Sunset City

January 4, 2016
Houston barista Charlotte Ford, the heroine of poet Ginsburg’s absorbing fiction debut, is devastated by the bludgeoning murder of her “oldest, dearest friend,” Danielle Reeves, a rich, troubled young woman whose past includes abuse, addiction, and a prison stint. At the time of her death, Danielle was working for a pornographic website, SweetDreamz. Charlotte passes on any information of potential interest—such as that Danielle’s estranged mother, Sally, was handling an inheritance—to the detective in charge of the case. As Charlotte investigates Danielle’s life, she becomes intimately involved with Danielle’s boss at SweetDreamz, Brandon, and her coworker, Audrey. Ginsburg (Dear Weather Ghost) evokes some palpable moments of grief, exhaustion, and drink- and drug-fueled bad behavior in a novel that’s steamy in both the sexual and atmospheric senses. Despite the thin plotting and lack of overall suspense, readers will enjoy getting to know the feisty Charlotte. Agent: Duvall Osteen, Aragi.

January 1, 2016

This first novel from poet Ginsburg (Dear Weather Ghost) flips the gender of the traditional noir tale of a novice investigating the death of a long-lost friend. While the episodes of sex, violence, and drugs are prominent, what makes the book stand out is its focus on grief. Charlotte has not seen childhood friend and former roommate Danielle since the latter was sent to prison. Shortly after the two reconnect, Danielle is brutally murdered and Charlotte is immersed in a lot of bad choices--all fueled by the overwhelming sorrow of those Danielle left behind. Even typically vilified characters are given their moments of confusion and anguish. While the mystery is compelling, what drives the narrative is the question of how Charlotte, an appealing young introvert with a tragic backstory of her own, will shake off her misery and move forward with her life. The Houston, TX, setting adds to the tension, humidity standing in for the oppression of regret. VERDICT For fans of urban noir and strong female protagonists, such as Steph Cha's Juniper Song.--Julie Elliott, Indiana Univ. Lib., South Bend

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2016
When Charlotte Ford's oldest friend, Danielle, is violently murdered, Charlotte realizes how much she'd counted on reconnecting. They lost touch after heroin addiction led Danielle to prison but met for drinks shortly before Danielle's murder, when Charlotte confessed that she'd leaked Danielle's cell number to her estranged mother. Danielle seemed to have shaken her heroin addiction but was still flirting with Houston's underworld as a popular pornography star and occasional prostitute. Sinking into grief, Charlotte becomes obsessed with the thought that Danielle's wild ride ended just days after they'd reunited. Did Danielle die because Charlotte gave up her number? Or because Danielle spoke too freely about her life as a porn star? Charlotte dives into Danielle's world, desperate to feel close to her lost friend and to know if she was responsible for her murder. Ginsburg, a poet, crafts pitch-perfect dialogue and develops Charlotte and Houston with a disarming mix of nostalgic sadness and brutal honesty. A great recommendation for readers who enjoyed Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects (2006).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)