Review: 'Time's Up' by Janey Mack
Author Janey Mack's debut novel, "Time's Up," is mystery fiction at some of its finest. The development of the characters -- and there is a number of them -- essential to a good story is right where it should be without being over-the-top. The plot has enough twists and turns to keep the most earnest mystery-lover interested. To top it all off, "Time's Up" has an under-element of humor in the zany McGrane family alone.
Maisie McGrane, the twenty-something protagonist, has received her degree in criminal justice and is training at the police academy as the story begins. Maisie has always wanted to join the police force, just as her father and three of her brothers have done. Her mother and an additional two brothers are attorneys, so law is definitely in the family blood -- either defending it on the streets or in the courtroom.
Her dream is thwarted when she washes out of the police academy because she failed the psychological exam for being too thin-skinned to deal with the public and pressures of police duty. The McGrane clan is none too sad for this outcome, but Maisie is determined to make her dream come true.
As Maisie takes the first step to what she hopes will lead to reinstatement to the academy, all hell breaks lose as she takes a job as a meter maid. What is an auspicious beginning soon develops into mayhem and has Maisie rubbing shoulders with organized crime.
If you like your characters to be full of life, energy and wry humor, you'll enjoy "Time's Up." I found it a fun read with plenty of plot twists and turns -- and characters you'll grow to love or hate. The good news is, if you enjoy this debut novel, the second in the series , "Choked Up," is set for release in December 2015 and a third novel, "Shoot 'Em Up" due out in summer 2016.
FOPP - BookReview - Mystery - JaneyMack - MaisieMcGrane
Image Credit » https://pixabay.com/en/parking-meter-meter-parking-place-216511/ by BruceEmmerling
Comments
AliCanary wrote on August 7, 2015, 1:47 PM
Great review! I started through the process to apply for being a cop in Philadelphia, but we decided to move to North Carolina, and I withdrew after having only passed the written test. I wonder if the psych evaluation would have found me too sensitive, as well? I could definitely see that happening!
1Lovebeingmummy wrote on August 7, 2015, 5:27 PM
That sounds a great book, I must look out for it
1cmoneyspinner wrote on August 7, 2015, 5:51 PM
A meter maid and organized crime? Somebody's got a good imagination. Would have never thought of putting those two elements together. Good review!
1Feisty56 wrote on August 7, 2015, 6:59 PM
I find that interesting and what I would think to be out of character for the AliCanary I've gotten to know -- you applying to be a police officer. I think you would have been an interesting addition and a ray of light as an officer of the law, but not sure how satisfying you would have found the day-to-day grind.
Feisty56 wrote on August 7, 2015, 7:01 PM
I found it to be an enjoyable read. I borrowed mine from the public library, but I see it is available on Kindle and Nook.
Feisty56 wrote on August 7, 2015, 7:03 PM
Thank you. The story is set in Chicago, so I think putting a meter maid and organized crime together is almost a given. : )
1AliCanary wrote on August 7, 2015, 10:27 PM
I really responded to the ideal of "protect and serve", but I think being a teacher does that to an extent, as well. Not as heroic, perhaps, but pretty rewarding.
1Feisty56 wrote on August 7, 2015, 11:02 PM
I don't know AliCanary . I think heroes are found in lots of places and aspects of life. I think it takes something special to stand in a classroom with students of any age, some interested in learning, others not so much. As a teacher you represent many things to different students and your impact on their minds will always be there, be something each of them can draw upon and add to. I was blessed to have more than a few teachers who were heroes to me -- and who I still hold fondly in my memories.
1LoudMan wrote on August 7, 2015, 11:17 PM
Excellent review. Although, the last time I had time for fiction was in jail.
1Feisty56 wrote on August 8, 2015, 11:08 AM
Thank you, LoudMan . I think the kind of busy you are these days is a positive thing, so not offended at all that you don't have time to read fiction. I certainly don't want to hear you've gone back to jail so you can catch up on your reading. Take care, please. : )
msiduri wrote on August 8, 2015, 11:12 PM
While this is not a book I'll read in this incarnation (*sigh* just too many books), I enjoyed your review.
lexiconlover wrote on September 30, 2015, 2:05 PM
I'm going to add this to my to read list and see if I can find it on Kindle.