Found this in the local library and am enjoying it immensely. I had only read one or two of the stores in it. The last one (File Closed)had never been published before this book. All take place before Sharon left All Souls Cooperative

When Sharon McCone's father dies, he leaves a request that Sharon be the one to go through his papers. When she does, she finds some shocking information about her past which plunges her into anger and disbelief and causes her to search for answers to questions she didn't know she needed to ask. Sharon has always known that she is part Shoshone Indian and her investigation brings her face to face with her Native American relatives. Greed, prejudice and corruption are all uncovered as Sharon seeks out her identity. Her lover Hy is at her side, as always, but the McCones oppose her quest. This book marks an interesting twist in the long-running Sharon McCone series, but watching Sharon try to solve her own mystery is not as intriguing as watching her solve other people's. Still, this is an important book for Marcia Muller fans.

Being a mystery writer whose first book is in its initial release, I have been fascinated by Marcia Muller's work and her evolving Sharon McCone character since I first began reading this series nearly two decades ago. Over the course of nearly two dozen books, Muller has allowed Sharon McCone to grow up and mature from a quasi-counter-culture twentysomething woman working as a PI for a nonprofit San Francisco legal clinic into the fortysomething owner of her own private investigation agency. Muller has pulled off this transformation more convincingly than I have seen in the works of any other mystery author.

In LISTEN TO THE SILENCE, Muller adds fresh twists to McCone's background. Upon the death of her father, McCone discovers why she is the only child in her family who appears to be Shoshone. The reason is simple and obvious. She was adopted by the McCones and her birth family's roots rest on a Native American reservation. McCone's discovery of her adoption launches her on one of her most fascinating investigations. I found this book engrossing, and I was once more amazed at how Marcia Muller manages to add new facets to one of the classic characters in contemporary mystery fiction. I recommend this book highly.

This distinguished series has been a favorite of mine for many years, but I found this novel to be the most rewarding to me. In other novels, Sharon McCone's character, wit, and action are stronger . . . but the underlying issues are much less fundamental. Here, she has to look squarely at the question of who she is in the broadest sense. To pull that off after so many novels is quite a feat. I heartily commend and thank Marcia Muller for writing this book.

I can't tell you very much about the plot without giving away things that will spoil the story for you. So I apologize for not giving you as much detail as I usually do.

Let me talk instead about how the plot is organized. Sharon McCone is off on a search for identity where one clue connects to another. So there is the usual mystery-unraveling aspect to the plot. The complications are above average in their extent, and provide satisfying revelations right up to the end.

As you may know from other Sharon McCone novels, Marcia Muller likes to work with mental dialogue as well as spoken dialogue. In this case, the internal dialogue is about listening for what people don't say, when they hesitate, or change the subject. From this interesting technique, you will probably become a better listener. Like most of us, Sharon McCone lets most of this information pass her by the first time she hears it. But upon further reflection, she sees missing elements. And then profitably focuses her attention on those. By this method, most of the plot is unraveled.

But the development of what a family is makes this a remarkable mystery. In this one novel, Marcia Muller looks at intergenerational relations, the implications of adoption and remarriage, male-female relations with and without marriage, and clan relations as well. Few novels have this scope, and I hope you will look for this element and think about it as you read this rewarding novel.

For Sharon McCone fans, this book is going to be very exciting for another reason: The elements in this book create vast potential for developing new and expanded themes in future books in the series.

If you have not read any of the books in the series, however, I suggest that you not start with this one. A lot of its appeal comes in the surprises that you will experience as the plot unfolds. I envy you the chance to start in the beginning and read all of these books in order!

Overcome your complacency about thinking you know what is about to happen in your own life. Use this book to identify a single assumption you are making about your life which, if changed, would refocus everything you do. Then consider whether your assumption is really a good one. Who knows what you will discover?

Enjoy!

Sharon visits her flight instructor, Matty Wildress, and senses that something is bothering her. After some questioning, the private Matty discloses that her lover John has disappeared and has left her with his young son. Sharon and her lover Hy fear that Matty and the boy may be in danger and they try to protect them. Circumstances go from bad to worse, there is a murder, and Sharon and Hy begin looking for the perpetrator. From California, to Arkansas, Florida and Minnesota the two investigators hunt for John to try to find out who the murderer is, and why John disppeared so suddenly. Marcia Muller's books have come a long way since the late 70's when she first created Private Investigator Sharon McCone. This book is a winner for those who enjoy mystery and adventure stories.

Three years ago, Matty Wildress taught private detective Sharon McCone how to fly an airplane. It is time for Sharon to renew her flying license, so she goes to see Matty, who she has not seen in a while. Matty does not seem like the same person as Sharon once trained under. She is nervous and upset because her lover John Seabrook has disappeared, leaving behind his pre-teen son to be watched by Matty. A week later, Matty receives a letter from John pleading with her to immediately flee town (with the lad in hand) before something terrible happens to her (or the child). Matty plans to heed the advice, but only after she does one last air show. Shockingly, the plane crashes killing Matty. .......Sharon cannot ignore the death of her friend. She begins to investigate the missing John and, with the help of her nephew, traces the vanished man to Florida. Further investigation proves that John has pulled this stunt at least once before, apparently a decade ago following the murder of his spouse. As she gets closer to the truth, Sharon, with the help of her lover, place themselves in danger, needing their best flying skills to survive. .......BOTH ENDS OF THE NIGHT is the eighteenth Sharon McCone story and surprisingly with that girth of books and the decade that has passed since the first tale, the novel and the character remain extremely fresh as if it is the first story of this classic series. The San Francisco-based McCone is a great female detective and the current story line is fast-paced and exciting. However, what makes Marcia Muller's novel a passionate one sitting reading experience is the supporting cast, who add layers of dimension and excitement. Ms. Muller continues to prove that she earned that 1993 Life Achievement Award for one of the best (if not the best) female private eye series on the market today. .....Harriet Klausner

"Both Ends of the Night" is one of the best of the Sharon McCone novels. McCone is hired by Matty Wildress, who was McCone's flight instructor when Sharon got her pilot's license, to find her lover, John Seabrook, who had disappeared. Matty does aerobatics and had one final meet for the year. Before that she gets a letter from John telling her not to fly in the last meet. He puts $70,000 into Matty's account and asks her to take his son, Zach, and flee California. Matty choses to fly anyway, and dies in a crash while performing a simple move for her. Since Matty is McCone's friend, McCone continues her investigation. because the murder of Matty and John Seabrook's disappearance, seem to be conected. McCone's lover, Hy Ripinsky, who is usually a minor character, plays a major role helping Sharon to find Matty's killer because of his friendship with Matty from years back. They uncover corporate corruption, government witness programs, and people who will stop at nothing to fulfill their dreams. This novel is very well written. The characters are well-drawn and Muller is one of the best at putting the reader there. I had shivers when she and Hy were in sub-zero weather in Minnesota. An excellent novel!

THE BROKEN PROMISE LAND is another entry in Muller's popular Sharon McCone series. I don't know if I'd characterize myself as a fan of these tales. At least, not like somebody who joins a "fan club" or buys hardcover copies and tries to get the author's autograph on them. I do enjoy the series enough, however, to have read all of them up through this one. In general, I rate the McCone mysteries about four stars. That's above average and explains why I keep coming back.

THE BROKEN PROMISE LAND is, in my opinion, one of the better stories in the series so far. Regular readers will enjoy the update on changes taking place in McCone's life and in the lives of other familiar characters that surround her. Beyond that, though, this is one of Ms. Muller's better plots. Both McCone and her current beau, Hy Ripinsky, get drawn into the action when her brother-in-law, Ricky Savage, who is a genuine country music star, becomes involved with a stalker. From there, the action is fast-paced, both in terms of the mystery and the personal turmoil it entails for McCone and some of her friends and family members.

I have just two minor problems with this story (if you don't want to know anything about what happens in the book you should skip this paragraph). First, I thought that Ricky falling out of his marriage and directly into the welcoming arms of Rae a bit too easy, too convenient. It keeps Ricky in the mix and gives Charlotte an easy entree for future stories, but it was just too pat to suit me. Second, I thought the the events in the final moments, when everything finally becomes clear and the reader is all set for the big final showdown, was a letdown. Too quick and too easy an end after all the effort to uncover the wacko stalker.

THE BROKEN PROMISE LAND is a book that will please and entertain McCone fans, but beyond that it's a good mystery that a casual reader will also find engrossing. Once you get going, it's one you won't easily put down. I've given it a strong four stars and I recommend it. Give it a try.

It took me almost a month to get through the previous book in the McCone series, "A Wild and Lonely Place." The characters were so dull, the plot so mechanical and the writing so cliched, I feared that Muller had run out of gas.

Not to worry! I read "Broken Promise Land" in less than 24 hours because the characters and situations were interesting and the writing was just fine. This is the Muller I've come to expect. One of the best in this very fine series.

P.S. If you're new to Muller, I URGE you to read her books in order. She's very careful about not giving away previous mysteries, but the characters really do grow and develop over time in these books. Additionally, there are plot developments that I would not want to have spoiled for me. Unlike authors who take a few books until they hit their stride, Muller was good from the very first Sharon McCone book, "Edwin of the Iron Shoes". Even though the series began in the 1970's, the older ones are suprisingly fresh. If you like character-driven mysteries with strong women at the center, you'll like this series.

Private Investigator Sharon McCone's brother-in-law, Ricky Savage, is a famous and successful Country Western singer. He calls on Sharon to help him uncover the source of threatening notes which he has been receiving. When Sharon begins to investigate, she finds that Ricky's marriage to her sister is in danger, as well as his life. As she digs into Ricky's past, she discovers some sordid things he has done, and finds people who might have a motive to harm him. This is a fast-paced mystery, full of interesting characters and enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. There have been many changes in Sharon's life during the course of this series, and this book is full of them. Marriages and partnerships are made and broken, and the reader gets a fascinating look at part of Sharon's family and at the backstage life of a music star. This is a very entertaining book!

Sharon McCone is probably the best loved detective in the mystery genre. Readers have seen her career evolve from All Soul's Cooperative to her becoming an independent investigator with her own staff and career. She has got it all together but she didn't get there on her own.

In this collection of short stories we see another side of Sharon through her office manager, lover, hacker nephew and co-investigator. They share with us their own thoughts about working with Sharon. They also move beyond talking about "the boss" and reveal something about themselves and how they go about solving a mystery with or without "the boss". Each one has their own distinctive voice that gives you a different perspective on how the team operates.

Of course Sharon has her own story to tell. Sometimes she doesn't appreciate the "help" from an amateur sleuth such as her big brother but who can choose your relatives especially when they are "annoying" you about a case. You will be delighted in listening to these stories and sharing in the escapades of Sharon's loving team. A limited collection of short stories such as this is a great addition to your mystery library.

As a mystery author with my debut novel in its initial release, I hold Marcia Muller in the highest esteem. Her creation, Sharon McCone, revolutionized modern mystery fiction. McCone broke the old stereotypes. She became the first human private eye. She is also the oldest sister of all those women private eyes practicing today. MCCONE AND FRIENDS is a short story collection with an unusual twist. Ms. Muller provides unique perspectives on McCone by allowing her supporting charaters to tell some of the stories in this collection. Rae Kelleher, Mick Savage, Ted Smalley, and Hy Ripinsky all give their views of McCone. McCone, herself, tells three stories. MCCONE AND FRIENDS is a great book that any reader of mystery fiction should have in her collection.

I have a signed limited edition of this book and couldn't resist the urge to read it. If you are a fan of Marcia Muller, this is a must have book. The stories in this book are told by Sharon's friends, giving the reader an insight into her personality that you would not normally get. And lets face it, characters in a long running serious develop personalities of their own. This book gives you the opportunity to see Sharon from another perspective. The reader is given this rare opportunity in 8 stories that live up to Marcia Muller's excellent writing abilites. ENJOY!!

In the beginning of this book I found the changing of viewpoints every other chapter disruptive of the flow of the story, but this improved as the book went on. Overall, this is a good book and I would recommend it.

I prefer the Sharon McCone books written only by Marcia Muller, but this book is definitely important to the history of Sharon McCone and is worth reading.

Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini team up with their characters Sharon McCone and "the nameless detective" to create an intriguing mystery. Sharon and the detective she calls Wolf meet in San Diego at a convention for private investigators. Sharon is also pleased to see an old boss of hers who is now head of security at the hotel where she's staying. When Sharon's friend falls over a balcony, she and Wolf decide that it is no accident and they set about to prove that there has been foul play. Sharon and Wolf take turns telling the story and they each work on bits and pieces of the murder plus other mysterious happenings which seem to be related. This book has a deliciously convoluted plot and a mystery which Muller and Pronzini develop to a crescendo and then reveal to the reader bit by bit. The addition of the character Wolf is a nice departure for this series, and it's interesting to catch a glimpse of McCone's family as well.

Bill Pronzini and Marcia Muller are my 2 favorite mystery writers working today. "Double" offers both Sharon McCone and the Nameless Detective working together. They team up to investigate the murder of Elaine Picard, a former friend of McCone, head of security at the Casa del Ray hotel in San Diego where a private investigator's convention is being held. McCone and Nameless (whom McCone calls "Wolf") alternate chapters. This novel sizzles with action and it is one of my favorites of both Pronzini and Muller. I'm hoping that one day the husband and wife team of Pronzini and Muller will write another joint venture featuring Sharon McCone and the Nameless Detective. An excellent novel that is highly recommended.

Private Investigator Sharon McCone is called by a group of Vietnamese tenants who live in the so-called Tenderloin District of San Francisco. This is a very rough area, where new immigrants trying to make a go of it in their adopted country rub elbows with eccentrics and criminals. The group of people who are employing Sharon want her to find out who is playing tricks on them in their apartment building. There are strange noises in the basement, power failures, and shadows of "ghosts" on the walls. During the course of the investigation, Sharon develops real admiration for the Vietnamese and is chagrined when one of them is killed and another disappears. She pursues several dead ends before she finally figures out who is responsible for the murder and the other mischief. Muller consistantly writes good books in this series, and this one is no exception.

This book is a fun, quick read in a fascinating and well-portrayed setting. Having spent some time near the location of this book (San Francisco's Tenderloin district), I give Marcia Muller full credit for knowing her environment. What's more, she takes that a step further and, along with protagonist PI Sharon McCone, explores the dark realities of immigration issues in this city and others.

This is definitely a formula mystery-- I finished it off in a couple days-- but it's a good one. Whenever the desire for a little light reading comes along again, I'm sure I'll return for more of Marcia Muller's novels.

I have read the first 6 or so books in this series and I have yet to be disappointed. Each book kept me entertained and wanting to get to the next one.

Private Investigator Sharon McCone has grown and matured through the first fifteen books which comprise the series which bears her name. In this offering, Sharon starts her own agency, although she rents space from her former employer, All Souls' Legal Cooperative, and thus stays in touch with her old friends. Her first case involves an old college chum whom she calls Suits. Although he was an unpromising youth, Suits has become a man of some wealth and influence. He specializes in taking over companies and turning them around so that they become profitable entities again. In the process of doing so, Suits usually cuts unprofitable people and activities, thus earning him numerous enemies. When someone starts to harass him in dangerous ways, Suits decides it's time to bring in an investigator to find out who's responsible. Sharon travels the country, talking to people in companies which Suits has turned around. There are more than enough suspects, and Sharon has to do some extensive sleuthing to see who is threatening Suits and his wife. She takes on her nephew as a temporary assistant and continues her unconventional relationship with Hy Ripinski. Muller's fans will not be disappointed in this entry in the series.

This author always provides the goods. Again, we have a thoroughly worthwhile read with the author's usual compelling characterisations and tight plotting. One minute flaw only - the plotting was a mite confusing. Nevertheless, installments in this series are always welcome additions to my bedside table.

It is always a pleasure to start in on another McCone mystery from Marcia Muller. The familiar northern California settings and the now-familiar characters surrounding McCone provide a comfort zone that makes it easy to get into each new tale. I've read all the books that preceded this one and recommend them all. Starting at the beginning is the best way to do it.

Even if you've never read any of the other McCone mysteries, though, this one is very good on its own. Having decided to break from All Souls and become an independent investigator, McCone's first client is someone from her student days at UC Berkeley. "Suits" Gordon has become a corporate turnaround specialist and made some enemies along the way. Now, he thinks someone is trying to kill him and he wants McCone to find out who. The plot keeps twisting and turning right through to the end, with never a dull moment along the way.

This is a very good mystery, whether you're familiar with the San Francisco Bay Area and/or past McCone mysteries or not. There are plenty of surprises, and the pace doesn't let up. I have given 4 stars in past reviews to books in this series, but Mullers has outdone herself this time. Her best yet, in my opinion. Highly recommended with 5 stars.

Private Investigator Sharon McCone gets a call from her sister Patsy who wants to employ her to investigate some strange occurrences on Appleby Island. Patsy has joined a group who plan to turn an island mansion into a bed-and-breakfast, but several acts of sabotage are beginning to discourage them. Sharon arrives and is as perplexed as her sister. The mischief continues and eventually escalates into murder. As she continues her investigation, Sharon realizes that someone on the island must be the perpetrator. Eventually there are several revelations which expose the fact that many of the people on the island are not what they appear to be. This is another good entry to the Sharon McCone Mystery Series.

When Sharon McCone goes to the island in response to her sister's request for help, excitement is everywhere. Sharon thinks she's going to get to rest, but mystery is everywhere. Who is leaving a hanging effigy in a tree near the old mansion where an assorted group is trying to resurrect the old mansion for a posh bed and breakfast. Meshing all the characters and exploring their secrets is what McCone, the lady detective , does best. You'll enjoy figuring out who's doing what to whom. As usual, Marcia Muller works it all out in fine style. Read it. You'll love Sharon McCone mysteries.

Ms. Muller's books get a lot of stars, so I was expecting something memorable. This is not it, maybe because it was an early book? The characters don't make sense, particularly sharon's relationship with a cop, who is first nasty (in a way that i would consider "over the top" for teasing) and later becomes just as inexplicably friendly. This was very jarring for the reader. I kept wondering why the beneficiary of the will, rather than the executor, was making legal decisions about the estate -- doesn't everyone know that there has to be an executor? this mistake bothered me. Regarding the actual antiques, while I don't really know, I find it hard to believe that business is conducted in the way described. All in all, pretty unpolished.

This is the 1st of the Sharon McCone books. I discovered it when another author's fictional detective referred to McCone on a "case." And holy cow! This book is copyrighted 1977. Where has it been hiding from me? Sharon McCone is quite a bit like Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone (or vice versa), which is truly high praise from me. It's savvy, sexy, exciting stuff. McCone is way cool. EDWIN OF THE IRON SHOES is set mostly in an antique shop with the eerie "characters" of a headless mannequin named Clothilde and a little "boy" named Edwin who has strange iron shoes. The author creates only a sketchy sense of place, but a definite sense of character, with some really fun potental villains. A very interesting ultimate motive for the murder makes for a satisfying ending. I can see why this is such a popular series. I loved it!

It took me a long time to discover Marsha Muller, but I am glad that I finally did. This is the first installment of her Sharon McCone Mystery Series which had a strong influence on later female authors and heroines. Sue Grafton, in a quote on the book jacket calls Muller the "founding mother of the contemporary female hard-boiled private eye". That's quite a claim considering how many well-known female investigators there are in fiction now. In this first installment, Sharon McCone is the investigator for a group of attorneys called All Souls Cooperative. Her boss Hank asks her to investigate the murder of an antique store owner who has been stabbed with one of her own knives. Sharon learns that the dead woman was about to make an important decision about selling her property and she feels that this might be a motive. She also discovers some shady goings-on among the art dealers and tries to fit this in to a motive for murder. Add to this some past and present romances, and there are several possible suspects. Muller's writing is clear and to-the-point. She tells a good story and carefully wraps up each loose end. I look forward to reading the other books in this series, which has so far spanned a 25-year period.