The front cover of Shot by Kristin Durfee may shock readers with a smoking cigar, poker cards, whisky, and a handgun. Enticed by the cover, this thriller starts with a bang. Chapter One sets the scene in New York City December 1929, establishing a historical novel during prohibition, crime syndicates, and the contrast between the extremely wealthy and the downtrodden working class.
In spite of society’s mandate that a woman’s worth is tied to a man, feminist Detective Johanna Kelly investigates the body of a dead guy. Her stomach heaves at the sight, the smells of the bloody figure and the ghetto. Her personal life is in conflict with her chosen career in a man’s world. She is a progressive female to be emulated.
The morbid scene of death is in striking variance with a raucous New Year’s Eve party held in a grand estate. Lawrence Henry contemplates his past and calculates his future. With his social standing, wealth, and ego he’s confident he can make his mark, outshine his brother, and thumb his nose at his parents.
Naive Ruth Smith literally runs into Lawrence. Gullible, lonely, and mesmerized by this handsome, wealthy man’s charm, she overlooks signs that he is an elitist jerk and falls for his calculating, cunning con man persona. Ruth’s lack of experience and poor character judgment lead her to be influenced by Lawrence's psychotic personality. The author’s ability to imaginatively create distinctive characters is to be commended. Each character is richly developed with their own motivations and flaws, making them relatable to readers. The fast-paced action hooks readers as Detective Johanna Kelly races to solve the murder case while she battles societal expectations and personal conflicts.
Lawrence is a pathological liar who believes in his own fantasies. He is contrasted with sweet Ruth and the integrity of Detective Johanna, who defies police protocol to pursue progressive forensic evidence. She states there is “more hatred in the world than she could ever hope to extinguish”. She is captivated by some minuscule connections between several recent murders. She’s determined to solve the crimes before her personal life is challenged.
In the midst of all the chaos and deception, Detective Johanna Kelly stands out as a beacon of hope. Despite facing discrimination and obstacles in her male-dominated field, she remains determined to seek justice for the victims. Her perseverance and dedication serve as an inspiration to women everywhere, showing that gender should never stand in the way of pursuing one's dreams.
Lawrence’s character is one of a devious, heartless psychopath who chooses to play any part his ego suggests. While Lawrence is being interrogated about several murders, he felt that if “he had to squeeze one more tear out for an interview… he’d die of dehydration.
Detective Johanna uncovers more evidence linking Lawrence to the murders. His layers of lies and deceit begin to unravel as she digs deeper, leading her closer to the truth.
1936 finds Detective Johanna confronting Lawrence. The climax is chilling. Is justice reached? The conclusion should carry a warning label for women who consider dating online. Is he too good to be true?
The story is loosely based on an 1894 killing and the crime syndicates raging in the 1930s.
Reviewed by: Carole W
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