Can’t believe it’s been four years between me reading books 2 and 3 of this series. I greatly enjoyed the first two but I kept forgetting about finishing the series. When I did remember, I’d have to get it on an interlibrary loan and it would take the loan too long to get in and eventually I’d lose interest.
But then I saw it at a used bookstore and huzzah! Let’s finish this one.
And it’s sad because this is the book I always wanted from the series. Oh yeah, the first two are good but the constant shifting perspectives didn’t always work for me. I wanted a straightforward Ruby Murphy story and this is said story and it’s great.
The mystery (mysteries?) are somewhat interesting but really, I’m reading this for the deep dive into Ruby’s life, the look at outer-outer borough New York City, the examination of the horse racing scene at Aqueduct. Maggie Estep does a great job of making these characters feel real and making me feel invested in Ruby’s plight. I appreciate that Ruby has seen it all but isn’t totally cynical; a realist but still finds beauty in small things. And it’s good to see a side of Brooklyn that hasn’t been consumed by gentrification, as she really brings Coney Island alive.
We got this from Maggie Estep…and then she had the misfortune of death. What a shame; this really could have been something long-running and fun. Alas. May she rest in peace. She sure went out on a fun literary note.
