Two stories by two excellent writers. At first, I was expecting to find a separate novella from each, featuring their signature characters - but I was pleased to find that each introduced a new set of characters.The two novellas shared a couple of attributes that I like in my reading:a) The setting is important to the story; it would not be the same story if it were relocated to another environment,b) I did not see the ending coming; I was WAAAAYYYY off on figuring out whodunnit!!"My Sister's Keeper: Berkeley" opens with an opportunity to meet the soon-to-be victim. (I'm not revealing anything here that isn't provided on the back cover blurb ...) We are treated to a procedural ... suspects are introduced, and are raised and lowered on the "likelihood" list by the investigators (and the readers). A GREAT story!"Music City Breakdown: Nashville" also does a good job of introducing the various characters - including the victim - and gives us a chance to get to know them. (And, fans of Jonathan K. will welcome a cameo appearance by Alex Delaware.) HOWEVER, the "epilog" (not labeled as such), was disappointing. It's not that the writing wasn't good, or that it didn't provide information about the characters that I'm glad to have learned. It's just that it felt out-of-place ... the mystery was solved, the tale felt like it was done ... but we were only 7/8th of the way through. I would have preferred that the information it provided was intermingled earlier in the text, perhaps leaving just a little left to reveal as we concluded. Would it have flowed better?? Perhaps - but I wasn't happy with how it flowed as written.The Kellerman's have collaborated on a second set of 2 novellas; I already have that on my TBR list.NOTE: This review is written based on the audio CD version of the material.
Two top crime novelists combine in this collection of two stories. Jonathan and Faye Kellerman bring the stories of "My Sister's Keeper" and "Music City Breakdown". The title of "Capital Crimes" comes from the fact that each story takes place in one of the US state capitals (Sacramento and Nashville respectively). The first story, "My Sister's Keeper" has detectives Will Barnes and Amanda Isis investigating the brutal murder of a controversial state representative. While I found the beginning a little sluggish, the story soon picked up and was rather intriguing. Several misdirects and a couple of clever plot twists added to the story. I really enjoyed the characters of Barnes & Isis and would be willing to hear more stories with them as the central figures. The second story finds Nashville dectectives Baker Southerby and Lamar Van Gundy trying to solve the murder of an aged musician. Another good twist and a familiar guest star made this story pretty good too. Baker and Lamar were also interesting characters that I would be interested to hear more of. My biggest drawback was the backstory on Southerby at the end. It was interesting, to a point, and shed some insight onto his attitude as well as helped make a statement, but it also felt somewhat forced. All in all, not the best but not the worst. I listened to the audio and John Rubinstein (who has read many of the Alex Delaware novels) again delivers a great performance. It was also an abridged version, but to be honest I am not sure I would have enjoyed it as well if it was longer. Crime fans may want to take a crack at it, but don't expect an earth-shattering read.
What do You think about Capital Crimes (2006)?
This was 2 novellas, one set in California and the other set in Nashville. The California murder was of a state representative and the Nashville murder was there in the shadow of the Tennessee capitol. Hence the name of the book.Both were enjoyable reads. Generally I don't read Faye's books because I find them much too gory and explicit. These 2 read more like Jonathan's with no excess in descriptions.I found that the endings were really pat and quick and tidy. I guess that's because the stories were short - just novellas. Otherwise, they were most enjoyable. Reminded me to check out which of Jonathan's books I've not yet read.
—Nan Williams
book on tapeactually two books in one package.MY SISTER’S KEEPER: BERKELEYSome of progressive state representative Davida Grayson’s views have made her unpopular. Although her foes are numerous no one suspects that any buttons Davida might push could evoke deadly force.But now Davida lies brutally murdered in her office, and Berkeley homicide detectives Will Barnes and Amanda Isis must unravel Davida’s complex, before the killer pulls off a repeat performance.MUSIC CITY BREAKDOWN: NASHVILLEBaker Southerby was a child prodigy performer. But something leads him to become a Nashville cop. His partner, Lamar Van Gundy, is a would-be studio bassist who earned himself a detective’s badge. As part of Nashville PD's elite Murder Squad, they catch a homicide that’s high-profile even for a city where musical celebrity is routine.
—Steve
I enjoyed both these stories.My Sister's Keeper - I thought the ending was a little odd... sorta came out of nowhere, but wasn't horrible or anything. Just... seemed sort of thrown together at the last minute, or something. I certainly didn't see that coming! lolMusic City Breakdown - I suppose if I had to choose which story was better, I'd say the first one, but this one wasn't bad either. Again, didn't see the ending coming, never suspected who it turned out to be... I think the book could've ended after the confession and I'd have been fine with that. The last little bit about Baker and his childhood seemed kind of tacked on and unnecessary. But still, a good read.
—Deanna
