Andrew Hunter, a private investigator, ends up investigating a variety of cases--from missing cats to far more serious circumstances. He's a bit of a push-over and doesn't always get paid for his work, but it doesn't bother him as he doesn't really need the money. Jenny, Andrew's assistant, is actually the more intriguing character.
Jenny has a lack of empathy; she is unable to understand the emotions of others and therefore, unable to empathize. She is trying to learn and mirror behavior, and it isn't clear whether she is actually developing an ability to empathize or simply trying to seem normal. She is bright and funny and fearless. The fearlessness (also a part of her inability to feel things the way others do) can be dangerous.
Two separate cases confront the two in this book, the search for extremely expensive Bengal cats (a breed developed to look like their more exotic cousins in the wild) and the search for answers for a young woman who doesn't want to believe her father murdered two people and killed himself. The second case takes both Andrew and Jenny into a treacherous and unexpected waters.
More of the backgrounds of both Andrew and Jenny come to light in this installment. Details of Andrew's marriage and divorce get more focus and hints about events in Jenny's past and a twist concerning Jenny at the end.
I particularly enjoyed Jenny's interactions with Andrew's eccentric Aunt Gem; they seem to have formed a connection that is outside of Jenny's emotional range. Is she genuinely expanding her narrow emotional confines or is it part of her attempts to behave like others?
I still prefer Wilkinson's Jessica Daniel series, but Andrew Hunter and Jenny's opposing personalities are involving. No romantic relationship here, Andrew is still in love with his ex-wife, but Andrew and Jenny make an interesting pair.
Review scheduled for Nov. 22.
NetGalley/Bookouture
Mystery/PI. Dec. 10, 2018. Originally published 2016. Print length: 353 pages.
Andrew and Jenny sound like an interesting character. I haven't read anything by this author so will put her books to my wishlist.
ReplyDeletePS: Got your postcard! Love the quote. :)
Yay, on postcard arrival. :) Will get to a letter soon. My favorite series by Wilkinson remains the Jessica Daniel series, but Andrew and Jenny are interesting.
DeleteI like the sound of these characters! Thanks for adding another title to my TBR list. :D
ReplyDeleteAnd have a happy thanksgiving!
Try the Jessica Daniel series first, a lot of them have been published here so you can read them and get the feel of the series! Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one. I'm resting up now. :)
DeleteI love the idea of a private detective looking for lost cats. Also, I find it refreshing when partners aren't linked romantically and/or there is no romantic tension; the two just work well together.
ReplyDeleteAndrew is so puzzled by Jenny. He likes and appreciates her, but doesn't even begin to understand her differences--and she is different. :)
DeleteAndrew and Jenny certainly are an odd -- and intriguing couple! They kind of remind me of the partners in the Crimson Lake series by Candice Fox -- if you like odd couples, they're definitely a pair!
ReplyDelete