Donna recommends:
No human involved by Barbara Seranella
Homicide cop Mace St John is investigating the death of the late, unlamented ‘Flower George – a low-life pimp. St John is trying to track down a young drug addict – Munch Mancini – who knows more than she wants to admit about George’s death. However, the cops aren’t spending a lot of time on the case – after all, if the dregs of society kill each other, then it makes the job of the police easier, right? No Human Involved, as the terminology goes. The search for Munch becomes more urgent when the death of George seems to tie in with the grisly remains of a female murder victim and Munch’s good intentions to straighten herself out are sorely tested.
This is the first book in the series and a great introduction to Munch Mancini. She’s had a horrible life, has made some bad choices, and now she wants to go straight. She’s tough, yet vulnerable. She has real guts, but also real heart. No Human Involved is tightly plotted, written with warmth and humour and brought a lump to my throat on more than one occasion. I didn’t feel sorry for Munch – she would hate that – but I was on her side every step of the way.
It’s hard to believe that this is a first novel. It’s difficult to put down and I was completely involved in the story and the engaging character of Munch. Despite the seamy side of life portrayed, there’s also hope and humanity. Sometimes I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Munch is a wonderfully original character and I’ve loved seeing her grow and develop throughout the series.
