What do you think?
Rate this book
American Woman
A stifling heat wave rolls into New York City, amplifying the already critical level of tension in the fragile concrete ecosystem. The air tastes of electricity—the negative charge of bad things to come—but everyone hopes it’s just the temperature. Then, on the morning homicide detective Alexandra “Hemi” Hemingway finds out she is pregnant, a twisted serial killer makes his debut. And the heat goes up.
Not for the faint of heart—American Woman is a relentless ride that takes you through the fractured world of a nascent killer. And you will never feel safe again.
Not for the faint of heart—American Woman is a relentless ride that takes you through the fractured world of a nascent killer. And you will never feel safe again.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
115 people are currently reading
1051 people want to read
About the author
Robert Pobi
15 books367 followersROBERT POBI has fished for great whites off Montauk, chased coyotes with a dune buggy in the Mojave, and spelunked caves in the former Yugoslavia. He is a renowned expert in English period furniture and makes a mean coq au vin. He spends most of his time in Montreal, Canada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 14, 2022
Someone in New York City is murdering children. It starts with a ten-year-old boy, a child genius who has already been accepted to Harvard. It’s nasty killing and soon a second boy, the same age, meets a similar fate. Other than the age, the only link between the two boys seems to be that they both came from well-off families and attended exclusive schools. The lead detective on the case is Alexandra Hemingway, she’s tall and attractive and comes from money herself, but she has a street cop’s attitude and a bar brawler’s vocabulary. She’s supported by big Jon Phelps, a gnarled old timer who aside from being her partner is also her close friend and mentor. In fact, as Hemingway is pretty much estranged from her super-rich family, Phelps is also represents the father figure in her life.
The two cops are the heart of this story, particularly Hemingway. The loss of her boyfriend to a violent end and the retribution she duly meted out in return has put a spotlight on her. She doesn’t feel under imminent threat from the police hierarchy but it has cranked up the pressure for her to get on top of this case quickly. And then there’s a third murder. The nature of the killings here and the fact that the victims are children does mean the the power to shock is ratcheted up. The details are pretty gruesome and in this regard it’s not a book that will suit all tastes, in fact at times it felt more like a horror story than a police procedural.
My feelings about this book are somewhat mixed. It initially rattles along a pace but in the mid-section I felt it got bogged down and a little repetitive. It’s certainly intriguing in that there is virtually nothing for the cops to work with other than the potential links between victims - there are no witnesses and a total absence of trace evidence – but as the bodies mount up it all feels like such an unlikely scenario. In fact, believability is perhaps this book’s biggest problem. On the other hand, there are some brilliant twists and I in no way worked out how and by whom these murders were committed. The reveal, when it came, was a complete shock. Clever, very clever.
This book doesn’t have the flow of Pobi’s latest book City of Windows but I do think that in Hemingway the author really created a character deserving of at least one more outing. She’s sassy and confrontational but with visible insecurities too. I liked her a lot and would be happy to meet up with her again. Pobi has good ideas and develops interesting plots and although I don’t believe that his writing is as refined as, say, Michael Connelly or Ian Rankin I do believe he has something interesting to offer.
The two cops are the heart of this story, particularly Hemingway. The loss of her boyfriend to a violent end and the retribution she duly meted out in return has put a spotlight on her. She doesn’t feel under imminent threat from the police hierarchy but it has cranked up the pressure for her to get on top of this case quickly. And then there’s a third murder. The nature of the killings here and the fact that the victims are children does mean the the power to shock is ratcheted up. The details are pretty gruesome and in this regard it’s not a book that will suit all tastes, in fact at times it felt more like a horror story than a police procedural.
My feelings about this book are somewhat mixed. It initially rattles along a pace but in the mid-section I felt it got bogged down and a little repetitive. It’s certainly intriguing in that there is virtually nothing for the cops to work with other than the potential links between victims - there are no witnesses and a total absence of trace evidence – but as the bodies mount up it all feels like such an unlikely scenario. In fact, believability is perhaps this book’s biggest problem. On the other hand, there are some brilliant twists and I in no way worked out how and by whom these murders were committed. The reveal, when it came, was a complete shock. Clever, very clever.
This book doesn’t have the flow of Pobi’s latest book City of Windows but I do think that in Hemingway the author really created a character deserving of at least one more outing. She’s sassy and confrontational but with visible insecurities too. I liked her a lot and would be happy to meet up with her again. Pobi has good ideas and develops interesting plots and although I don’t believe that his writing is as refined as, say, Michael Connelly or Ian Rankin I do believe he has something interesting to offer.
January 10, 2015
The Big Apple is in the middle of a stifling heat wave and a twisted serial killer is ripping through New York City with his sights set on children. Enter Alexandra “Hemi” Hemingway, a New York City detective who’s tougher than a two dollar steak. Can Hemi and the NYPD put an end to the bloodshed?
Robert Pobi can write one hell of a page turner. His excellent pacing had me racing to the end, desperate to find out who was behind the string of grisly murders. I was trying to piece together the clues and uncover the person responsible and although I thought I had it figured out, Pobi completely surprised me with a real jaw dropping finale that had me reeling.
On the morning the killer’s first victim is found, Hemi is hit with an unexpected and seemingly unwanted pregnancy that threatens her personal and professional life. Although the subplot involving Hemi’s pregnancy doesn’t seem to fit within the main narrative, Pobi uses it as a catalyst to develop both Hemi and her supporting cast. Without it, we may not have learned of the father/daughter relationship she has with her mentor and partner Phelps, as well as her complicated feelings about her boyfriend Daniel, the father of her unborn child. It also raises a question within both Hemi and the reader – is it wise to bring a child into a world with monsters like this on the loose?
It’s always nice to start off the new year with a great read and Robert Pobi’s Harvest is just that. If you’re a thriller fan, this is not one you want to miss.
Also posted @ Every Read Thing.
Robert Pobi can write one hell of a page turner. His excellent pacing had me racing to the end, desperate to find out who was behind the string of grisly murders. I was trying to piece together the clues and uncover the person responsible and although I thought I had it figured out, Pobi completely surprised me with a real jaw dropping finale that had me reeling.
On the morning the killer’s first victim is found, Hemi is hit with an unexpected and seemingly unwanted pregnancy that threatens her personal and professional life. Although the subplot involving Hemi’s pregnancy doesn’t seem to fit within the main narrative, Pobi uses it as a catalyst to develop both Hemi and her supporting cast. Without it, we may not have learned of the father/daughter relationship she has with her mentor and partner Phelps, as well as her complicated feelings about her boyfriend Daniel, the father of her unborn child. It also raises a question within both Hemi and the reader – is it wise to bring a child into a world with monsters like this on the loose?
It’s always nice to start off the new year with a great read and Robert Pobi’s Harvest is just that. If you’re a thriller fan, this is not one you want to miss.
Also posted @ Every Read Thing.
February 27, 2017
**This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
This is the second book I've read by Robert Pobi. The first I read was Bloodman, which I absolutely loved. I started reading Harvest with pretty high expectations, and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed.
First off, the characterization of Hemi was perfect. Hemi is a strong, tough heroine who has no problem keeping up with the boys. Since the NYPD is such a male dominated organization, it was refreshing to read about a female police officer who was smart, capable, and the lead in the investigation. It's a little bit of a pet peeve for me when a mystery novel has a female sidekick who spends the entire time recapping what's going on. Hemi is sharp, sarcastic, and a little bit of a ball buster. She's a quick thinker and very decisive. As characters go, I really enjoyed how tough she was and also appreciated that she had feminine issues to deal with - i.e. her pregnancy. Sometimes it was a little bit apparent that she was a woman written by a man, but overall, I was completely on board with her character.
The plot moved at a fantastic pace. I found myself really eager to continue reading every night and had a really hard time stopping. All the characters are so well developed and there are just enough clues scattered throughout the book to keep the reader trying to figure out who the murderer is. The topic of child murder is a very sensitive subject and while the descriptions of the crime scenes and the death is very graphic, it's not as graphic as Bloodman. Pobi handles the subject of child murder with tact and restraint, which I appreciated. I can't say enough great things about this book. Just a note - this novel has really short chapters, which personally, I love.
I really hope this is the first in a series because I want a lot more books with Hemi. Robert Pobi is an autobuy author for me now. He's an author to watch. Both Harvest and Bloodman are highly recommended.
This is the second book I've read by Robert Pobi. The first I read was Bloodman, which I absolutely loved. I started reading Harvest with pretty high expectations, and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed.
First off, the characterization of Hemi was perfect. Hemi is a strong, tough heroine who has no problem keeping up with the boys. Since the NYPD is such a male dominated organization, it was refreshing to read about a female police officer who was smart, capable, and the lead in the investigation. It's a little bit of a pet peeve for me when a mystery novel has a female sidekick who spends the entire time recapping what's going on. Hemi is sharp, sarcastic, and a little bit of a ball buster. She's a quick thinker and very decisive. As characters go, I really enjoyed how tough she was and also appreciated that she had feminine issues to deal with - i.e. her pregnancy. Sometimes it was a little bit apparent that she was a woman written by a man, but overall, I was completely on board with her character.
The plot moved at a fantastic pace. I found myself really eager to continue reading every night and had a really hard time stopping. All the characters are so well developed and there are just enough clues scattered throughout the book to keep the reader trying to figure out who the murderer is. The topic of child murder is a very sensitive subject and while the descriptions of the crime scenes and the death is very graphic, it's not as graphic as Bloodman. Pobi handles the subject of child murder with tact and restraint, which I appreciated. I can't say enough great things about this book. Just a note - this novel has really short chapters, which personally, I love.
I really hope this is the first in a series because I want a lot more books with Hemi. Robert Pobi is an autobuy author for me now. He's an author to watch. Both Harvest and Bloodman are highly recommended.
July 9, 2021
After reading City of Windows, Under Pressure and Bloodman, I was very happy to discover Harvest somewhere on the internet. It grabbed me just as the other three books by this magnificent author did. I just cannot find the words to describe how this book hit me. It’s gruesome but it has a very good plot, interesting characters and lots of surprises.
Now I only have to find a copy of Mannheim Rex 😉.
Now I only have to find a copy of Mannheim Rex 😉.
July 7, 2014
New York City homicide detectives Alexandra Hemmingway and Jon Phelps encounter a sadistic serial killer during a summer heat wave.
Hemingway is a woman who has just found out she's pregnant. She's also learning to live without a former lover who was murdered. At her side at all times is Detective Phelps.. a father figure and mentor.
The case they are working is terrifying. There are multiple child abductions and a psychopath who has a thing for removing appendages of his young victims.
I really liked the characters .. they are gritty and they are real. This is a real page-turner which will keep you reading until you're afraid to turn off the lights.
(RIVER OF THE DEAD and AMERICAN WOMAN are the same book)
Hemingway is a woman who has just found out she's pregnant. She's also learning to live without a former lover who was murdered. At her side at all times is Detective Phelps.. a father figure and mentor.
The case they are working is terrifying. There are multiple child abductions and a psychopath who has a thing for removing appendages of his young victims.
I really liked the characters .. they are gritty and they are real. This is a real page-turner which will keep you reading until you're afraid to turn off the lights.
(RIVER OF THE DEAD and AMERICAN WOMAN are the same book)
May 29, 2014
Robert Pobi’s debut novel, Bloodman, was a jaw-dropping mystery thriller about a violent serial killer with an indelible twist for an ending. I was hooked. His third novel, American Woman, is also a jaw-dropper full of violence, ends with a haunting twist, and ultimately proves Pobi is a talented author. His ability to keep the reader riveted, while also making them squirm in horror, make his stories an exceptional experience. He knows how to write a story that will haunt the reader for days.
The beginning of American Woman introduces the reader to Alexandra Hemingway as she kayaks on the Hudson River during an overwhelming heat wave. Having just discovered she is pregnant, Hemingway is in conflict like any woman faced with this life changing circumstance. But, when the six foot tall Hemingway prevents a mugging by breaking a man’s wrist and shooting his accomplice with her own gun, the reader realizes this is not any ordinary woman. Alexandra Hemingway is a NYPD detective with a sharp mind, a quick wit, and an unusual past.
Hemingway and her partner, the fatherly Jon Phelps, are called in when the body of a ten year-old boy is pulled out of the river. His feet have been sawed off. The story grows more horrifying when another ten year-old is found with his hands also sawed off. The NYPD is faced with a serial killer. The detectives attempt to solve the case when events grow even more disturbing. These murders are not random; there are definite connections that force Hemingway and Phelps into a race to find the killer before he strikes again.
There are moments it seems that the flinty and dauntless Hemingway is lacking a heart. After the murder of someone she knows, she sheds no tears. Her ability to work without sleep, barely stopping to eat, is almost superhuman. But, throughout the book, Hemingway inner thoughts expose her conflicted feelings about bringing a child into such a violent world. It is these moments that make the reader realize that while Hemingway is a driven woman, she is also vulnerable.
Because the murders involve children and the horrific circumstances involved in their deaths, this story is not for the squeamish. Pobi does not pull punches. And, he keeps the reader guessing until the bitter end. With multiple twists and red herrings, the reader will think, as Hemingway does, that they have solved this mystery. And, like Hemingway, the reader will be wrong again and again.
It is a great mystery thriller and I recommend it for those who love twists and the twisted. You will not be disappointed. And it will stick in your mind
(After I finished the book I found out it had been published in the U.K. under the title River of the Dead which I found to be much more appropriate. American Woman kept reminding me of the song by the Guess Who. That also got stuck in my mind…for days.)
The beginning of American Woman introduces the reader to Alexandra Hemingway as she kayaks on the Hudson River during an overwhelming heat wave. Having just discovered she is pregnant, Hemingway is in conflict like any woman faced with this life changing circumstance. But, when the six foot tall Hemingway prevents a mugging by breaking a man’s wrist and shooting his accomplice with her own gun, the reader realizes this is not any ordinary woman. Alexandra Hemingway is a NYPD detective with a sharp mind, a quick wit, and an unusual past.
Hemingway and her partner, the fatherly Jon Phelps, are called in when the body of a ten year-old boy is pulled out of the river. His feet have been sawed off. The story grows more horrifying when another ten year-old is found with his hands also sawed off. The NYPD is faced with a serial killer. The detectives attempt to solve the case when events grow even more disturbing. These murders are not random; there are definite connections that force Hemingway and Phelps into a race to find the killer before he strikes again.
There are moments it seems that the flinty and dauntless Hemingway is lacking a heart. After the murder of someone she knows, she sheds no tears. Her ability to work without sleep, barely stopping to eat, is almost superhuman. But, throughout the book, Hemingway inner thoughts expose her conflicted feelings about bringing a child into such a violent world. It is these moments that make the reader realize that while Hemingway is a driven woman, she is also vulnerable.
Because the murders involve children and the horrific circumstances involved in their deaths, this story is not for the squeamish. Pobi does not pull punches. And, he keeps the reader guessing until the bitter end. With multiple twists and red herrings, the reader will think, as Hemingway does, that they have solved this mystery. And, like Hemingway, the reader will be wrong again and again.
It is a great mystery thriller and I recommend it for those who love twists and the twisted. You will not be disappointed. And it will stick in your mind
(After I finished the book I found out it had been published in the U.K. under the title River of the Dead which I found to be much more appropriate. American Woman kept reminding me of the song by the Guess Who. That also got stuck in my mind…for days.)
March 8, 2015
Pobi is a unique breath of fresh air but his writing is not for the faint of heart! This novel is full of gore, mystery, suspense and good old fashioned (and new fashioned too I suppose) police work.
In “Harvest”, a young female detective and her team are on the case of a serial killer who is targeting and dismembering young, well bred, white boys. The book plays out like a TV series (Criminal Minds or Law and Order come to mind) with each small, easy to read chapter ending with a plot twist that is just as addicting as the one before it. It is so full of drama, you almost expect a commercial break!
I found this book unnerving (in the best way), creative, well-written and absolutely “un-putdown-able”. A reader will question every character, and will be proven wrong each and every time-- right until the surprisingly and utterly satisfying ending! Alex Hemingway, the protagonist, is a heroine worth cheering for (and you will).
The reader understands how simple it was for the killer to find and target his victims through the Internet and social networking- which of course evokes its own level of unsettling emotions in the reader.
This book was a great introduction for me into the works of Rob Pobi, and I will now be checking out his past and future titles! I definitely agree with The Globe and Mail’s reviewer, who stated that Pobi is definitely an “author to watch”. I hope Pobi gives us a little more from Alex Hemingway.
In “Harvest”, a young female detective and her team are on the case of a serial killer who is targeting and dismembering young, well bred, white boys. The book plays out like a TV series (Criminal Minds or Law and Order come to mind) with each small, easy to read chapter ending with a plot twist that is just as addicting as the one before it. It is so full of drama, you almost expect a commercial break!
I found this book unnerving (in the best way), creative, well-written and absolutely “un-putdown-able”. A reader will question every character, and will be proven wrong each and every time-- right until the surprisingly and utterly satisfying ending! Alex Hemingway, the protagonist, is a heroine worth cheering for (and you will).
The reader understands how simple it was for the killer to find and target his victims through the Internet and social networking- which of course evokes its own level of unsettling emotions in the reader.
This book was a great introduction for me into the works of Rob Pobi, and I will now be checking out his past and future titles! I definitely agree with The Globe and Mail’s reviewer, who stated that Pobi is definitely an “author to watch”. I hope Pobi gives us a little more from Alex Hemingway.
October 6, 2022
I love Robert Pobi, but this is not one of his better books
October 5, 2019
Robert Pobi's 'American Woman' is a top-notch procedural that's unfortunately marred by the over-the-top gore of the murders committed by a NYC serial killer. The writing's great, the lead character is strong, the pace is quick, yet the disturbing descriptions of the mayhem performed on the victims can severely impact ones reading enjoyment.
American Woman begins with a couple of punks trying to carjack the wrong car. It belongs to a female NYC detective who's not only tall and strong, but is also prone to physicality and has no problem with, for example, nut-shooting a suspect. Anyway, the car-jacking is unsuccessful and we get our first glimpse at Alexandra 'Hemi' Hemingway, a character who, in a perfect literary world, would be the star in a long series of procedurals. Sadly, I'm not sure that's going to happen. Hemi's quite a presence, though; over 6' tall, athletic, Ivy educated, from a well-off family (but not without family-related problems), with a tough recent history of losing a lover (a fellow detective) to gun violence and surviving an internal investigation into one of her shootings. Oh yeah, plus early on in American Woman she discovers she's pregnant and is having internal struggles on whether to remain so.
The grisly action begins with the discovery of the body of a boy in a local river whose feet had been cut off while he was still alive. Others follow, obviously the work of a serial killer. The killer is eventually tracked down, but he's been murdered himself and the killings continue. The scale of nastiness gets ratcheted up with each, but the detectives eventually puzzle out the connections between the victims and put protections in place for those who are expected to be on the killer's list. However, the murders continue. The ending is a good one, with a lesson learned by the detectives about keeping an open mind during investigations.
American Woman, if you can get past the unrelenting gore, is a nice piece of writing by Robert Pobi. I've tried to consider whether the book would have been as effective had the killings been toned down a bit. Personally, I think it could, but Pobi was obviously going for shock value for some reason. Oh well, it could've been a great one....
American Woman begins with a couple of punks trying to carjack the wrong car. It belongs to a female NYC detective who's not only tall and strong, but is also prone to physicality and has no problem with, for example, nut-shooting a suspect. Anyway, the car-jacking is unsuccessful and we get our first glimpse at Alexandra 'Hemi' Hemingway, a character who, in a perfect literary world, would be the star in a long series of procedurals. Sadly, I'm not sure that's going to happen. Hemi's quite a presence, though; over 6' tall, athletic, Ivy educated, from a well-off family (but not without family-related problems), with a tough recent history of losing a lover (a fellow detective) to gun violence and surviving an internal investigation into one of her shootings. Oh yeah, plus early on in American Woman she discovers she's pregnant and is having internal struggles on whether to remain so.
The grisly action begins with the discovery of the body of a boy in a local river whose feet had been cut off while he was still alive. Others follow, obviously the work of a serial killer. The killer is eventually tracked down, but he's been murdered himself and the killings continue. The scale of nastiness gets ratcheted up with each, but the detectives eventually puzzle out the connections between the victims and put protections in place for those who are expected to be on the killer's list. However, the murders continue. The ending is a good one, with a lesson learned by the detectives about keeping an open mind during investigations.
American Woman, if you can get past the unrelenting gore, is a nice piece of writing by Robert Pobi. I've tried to consider whether the book would have been as effective had the killings been toned down a bit. Personally, I think it could, but Pobi was obviously going for shock value for some reason. Oh well, it could've been a great one....
June 30, 2022
Well this had everything I want from a crime novel: gritty & gory, a cracking storyline, dark humour & a great lead in Alex Hemingway. I knew Hemingway was going to be a gal I liked from chapter two & the way she took on two muggers & kicked their sorry asses.
"You assholes made me late for work," she said to no-one in particular. Then she pulled her phone and dialed 911. "I should shoot you just for that".
The story involves the rather gruesome murders of ten year-old boys & Hemingway's hunt for the killer. It wasn't hard to suss out the killer but the cleverly constructed story kept me hooked throughout & there's some lovely twists & cliff-hanging chapter endings, one in particular had me going "NO!!!!" & shaking my head in disbelief...don't you just love it when a book makes you do that?
My only criticism about this book - yes, you knew there'd be something -is that it's a standalone. I loved Hemingway's attitude & personality & she's stronger than a lot of characters that carry a series. Bet she get that a lot.......
"You assholes made me late for work," she said to no-one in particular. Then she pulled her phone and dialed 911. "I should shoot you just for that".
The story involves the rather gruesome murders of ten year-old boys & Hemingway's hunt for the killer. It wasn't hard to suss out the killer but the cleverly constructed story kept me hooked throughout & there's some lovely twists & cliff-hanging chapter endings, one in particular had me going "NO!!!!" & shaking my head in disbelief...don't you just love it when a book makes you do that?
My only criticism about this book - yes, you knew there'd be something -is that it's a standalone. I loved Hemingway's attitude & personality & she's stronger than a lot of characters that carry a series. Bet she get that a lot.......
February 18, 2020
Never Saw The Twist Coming
A well paced mystery/thriller with police procedural elements, American Woman by Robert Pobi kept my attention from the first page. While providing plenty of clues towards the killer's identity, the plot twist was so unexpected that I simply overlooked it. Definitely can't wait to read more if Mr. Pobi's work.
A well paced mystery/thriller with police procedural elements, American Woman by Robert Pobi kept my attention from the first page. While providing plenty of clues towards the killer's identity, the plot twist was so unexpected that I simply overlooked it. Definitely can't wait to read more if Mr. Pobi's work.
August 7, 2014
American Woman by Robert Pobi is a well-crafted police procedural mystery in the tradition of Thomas Harris's Red Dragon, Silence of the Lamb, and the likes of Rules of Prey by John Sandford. In American Woman you are introduced to Alexandra Hemingway who is a determined, tough-as-nails, emotionally-scared detective. On the outside she seems invulnerable, but the reader is exposed to her introspection and insecurities in ways that her closest colleagues in the novel are not. Hemingway is a compelling character and one I would like to read more about in the future. The killer in this one is particularly nasty, and the crimes are truly horrific--definitely not for the squeamish. If you read a lot in the homicide detective/serial killer genre, then you know that when a writer get's it right, these novels are tough to beat. Well Pobi gets quite a lot right. In this one, one of the best detectives I've met on printed page matches wits with one of the worst killers ever. You'll probably figure out the mystery well before the end, but it's still worth the time.
January 18, 2015
American Woman is a page-turning police procedural and thriller about serial killing. If you don't have a good stomach for these types of things, you might want to skip this book.
Alexandra Hemingway is a detective with a degree from Yale University. She comes from big money. When she was a child, her sister was murdered and this led her to choose the field she is in. She and her partner, Detective Phelps, have been together for seven years and work well together as a team. They are staggered when ten year-old boys start disappearing and turn up dismembered. They try to find a rhyme or reason for this and are led to a fertility clinic where they search for the link.
Adding to the concerns that Alex faces, is that she realizes she is pregnant herself. She is in a good, stable relationship but has doubts about bringing a child into such a dangerous world.
The book goes through lots of loops and turns and the ending is a bit over the top. However, I was engrossed in the novel and hated to put it down. I enjoy good thrillers and this one makes the grade.
Alexandra Hemingway is a detective with a degree from Yale University. She comes from big money. When she was a child, her sister was murdered and this led her to choose the field she is in. She and her partner, Detective Phelps, have been together for seven years and work well together as a team. They are staggered when ten year-old boys start disappearing and turn up dismembered. They try to find a rhyme or reason for this and are led to a fertility clinic where they search for the link.
Adding to the concerns that Alex faces, is that she realizes she is pregnant herself. She is in a good, stable relationship but has doubts about bringing a child into such a dangerous world.
The book goes through lots of loops and turns and the ending is a bit over the top. However, I was engrossed in the novel and hated to put it down. I enjoy good thrillers and this one makes the grade.
August 1, 2015
I've always said that the hallmark of a good mystery is when the reader does not figure out the plot before the main character. This book fits the bill. It was really well constructed: unique plot driver, well rounded characters, and compelling and believable story. You were given just enough back story to explain motives and not mired down with superfluous details. I'm really interested in reading some of this author's other work now.
This book was received through the GoodReads First Reads promotion.
This book was received through the GoodReads First Reads promotion.
January 27, 2016
I consider myself a Robert Pobi fan, having read - and enjoyed - two other books of his, "Bloodman" and "Mannheim Rex." While none of his books shy away from the gore, I found this one to be a bit excessive in that department and some of the descriptions of the murder scenes oversensationalized or even downright silly. The final twist at the end did not impress me much, either. Character development was lacking, especially when it came to the protagonist's boyfriend and some of her fellow officers. An OK read - nothing more, nothing less.
March 22, 2016
If you love murder mysteries you'll love this one! It's like watching an episode of criminal minds..a true psychological joy ride!
October 20, 2020
EXCELLENT! No sleep, could not put it down!
From page one I was hooked,a nail biter with every turn. Would love to continue with an Alex Hemingway series!!!
From page one I was hooked,a nail biter with every turn. Would love to continue with an Alex Hemingway series!!!
July 31, 2025
This is now the fifth book by Pobi that I've recently read. His writing style is amazing, even brilliant. His Lucas Page trilogy is fantastic. "American Woman" is actually just the third book that he published. As with all his other books, Pobi has created a real page-turner. This book could give readers some serious nightmares. The murders here are grisly and very disturbing.
Alexandra Hemingway is a NYC homicide detective with a troubled past and a conflicted future. She's tough and uncompromising. When a little boy's body is discovered floating in the East River with his feet sawed off, the mystery begins. There are several more similar murders...but the dismembering gets worse. A LOT worse. It takes a while for Hemingway and her team to discover the connection between all the victims and it's a shocking one. There are several jolting twists along the way and I had a few suspects in mind toward the end, but I was totally off. Again, Pobi's writing is simply top notch, with his usual inclusion of obscure references to people and places.
But then comes the big reveal. This is where I threw my hands up (not literally). Nope! No way. I'm sorry, but I simply did not buy this ending. I found this to be totally illogical and unbelievable. It was meant to be shocking, I know, but I found it impossible. Thinking back, yes, I could see that there were very subtle clues along the way...and I mean VERY subtle. But I still didn't buy it. Nevertheless, Pobi's writing is still brilliant...disturbing...twisted...frightening. He has done some serious research.
Alexandra Hemingway is a NYC homicide detective with a troubled past and a conflicted future. She's tough and uncompromising. When a little boy's body is discovered floating in the East River with his feet sawed off, the mystery begins. There are several more similar murders...but the dismembering gets worse. A LOT worse. It takes a while for Hemingway and her team to discover the connection between all the victims and it's a shocking one. There are several jolting twists along the way and I had a few suspects in mind toward the end, but I was totally off. Again, Pobi's writing is simply top notch, with his usual inclusion of obscure references to people and places.
But then comes the big reveal. This is where I threw my hands up (not literally). Nope! No way. I'm sorry, but I simply did not buy this ending. I found this to be totally illogical and unbelievable. It was meant to be shocking, I know, but I found it impossible. Thinking back, yes, I could see that there were very subtle clues along the way...and I mean VERY subtle. But I still didn't buy it. Nevertheless, Pobi's writing is still brilliant...disturbing...twisted...frightening. He has done some serious research.
August 2, 2024
J'ai adoré tous les précédents romans de Robert Pobi et j'ai hâte que ce qui n'a pas encore été publié en France le soit, car j'ai aussi adoré celui-ci.
L'auteur a toujours des héros cabossés, et ici, le personnage principal est une femme, Alexandra Hemingway, qui n'a peur de rien, sauf peut-être de mettre un enfant au monde : elle sait tout le mal que l'humanité peut engendrer puisqu'elle est flic a New York. Elle vient d'apprendre sa grossesse et le dilemme devient encore plus prégnant étant donné que le jour même elle est mise sur une affaire horrible : le corps d'un enfant est retrouvé dans l'Hudson et son assassin lui a coupé les pieds alors qu'il était encore en vie.
L'intrigue est haletante, dynamique, on suspecte tout le monde, on se fait berner plusieurs fois, le personnage d'Hemingway est top, à la fois dure, combattive (car être une femme dans un « milieu d'hommes », même au XXIe siècle, ça n'st pas évident), tête de mule, mais aussi marquée par la vie qui ne l'a pas épargnée malgré le statut de sa famille aisée.
Mais attention, l'histoire est très violente car la majorité des victimes sont des enfants atrocement mutilés.
Sonatine éditions, Les Arènes : à quand le prochain Robert Pobi en France ?!!!
L'auteur a toujours des héros cabossés, et ici, le personnage principal est une femme, Alexandra Hemingway, qui n'a peur de rien, sauf peut-être de mettre un enfant au monde : elle sait tout le mal que l'humanité peut engendrer puisqu'elle est flic a New York. Elle vient d'apprendre sa grossesse et le dilemme devient encore plus prégnant étant donné que le jour même elle est mise sur une affaire horrible : le corps d'un enfant est retrouvé dans l'Hudson et son assassin lui a coupé les pieds alors qu'il était encore en vie.
L'intrigue est haletante, dynamique, on suspecte tout le monde, on se fait berner plusieurs fois, le personnage d'Hemingway est top, à la fois dure, combattive (car être une femme dans un « milieu d'hommes », même au XXIe siècle, ça n'st pas évident), tête de mule, mais aussi marquée par la vie qui ne l'a pas épargnée malgré le statut de sa famille aisée.
Mais attention, l'histoire est très violente car la majorité des victimes sont des enfants atrocement mutilés.
Sonatine éditions, Les Arènes : à quand le prochain Robert Pobi en France ?!!!
February 9, 2020
I recently discovered Robert Pobi with his book City of Windows. I liked that book so much that I searched for more, and found American Woman. It is a gruesome, sad story, and seeing Pobi’s talent at writing I knew this would be another very good read. NYPD Detective Hemingway, or Hemi as she is called, is the lead detective in a very gruesome murder of a 10 year old boy. Detective Phelps is her partner of seven years. It’s always great to see a very strong, competent woman in control, and now I have another heroine to admire.
Hemi and Phelps have a lot of work to do as the bodies keep accumulating.
Together the two are a very strong duo, determined with every breath they take to find the sadistic killer.
I know I often say, “I never saw this ending coming”, but in this book it could never be more true.
Kudos to you, Mr Pobi, for a fantastic book with great characters and an ending that will stay with me for a long time.
Hemi and Phelps have a lot of work to do as the bodies keep accumulating.
Together the two are a very strong duo, determined with every breath they take to find the sadistic killer.
I know I often say, “I never saw this ending coming”, but in this book it could never be more true.
Kudos to you, Mr Pobi, for a fantastic book with great characters and an ending that will stay with me for a long time.
February 7, 2025
The River of the Dead by Robert Pobi ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
The River of the Dead is a gripping crime thriller packed with twists, turns, and a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat mystery. With a strong crime TV series feel, this book delivers an intense murder investigation that kept me hooked from start to finish.
I really enjoyed the personality of our main character—she’s sharp, determined, and engaging—and I loved the bond she shares with her colleague. Their dynamic added depth to the story and made the investigative process even more compelling. That said, I felt the book could have been slightly shorter, as some parts in the middle became a little repetitive.
It’s worth noting that there are some quite graphic scenes, so if you’re not a fan of darker crime fiction, this one might not be for you. But if you enjoy gritty, immersive thrillers, this is definitely a must-read. This was my first book by Robert Pobi, and I’m so glad I picked it up—I’ll definitely be reading more from him!
The River of the Dead is a gripping crime thriller packed with twists, turns, and a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat mystery. With a strong crime TV series feel, this book delivers an intense murder investigation that kept me hooked from start to finish.
I really enjoyed the personality of our main character—she’s sharp, determined, and engaging—and I loved the bond she shares with her colleague. Their dynamic added depth to the story and made the investigative process even more compelling. That said, I felt the book could have been slightly shorter, as some parts in the middle became a little repetitive.
It’s worth noting that there are some quite graphic scenes, so if you’re not a fan of darker crime fiction, this one might not be for you. But if you enjoy gritty, immersive thrillers, this is definitely a must-read. This was my first book by Robert Pobi, and I’m so glad I picked it up—I’ll definitely be reading more from him!
October 10, 2021
As the book jacket says, this is definitely not a book for the feint of heart. Its a good book, but definitely on the gruesome side. If you're a fan of the Alienest or even Silence of the Lambs, you'd like this book. As many others have added in their review, the book follows a nice fast pace with the storyline. The only thing I will say is that because the the plot, you don't really get much character development. The characters are rich and well written with some back story, but there's not that deep development and satisfaction at knowing the characters that you may get with other books. However, that's not the point of this book, so I'm okay with closing the last page on Detective Hemingway, and not fully knowing her fate or what case comes next.
July 1, 2021
I continue to be amazed by the writing of Robert Pobi. Soon I will have read every book he has written so far. His writing just pulls you into the story.
"American Woman" is the story of Alexander "Hemi" Hemingway, a police officer in New York City who finds herself pregnant while trying to solve the mystery of a serial killer who is killing 10 year old boys in the most horrible way, all conceived through artificial insemination. Surprisingly, all the sperm comes from one donor, the doctor at the fertility clinic.
It's a crazy, brutal book, but then it is a Pobi book. Not easy to put down, but might give the meek night-mares.
"American Woman" is the story of Alexander "Hemi" Hemingway, a police officer in New York City who finds herself pregnant while trying to solve the mystery of a serial killer who is killing 10 year old boys in the most horrible way, all conceived through artificial insemination. Surprisingly, all the sperm comes from one donor, the doctor at the fertility clinic.
It's a crazy, brutal book, but then it is a Pobi book. Not easy to put down, but might give the meek night-mares.
October 13, 2019
Okay almost read this book twice as it has another title ‘ Harvest’. Surprised when both books started the same. It was a good police procedural with plenty of action and twists. Seems the bad guy was always two steps ahead and it was nice to see a female lead homicide investigator who can hold her own with the ‘boys’ in blue. She didn’t strike me as the maternal kind but who knows ,especially if she gets her transfer. Poor boys.
August 23, 2021
Pretty solid twists and turns but the reveal and wrap up felt super rushed. There was no real finality to the plot. Also, I understand the concept of the character Hemingway but some of the ways she moves through the world is a bit off and very obvious that a man was trying to write a no nonsense cop type, but took it way too far and never really pinned down an essence of the character. Also, tons of extraneous plot points that got a bit monotonous.
August 11, 2022
This is the 5th book I've read by Robert Pobi, having started with his later books in the Lucas Cage series. I enjoyed this as much as the Lucas Cage books and a lot more than his first book, Bloodman.
I liked all the characters, especially Hemi. She is a strong female protagonist who kicks ass, and solves crimes while dealing with evolving personal issues. The fast paced plot had me racing to the end. Highly recommended
I liked all the characters, especially Hemi. She is a strong female protagonist who kicks ass, and solves crimes while dealing with evolving personal issues. The fast paced plot had me racing to the end. Highly recommended
February 21, 2021
The graphic sadistic violence on a child was just too much for me to stomach. The detective, Hemingway, is interesting but I just couldn't get past the gruesomeness of the crime. I do really like Pobi's latest series featuring Dr Lucas Page but this is just too violent for me. I deleted the book from my e reader and files.
December 25, 2021
What is it about cockroaches, spiders, and pedophiles. I love psychopathic killers etc but find the earlier Pobi novels a bit much. I like his first novel, Bloodman the best of the three. I am glad he created Lucas Page and found his groove.....
June 6, 2022
potential to have been 5. I thought of the twist halfway through and stopped myself because I kinda thought it would have been a dumb idea *eye roll* ending felt rushed, but pretty solid. also suffers from man writes woman....
January 1, 2024
This was a fun, very graphic, serial killer police procedural. The plot is great, involving a fertility clinic and a series of child murders. The writing is so-so and the characters a bit generic. But the story is so good that it compensates for the novel's lack of nuance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews