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Yes, the main character of this book is a prostitute, but before you run Laura Lippman gives this character depth and a real quality and a story beyond her career that is definitely worth reading. Although many may not agree with the career path Heloise has chosen, there may be a reason as to why she is living the way she is. I thought it was a little predictable that Heloise had a less than cheery childhood; I just wish that something else could have lead her down that path.

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I think Laura Lippman is starting to grow on me.

And When She Was Good is her most recent release, and the third Lippman title I've tried. The premise is a little spicier than a lot of her former work -- a suburban madame is the heroine -- and I have to say, I cared more about the plight of Heloise, the former-hooker-turned-entrepreneur and soccer mom than I have for any of her other main characters.

The only problem is, I enjoy a little suspense in my suspense novels. I like a little mystery in my mysteries. I always seem to see Lippman's "big twist" coming. And I never feel called to recommend her books to my friends when I'm done. I'm not desperate to get my hands on her next work.

That said, the build up to the whodunit climax of And When She Was Good was engaging. It was a good story, even if I figured out fairly early on how it was going to end. And Heloise is definitely Lippman's best drawn protagonist yet. She's surprising, and as the pieces of her backstory are revealed piece by piece, she becomes more and more likeable.

I keep trying Laura Lippman's books, and I'm glad I did, because I did enjoy And When She Was Good. And I might even refer it to a friend.

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I could not put this book down, right up to the last page. In fact, I hated that it was ending.

Laura Lippman's books are always good but this one takes hold of you from the first page and doesn't let go.

While Helen/Heloise, the main character is not exactly the most likeable character, you keep rooting for her despite her imperfections. She is not like any other main character that I've ever read before - she is not a prostitute with a heart of gold, but you like end up admiring her and not wanting her story to end.

5 stars for unique story and great storytelling.

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Laura Lippman is one of my must read authors; however, this book is not one of my favorites. Im used to being engrossed in one of her stories from the opening pages. This book bounces from the present to earlier years, explaining how Helen/ Heloise got into her current situation. I found this to be very distracting and a bit irritating.

The main characters of Val and Helen/Heloise are very firmly fleshed-out they speak and breathe. Val, as the bad boy, is not very likeable. Unfortunately, neither is Helen/Heloise. I could not find common ground with her. However, I found her to be a fascinating specimen to study.

By the end of the book, Lippman wrote something Id been thinking: Helen/Heloise was reliving her adversarial life with her father with the men she chose and those who chose her. It seems that we are doomed to relive those issues that we dont resolve.

To be honest, Ive been so enthralled by the Tess Monaghan series that Ive been less enthusiastic about Lippmans stand alone novels with the exception of her amazing book, WHAT THE DEAD KNOW.

Would I read this book again? Yes, Helens unique story will be with me for quite awhile. The story caused me to evaluate my perceptions of Helens career choices. 4 stars

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