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Falcone & Driscoll Investigation #1
Force of Habit
Giulia Falcone is convinced she's going to Hell. First, because she left the convent. Second, her new job with a private investigator has her sneaking around and lying. Adjusting to life in the outside world isn't easy. Makeup, dating, and sex are all new to her. And despite a crush on her boss Frank Driscoll—a foul-mouthed, soft-hearted ex-cop—Giulia is sure he'd never fall for an ex-nun.
Her first case involves drop-dead handsome Blake Parker, a man with immense wealth and an ego to match. He and his fiancée are getting disturbing "gifts" with messages based on biblical verses. When Giulia is drawn into the stalker's twisted game, salacious photos of her appear, threatening her job and her friendship with Frank. No one imagines—least of all naïve Giulia—the danger ahead, when following the clues turns into a fight for her life.
Book one in the dangerously habit-forming & Driscoll Investigation series
Her first case involves drop-dead handsome Blake Parker, a man with immense wealth and an ego to match. He and his fiancée are getting disturbing "gifts" with messages based on biblical verses. When Giulia is drawn into the stalker's twisted game, salacious photos of her appear, threatening her job and her friendship with Frank. No one imagines—least of all naïve Giulia—the danger ahead, when following the clues turns into a fight for her life.
Book one in the dangerously habit-forming & Driscoll Investigation series
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
47 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Alice Loweecey
22 books154 followersBaker of brownies and tormenter of characters, Alice Loweecey celebrates the the day she jumped the wall with as much enthusiasm as her birthday. She grew up watching Hammer horror films and Scooby-Doo mysteries, which explains a whole lot. When she's not creating trouble for her sleuth Giulia Driscoll or inspiring nightmares as her alter-ego Kate Morgan, she can be found growing vegetables in her garden and water lilies in her koi pond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 27, 2011
I liked the premise of the book--ex-nun turns private investigator--but the plot seemed pretty over the top, and the characters did not seem to react in terribly likely ways. (I will overlook the part where the heroine talks about the public library opening at 8 am, which really puts this book in the realm of la-la-land....especially in this era of budget cuts). Is it likely that a boss who has known the heroine for a while, respects and likes her, and knows she was a nun for 10 years, would not only automatically and immediately assume her capable of advanced sexual exploits and refuse even to listen to another explanation, but also immediately begin speaking to her in the most vulgarly offensive way possible? Or that the client, Blake, who supposedly sees the heroine as some kind of mousy, menial file clerk, would nevertheless make sexual advances to her (EVERYONE in this book makes sexual advances to her....) In fact, everyone and everything in the book seemed a little cartoonishly unsubtle, especially the dialogue. I also thought we should have had the opportunity to get more of an idea of what the five suspect ex-girlfriends were like--we didn't even get an account of Giulia's interviews with all of them. They were pretty much faceless throughout the book, even though the plot was ostensibly about figuring out which of them was the stalker.
Well, I was at least curious enough to finish the book, hence the two stars.
Well, I was at least curious enough to finish the book, hence the two stars.
June 23, 2017
Giulia Falcone is 10 months out of the convent and struggling to make her way in the world. She’s landed a job working for PI Frank Driscoll, and their current case involves a stalker. Someone is leaving notes for Blake from Song of Solomon and for his fiancée from the prophets. When Giulia also finds herself a target of the stalker, she and Frank have a personal motive to find out what is happening.
Having read another book with these characters, I was interested in seeing where it all began. Giulia is a fascinating character, and I really identified with her even though I’ve never gone through what she’s facing here. That’s great writing. One thing she is dealing with in her personal life and this case is sex, and I felt the book went too far in the second half, but the book was worth reading. The banter between Giulia and Frank helped lighten things at times. The pacing was a bit off a time or two. It’s a first mystery, and I know the author’s plotting gets better.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Having read another book with these characters, I was interested in seeing where it all began. Giulia is a fascinating character, and I really identified with her even though I’ve never gone through what she’s facing here. That’s great writing. One thing she is dealing with in her personal life and this case is sex, and I felt the book went too far in the second half, but the book was worth reading. The banter between Giulia and Frank helped lighten things at times. The pacing was a bit off a time or two. It’s a first mystery, and I know the author’s plotting gets better.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 17, 2014
What I loved about this book: I loved the main character, an ex-nun who is trying to earn a living after renouncing her vows, and possibly God. I loved her strengths and her flaws. I especially love that she basically stumbled into her new profession, after answering a job for an admin assistant. And I love how she's trying to navigate her own sexual desires with various men.
But I had two problems with the book...
First is the central mystery of the book and how it gets solved. Guila and her partner need to find out who is sending threatening letters, and more, to their client's fiancee. The prime suspects are the client's five ex-girlfriends. We see Guila's interview with one, but the rest happen off-stage, so we never meet the other suspects.
Second is what I call a WTF moment. The unknown stalker in their case sends them photoshopped images, showing Guila and the client in the act. Guila's boss not only believes the images are genuine, he refuses to listen to Guila's explanations and flings some pretty awful, slut-shaming insults at her.
A couple things. Guila was sexually assaulted a few days earlier. Guila's boss knows this. He also knows her background as an ex-nun who is still learning her way around the outside world. It's pretty clear he's jealous of the client, but that's no excuse. So when he finally believes her, he acts as though a simple apology is enough. Er, no. Not for this reader. It's possible he could rehabilitate himself and earn her trust back, but the book rushes over that part. Guila forgives him far too easily.
All that said, I do plan to read the next book in the series to see how their relationship plays out.
But I had two problems with the book...
First is the central mystery of the book and how it gets solved. Guila and her partner need to find out who is sending threatening letters, and more, to their client's fiancee. The prime suspects are the client's five ex-girlfriends. We see Guila's interview with one, but the rest happen off-stage, so we never meet the other suspects.
Second is what I call a WTF moment. The unknown stalker in their case sends them photoshopped images, showing Guila and the client in the act. Guila's boss not only believes the images are genuine, he refuses to listen to Guila's explanations and flings some pretty awful, slut-shaming insults at her.
A couple things. Guila was sexually assaulted a few days earlier. Guila's boss knows this. He also knows her background as an ex-nun who is still learning her way around the outside world. It's pretty clear he's jealous of the client, but that's no excuse. So when he finally believes her, he acts as though a simple apology is enough. Er, no. Not for this reader. It's possible he could rehabilitate himself and earn her trust back, but the book rushes over that part. Guila forgives him far too easily.
All that said, I do plan to read the next book in the series to see how their relationship plays out.
April 12, 2025
If a man ever spoke to me the way Frank spoke to Giulia I would smack the ever-loving shit out of him.
July 9, 2019
This was labeled a "cozy" mystery but I actually found it much to gritty to call it that. But I really did enjoy it and am looking to reading the next installment. 4 stars
March 18, 2012
As I am known for reading mainly cozies, let me state, that this book is Not a cozy, however, it is worthy of a good solid read.
We are introduced to a Private Investigator who plays the violin on the weekend, and his assistant, a former Nun, who plays the flute. His name is Frank Driscoll and her name is Giulia Falcone. Frank is eager to solve the current case of stalking, in order that his firm get references. Giulia is trying to get over her past ten years as a Nun and move on with life.
The stalking case becomes way more than you ever see coming. Not only does the client get stalked, but, so does Giulia...the question is why?
Giulia becomes one of the victims, but this book teaches you how strong she truly is within. I can't say more or give the plot away and that would lessen the impact of the rather shocking tale.
I will say, I am glad I read the book. I was shocked at the action scenes and felt like curling up in bed and hiding for awhile. I got very angry at Frank and Giulia teaches me what forgiveness means. I'm still thinking that over, by the way.
This book is a suspense thriller and again, is not a cozy.
We are introduced to a Private Investigator who plays the violin on the weekend, and his assistant, a former Nun, who plays the flute. His name is Frank Driscoll and her name is Giulia Falcone. Frank is eager to solve the current case of stalking, in order that his firm get references. Giulia is trying to get over her past ten years as a Nun and move on with life.
The stalking case becomes way more than you ever see coming. Not only does the client get stalked, but, so does Giulia...the question is why?
Giulia becomes one of the victims, but this book teaches you how strong she truly is within. I can't say more or give the plot away and that would lessen the impact of the rather shocking tale.
I will say, I am glad I read the book. I was shocked at the action scenes and felt like curling up in bed and hiding for awhile. I got very angry at Frank and Giulia teaches me what forgiveness means. I'm still thinking that over, by the way.
This book is a suspense thriller and again, is not a cozy.
October 2, 2020
I'll admit upfront that I only read to chapter seven before I resorted to skimming to the end.
The premise was intriguing, but the writing did not pull me into the story. A bit herky-jerky, as if the action went from point A to point C while skimming past point B. I also found the storyline surrounding Giulia's time at the convent a tad unrealistic, not that there can't be poorly run convents nowadays. I just feel it might have worked better set in a time forty years ago or so. Nowadays with fewer women choosing to enter the convent, I'd think the older nuns would be welcoming and more amenable in the hopes of keeping the younger women serving the church, not the controlling ogres depicted here. For whatever reason, the book felt a tad anti-Catholic to me (and, no, I'm not Catholic). I'd rather see a more nuanced depiction as opposed to all or nothing as good or bad.
Anyway, as I said, the premise was intriguing, a former nun working as a P.I., but the writing proved underwhelming.
The premise was intriguing, but the writing did not pull me into the story. A bit herky-jerky, as if the action went from point A to point C while skimming past point B. I also found the storyline surrounding Giulia's time at the convent a tad unrealistic, not that there can't be poorly run convents nowadays. I just feel it might have worked better set in a time forty years ago or so. Nowadays with fewer women choosing to enter the convent, I'd think the older nuns would be welcoming and more amenable in the hopes of keeping the younger women serving the church, not the controlling ogres depicted here. For whatever reason, the book felt a tad anti-Catholic to me (and, no, I'm not Catholic). I'd rather see a more nuanced depiction as opposed to all or nothing as good or bad.
Anyway, as I said, the premise was intriguing, a former nun working as a P.I., but the writing proved underwhelming.
May 28, 2011
FORCE OF HABIT could be seen as amateur sleuth, but it's definitely grittier. Giulia finds herself apprenticed to Frank, her private investigator boss. Giulia is an ex-nun, musician and now a one day private investigator herself.
There are light moments, but it is not a light read. Some terrifying thoughts at work as the bad guy and the thriller scenes are gripping.
I really look forward to reading what comes next. The characters are well written and story is intriguing.
I can definitely highly recommend this author and this, her debut, book. I read it in just about one sitting, not wanting to set it down until I found out how Frank was going to stop being a jerk and how the Giulia was going to figure out which of the ex-girlfriends was sending the increasingly more disturbing 'gifts'.
Five what comes next beans....
There are light moments, but it is not a light read. Some terrifying thoughts at work as the bad guy and the thriller scenes are gripping.
I really look forward to reading what comes next. The characters are well written and story is intriguing.
I can definitely highly recommend this author and this, her debut, book. I read it in just about one sitting, not wanting to set it down until I found out how Frank was going to stop being a jerk and how the Giulia was going to figure out which of the ex-girlfriends was sending the increasingly more disturbing 'gifts'.
Five what comes next beans....
August 3, 2011
This was a pretty good story and not bad for a first in series. My big quibble with the book was that Giulia's boss was way too quick to think the worst of her and then treat her like a second class human. That was just all wrong for a boss who was also a friend. I'll read the next in the series.
June 6, 2015
delightful! I'll be looking for more in the series. there are some formatting issues in the ebook, but that's not the author's fault.
July 16, 2019
I'll be perfectly honest, I have no idea where I got this book. I didn't purchase it from Amazon, it's not in my BookFunnel or Prolific Reader libraries and I'm not an ARC reader for the author. So I have no idea where it came from, but I'm glad I have it. This is one more intense story. I think because I read Changing Habits (the short story that introduces the Giulia Driscoll series) before this one I expected this book to be more along the lines of a cozy mystery. It's not by any stretch of the imagination. This novel is deep, frustrating, irritating, challenging and anything else you can think of that a good mystery should be. There were several times when I could have cheerfully twisted Frank's head off and thrown it into the ditch. (The mark of a great writer: make me really furious at one of the "good guys"!)
I will definitely be reading all of the other Falcone & Driscoll books and then continue on with The Giulia Driscoll series. I have found another name to add to my list of favorite authors. Thanks, Ms. Loweecey.
I will definitely be reading all of the other Falcone & Driscoll books and then continue on with The Giulia Driscoll series. I have found another name to add to my list of favorite authors. Thanks, Ms. Loweecey.
July 6, 2024
Everything I was hopping for without the humor. I skim read. Why did I think this would be funny? I read it kinda funny. Biblical references, nun turned investigator. Stalkers. Wacko biblical deviants. A main character I'm not sure how to pronounce her name. Random references which I'm not sure are DATED jokes or just bad Dad jokes made for a nun?
Basically, dialogue only. A bit of a flow there. But you get tripped up by the inconsistency. Or maybe I couldn't grasp the storyline flow the author was going for. A second author that could describe a scene or had a thesaurus handy would have been nice too.
Basically, dialogue only. A bit of a flow there. But you get tripped up by the inconsistency. Or maybe I couldn't grasp the storyline flow the author was going for. A second author that could describe a scene or had a thesaurus handy would have been nice too.
April 13, 2020
This the story of Giulia Falcone, a former nun, who is working for a PI, Frank Driscoll. The case they become involved with centers around a friend of Frank's and the different women he has dated. The book is gritty but believable. It was a quick easy read.
December 14, 2020
Good start fizzled out ending.
This book started out good with lots of potential, however it sort of disintegrated into sexual exploitation and taking on of a plot that in the end didn’t really even make sense. Don’t waste your time.
This book started out good with lots of potential, however it sort of disintegrated into sexual exploitation and taking on of a plot that in the end didn’t really even make sense. Don’t waste your time.
July 29, 2021
A real page turner
I like reading books that have interesting characters and interesting plots. This book certainly has that as well as several plot twists. Guilia and Frank make this story a compelling read.
I like reading books that have interesting characters and interesting plots. This book certainly has that as well as several plot twists. Guilia and Frank make this story a compelling read.
February 27, 2018
Fantastic
Great read. Interesting story line. I had trouble outing this book down. Thank you for putting it on my kindle.
Great read. Interesting story line. I had trouble outing this book down. Thank you for putting it on my kindle.
April 1, 2018
Really weird book. I like the main character, but so much is problematic in terms of gender and sexual violence.
February 23, 2023
Good Read!!
September 29, 2011
Force of Habit is a crisp, tightly-written whodunnit with a unique protagonist. Giulia is a "failed" nun, having been out of the convent and essentially trying to make herself disappear for a year. At thirty years old, she has the mental habits of a 60 year old nun and the naivete of a 16 year old girl.
Interestingly, this book did not really come together for me until page 100 or so, when something horrible happens to Giulia. Prior to that, the characters just weren't really solid in my mind. But as soon as the critical moment occurred it was like BAM, everything came into focus. I think it might be because of Giulia's almost dual personality, mentioned above. She's a very interesting character, but hard to identify with because she is so different. I would have loved to have gotten even further into her head, though too much introspection probably would have pushed this book outside of genre lines.
I liked Giulia and sympathized with her, but I found myself wanting to slap her at times. After what her partner says to her at one point, I never would have spoken to the man again; I won't spoil anything here, but let's just say that her reaction is a little more passive. This is definitely a component of her character - her self-confidence is basically dead - but I almost wanted this book to end with her pistol-whipping all of the male characters and sauntering off into the sunset on her own.
The writing style is crisp and clean and very readable. Loweecey uses a lot of humor and banter between characters - but much of it was either lost on me or required a couple of readings to get. I don't think this has much to do with the author's style... I suck at humor, particularly one-liners and innuendo, and this seemed particularly geared toward the snappy dialogue one expects from a "hardboiled" mystery. (Is this hardboiled? I have no idea. Maybe?) So yeah, reader error.
Overall: a good solid read with a few hiccoughs at the beginning. I'll definitely pick up the next book to see whether Giulia gets the balls to dump her partner!
Interestingly, this book did not really come together for me until page 100 or so, when something horrible happens to Giulia. Prior to that, the characters just weren't really solid in my mind. But as soon as the critical moment occurred it was like BAM, everything came into focus. I think it might be because of Giulia's almost dual personality, mentioned above. She's a very interesting character, but hard to identify with because she is so different. I would have loved to have gotten even further into her head, though too much introspection probably would have pushed this book outside of genre lines.
I liked Giulia and sympathized with her, but I found myself wanting to slap her at times. After what her partner says to her at one point, I never would have spoken to the man again; I won't spoil anything here, but let's just say that her reaction is a little more passive. This is definitely a component of her character - her self-confidence is basically dead - but I almost wanted this book to end with her pistol-whipping all of the male characters and sauntering off into the sunset on her own.
The writing style is crisp and clean and very readable. Loweecey uses a lot of humor and banter between characters - but much of it was either lost on me or required a couple of readings to get. I don't think this has much to do with the author's style... I suck at humor, particularly one-liners and innuendo, and this seemed particularly geared toward the snappy dialogue one expects from a "hardboiled" mystery. (Is this hardboiled? I have no idea. Maybe?) So yeah, reader error.
Overall: a good solid read with a few hiccoughs at the beginning. I'll definitely pick up the next book to see whether Giulia gets the balls to dump her partner!
January 27, 2011
The Particulars: Crime, Llewellyn Worldwide, available both in print and e-book
Why was it in my TBR? It was offered for free for awhile, and the blurb piqued my intrest
The Review:
The blurb:
An ex-nun takes a wobbly leap into private investigation
Giulia Falcone is going straight to hell. First, because she left the convent. Second, her new job with a private investigator has her sneaking around and lying. Adjusting to life outside the habit isn't easy. Make-up, dating, and sex are all new to her. And despite a crush on her boss Frank Driscoll—a foul-mouthed, soft-hearted ex-cop—Giulia is sure he'd never fall for an ex-nun.
Her first case involves drop-dead handsome Blake Parker, a man with immense wealth and an ego to match. He and his fiancée are getting disturbing "gifts" with messages based on Bible verses. When Guilia is drawn into the stalker's sights, salacious photos appear, threatening her job and her friendship with Frank. No one imagines—least of all naïve Guilia—the danger ahead, when a date with an online gamer turns into a fight for her life.
My impressions:
I loved this book. It is a multi-facetted mystery about love, and past actions. Giulia’s uncertainty and doubt about her religion were a red thread through the whole book. Her naivete was a nice contrast compared to the blase and cynic Frank.
That differnece is one thing that Alice Loweecey use to raise the stakes in this novel. She use small things, needling words, glances. These things creates doubts, both in Giulia’s mind and Frank’s. Slowely, the rift widen until their relationship is so frayed that they are barely talking with each other.
I read a lot, and often it takes more than one book to hook me. Alice Loweceey have managed to create a fascinating mystery, that makes me impatiently wait for the next one.
February 1, 2011
I love mystery series' with female detectives, and this book synopsis was enough to intrigue me to order this book (Kindle version was not available, so I had to order it the "old-fashioned way by mail") What a happy surprise- this was escellent.
Guilia is a 29 yo ex-Nun. After leaving the convent she got a series of small jobs and has recently landed a job as the assistant to hunky ex-cop/detective Frank. Her first case is to to find out which ex-girlfriend is stalking their client Brent Parker.
The mystery here is pretty thin, and the bad guy/guys were pretty obvious. Guilia, does not really figure out who-dunnit, instead events lead themselves to reveal the culprit.
The charm in this book comes from Guilia and her angst at leaving the Church, being a 29 yo virgin, and being attracted to her boss. Her "voice" is believable and engaging. The side characters are well drawn. The relationship with Frank is cute, and I can't wait to see how this plays out.
If you want a hardboiled detective novel, this is not the book for you.
If you want a light mystery with great characters and a hint of romance, you will love this book as I did.
I can't wait for the next in the series!
My only wishes:
1. Make a Kindle version next time
2. Allow Guilia to actually solve the mystery.
3. Drag out the great sexual tension between Guilia and Frank - I love the "will they-won't they" type stories.
Overall highly recommended
Guilia is a 29 yo ex-Nun. After leaving the convent she got a series of small jobs and has recently landed a job as the assistant to hunky ex-cop/detective Frank. Her first case is to to find out which ex-girlfriend is stalking their client Brent Parker.
The mystery here is pretty thin, and the bad guy/guys were pretty obvious. Guilia, does not really figure out who-dunnit, instead events lead themselves to reveal the culprit.
The charm in this book comes from Guilia and her angst at leaving the Church, being a 29 yo virgin, and being attracted to her boss. Her "voice" is believable and engaging. The side characters are well drawn. The relationship with Frank is cute, and I can't wait to see how this plays out.
If you want a hardboiled detective novel, this is not the book for you.
If you want a light mystery with great characters and a hint of romance, you will love this book as I did.
I can't wait for the next in the series!
My only wishes:
1. Make a Kindle version next time
2. Allow Guilia to actually solve the mystery.
3. Drag out the great sexual tension between Guilia and Frank - I love the "will they-won't they" type stories.
Overall highly recommended
May 12, 2015
Force of Habit is a well-crafted story, thoroughly enjoyable (except for some of the gorier parts that are considerably more explicit than the cozies I usually read). Those gory parts are the only reason I rated this book at 4 stars rather than 5. If you like a darker read, you'll probably vote for a five-star rating.
Giulia Falcone, formerly Franciscan Sister Mary Regina Coelis, is one heck of a private eye, even before she gets her license. I was drawn into the story right away, and found myself rooting for her to lift herself out of her guilt-wracked mindset. The guilt-wracking was explained satisfactorily, with hints woven here and there throughout the novel - just the way I like backstory to be revealed.
The ending was completely believable -- something I wondered if Loweecey would be able to pull off, considering the cast of characters Giulia was up against. This is a great start to the Falcone & Driscoll Investigation series.
Giulia Falcone, formerly Franciscan Sister Mary Regina Coelis, is one heck of a private eye, even before she gets her license. I was drawn into the story right away, and found myself rooting for her to lift herself out of her guilt-wracked mindset. The guilt-wracking was explained satisfactorily, with hints woven here and there throughout the novel - just the way I like backstory to be revealed.
The ending was completely believable -- something I wondered if Loweecey would be able to pull off, considering the cast of characters Giulia was up against. This is a great start to the Falcone & Driscoll Investigation series.
November 10, 2015
Since I found there was another series prior to the Giulia Falcone series with the same characters, I went back to that prior series, Falcone & Driscoll Investigation, and started with this one, which is the first of the earlier series, when Giulia was fairly recently out of the convent, and still using Cosmopolitan Magazine as her guide to dating. In this one, she and her boss Frank Driscoll are investigating the stalking of one of his old buddies by a former girlfriend. The question is, which one? Giulia is sent out to interview the former girlfriends, and then ends up in the middle of the case when she is attacked in the park and begins receiving threatening messages also. It's lucky she's basically a tough lady despite her 10 years sheltered in the convent, because the ending is pretty tense. I like the developing cast of characters, but the clues are not as well developed in this one as in others. Still, it's probably closer to a 3.5 stars if that were possible.
February 21, 2011
Giulia Falcone is trying to come to terms with leaving her life as a nun and working for Jack Driscoll's private investigation business. She's promoted to potential partner and given a stalking case to investigate--apparently one of Blake Parker's old girlfriends objects to his engagement and is harassing both Blake and his fiancee with threatening notes based on the Bible. But soon Giulia's name is added to the list, and she is also receiving threats. As the threats escalate, and as Jack starts to believe that Giulia is lying to him, all her insecurities rise to the top. First of a series.
October 16, 2012
What an intriguing heroine! Definitely different from the run-of-the-mill characters out there in mystery-land. And I absolutely loved Guilia and her journey as she makes the transition from convent to mainstream. Her life is complicated by her growing feelings for her new boss, an ex-cop turned detective, and the choices she has to make in order to do her job.
The story is quick, the mystery light and romance strong in the shadows.
Loweecey has created fully drawn, believable character in Guilia, who is especially delightful. Loweecey's own former convent days brought credibility to her leading lady. Only two more books in the series? I want more!
The story is quick, the mystery light and romance strong in the shadows.
Loweecey has created fully drawn, believable character in Guilia, who is especially delightful. Loweecey's own former convent days brought credibility to her leading lady. Only two more books in the series? I want more!
June 18, 2011
it's been a while since i've read mystery, but
this was a great way to enjoy it once more.
totally unique take on the genre with a heroine
who's an ex-nun trying to navigate living in regular
society again along with the daunting task of
dating and solving an increasingly disturbing
stalking mystery... giulia is such an original narrator!
the mystery itself is fascinating, frightening
twisty and twisted, with many surprises along
the way.
plenty of things to love in this great mystery
debut. looking forward to the next installment!
this was a great way to enjoy it once more.
totally unique take on the genre with a heroine
who's an ex-nun trying to navigate living in regular
society again along with the daunting task of
dating and solving an increasingly disturbing
stalking mystery... giulia is such an original narrator!
the mystery itself is fascinating, frightening
twisty and twisted, with many surprises along
the way.
plenty of things to love in this great mystery
debut. looking forward to the next installment!
May 28, 2012
I enjoy all sorts of mysteries, particularly those with a strong female detective character. Giulia Falcone reminds me of Sara Paretsky's V.I. Warshawki or Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone. She's tough & smart...but Giulia is different. She is also naive in many ways, having spent a most of her adult life in a convent. the mystery itself kept me guessing & I did not see how it all tied together until the end. There was just the right amount of romantic tension...I hope that can be sustained on a go forward basis. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
October 5, 2012
This was a good story. I really enjoyed it. It was about an ex-nun named Guilia. Guilia plays the flute in the orchestra pit at the theater. Frank is a detective who plays the cello. They also work together at the detective agency Frank owns. Frank is looking for the person who is sending "presents" to his client & fiancee. They narrow it down to one of the clients ex-girlfriends. And the story goes from there....Poor Guilia is just trying to adjust to life as an ex-nun. Can't wait to read the next story in this series!
July 16, 2012
Loweecey has a punchy voice and heroine who believably combines a feisty personality (the kind it takes to leave a convent) with an innocence born of living such a sheltered life for so long.
When Giulia, who answers phones at a PI’s office, gets thrown into a biblical stalker case, she finds that the feelins she has for her sexy boss are the least of her work-related worries.
Avoiding spoilers, I’ll say I laughed out loud as I read, though the tense scenes were very well-done, too. I like Giulia, and look forward to seeing more of her.
When Giulia, who answers phones at a PI’s office, gets thrown into a biblical stalker case, she finds that the feelins she has for her sexy boss are the least of her work-related worries.
Avoiding spoilers, I’ll say I laughed out loud as I read, though the tense scenes were very well-done, too. I like Giulia, and look forward to seeing more of her.
July 28, 2018
I enjoyed this mystery overall. I did get tired of Guilia's inner "whining" and feeling unworthy, but that probably says more about me than the character. I don't know what it would feel like to leave a convent; the author does.
I did get pretty upset with Frank for part of the book. I realize it's hard to trust feelings more than seemingly hard evidence, but he should have, at least, considered that Guilia was telling the truth. Male egos... (OK, egos, period).
There was also a stretch to tie everything together, but I still liked our characters enough to read the next in the series.
I did get pretty upset with Frank for part of the book. I realize it's hard to trust feelings more than seemingly hard evidence, but he should have, at least, considered that Guilia was telling the truth. Male egos... (OK, egos, period).
There was also a stretch to tie everything together, but I still liked our characters enough to read the next in the series.
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