Night Songs

Mimi & Gianna #2

by Penny Mickelbury

Someone is killing prostitutes -- three to date -- and noone seems to care in crime-weary Washington, except Police Lieutenant Gianna Maglione, head of the Hate Crimes unit and her lover Mimi Patterson, investigative journalist.

Genres: Mystery, Lesbian, Fiction, Crime, LGBT

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Mickelbury is a former newspaper, radio and television reporter based primarily in Washington, D.C. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, she lives in Los Angeles. The novelist and former journalist also is an accomplished playwright whose work has won awards. Two of her Mimi Patterson/Gianna Maglione novels are Lammy finalists. She is the recipient of the Audre Lorde Estate Grant, and she had a residency at the Hedgebrook Women Writers colony.

Reviews

[Megan]

I read the Mimi and Gianna novels before I had decided to make the Lesbian Mystery my avocation. For that reason, I have only a general statement about the four books.

I have read all four books in this series, each of which has more pages than its predecessor. Unlike some of the more mundane books in this list, I feel that Mickelbury’s books shine with an aura of importance. I like the literary aspect of the double-barreled storyline, wherein half of the story is told from Gianna’s point of view and the other half from Mimi’s. I believe in the love the two characters feel for each other and I sympathize with their need to keep their private and professional lives separate. Each of the novels has an agenda: gay women, prostitutes, menopausal women, fringe lesbians, the latter two deserving special praise for bringing them and their needs to our attention. This was also the first bi-racial couple I have come across. Pet peeves: Although this series has more than its share of gay men and women, every one—without exception—is described as beautiful. Well, maybe in her world . . . There are other things that do not ring perfectly true--one of the books has four serial killers throwing hunting knives from a moving car, yet never missing their victims’ hearts--but the series is good enough that you can almost suspend your disbelief.

Note: I read the e-book version of all four books which were available in September, 2013.

Another Note: This review is included in my book The Art of the Lesbian Mystery Novel, along with information on over 930 other lesbian mysteries by over 310 authors.

[Ulla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reading Penny Mickelbury's Patterson/Maglione series for the Xth time and still think they're some of the best. There are four of them now, at least. Wonder if there are more?

And as there is a new one out, I'll read the series from the start! :)

[Lilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has everything. What can I say. It addresses social issues including race gender and sexuality - something that is so prominent now whilst still maintaining the mystery genre. And of course the two main leads - two strong intelligent women in love. And the fact the characters are not white is a plus. There are not too many our there in this genre that have diverse characters and interracial relationship.
Amazing work. Definitely worth the read.

[CJ O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to feel like your there...

From the beginning I was lost in Mimi and Gianna’s world. Ms. Mickelbury grabs you and doesn’t let you go until the end. Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Frances Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I like this series very much the characters are great it's very interesting Stories I recommend this series you would not Regret