Burn Marks

The story is as active as any Marlowe ever encountered: sluggings, murders attempted, murders achieved, a very scary pursuit by night in a derelict building. Warshawski survives, narrowly, to tell the story in a sharp-tongued, sardonic first person . . . She is also wonderful company and a rich discovery awaiting those who have yet to meet her. - The Los Angeles Times Book Review

With the creation of V.I. Warshawski, Sara Paretsky did more than anyone to change the face of contemporary women's fiction. - Express on Sunday

It's hard not to get caught up in her passion . . . Snappy dialogue, tight plotting and realistic situations make Paretsky's unapologetically politicised thrillers a pleasure to read, whatever your viewpoint. - Daily Mail

The thing about Sara Paretsky is, she's tough . . . she doesn't flinch from examining old social injustices others might find too shameful (and too painful) to dig up - New York Times

Some crime series grow stale over time, but there's no sign of fatigue here. This is partly because the recurring characters continue to develop and engage the reader, and partly because of the moral intelligence that informs the writing. - Spectator

Paretsky has been putting her private investigator through her paces since 1982, changing perceptions of women in crime fiction through the creation of a fiercely independent female detective. She keeps her brand of politicised noir fresh by responding to issues - social, cultural and political as well as gender - in contemporary life . . . Paretsky is firing on all cylinders - Metro

The story is as active as any Marlowe ever encountered: sluggings, murders attempted, murders achieved, a very scary pursuit by night in a derelict building. Warshawski survives, narrowly, to tell the story in a sharp-tongued, sardonic first person . . . She is also wonderful company and a rich discovery awaiting those who have yet to meet her. - The Los Angeles Times Book Review

With the creation of V.I. Warshawski, Sara Paretsky did more than anyone to change the face of contemporary women's fiction. - Express on Sunday