The last place you look
Ratings12
Average rating4.2
Shamus Award for Best 1st P.I. Novel (2018). The main character has personal problems (Not often when she doesn't have a drink in her hands) also father was a policeman and died 6 months before while on duty. Suspect in a murder 17 yrs. ago is due to be executed in 2 months and his sister hires
the main character as a private eye to investigate the murder. The private eye's father also worked on the case! This is a very good mystery and has you guessing til the end! David Navratil
I don't read many mysteries, and when I do they're hit or miss. But I had such a good time with this. For me, it's one of those books that shows the appeal of a whole genre.It's always fun to read a local author, especially when the book is set where you both live. The Last Place You Look is full of Columbus bars and restaurants. The bits about the Dispatch being saturated with OSU football news and pricey apartment complexes cropping up everywhere made me feel seen.It's grungy and suspenseful, but still fun to read. Lepionka's commentary on gender and the criminal justice system doesn't feel spoonfed or shoehorned, because it's there to deepen understanding of characters and plot. Roxane is the best. She is flawed and I love her.This reminds me of [b:Mostly Dead Things 41817578 Mostly Dead Things Kristen Arnett https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1543595464l/41817578.SY75.jpg 59702314]. Both feature queer women trying to make sense of life after the sudden death of a father. But where Mostly Dead Things meanders, The Last Place You Look picks up speed. If you liked Arnett, try Lepionka. But try Lepionka either way.
Next time you want a fast paced thriller-mystery with a queer/bisexual protagonist - here one is! Maybe a little formulaic/cliche'd, but well written andl diversity in mystery is not always easy to find.
PS I was so into this being a supernatural based PI mystery you don't even know. Like: “ Matt says you find things” what an excellent first line. But it was still good!
This was an enjoyable mystery read. The characters were well developed and I especially liked the complex and flawed Private Investigator, Roxane. The plot was well crafted and had me guessing until the end. Would recommend to readers who like fast paced, plot driven mysteries.
