I found Cop Town to be a major departure from what Karin Slaughter usually writes. Shes a very good suspense writer but this book is so much more than that. This book crosses so many sensitive barrier lines and is done so well, I didnt have time to be shocked at the events transpiring in the book, though some of it was very difficult to read. This story brings issues of prejudice, bigotry, sexism, corruption and ethics to the forefront. This story centers on Maggie Lawson, an officer of the Atlanta Police Department and her new rookie partner, Kate Murphy. From the onset, the reader is given a very strong impression that women are not wanted or respected on the force. The level of hostility and harassment these women experience is very disturbing. Add in a serial killer who is targeting police officers and you have a very intense story that kept me anxious to find out what happens next and dreading it at the same time. The line separating the good from the evil is very blurry in this book.
I thought Maggie and Kate were interesting characters and though they are definitely a part of the good ole boy network of Atlanta PD, they are definitely not part of the inner circle that Maggies uncle Terry and brother Jimmy are in. Maggie and Kate both feel like they have something to prove, not just to themselves but to the people around them. What I found interesting is the hostility that Kate receives from the female officers as well as the male officers. Instead of presenting a united front, the animosity between the women is a living, breathing entity. It takes all of Kates strength of mind and character to come back after her first day. I found myself wondering many times if either of them would make it to the end of this book in one piece.
Maggies uncle, Terry is a despicable character. He is a product of his time. Adjectives of sexist, male chauvinist pig, tyrant, bully, bastard all come to mind. Hes not above raising his hand against a woman and has no problem inflicting verbal and physical abuse on Maggie. Domestic violence was not viewed back then the way it is today and women had few rights outside the home. I would not have shed any tears if he had been one of the shooters targets.
Maggies brother, Jimmy was more likable but I struggled with his attitude initially. He is a redeemable character and by the end of the book most of his behavior made sense. I struggled with the ethics and moral compass of many of the characters but it was true to the time period this book is set in.
The story begins with Jimmys partner being gunned down and Jimmy barely escaping with his life. The entire department is out for blood and the shoot first, ask questions later mentally is in full swing. Maggie and Kate find themselves conducting a side investigation when they both individually realize that Jimmys account of what happened doesnt make logical sense. This puts them in closer proximity to the killer and the stakes are raised when we discover that Kate is being stalked. The story continues to heighten the anticipation and intensity throughout the book. I thought the identity of the shooter was fitting and believable, though I was surprised that I didnt see it or catch on earlier.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this is a very good story filled with heart racing intensity that will appeal to fans of the suspense and thriller genre, once the initial shock of the behavior and attitudes of the time period wears off.
I thought Maggie and Kate were interesting characters and though they are definitely a part of the good ole boy network of Atlanta PD, they are definitely not part of the inner circle that Maggies uncle Terry and brother Jimmy are in. Maggie and Kate both feel like they have something to prove, not just to themselves but to the people around them. What I found interesting is the hostility that Kate receives from the female officers as well as the male officers. Instead of presenting a united front, the animosity between the women is a living, breathing entity. It takes all of Kates strength of mind and character to come back after her first day. I found myself wondering many times if either of them would make it to the end of this book in one piece.
Maggies uncle, Terry is a despicable character. He is a product of his time. Adjectives of sexist, male chauvinist pig, tyrant, bully, bastard all come to mind. Hes not above raising his hand against a woman and has no problem inflicting verbal and physical abuse on Maggie. Domestic violence was not viewed back then the way it is today and women had few rights outside the home. I would not have shed any tears if he had been one of the shooters targets.
Maggies brother, Jimmy was more likable but I struggled with his attitude initially. He is a redeemable character and by the end of the book most of his behavior made sense. I struggled with the ethics and moral compass of many of the characters but it was true to the time period this book is set in.
The story begins with Jimmys partner being gunned down and Jimmy barely escaping with his life. The entire department is out for blood and the shoot first, ask questions later mentally is in full swing. Maggie and Kate find themselves conducting a side investigation when they both individually realize that Jimmys account of what happened doesnt make logical sense. This puts them in closer proximity to the killer and the stakes are raised when we discover that Kate is being stalked. The story continues to heighten the anticipation and intensity throughout the book. I thought the identity of the shooter was fitting and believable, though I was surprised that I didnt see it or catch on earlier.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this is a very good story filled with heart racing intensity that will appeal to fans of the suspense and thriller genre, once the initial shock of the behavior and attitudes of the time period wears off.
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