Margin of Error

Britt Montero #5

by Edna Buchanan

Miami's top crime reporter Britt Montero helps a handsome film star research his latest role as a government agent, and they soon find themselves on the run from an obsessive stalker. By the author of Miami, It's Murder.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Action, Crime

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Edna Buchanan knew she wanted to be a writer since she was 4 years old. She moved to Florida where she got a job at a small newspaper. Ms. Buchanan became a reporter for the Miami Beach Daily Sun in the late 1960s.

In 1970, she was hired as a general assignment and police-beat reporter at the Miami Herald. In 1973, Ms. Buchanan became a police beat reporter, which coincided with the rise of Miami as a center of the international drug trade.

Winning a Pulitzer Prize, Ms. Buchanan became one of the best-known crime reporters in the U.S. She discussed some of her assignments in the books, The Corpse Had a Familiar Face (1991) and Never Let Them See You Cry (1993). She has retired from journalism and writes mystery novels. The main character in her crime mystery series is Britt Montero.

Reviews

[OLT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite in the Britt Montero Mysteries, but this is still another love letter to Miami, in all its warts (and they are legion) by a woman who lived a remarkable life as a crime reporter there. This one brings in Hollywood characters who have come to make a movie in South Florida and the protagonist, Britt, a crime reporter for a fictional Miami newspaper, is put in charge of showing the main star what life as a reporter, in and out of the newsroom, is like. There's murder, mayhem and vandalism and some minor romance between Britt and the movie star. Some side issues lead to this being a little chaotic in plot but readable, nonetheless.

These Britt Montero books, which are not recently written, have caught my eye in their Kindle versions so I am reacquainting myself with the books and the main character, a very capable Cuban-American reporter. Reading these has made me curious as to what happened to Buchanan, the real-life reporter/author based in Miami. Sadly, it turns out she now, at 85 years of age, has dementia and is living in a nursing home.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Either the author Buchanan, or the main character Britt Montero, is getting a bit too judgmental for my tastes. I'm not sure if I'm going to keep reading/listening to this series, partly because of this.
Erin Bennett narrates this uneven novel, where you're not really sure if it's over and done with, or not.
3 stars, not really recommended.

[Christine Lucia Asha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept a pretty good pace, great characters and action but not exactly the ending that usually happens. We don't really know why it was done or how the culprit coerced a partner or what exactly was the goal of the chaos....etc etc.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting storyline with a ‘I should have guessed it but I didn’t’ ending. More character development than actual whodunit, but I liked it.

[Rob Kitchin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margin of Error is a kind of tart noir, with its sassy, smart, streetwise reporter pitching her wits against cops, criminals and anyone else that gets in the way of a good story, with the obligatory romantic subplot. It’s nicely written in an engaging style, with the story zipping along. Britt Montero is well portrayed as the committed reporter with a messy personal life, and Lance Westfell is a ringer for Matthew McConaughey, being all charm, wit, good looks and slightly vulnerable. The story felt a little cliched, both in terms of the general arc and the romance, but was blended with a handful of interesting, intertwined subplots, and was generally entertaining. However, as it progressed and Buchanan ratcheted up the intrigue and tension it became less believable and the reveal just didn’t ring true at all and firmly bumped me out a story. That was a shame as it had been working quite well up to the last third. Overall, a relatively light, fun read that didn’t quite strike all the right notes.

[Carolyn (in SC) C234D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read several books in this series and enjoyed them quite a bit. Haven't come across any of my accounts of them yet so I can add them to my shelves. Britt Montero is crime reporter at a big Miami newspaper. At this point I can't recall which other titles I've read. Some day.....

[Joe O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent; Continuing Character: Britt Montero; crime reporter falls for movie star on location in Miami, but runs afoul of his stalker and someone even more sinister.

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Margin of Error isn't my top pick in the Britt Montero series, Edna Buchanan's signature Miami grit and sharp journalism still deliver an engaging ride—earning it a solid three stars from me.

Superstar actor Lance Westfell arrives in town to research his role as an undercover government agent posing as a reporter. To prepare, he shadows 33-year-old Cuban-American crime beat reporter Britt Montero—a fiercely independent single woman shaped by her fashionable mother's world and the childhood loss of her anti-Castro father, executed when she was just three.

Britt initially resists the "babysitting" assignment, uninterested in movies and immune to celebrity hype unlike her starstruck colleagues. But chaos follows Lance: in an elevator with Britt, a deranged fan sprays his eyes with a Santería-bought "love potion," causing temporary near-blindness. As they grow closer, Lance leans into his vulnerability, inviting Britt to stay at his guest house for "help." Still reeling from untreated PTSD after a justified shooting in the previous book—a recurring struggle where nightmares shatter her sleep and she stubbornly refuses therapy—Britt, in a raw and fractured moment, initiates an intense encounter.

Buchanan's descriptions here are characteristically vivid, yet the romance veers into uneasy territory for me, playing on the actor's temporary helplessness in a way that feels off-key and distracting from Britt's usual strength and autonomy. It momentarily sidelines the tougher, more compelling elements that make the series stand out.

Meanwhile, threats escalate with delicious Hollywood satire: Lance contends with a venomous ex-wife, a delusional stalker named Stephanie, and deadly "accidents" on set—including one fatal—that point to sabotage amid the glamour and fanaticism.

The real emotional punch comes from a heartbreaking subplot. Single mom Angel Oliver faces arrest for neglecting her 15-month-old daughter, who apparently starved to death. Britt covers the story, then digs deeper at the chaotic home, uncovering layers of desperation and systemic failure that no agency adequately addresses. This thread packs raw power and social commentary—Buchanan at her Pulitzer-winning best. I only wish she'd expanded it further; it could easily have elevated the book to four stars.

Buchanan immerses us once more in Miami's pulsing heat, cultural vibrancy, and underbelly dangers, turning the city into a vivid force that rivals any character. At the center is Britt: tenacious, vulnerable, and unflinchingly dedicated—a heroine whose Cuban heritage and personal scars add profound depth we can't help but admire.

This isn't a light cozy, but fans of gritty, authentic crime reporting woven with real-world issues will find plenty to appreciate amid the Hollywood flair. Three stars—and a hope for more of that powerful social edge in the next installment.

[Rob Breen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Britt Montero series. This is another rebound from the awful book three in the series.

This one gave a more detailed tour of Miami than the others had. I liked that a lot. There was also a more detailed tour of the News office where Britt works.

There were red herrings. One I noticed and the other I didn’t. That one held me on edge to the end of the book.

I was skeptical when I learned the plot involved a movie studio coming to town for their latest project. I was wary of cliches and stereotypes, but Ms. Buchanan handled it very well and did not stoop to that. She obviously had some experience around movie sets given the level of detail of the behind-the-scenes action.

I especially liked the scene where Britt and Lance picnicked at Cape Florida Lighthouse and walked along the beach there. I visited that exact spot when I was in Miami so I could picture it perfectly. :D

[Rob Breen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Britt Montero series. This is another rebound from the awful book three in the series.

This one gave a more derailed tour of Miami than the others had. I liked that a lot. There was also a more detailed tour of the News office where Britt works.

There were red herrings. One I noticed and the other I didn’t. The one held me on edge to the end of the book.

I was skeptical when I learned the plot involved a movie studio coming to town for their latest project. I was wary of cliches and stereotypes, but Ms. Buchanan handled it very well and did not stoop to that. She obviously had some experience around movie sets given the level of detail of the behind-the-scenes action.

I especially liked the scene where Britt and Lance picnicked at Cape Florida Lighthouse and walked along the beach there. I visited that exact spot when I was in z Miami so I could picture it perfectly. :D

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I prefer mysteries set in different historical periods and/or other countries for escapism. I do like some of mysteries set in contemporary America (or near contemporary). But our public library during Covid semi-closure puts out culled books in opaque bags for clients to pick up with just a one or two word tag on the bag re: age group and general topic (I did pick one bag with "Death" and yes, 2 mysteries and one book on American funerals in the 1950s!) So I took a chance and this was pretty good and certainly action packed. The "detective" so to speak is an interesting character and the plot convoluted enough to hold my interest. I will try to get the others in this series....unless they'v been already culled and bagged!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Police beat reporter for a Miami newspaper, Britt Montero is teamed up with a famous movie star in Miami to shoot a new film where he plays a reporter. Romance blossoms once she gets over her initial annoyance at being a "babysitter" to the famous actor. But the star has a crazy female stalker, who seems so put together and lucid she fools police into thinking she is the star's finance and Britt is the crazy one. Someone is trying to kill the star - is it this stalker Stephanie? An exciting ride.

[Ka-AR · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best...

IMHO (H=Humble) "Margin if Error" is the best in the Britt Montero series. More action, intricate subplots and romance than all the previous episodes put together. Britt Montero is a survivors, for sure. Too bad Edna Buchanan has retired. Thank you, Edna for writing about the places in S. Florida I'll never see again. Because they are long gone. On to the next installment. See ya soon, Britt.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

. . . Enjoying a binge-read of this series, but this wasn't my favorite to date. Somehow, the protagonist’s characterization in this book was not quite in sync with who I thought she was. Perhaps it was Hollywood taking over Miami, but I didnt feel as drawn in to the characters or the plot as I have in orevious volumes.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

This series keeps getting better and better. The mystery was riveting!! The insight into Miami was fascinating. The characters are very well written. Would recommend to anyone who loves a well written, fast-paced novel.

[Ines Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't like this one. For some reason, the affair with the movie star seemed out if character for Britt. There were other things. For example, she cared so much about fashion etc. Will read the 6th one and hope the "old" Britt is back.

[Stephen Pearson]

Abridged

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid outing for Britt who didn't do anything too foolish and got to do things a little different than usual. I really liked this one.

[Bryan Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES! I really enjoyed this outing with Britt!

[Megan Haddock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted them together in the end

[Cecilia M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell of a Ride

A fanciful run through the life of a famous actor with the threat of murder at every turn. Fun book.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margin of Error was the fifth installment of the Britt Montero mystery series. In this case, Britt went undercover on a Hollywood set of a movie. An actor went undercover for his role as a government agent posing as agent, when he came into Britt's life. Someone's now stalking him, which is now followed by mishaps, mysterious accidents and deaths, which had pushed the production over-budget. Someone's trying to sabotage the film and murder him, when nightmares haunted Britt from a man she had previously shot on a former case. This also pushed the actor and Britt to work together, while this stalker went after them with a menace. From the Miami Herald press room to a Hollywood movie set, there was a bunch of drama with a tropical locale appeal, when Britt cornered the killers and identify them to find out who caused a scene.

[David Freas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read most of the books in this series a long time ago and enjoyed them.

Perhaps because I read this book so much later and way out of sequence (and possibly have forgotten much about the primary characters) or because my reading tastes have changed, I didn’t enjoy it as much.

The story line had a scattered feel to it, as if Buchanan needed a book fast and threw everything handy into the plot. The result is like a stew that’s hasn’t simmered long enough for the flavors to blend.

The bad guy – the dead person who really isn’t – also was an overused twist. Plus Buchanan gave the reader no clue this person was the bad guy, leading to one of those ‘Where did that come from?’ moments.

I see Buchanan has another book in the series due out next year. In the past, I would have been looking for this book as soon as it hit the stands. Now, I’m not so sure.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the series - it seemed a little all over the place but it did pick up towards the end. My big question is this - what happened to Hal? He was with Britt at the end of Act of Betrayal but there is not one mention of him in this book. It doesn't matter because I will always love her with Kendall MacDonald the best. Had no idea who the bad guy was in this book until it was revealed, especially his accomplice. I love Britt and I got a kick out of her new "admirer". Ziff gave me some laugh out loud moments, especially his interaction with Britt's admirer. Good book but again, not my favorite.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just as Miami is recovering from the effects of the devastating hurrican that struck, Britt is trying to recover from having to shoot and kill someone during the storm. Britt is a reporter at the Miami news and finds out a famous movie star is being assigned to her to help him authenically portray a reporter in the upcoming film, Margin for Error. The film's plot rirrows real life as an obsessed fan stalks the star, sabotage occurs on a set in the Everglades, a serial killer is stealing hookers' hearts, literally, and a welfare mother is targeted for murder. Life on the streets in Miami.

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had read Love Kills and the book prior to it, so began reading her earlier ones. She seems to give each mystery a unique twist, not repeating plots as some authors do when they use one main character in their books. With Buchanan the main character is Britt Montero, but this was too much of a fantasy-romance-mystery for me.

I'm eagerly waiting for her next book to be published in Aug. and will answer "what happens next" in Britt's life.

[LJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

MARGIN OF ERROR - G
Buchanan, Edna - 5th Britt Montero

A news reporter is forced to relive an incident where she shot a man, and finds herself being stalked. In the meantime other mysterious mishaps and deaths, begin to occur, a baby starves to death and a serial killer begins mutilating hearts.

I like her writing and the character of Britt, but this was definitely not as good as other books in the series.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Britt Montero is a good character who has fared well over time (tho' the author has moved on to another series as well, so she is perhaps winding down)--this earlier work has very good elements in it, and keeps you guess ing to the end (there are good enough hints along the way that you can choose to listen to or ignore, but never-the-less, pull the whole thing together in retrospect, which is what's important with a somewhat improbable twist or two in a story line).

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Britt is the heroine, who is an extremely dedicated reporter covering the police beat for her Miami newspaper. In this book Britt is paired with a good-looking movie star, while still trying to perform her job investigating local crime. There is a twist when the movie star is stalked and Britt gets caught in the middle. A single mother is the target of a hired killer, with Britt as one of her only allies. She continues to build the characters in this fast paced book.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#5 in the Britt Montero series. Britt Montero, Miami newspaper reporter, covers the police beat.

Britt Montero is assigned to provide technical assistance to a movie being shot in Miami. She is attracted to the leading man but a number of murders and other disasters point to him as a possible suspect, Meanwhile she is involved is a case with Angel, a welfare mother accused of causing the death of one of her children, and her ex-husband seeking custody of the others.