"Mantis: Mulhenney & Poole" by Steve Zell is a real page-turner. It's a procedural thriller mystery that focuses on the two main characters from the first novel in the series, Sara Poole and Deanne Mulhenney. Note: it might be helpful to read the first book, "True Creature," first. I have now bought it and will be reading it today.
At first, I was put off by the opening chapter, wherein Deanne and Sara seem to be described in sexist terms. I incorrectly assumed that author Zell was describing them as a hot-blooded male would. For example, this is Deanne: "The pretty, smooth-skinned brunette with plush red lips and deep, blue eyes, her key to opening countless doors in the notoriously hard-nosed world of investigative reporting, was nowhere to be seen." I had jumped to a stereotype assumption because of my heterosexual experience. Had I read the first book, I would have known that one of the main characters is a lesbian who seems to be conflicted about that. I won't spoil any surprises; read the first book.
Once I got that misunderstanding on my part out of the way, the book was fast-moving and well written. Here are some of my favorite observations:
* "The missing wedding ring had left an indent in her finger – underscored by a bright pink tan line."
* "One year ago the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco may have ushered in a Summer of Love but one summer later all the free love was decidedly straight love. For other persuasions some things were still better left unsaid."
* "“You’re something else.” “Well...yes. I am.”"
* "She couldn’t remember her own grandfathers, both had passed when she was quite young, what images she had, came from faded gray photographs, their lives were second-hand accounts."
In this second book, bodies are turning up on the beach (mostly) missing their heads and hands. Coroner Sara is sure she has detected perfectly shaped bite marks on seemingly unrelated victims. By the end, Sara has received her proof of that.
I highly recommend this book, but would caution readers: it is graphically violent and gory, with graphic sex thrown in as well. Proceed carefully.
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You'll need more than a swatter to protect yourself from the MANTIS!
MANTIS by Steve Zell is a good read. I have read all five books by this author, and he is a very creative and imaginative storyteller. MANTIS is the second book in a series featuring two characters, Deanne Mulhenney and Sara Poole. Deanne is an investigative reporter from Phoenix, Arizona, and Sara is a medical examiner from Los Angeles, CA. These two smart and ambitious women’s lives become intertwined once again due to their friendship and the nature of their work. Through their investigations of local murders from their own areas, they realize a connection that leads to a much bigger story. And in their attempts to uncover the truth of these murders, they become targets themselves.In MANTIS, Steve Zell does a beautiful job of combining real-life events with fiction. Also, even though the two female lead characters are strong, confident professional women, they show personal vulnerability. Past traumas have had a significant impact on their lives, translating into unhealthy and at-time risky behaviors. Like other books by this author, MANTIS has exciting plot twists, and even the prime murder suspect is “unique.” I would recommend MANTIS as well as the other books written by this talented author.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2021
In MANTIS, Steve Zell does a beautiful job of combining real-life events with fiction. Also, even though the two female lead characters are strong, confident professional women, they show personal vulnerability. Past traumas have had a significant impact on their lives, translating into unhealthy and at-time risky behaviors. Like other books by this author, MANTIS has exciting plot twists, and even the prime murder suspect is “unique.” I would recommend MANTIS as well as the other books written by this talented author.
You'll need more than a swatter to protect yourself from the MANTIS!
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2021
MANTIS by Steve Zell is a good read. I have read all five books by this author, and he is a very creative and imaginative storyteller. MANTIS is the second book in a series featuring two characters, Deanne Mulhenney and Sara Poole. Deanne is an investigative reporter from Phoenix, Arizona, and Sara is a medical examiner from Los Angeles, CA. These two smart and ambitious women’s lives become intertwined once again due to their friendship and the nature of their work. Through their investigations of local murders from their own areas, they realize a connection that leads to a much bigger story. And in their attempts to uncover the truth of these murders, they become targets themselves.Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2021
In MANTIS, Steve Zell does a beautiful job of combining real-life events with fiction. Also, even though the two female lead characters are strong, confident professional women, they show personal vulnerability. Past traumas have had a significant impact on their lives, translating into unhealthy and at-time risky behaviors. Like other books by this author, MANTIS has exciting plot twists, and even the prime murder suspect is “unique.” I would recommend MANTIS as well as the other books written by this talented author.
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