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Sometimes when you read a lot of historicals, a contemporary suspense novel can be like a breath of fresh air. When I picked up All or Nothing, that’s what I was hoping for, because I enjoyed Elizabeth Adler’s last book, Sooner or Later. Unfortunately, this latest offering is a little more average. The suspense portions of the book are compelling, but the main characters are somewhat lacking in charm and interest.
New Orleans native Al Giraud is a retired cop who is now a private investigator, living and working in Los Angeles. His significant other, Marla Cwitowitz, is a law professor who harbors detecting ambitions of her own. By chance, the couple happens to observe real estate agent Laurie Martin and her client together at two different restaurants, and when Laurie suddenly disappears, Marla sees it as her chance to partner Al in an investigation. Steve Mallard is the client seen dining with Laurie, and he quickly becomes a suspect in her disappearance. Marla and Al are hired on by Steve’s wife to prove his innocence – or discover his guilt.
The police seem focused on Steve as a suspect, but Marla and Al explore some less obvious avenues, and their diligence is soon rewarded. Soon their efforts are outpacing the official police investigation. But as they get closer to the truth, it becomes clear that their lives are in danger. Al isn’t sure he really wants his lovely girlfriend in this line of work, and Marla’s parents start dropping broad hints about dumping Al for someone nice and steady, like an orthodontist. Can they manage to solve the riddle of Laurie’s disappearance and stay alive at the same time?
Initially, All or Nothing is very much like a traditional mystery, with Marla and Al in the dark about the killer and the motive. About half way through, however, they more or less figure out what is going on, and the book shifts into suspense mode. At this point the reader becomes privy to the villain’s thoughts and actions as well. Adler handles the suspense well, and this second portion of the book is quite compelling. The pages fly by as Marla and Al delve into the villain’s shady past.
But while the villain is an interesting character, Marla and Al are less so. Much of the book is about their relationship, but there really isn’t any progression there; they are boyfriend/girlfriend at the beginning, and their relationship is pretty much the same at the end. There are a lot of scenes describing Marla’s glamorous clothes and fabulous figure, and even more scenes in which Al and Marla dine in various California restaurants. Indeed, at times I thought I was reading a California restaurant guide, complete with descriptions of food and decor. Try as I might, I never could find Al or Marla very interesting, and every time they sat down to eat or paused to make love, I wished they would just get on with solving the crime.
If you have really enjoyed Adler’s books in the past, you may find All or Nothing worth the hard cover price tag. If you’ve never tried her before, I’d wait for the paperback version, or try the more likable Sooner or Later instead.
Grade: C
Book Type: Suspense
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 12/01/00
Publication Date: 2000
I've been at AAR since dinosaurs roamed the Internet. I've been a Reviewer, Reviews Editor, Managing Editor, Publisher, and Blogger. Oh, and Advertising Corodinator. Right now I'm taking a step back to concentrate on kids, new husband, and new job in law...but I'll still keep my toe in the romance waters.
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.