksen, one of the all-time best readers, is what keeps you listening!! If it hadn't been for her, I might have stopped listening way back at the beginning when all the political issues of gays, immigration & the evils of wealth started! Political correctness...really??? I listen to have a break from all that! Even Paretsky's own characters don't fall into a group of all bad/hateful or all good/wonderful depending on their politics! The Tolerant are Not always accepting & it gets Very Old!!!

Another interesting story from Paretsky

Susan Ericksen did a good job narrating the story and giving just the right amount of the flip attitude of V. I. Warshawski. Paretsky gives us a bit of Chicago history and a descriptive view of the city. The use of young girls book club as the underpinnings of the story was interesting. Warshawski's having to research into Lithuanian history under the Nazi was interesting. Lots of suspense and nail-biting moments in the story that moves right along. I disagree with the prior reviewer as many books have either right or left wing politics in the stories and as long as it fits into the story line it is acceptable but if the politics over helms the story line I then object. Fans of Paretsky will enjoy this book as she still has her skill with a story.

Paretsky vision lives on

The mystery here is almost secondary to the development of possibilities. Although that can be awkward, these possibilities were sufficiently intriguing to keep me involved and to feel as though I did not waste my time. I felt particularly sad about the loss of Vi's friend. I wanted more stories about the two of them and more resolutions that would reflect her value in the lives she touched. As always, I had a bit of a hard time with the denoument. I wish Paretsky could wrap these stories up in other ways than what I now see is a standard trick for forcing self incrimination and resolution of the loose ends. Still, I always look forward to my next Paretsky book. I always appreciate the greatness of her scope.

Just as riveting to listen as it was to read !!!

Unlike other authors it’s not a short and quick story . You are utterly tied to the characters, the story and the outcome till the very end .

Great story line.

Story is fast moving and intricate. Holds your attention. Lots of twists and turns throughout the story.

Rich Detail but the Conclusion Left Me a Bit Flat

Would you listen to Breakdown again? Why?

Perhaps. There are a few points I'm sure I missed, but overall I've finished it and don't feel the need to re-"read" it.

Would you be willing to try another book from Sara Paretsky? Why or why not?

Of course. Entertaining as all Hell.

What about Susan Ericksen’s performance did you like?

In this one, she does a good job giving varying voice to the characters. Her reading is well modulated and transitions from one speaker to another, or one "scene" to another are good.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

As is usually the case with these novels, the endings are poignant yet somehow uplifting. It leaves me wanting more (evidence by the fact I've listened to 15 of the 16 available).

Any additional comments?

I dinged the story a bit as I found the means used to expose the murderer a bit clumsy and over done. Other than that, the story flowed well and was entertaining enough

A good, standard, V.I. story

Even if you are a bit quicker with the clues than V.I. seems to be in this story, it should please fans. As always, the characters are interesting and fun and the narration enjoyable. There are a few "over the top" sections, but the story holds together.

Whaaaaaat

What made the experience of listening to Breakdown the most enjoyable?

Susan Ericksen is amazing. She really brings the characters to life! I loved this book. The suspense and action in this book fit well together. I was so nervous at the end of the book! The way Paretsky ties everything together and connects the different story lines is magnificent. I really enjoyed all the different characters in this one.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end is so good!

Loved it

Sarah Paretsky does not disappoint with this book. I will be listening to the next one soon.

Not my favorite VI Warshawski

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I have read all of the VI books up until this one. This is the first I have listened to. I did not enjoy the narration. The tone was just too one note strident with people constantly yelling at each other.