Oddly, even though I've read many of the V.I. Warshawski novels, I'd yet to read the first one until; now.I have certain expectations of one of Vic Warshawski's exploits: well-written; tightly plotted; intricately bound up with Chicago culturally, politically. and topographically; gritty, and, of course, depressing as all get-out.That Vic is always always under the hammer isn’t surprising; most detectives are. That she faces tall odds is also expected. However, she's the only detective I’ve read of so far whom everyone outside of her ‘inner circle’ (put in quotes because even these folks only get so close) seems to have some problem, from slight discomfort to outright loathing. Very few people like Warshawski on first sight, and those that do soon change their tune. Part of it has to do with the massive ‘me against the world’ complex Vic carries around with her, crystalized in visions of her deceased mother’s recalled ferocity. This means that Warshawski usually winds up at odds with everyone, from the people she’s against to her clients, and sometimes even to those in her inner circle. She’s a lone crusader, battling against the world, willing to fight the good fight right up until the moment she falls. Which, by the way, is going to happen, sooner or later. Warshawski never out-and-out says this, but there’s a certain fatalistic air to the novels that makes me feel that way.Why read them, then? Because it’s damned good writing! God knows I wouldn’t want to be Warshawski — I’d probably be tempted to eat a bullet at some point, only the remembered stare of my mother’s fierce eyes would guilt me out of doing it, setting me up for more misery — but Paretsky’s words make it worth the slog.Which is why Indemnity Only came as a surprise. Things are gritty in it, yes, but Vic hasn’t yet reached that level of fatalism that darkens the later books. There’s more, much more chauvinism against her, especially from homicide detective Bobby Mallory (not one of my favorite characters in any of the books, but he reaches new —or old, I suppose— heights of m.c. oinkhood here) but the foreword keeps you aware that this is to be expected: this was the early eighties, and the things we accept that women can do in the post ‘naughts without (much) of a blink was still new and raw then. And hell, one of Warshawski’s clients actually doesn’t turn on her!So, if you’re a fan and like me, haven’t read this book, by all means pick it up and celebrate V.I. Warshawski’s thirtieth anniversary in style. And if you’re new to our lady of scrap-iron, this is a great place to start making her acquaintance. Just remember, things do get better, and, of course, worse.
It was good to see the early V.I. in her introductory book. I have enjoyed later books and always meant to go back and catch up with the back list. Recalling the times of 1979-1982 from Vic's perspective then, and from my perspective now some thirty years later, stirred up a lot of memories, not all good, not all bad. The times then were different, and progress has improved some things, while some remain the same. V.I. starts out with the kind of case she always seems to pick up, one that turns into more than at first glance, and one where she is up against bigger, meaner and better funded adversaries. I love reading about her escapades, her Chicago, and her wardrobe, "a navy silk suit with blouson jacket"; her pluck and spunk and smart mouth, and the fact that she doesn't take guff from anyone, no matter who they are. V.I for many young women (and those not so young) represents the person we would like to be, standing up for what it right and not giving in when the going gets tough, or even when her life is threatened. I picture her after the resolution of the case, with someone she has had up to her apartment, drinking from those red Venetian glasses, someone lucky enough to call her a friend.
What do You think about Indemnity Only (1991)?
This is the first mystery in the V.I. Warshawski series. Vic is a female detective in a man’s world. She is hired by a man pretending to be someone else and is asked to find a young woman. The investigation takes many twists and turns, placing Vic and her friends in danger. Vic is a strong and resourceful woman. I enjoyed this book—it was fairly fast paced. Written in the first person narrative, this book takes the reader into the thoughts and musings of the main character. As the mystery was unwoven, I was able to see the thought processes of Vic. The final stand off where Vic revealed the crime seemed anticlimactic, however, because the character had been over it so many times—spelling out the crime at least twice before facing off with the bad guys. I will definitely give this series a try though as it appears to hold promise.
—Wendy
Paretsky's writing style is just really comfortable. You slip into the narrative instead of falling and it all just seems like you are catching up with an old friend...except you've never met this character before, probably. One of the best first books for a series that I've read.Vic is a perfect mix of rough and feminine. She does the nicely dressed woman thing and is kind and empathetic, but then turns around and puts up a great fight against some mobster's muscle. She's got way more curiosity than is good for her and latches on to things once she's got hold of them; like a pit-bull with a bone.I couldn't help having aggrieved feminist thoughts while reading this. While it's clear that Vic is into men, you can also kind of tell she doesn't seem actually like them all that much. It's like every man she meets tells her that this job is too rough for a pretty little woman to think about. Even the guy she ends up sort of dating pretends like her being a PI is great...except that he thinks it's all a big joke and gets pissed off at her for her logical conclusions. I was pissed off on Vic's behalf the whole way through the book; grinding my teeth along with her at the commentary of practically every man in the book.But mostly I really enjoyed this one and I'll be looking to pick up the rest of this series soon.
—Erin
3.5 StarsI was looking for a mystery novel with a female lead, and the V.I. Warshawski series caught my eye. It’s a decent mystery - not shocking, but intriguing enough to keep me hooked - and the main character is pretty badass. She takes a beating, but she doesn’t give up, holding her ground against some very intimidating characters. Her investigative strategy is essentially to piss off all parties and see what shakes loose - stupid, yet amusing. Overall, Indemnity Only is a page-turner that stands the test of time really well. (I couldn’t believe it was published in 1982!) The feminist agenda is a bit transparent, but I liked it. I would definitely be interested in reading more of V.I.’s adventures.
—Lesley
