1st read: 24 Dec 2012 - 3 Feb 2013 
 2nd read: 7 Jan 2015 - 8 Jan 2015 
 Upon reread, the story holds up well. What does NOT hold up well, however, is Ms Estep and her editors' inability to use personal pronouns. I mean, why????!!!! 
 And Donovan Caine. Such an obviously obtuse and foolish character should never have made it into this book. From the description of Ashtown, someone who displays such colossal stupidity and judgmental-ism should have been long dead; killed of because survival is not for the stupid. He ruined a good story. Ugh! 
 But yeah. Held up. On to reread book 2. I see my review notes and I am so not excited for lack of personal pronouns and Donovan Caine. 
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 a A well-deserved four stars. Gin Blanco did not initially strike me as particularly impressive, and her attempts to defend herself and her line of work by pretending she was probably more upright than all the corrupt masqueraders around her didn't work. But as the plot progresses, you discover that that there's much to enjoy about Gin: her sharp wit, her astute analysis, her easy affection for Finn and all the people she loves, her disgust for injustice. 
 Gin's associates were equally fun to read about, and I especially liked the funny and sweet Finnegan Lane. His appearances added comic relief and enhanced the storyline. 
 Donovan Caine, however, has got to be one of the dumbest detectives I have come across; I mean, seriously?! In his haste to pass judgment and voice disgust at every turn, he misses the most obvious things. Doofus. 
 The plot was well done; long, though. But I read for the characters. Here's looking forward to more adventures with Gin and her crew. I hope said adventures are faster paced, though :-)