Helpful Score: 6
As a dedicated Scottoline fan, I enjoyed Daddys Girl immensely. Definitely one of the best in a great series.
Don't blame the author for the title. Ultimately the publisher gets the final word. And when deciding whether to buy this novel, with a highly visible author, do we really look at the title?
Mostly, I found this novel draws on many of Scottoline's recurring themes. For example:
Ordinary woman, extraordinary achievements: As usual, we're introduced to a very down-to-earth, very human heroine who also happens to be an achiever. If anything, Scottoline downplays the sheer magnitude of getting a tenure-track position in an Ivy League law school. She has the all too common worries about keeping up appearance and coping in a male-dominated world. Inside, she's conflicted. Outwardly, she's so accomplished she's scary.
Family: Scottoline's families tend to be large, Italian, loving and possessive. She departs from the profile here, introducing a macho family where the heroine feels like an outsider. Dysfunctional? In Scottoline's novels, whatever happens, blood will trump water anytime.
Outrageous risks: I love watching Scottoline's heroines cross over the edge as they go running from the law. In an earlier novel, a heroine takes over a conference room of a law firm, claiming to be from a branch office. Talk about "Hide in plain sight." Heroine Natalie goes out on a limb here. Alas, I can't say more without being accused of spoilers.
Intricate plot and satisfying ending: Scottoline keeps throwing one curve after another, right up to the end. Experienced mystery readers will get early hunches about the outcome, but it feels right.
Law vs. justice: An ongoing quest among Scottoline's novels. Here the case seems less ambiguous than most. But it comes up.
Juicy characters: I loved Natalie's family! And I hope to see Natalie herself in future novels. True, some of the prisoners and guards seemed to blend together. The law school dean and assistant dean seem less than 3-dimensional but they remind me of some business school administrators I've known.
Edgy dialogue: I like the way Scottoline juxtaposes the heroine's inner comebacks (italicized) with her outward, polite comments.
Diversity of the legal profession: So far, we've seen litigators, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, law firm associates, independent counsels...everyone! It's nice to meet a law professor this time around.
Scottoline used some artistic license in exaggerating the attitudes of Natalie's students. She did take action to motivate them to prepare more for class.
The experience of being a female lawyer -- from the inside out -- is yet another Scottoline theme. And here, in a lighthearted way, I believe she also captures the female professor experience.
Don't blame the author for the title. Ultimately the publisher gets the final word. And when deciding whether to buy this novel, with a highly visible author, do we really look at the title?
Mostly, I found this novel draws on many of Scottoline's recurring themes. For example:
Ordinary woman, extraordinary achievements: As usual, we're introduced to a very down-to-earth, very human heroine who also happens to be an achiever. If anything, Scottoline downplays the sheer magnitude of getting a tenure-track position in an Ivy League law school. She has the all too common worries about keeping up appearance and coping in a male-dominated world. Inside, she's conflicted. Outwardly, she's so accomplished she's scary.
Family: Scottoline's families tend to be large, Italian, loving and possessive. She departs from the profile here, introducing a macho family where the heroine feels like an outsider. Dysfunctional? In Scottoline's novels, whatever happens, blood will trump water anytime.
Outrageous risks: I love watching Scottoline's heroines cross over the edge as they go running from the law. In an earlier novel, a heroine takes over a conference room of a law firm, claiming to be from a branch office. Talk about "Hide in plain sight." Heroine Natalie goes out on a limb here. Alas, I can't say more without being accused of spoilers.
Intricate plot and satisfying ending: Scottoline keeps throwing one curve after another, right up to the end. Experienced mystery readers will get early hunches about the outcome, but it feels right.
Law vs. justice: An ongoing quest among Scottoline's novels. Here the case seems less ambiguous than most. But it comes up.
Juicy characters: I loved Natalie's family! And I hope to see Natalie herself in future novels. True, some of the prisoners and guards seemed to blend together. The law school dean and assistant dean seem less than 3-dimensional but they remind me of some business school administrators I've known.
Edgy dialogue: I like the way Scottoline juxtaposes the heroine's inner comebacks (italicized) with her outward, polite comments.
Diversity of the legal profession: So far, we've seen litigators, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, law firm associates, independent counsels...everyone! It's nice to meet a law professor this time around.
Scottoline used some artistic license in exaggerating the attitudes of Natalie's students. She did take action to motivate them to prepare more for class.
The experience of being a female lawyer -- from the inside out -- is yet another Scottoline theme. And here, in a lighthearted way, I believe she also captures the female professor experience.
Helpful Score: 4
I only wish I could give it more stars. Excellent read from my favorite author. I love her characters. Nat (or is it gnat?) is a smart woman who absolutely steals the show. Starts off strong and never stops till the last page. This one, as with all of Lisa's books, kept me up way to late, just to get it finished. I was sad to see it end. A must read for Scottoline fans and if you aren't a fan of hers then you don't know what you are missing!!
Helpful Score: 4
Natalie "Nat" Greco is a disgruntled law professor. Although she is up for tenure, she still finds it difficult to engage her students and her dean is not enthusiastic about her sometimes unorthodox teaching methods. Her personal life is not much better - her relationship with her boyfriend Hank seems to be on cruise control.
This was the first Lisa Scottoline book that I read. I bought a lot of her books off of eBay, and after the first 150 or so pages I was concerned... the characters were likable, but the pace was plodding and the plot did not resemble the exciting-sounding description on the back of the book. Fortunately, the story picked up abruptly. The second half of the book is action-packed, and each chapter ends with a cliff hanger that compels you to read on.
The reason for the corny title of this book is also (somewhat) justified in the second half of the book - Nat is part of a large NJ family in which she is the only daughter and therefore extra special to her father. The title of this book is unfortunate - it implies that this book will deal with pervy incestuous relationships, which is not the case at all.
I would give the first half of this book a 2 out of a 5. However, the second half gets a 4.5 out of 5. Once the story gets cranking, the action sequences and the twists and turns of the plot will keep readers riveted.
This was the first Lisa Scottoline book that I read. I bought a lot of her books off of eBay, and after the first 150 or so pages I was concerned... the characters were likable, but the pace was plodding and the plot did not resemble the exciting-sounding description on the back of the book. Fortunately, the story picked up abruptly. The second half of the book is action-packed, and each chapter ends with a cliff hanger that compels you to read on.
The reason for the corny title of this book is also (somewhat) justified in the second half of the book - Nat is part of a large NJ family in which she is the only daughter and therefore extra special to her father. The title of this book is unfortunate - it implies that this book will deal with pervy incestuous relationships, which is not the case at all.
I would give the first half of this book a 2 out of a 5. However, the second half gets a 4.5 out of 5. Once the story gets cranking, the action sequences and the twists and turns of the plot will keep readers riveted.
Helpful Score: 4
I read this book in 2 days. It was fast paced with an ending you don't expect.
Helpful Score: 3
Good book wished for a different ending
Helpful Score: 2
Natalie Greco loves being a law professor, even though she secretly feels like Faculty Comic Relief. She loves her family, too, but as a bookworm, doesn't quite fit into the cult of Greco football, headed by her father, the Team Captain. Plunged into a nightmare, Nat suddenly finds herself suspected of a brutal murder and encounters threats to her life. Filled with the ingenious twists, pulse-pounding narrative drive, and dynamic. flesh-and-blood characters, 'Daddy's Girl' is another wild ride from the additively readable Lisa Scottoline.
Helpful Score: 2
Only an oblique reference to her main series, but this just may be better. Every time you think you know what is next - it isn't! Scottoline at her very, very best!
Helpful Score: 2
I usually do not like murder mysteries, but this is a superb read. I have become an instant Scottoline fan! Nat is a law school professor who finds herself accused of two murders. It is very interesting to see this smart woman make decisions most of us would not think were smart.
Helpful Score: 2
Plot twists kept this a really quick read. Will seek out more by this author - like her style, strong female characters, and while I had a sense of where the book was headed it didn't turn out exactly as I had forseen.
Helpful Score: 2
Another winner from Scottoline! Different protagonist this time but a good story nonetheless. Lots of action, twists and big surprises in this one. Good one!
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I absolutely loved this book. Recommended by PBS and I am so glad I always take the advise of other PBS members!!!
Definite must read!
Definite must read!
Helpful Score: 2
Scottoline hits the target again -- a new character, and another exciting story.
Helpful Score: 2
Hated for it to end!
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. I was sorry to finish
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this fast-pace thriller. It had many twists and the characters were engaging. I especially liked the way Nat gained strength and confidence.
Helpful Score: 1
There was quite a bit that I didn't enjoy about this book. For one thing, the main character's family is nearly unbearable - Nat's brothers are over-the-top horrible to her, and the constant capitalization of one brother's dialogue throughout the entire book is incredibly annoying and pointless.
Even Nat, herself, isn't entirely likable, and her inner dialogue ranges from being fun and snarky, to being hokey and unnecessary. Plus, it's difficult to believe that she is capable of not only evading the police via car-chases and explosions, but that she can do so while single-handedly solving a mystery.
Plus, there are just way too many descriptions of Angus' physical appearance, and some of these descriptions are so cheesy as to be cringe-worthy.
That said, the actual mystery is decent. It kicks off with a prison riot and a cryptic message, and evolves into a layered conspiracy. However, the climactic final scene at the prison is disappointing; there is a lot of build-up and then it's just sort of over.
The final twist is okay, but is revealed by way of exposition that explains pieces of the puzzle, but the explanations aren't particularly interesting.
Basically, the book feels disjointed, and most of the characters aren't particularly well-developed or likable. It's not terrible, but Scottoline is capable of writing far better novels.
Even Nat, herself, isn't entirely likable, and her inner dialogue ranges from being fun and snarky, to being hokey and unnecessary. Plus, it's difficult to believe that she is capable of not only evading the police via car-chases and explosions, but that she can do so while single-handedly solving a mystery.
Plus, there are just way too many descriptions of Angus' physical appearance, and some of these descriptions are so cheesy as to be cringe-worthy.
That said, the actual mystery is decent. It kicks off with a prison riot and a cryptic message, and evolves into a layered conspiracy. However, the climactic final scene at the prison is disappointing; there is a lot of build-up and then it's just sort of over.
The final twist is okay, but is revealed by way of exposition that explains pieces of the puzzle, but the explanations aren't particularly interesting.
Basically, the book feels disjointed, and most of the characters aren't particularly well-developed or likable. It's not terrible, but Scottoline is capable of writing far better novels.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. It was so full of suspense that I finished it in one day!
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoy anything by Lisa Scottoline and this one was one of her best! Nat Greco's character was interesting, funny and dedicated. She was on a mission and it almost cost her her life.
Helpful Score: 1
Scottoline always writes a great mystery.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellentlly written
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first Lisa Scottoline book I've ever read, but I'm heading out to get more right now! A great who-dunnit with both suspense and romance.
FROM BACK COVER Natalie Greco loves being a teacher, even though she can't keep her students from cruising sex.com during class and secretly feels likes Faculty Comic Relief. She loves her family, too,but her boyfriend fits in better with the football-crazy Grecos than she does. A colleague, handsome Angus Holt, talks Nat into teaching a class at a local prison, and her world turns upside down.
A violent prison riot breaks out during class, and Nat rushes to help a mortally injured guard whose last words are: 'Tell my wife it's under the floor.' Nat delivers the cryptic message, but before she knows it, she's suspected of murder and hiding from cops and killers alike. She is forced on the run to solve the riddle of the dead man's last words and to save her own life--and to find real love.
FROM BACK COVER Natalie Greco loves being a teacher, even though she can't keep her students from cruising sex.com during class and secretly feels likes Faculty Comic Relief. She loves her family, too,but her boyfriend fits in better with the football-crazy Grecos than she does. A colleague, handsome Angus Holt, talks Nat into teaching a class at a local prison, and her world turns upside down.
A violent prison riot breaks out during class, and Nat rushes to help a mortally injured guard whose last words are: 'Tell my wife it's under the floor.' Nat delivers the cryptic message, but before she knows it, she's suspected of murder and hiding from cops and killers alike. She is forced on the run to solve the riddle of the dead man's last words and to save her own life--and to find real love.
Helpful Score: 1
Moves right along with one twist after another
My husband and son who are not even readers loved this book on audio CD. It was so captivating I listened twice..
This is such an excellent book!! Nat comes from a family of powerful brothers, father, and fiance'. She has always been 'daddy's girl' but when her life takes a dangerous turn, Nat becomes a woman with a mind of her own and her own person. People are out to scare her, if not kill her. She teams up with a hangover from the 60's professor, but she does the hard work and takes on the prison and the state police. We all have that little person inside that wants to be just like Nat.
very good book, unexpected ending.
Scottoline always delivers a good read! She has never disappointed me and this one is no different.
One of the best Scottoline books I've read.
I really enjoyed this book. You can feel the fustration this girl felt with her family and boyfriend, and could understand the changes she was going through in her life.The ending is an unexpected twist that adds to the books enjoyment. Recommended reading.
Love the legal point of view! Interesting and crazy story lines!
I'm starting to really like this author. This was another enjoyable read!
I especially enjoyed the nice twist at the end.
I especially enjoyed the nice twist at the end.
This is another page turner - Scottoline style. Although I really missed Mary DiNonzio and the other lawyers from Rosato & Associates, I couldn't put this one down. Nat Greco is the star of Daddy's Girl, and Scottoline weaves plot twists and turns that surprise me even though I've read many of her books. I highly recommend this for an exciting escape from the world.
Excellent read. Great author. suspense right to the end.
The books description is quite accurate so there isn't much to add.
Halfway through the last third of the book it lost my interest. I was interested in the ending but wasn't at all excited during the whole book and didn't expect too much.
In the end I was surprised to find a twist there but that's all about it.
The characters, even the main character Nat Greco, who should be at least some sort of likeable, fell too flat which is very unfortunate because the whole book surrounds around her and her feelings for her family, boyfriend, the new man in her life and the current situation. It feels like closing the book and forgetting about her and the whole story.
Something cozy for days when you don't have anything else on your shelf.
Halfway through the last third of the book it lost my interest. I was interested in the ending but wasn't at all excited during the whole book and didn't expect too much.
In the end I was surprised to find a twist there but that's all about it.
The characters, even the main character Nat Greco, who should be at least some sort of likeable, fell too flat which is very unfortunate because the whole book surrounds around her and her feelings for her family, boyfriend, the new man in her life and the current situation. It feels like closing the book and forgetting about her and the whole story.
Something cozy for days when you don't have anything else on your shelf.
I usually like Lisa Scottoline books, but I found myself getting irritated in this one with the hero, Natalie Greco (aka "Nat"). Whereas she's a strong woman, the way this is written is a conflict as Nat is rather namby-pamby and doesn't speak up for herself or take control when her family and others disrespects her...which makes it very hard to respect her as a hero and sleuth. The book also seemed to drag out much more than was needed. Not sure if I'll bother with another Scottoline book or not. Hmmm...
entertaining
I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK! IT IS FULL OF ACTION AND ADVENTURE. IT'S ABOUT A COLLEGE PROFESSOR WHO LEADS A QUIET LIFE OF TEACHING, ENJOYING HER FAMILY AND DATING A MAN WHOM SHE PLANS TO MARRY. HER QUIET LIVE SUDDENLY BECOMES VERY ACTIVE AS EVENTS UNFOLD IN THE STORY. THIS IS A GOOD, FAST READ AND IT HAS QUITE A TWIST AT THE END!!
Natalie Greco loves being a law professor, even though she can't keep her students from cruising sex.com during class and secretly feels likes Faculty Comic Relief. She loves her family, toom but as a bookworn, doesn't quite fit into the cult of Greco football, headed by her father, the team captain. The one person she feels most connected to is her colleague, Angus Holtm a guy with a brilliant mind, a great sense of humor, a gorgeous facade, and penchant for helping those less fortunate. When he talks Nat into teaching a class at a local prison, her comfortably imperfect world turns upside down. A violent prison roit breaks out during class, and in the chaos, Nat rushes to help a grievously injured prison guard. Before he dies,he asks her to deliver a cryptic message with his last words: Tell my wife it's under the floor. The dying declaration plunges Nat into a nightmare. Suddenly the girl who has always followed the letter of the law finds herself suspected of a brutal murder and encounters threats to her life around every curve. Now not only are the cops after her, but ruthless killers are desperate to keep her from exposing their secret. In the meantime, she gets dangerously close to Angus, whose warmth, strength, and ponytail shake her dedication to her safe boyfriend. With her love life in jeopardy, her career in the balance, and her life in the line, Nat must rely on her resources, her intelligence and her courage. Forced into hiding to stay alive, she sets out to save herself by deciphering the puzzle behind the dead guard's last words.....and learns the secret to the greatest puzzle of all -herself.
