Helpful Score: 6
As a dedicated Scottoline fan, I enjoyed Daddys Girl immensely. Definitely one of the best in a great series.
Don't blame the author for the title. Ultimately the publisher gets the final word. And when deciding whether to buy this novel, with a highly visible author, do we really look at the title?
Mostly, I found this novel draws on many of Scottoline's recurring themes. For example:
Ordinary woman, extraordinary achievements: As usual, we're introduced to a very down-to-earth, very human heroine who also happens to be an achiever. If anything, Scottoline downplays the sheer magnitude of getting a tenure-track position in an Ivy League law school. She has the all too common worries about keeping up appearance and coping in a male-dominated world. Inside, she's conflicted. Outwardly, she's so accomplished she's scary.
Family: Scottoline's families tend to be large, Italian, loving and possessive. She departs from the profile here, introducing a macho family where the heroine feels like an outsider. Dysfunctional? In Scottoline's novels, whatever happens, blood will trump water anytime.
Outrageous risks: I love watching Scottoline's heroines cross over the edge as they go running from the law. In an earlier novel, a heroine takes over a conference room of a law firm, claiming to be from a branch office. Talk about "Hide in plain sight." Heroine Natalie goes out on a limb here. Alas, I can't say more without being accused of spoilers.
Intricate plot and satisfying ending: Scottoline keeps throwing one curve after another, right up to the end. Experienced mystery readers will get early hunches about the outcome, but it feels right.
Law vs. justice: An ongoing quest among Scottoline's novels. Here the case seems less ambiguous than most. But it comes up.
Juicy characters: I loved Natalie's family! And I hope to see Natalie herself in future novels. True, some of the prisoners and guards seemed to blend together. The law school dean and assistant dean seem less than 3-dimensional but they remind me of some business school administrators I've known.
Edgy dialogue: I like the way Scottoline juxtaposes the heroine's inner comebacks (italicized) with her outward, polite comments.
Diversity of the legal profession: So far, we've seen litigators, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, law firm associates, independent counsels...everyone! It's nice to meet a law professor this time around.
Scottoline used some artistic license in exaggerating the attitudes of Natalie's students. She did take action to motivate them to prepare more for class.
The experience of being a female lawyer -- from the inside out -- is yet another Scottoline theme. And here, in a lighthearted way, I believe she also captures the female professor experience.
Don't blame the author for the title. Ultimately the publisher gets the final word. And when deciding whether to buy this novel, with a highly visible author, do we really look at the title?
Mostly, I found this novel draws on many of Scottoline's recurring themes. For example:
Ordinary woman, extraordinary achievements: As usual, we're introduced to a very down-to-earth, very human heroine who also happens to be an achiever. If anything, Scottoline downplays the sheer magnitude of getting a tenure-track position in an Ivy League law school. She has the all too common worries about keeping up appearance and coping in a male-dominated world. Inside, she's conflicted. Outwardly, she's so accomplished she's scary.
Family: Scottoline's families tend to be large, Italian, loving and possessive. She departs from the profile here, introducing a macho family where the heroine feels like an outsider. Dysfunctional? In Scottoline's novels, whatever happens, blood will trump water anytime.
Outrageous risks: I love watching Scottoline's heroines cross over the edge as they go running from the law. In an earlier novel, a heroine takes over a conference room of a law firm, claiming to be from a branch office. Talk about "Hide in plain sight." Heroine Natalie goes out on a limb here. Alas, I can't say more without being accused of spoilers.
Intricate plot and satisfying ending: Scottoline keeps throwing one curve after another, right up to the end. Experienced mystery readers will get early hunches about the outcome, but it feels right.
Law vs. justice: An ongoing quest among Scottoline's novels. Here the case seems less ambiguous than most. But it comes up.
Juicy characters: I loved Natalie's family! And I hope to see Natalie herself in future novels. True, some of the prisoners and guards seemed to blend together. The law school dean and assistant dean seem less than 3-dimensional but they remind me of some business school administrators I've known.
Edgy dialogue: I like the way Scottoline juxtaposes the heroine's inner comebacks (italicized) with her outward, polite comments.
Diversity of the legal profession: So far, we've seen litigators, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, law firm associates, independent counsels...everyone! It's nice to meet a law professor this time around.
Scottoline used some artistic license in exaggerating the attitudes of Natalie's students. She did take action to motivate them to prepare more for class.
The experience of being a female lawyer -- from the inside out -- is yet another Scottoline theme. And here, in a lighthearted way, I believe she also captures the female professor experience.
Helpful Score: 4
Natalie "Nat" Greco is a disgruntled law professor. Although she is up for tenure, she still finds it difficult to engage her students and her dean is not enthusiastic about her sometimes unorthodox teaching methods. Her personal life is not much better - her relationship with her boyfriend Hank seems to be on cruise control.
This was the first Lisa Scottoline book that I read. I bought a lot of her books off of eBay, and after the first 150 or so pages I was concerned... the characters were likable, but the pace was plodding and the plot did not resemble the exciting-sounding description on the back of the book. Fortunately, the story picked up abruptly. The second half of the book is action-packed, and each chapter ends with a cliff hanger that compels you to read on.
The reason for the corny title of this book is also (somewhat) justified in the second half of the book - Nat is part of a large NJ family in which she is the only daughter and therefore extra special to her father. The title of this book is unfortunate - it implies that this book will deal with pervy incestuous relationships, which is not the case at all.
I would give the first half of this book a 2 out of a 5. However, the second half gets a 4.5 out of 5. Once the story gets cranking, the action sequences and the twists and turns of the plot will keep readers riveted.
This was the first Lisa Scottoline book that I read. I bought a lot of her books off of eBay, and after the first 150 or so pages I was concerned... the characters were likable, but the pace was plodding and the plot did not resemble the exciting-sounding description on the back of the book. Fortunately, the story picked up abruptly. The second half of the book is action-packed, and each chapter ends with a cliff hanger that compels you to read on.
The reason for the corny title of this book is also (somewhat) justified in the second half of the book - Nat is part of a large NJ family in which she is the only daughter and therefore extra special to her father. The title of this book is unfortunate - it implies that this book will deal with pervy incestuous relationships, which is not the case at all.
I would give the first half of this book a 2 out of a 5. However, the second half gets a 4.5 out of 5. Once the story gets cranking, the action sequences and the twists and turns of the plot will keep readers riveted.
Helpful Score: 4
I read this book in 2 days. It was fast paced with an ending you don't expect.
Helpful Score: 4
I only wish I could give it more stars. Excellent read from my favorite author. I love her characters. Nat (or is it gnat?) is a smart woman who absolutely steals the show. Starts off strong and never stops till the last page. This one, as with all of Lisa's books, kept me up way to late, just to get it finished. I was sad to see it end. A must read for Scottoline fans and if you aren't a fan of hers then you don't know what you are missing!!
Helpful Score: 3
Good book wished for a different ending
