Blog Tour: Woman with a Gun by Phillip Margolin

Author: Phillip Margolin

Publisher: Harper

Date of publication: December 2014

This compelling thriller, from New York Timesbestseller Phillip Margolin, centers on an intriguing photograph that may contain long-hidden answers to the mystery of a millionaire’s murder.

At a retrospective on the work of acclaimed photographer Kathy Moran, aspiring novelist Stacey Kim is fascinated by the exhibition’s centerpiece: the famous Woman with a Gun, which launched the artist’s career. Shot from behind, the enigmatic black-and-white image depicts a woman in a wedding dress standing on the shore at night, facing the sea. But this is no serene, romantic portrait. In her right hand, which is hidden behind her back, she holds a six-shooter.

The picture captures Stacey’s imagination and raises a host of compelling questions:Who is this woman? Is this a photograph of her on her wedding day? Does she plan to kill herself or someone else? Obsessed with finding answers, she soon discovers the identity of the woman: a suspect in a ten-year-old murder investigation. Convinced that proof of the woman’s guilt, or innocence, is somehow connected to the photograph, Stacey embarks on a relentless investigation.

Drawn deeper into the case, Stacey finds that everyone involved has a different opinion of the woman’s culpability. But the one person who may know the whole story—Kathy Moran—isn’t talking. Stacey must find a way to get to the reclusive photographer, and get her to talk, or the truth about what happened that day will stay forever hidden in the shadows.

I think that once again I am going to be in the minority in how I feel about this book.  Woman with a Gun has gotten rave reviews, but it was just an OK read for me.  I didn't find the story to be a compelling thriller. It was more of a plot driven mystery that just kind of plodded along until the solution was revealed.  I also had the killer figured out way before the end, I just didn't know the why.   To me, the author made it pretty obvious into which direction he was going right from the start.  I didn't think there were any big twists that made me gasp with surprise.

I'm not saying the book was bad.  I did like it for the most part and the writing was solid. It just didn't wow me. I liked the varying points of view.  The characters were interesting and helped keep my attention. I also liked the way the time changes in the story laid out the plot for the reader. The premise of basing a fiction novel on a painting was an interesting one.  I think fans of true crime and straight crime fiction will enjoy this one.  So give it a shot and see if you can solve the mystery.

About Phillip Margolin

Phillip Margolin has written eighteen novels, many of themNew York Times bestsellers, including the recent Worthy Brown’s Daughter, Sleight of Hand, and the Washington Trilogy. Each displays a unique, compelling insider’s view of criminal behavior, which comes from his long background as a criminal defense attorney who has handled thirty murder cases. Winner of the Distinguished Northwest Writer Award, he lives in Portland, Oregon.

Find out more about Phillip at his website, and connect with him on Facebook.

Purchase Links

Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Phillip’s Tour Stops

Tuesday, December 2nd: The Steadfast Reader

Tuesday, December 2nd: Staircase Wit

Wednesday, December 3rd: Books in the Burbs

Thursday, December 4th: Under My Apple Tree

Monday, December 8th: The Daily Dosage

Tuesday, December 9th: From the TBR Pile

Wednesday, December 10th: Kahakai Kitchen

Wednesday, December 10th: Great Minds Read Alike

Thursday, December 11th: Bibliotica

Friday, December 12th: FictionZeal

Monday, December 15th: Fuelled by Fiction

Tuesday, December 16th: No More Grumpy Bookseller

Wednesday, December 17th: The Book Binder’s Daughter

Thursday, December 18th: Jenn’s Bookshelves

Friday, December 19th: Reading in Black & White

Monday, December 22nd: Ace and Hoser Blook

Tuesday, December 23rd: Living in the Kitchen

TBD: BoundbyWords