The Pink Flamingo Murders

I love a main character with flaws that are common to so many of us. Francesca Vierling is a newspaper columnist who says what she thinks in her column (which her readers love) and in real iife (which gets her into trouble at work and at home). Don't we all wish we had the courage to voice our opinions out loud? We typically don't because we want to avoid the negative consequences-this is not...more

I love a main character with flaws that are common to so many of us. Francesca Vierling is a newspaper columnist who says what she thinks in her column (which her readers love) and in real iife (which gets her into trouble at work and at home). Don't we all wish we had the courage to voice our opinions out loud? We typically don't because we want to avoid the negative consequences-this is not Francesca's style. Set in St. Louis, she explains to her readers the fun indiosyncrasies that make St. Louis St. Louis. Francesca's downtown neighborhood with its diverse personalities suddenly becomes a gathering place for emergency responders - four murders in a very short span. None of them seem to have anything in common except for their murder location. Francesca becomes part of the investigation to bring an end to her neighbors being killed. She does this while trying to work on her relationship with Lyle, handle massive, negative changes in the newsroom and dealing with a crazy fan. I love Elaine Viet's ability to incorporate her St. Louis roots into her mysteries. For those who live in or are familiar with St. Louis, this is another great book and fun read. For those who are unfamiliar with St. Louis, you will be prepared for your visit after reading Viet's St. Louis-based books.   hide