While Other People Sleep, by Marcia Muller, A-minus, Narrated by Jean Reed Bahle, produced by Brilliance Audio, downloaded from audible.com. I’ve found the Sharon McCone books to be hit or miss, in the same way that Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon series can be hit or miss. But this is one of the best and most chilling mysteries Muller has produced for a while. Sharon McCone is told by a friend that someone is pretending to be her, and is handing out business cards with her name, is offering to investigate for people, is sleeping indiscriminately with men, and in other ways is doing all she can to ruin Sharon’s reputation. Then she invades Sharon’s home space, starts sending her elaborate things bought using Sharon’s own credit card, and in other ways totally wreaking havoc on her life. While all of this is going on, Ted Smalley, her receptionist, is in some terrible trouble that he won’t tell her or his partner about, and Neil hires Sharon to follow Ted to see what’s going on. Hai is sent to South America to negotiate in a fugitive situation and he can’t get in touch with Sharon. All of these things come together, but the main thread of this book is about someone taking over sharon’s life and her identity. Really creepy. One of the best Sharon McCone-except for the early All Souls Collective books. While I want Frank Holloway as a father and mentor, I always wanted to work at All Souls Coop.
This continues to be an excellent series, and I found this one to be the best yet!! Her side characters are rich, and as per usual, the story quickly picks up the pace as it rolls along, one event sequencing smoothly into the next. At first, I found the plot unrealistic, as Sharon is a top-notch investigator, and what would be the problem in solving this one in a timely manner, and how could an identity thief/stalker get the best of her? But, Marcia Muller clearly unfolds the scenario, showing the reasons in great detail, exploring the issues of stalking and the powerlessness it can give even a smart, strong individual. She does not fold, however, although her frustration mounts as the clever stalker learns to almost read her mind. There is also a side story centered around Ted, one of her employees. Ted is acting strangely and chooses not to confide his problem to anyone. Although I had the problem figured out about half way in, I still found it interesting. A great story, and well worth the read, especially if you like this series.
What do You think about While Other People Sleep (1999)?
Intriguing plot. As I am coming to expect, Marcia Muller creates yet another fast paced, quick reading story with her usual cast of characters.With her agency going great guns, Sharon McCone is known as one of the best detectives in the business...until her reputation is threatened by an impostor. The woman's resemblance to McCone is uncanny. Her knowledge of McCone's life is chilling. And with lover Hy Ripinsky away on business, McCone is alone as the double insidiously sabotages McCone's career, invades her home, and leads her into a deadly game of cat and mouse through San Francisco's underworld. Now, with professional detachment giving way to blinding rage, McCone is fighting for her life. But her very essence is also at stake...as a hunger for personal justice overrides her fiercely held ethics and lets loose a primeval urge for revenge.
—Nancy
