Author's guest post at my blog:
https://bookfare.blogspot.com/2020/02/foodfic-please-welcome-lisa-black.html

I didn't hate this book, however there was so much political talk that I was bored. When Maggie was in the lab and the actual murders were being investigated, I enjoyed it. But when the lobbyist, EPA, Democratic and all the other characters were pointing fingers and explaining things, I felt like my eyes were crossing. ( )

Let Justice Descend by Lisa Black is a very highly recommended crime thriller and procedural, featuring murder along with plenty of political corruption and intrigue. This is the fifth book in the series featuring Cleveland crime scene investigator Maggie Gardiner and homicide detective Jack Renner.

"Anyone can be dangerous, when they have what they think is a good reason." Three days before the election U.S. Senator Diane Cragin is murdered. Someone rigged up her front door so she would be electrocute on her front step and her chief of staff suspects her opponent, Joey Green. Green is a corrupt city development director who has been accepting bribes and favors in exchange for favors and city contracts for years. When an unbelievably large amount of cash is found in a safe in Cragin's home, it becomes clear that she may not be squeaky clean either. Maggie and Jack delve into the world of political rivals, corruption, bribes and economic hit men. Meanwhile Jack is keeping an eye on Cleveland Herald reporter Lori Russo who is not only following the political corruption story, but also the trail of the vigilante killer. That case involves a secret cover up between Maggie and Jack.

Let Justice Descend features excellent writing, including an interesting, detailed, complex plot, and the return of two engaging, well-developed characters. This is a great combination of a political thriller and a crime/procedural novel and a wonderful addition to the series. While I have read two previous books in the series and not all four, I was still able to easily follow the narrative and I think a reader new to the series could also easily understand the interaction between Maggie and Jack. Some of my enjoyment was because of the political intrigue and corruption tied into the case, so this would be a great choice for other readers who enjoy crime novels and political thrillers.

"... the twenty-four hour channels, who have discovered the same thing: the economic beauty of a built-in customer base. They can chat away for hours and hours, not about what has actually happened but about what might have happened and what they think might happen and their opinion of what happened or what they think should happen. Why? Because it’s easy and it’s cheap. You don’t have to do any investigation or any real news-gathering." Truth.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Kensington Publishing
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/10/let-justice-descend.html ( )

Let Justice Descend by Lisa Black
Gardiner & Renner #5

Great story even though I am not a big fan of politics and political shenanigans that include corruption, bribery and not putting the constituents needs first. Putting THAT aside...I LOVED this book and skimmed over parts of the politics to get to the meat of the matter. And what might that be? The murder mystery and the tension/story developing between Maggie Gardiner, CSI and Jack Renner, homicide detective.

Maggie knows something about Jack that has her always wondering about him and what he has been up to. She admires his police abilities but perhaps questions his ethics. The two have a bond based in their mutual secret and at times it feels as if the two might actually move toward a relationship although it is also difficult to see how they might be able to do so. It is indeed a twisty twisted situation the two have managed to create for themselves – a balanced situation that the two both want to keep stable without either ending up too far up or down on the teeter-totter.

What I liked:
* Jack – I like this silent man who does what he believes necessary to bring evil people to justice
* Maggie – I enjoy seeing her work the case and the dilemma(s) she sometimes finds herself in while working or when thinking about Jack.
* The plotting and pace of the stories and the “gotcha” feel I had at the end
* Riley – Jack’s partner on the job seems a nice guy and I look forward to hearing more about him.
* The anticipation of what story will come next.

What I did not like:
* The many despicable characters only out to further their own agendas
* The greed
* The politics – after so many years of watching politics in the countries I have lived in...am happier not looking at what is going on and playing ostrich instead.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I like to read more in this series? Without a doubt

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars ( )