Winner of the Sue Grafton Memorial Award!A Boston Globe Best Book of 2018!Acclaimed detective V. I. Warshawski tackles a pair of perplexing cases involving those closest to her in this compelling and timely adventure that centers on some of the most divisive and pressing issues of our timeWhen V. I Warshawski gets word that her closest friend and mentor Lotty Herschel’s nephew has become a … mentor Lotty Herschel’s nephew has become a suspect in a murder, the legendary detective will do everything she can to save him. The cops found Felix Herschel’s name and phone number on the unknown victim’s remains, but Felix insists he doesn’t know why.
As Vic digs deeper, she discovers that the dead man was obsessed with Middle Eastern archaeology—the first clue in a bewildering case that leads to a stolen artifact and a shadowy network of international criminals. But the trouble multiplies when Vic’s long-lost niece, Reno, goes missing. A beautiful young woman with a heartbreaking past and a promising future, Reno is harboring a secret that may cost her her life. V.I. can hear the clock ticking on her niece’s safety and is frantic in her efforts to find her.
Vic won’t leave any stone unturned until these very personal cases are cleared—a complex investigation that will entangle the Russian mob, ISIS backers, rogue ICE agents, a nefarious corporation preying on the poor, and a shady network of stock scams and stolen antiquities stretching from Chicago to the East Indies and the Middle East.
In Shell Game, no one can be trusted and nothing is what it seems, except for the indomitable detective and her thirst for justice.
more
M nm MIf n.n aN. 1 MN was. MN x
I just finished reading this library book and it always surprises me how good Sarah Paretsky is in describing the current social and political atmosphere of the times. If you feel this is a personal attack on your own political views then maybe you should not read this book.
V.I. Warshawski has been allowed to grow older over the years like the rest of us (maybe not as fast). It gets harder for her to deal with the constant stress and demands of the job, friends and family. I always have been a fan of this author and been following the Warshawski stories which I find are an exciting read and hopeful we see another one in the future. I do think with V.I. getting older that we need to be a bit more realistic in the physical recovering power of her body.
To learn more about my thoughts on Shell Game, read my review on the New York Journal of Books. https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/shell-game
V.I. Warshawski gets involved in saving her friend’s nephew from murder charges which involves her in stolen artifacts, ISIS backers, Russian mob and international criminals as well as looking for her niece that she had no seen in the last decade. No one is what they appear to be, hence the name.
Paretsky is always terrific
Enjoy her books and always look forward to the next one.
I think I have read all of Paretsky’s V.I. Warshawski books. The Shell Game is the newest of these books and while it has not been my favorite of them it was good. V.I.’s life is not that glamorous; she has to work hard; she gets hurt often; and she always has money issues. Even the good characters in these books have flaws and the low life is scum Since I enjoy Chicago I am able to enjoy V.I.s rips around town.
I always like Sara Paretsky. Interesting side characters.
SHELL GAME by Sara Paretsky
I finished Sara Paretsky’s SHELL GAME just before going to lunch with neighbors, good timing, as I would have had a hard time leaving it. It’s a most satisfying book, and I’m still replaying scenes in my mind. There are so many relevant issues, power, corruption, immigration, stolen artifacts, all adding more dimensions to a compelling adventure. The mystery is not just “who done it” but beyond that, how to stand up to those who wield power ruthlessly, which allies to trust, which leads to follow, when to fall back and regroup . . . and unexpected benefits of an Apple computer. The writing flows, the characters captivate, lessons and compassion make it all so worth while. Block off time for uninterrupted reading. I didn’t want it to end . . . re-reading will be in my future as I wait for the next.
Excellent writing, sucks you in. Love the character development and how the many story layers draw you through the interesting tale.
I like the VI Warshawski character. Not her best but a good one!
Sara Paretsky writes intricately plotted stories set in Chicago. I was first introduced to her VI Warshawski novels 30 years ago. She is one of only four living authors to win the top honors given by Mystery Writers of America and by the Crime Writers of Great Britain. This story weaves in many contemporary issues such as looting of middle eastern antiquities, greed, the power of money, and anti Muslim bias.
Paretsky’s books are always far and away among the best books I’ve read.The Shell Gzme does not disappoint. Not only is the mystery complicated, but the character development is three dimensional. Most importantly, her stories take place in the here and now speaking of current cultural, social, economic and political issues. Can’t wait for her next book.