Lee Goldberg’s Calico might be harder to summarize and review than even Louise Penny’s books. There’s not a good way to describe this book without spoilers, but I’m going to try.
Beth McDade is a former LAPD detective. After the scandal she was involved in, the only job she can get is in the Mojave Desert town of Barstow, where the first responders all hang out at a rundown bar. That’s the dead end for all of them. In 1957, the town that was once an active stop on Route 66 began a long decline when the interstate was built.
Beth was in bed at 2 AM on Feb. 2, 2019 when everything happened after a lightning strike. A naked man ran in front of a motor home and was killed. A man on the way from Las Vegas to California disappeared. There was a multi-car accident on the interstate, and there was some sort of event at both Marine bases, but no one will tell Beth what happened. She’s sent to deal with the man killed by the motor home. But, that’s just the start of her confusion. She and Amanda, the local coroner, are caught up in investigating deaths that could change the future.
I can’t talk about this engrossing crime novel with two timelines. I can talk about Beth McDade, a sex addict who drinks too much and lives in filth. Her lifestyle corresponds with her day-to-day life in Barstow. When she begins her investigation, she’s a cop who just doesn’t care. But, Amanda pushes her to accept what she learns, no matter how unlikely. In the end, Beth changes. She does her job, and discovers the truth. No matter how implausible the truth, she does uncover it. It’s satisfying to see two strong women, Amanda and Beth, take on the establishment.
Lee Goldberg’s website is https://leegoldberg.com/
Calico by Lee Goldberg. Severn House, 2023. ISBN 9781448310135 (hardcover), 320p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley to review for a journal.
I have never read a book by that author but I read one by Louise Penny and it was my last. My cousin loved Louise Penny. But I decided no more. We are all different.
We are, Carol. My sister couldn’t get into Louise Penny. I told her to wait until she retired. She has to be in the right mood, but she’s read all the books. But, she isn’t for everyone.
My favorite book read in October! Author Ann Parker will be interviewing Lee Goldberg in Pleasanton on Friday–unfortunately, it’s too long a drive for me. But she did ask me for some questions to ask Lee, so we’ll see if he answers them.
A good book. Quite different, wasn’t it, Margie?
I hope he answers some of your questions!
This has been on my list since I first heard of it. Waiting for my library to get it.
Any day now, Jeff!
We drove “through” Barstow just a little more than a week ago. My memory has the road going through Barstow with numerous stoplights. All interstate now. I did comment at the time that I’d never been to the Calico Ghost Town – another trip – and of course I’ll need to read this book.
You will, MM, since you’re familiar with the area. And you might want to check out the Calico Ghost Town once you’ve read the book. Or, maybe not. (smile)
It is a very difficult book to review. I have it a shot at my blog yesterday. It is a good one.
It is, Kevin!
Sounds like a good one, Lesa. Thanks.