A High-Spirited Thriller
Rating:
4 / 5
Ellen Emerson White's strength lies in her heroines, specifically in their "voice". They are smart, self-effacing, strong and incredibly sardonic. Witty may be the better word. This voice, which ensures the reader's investment in the heroine's future, is what makes All Emergencies Ring Super such an entertaining read. Consequently, mystery buffs may not find All Emergencies Ring Super entirely to their liking. All Emergencies Ring Super is, in many ways, more a thriller than a mystery. The reader is gripped by the heroine's actions--in the face of quite plausible dangers--rather than by a string of clues and red herrings. The mystery is as basic and unpretentious as any Diagnosis Murder episode (Diagnosis Murder episodes may be standard fare, but they are well-written and well-directed). The villain--who is believably portrayed as both attractive and despicable (a difficult synthesis that White does very well)--is nevertheless a stock character. And there are various political cliches floating around. All told, the reader hardly notices. The heroine, her friends, her more or less boyfriend, her dog even holds our interest and our sympathy with their quirks, vivacity and the kind of fast-paced repartee that supposedly died with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. Recommendation: If you don't care for thrillers, get it for the dialog and the resident's view of NYC. It is a quick read and at paperback price, is definitely worth the expense.
One of the funniest mysteries ever.
Rating:
5 / 5
Ellen Emerson White became one of my favorite authors when I was in jr. high. Her books, The President's Daughter & White House Autumn, are outstanding young adult literature. I was so happy when I found out that she'd written an adult mystery & All Emergencies, Ring Super did not disappoint. It's an intriguing mystery with an insane sense of humor. Try it- you will not be disappointed!
This book has everything
Rating:
5 / 5
I have always been a fan of Ms. Emerson since my teenage years when I had to own every single one of her YA novels. I don't typically read mystery novels, but this novel, with vivid characters and plenty of humor, introduced me to a whole new genre. This book is not predictable in the least with plenty of witty diagloue and (almost humorous) suspense. I couldn't put the book down, but then reluctantly did when I finished the last page. I've been hoping Ms. Emerson continues a series with Dana. I am not sure if Dana would be better off in law school or continuing on as a P.I. And I certainly do hope for more romance between her and the D.A.
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