My second VI Warshawski read

There are currently 22 books in Sara Paretsky's iconic VI Warshawski series, published between 1982 and 2024. I've only read one other in the series - book 16. You can read my review here.

My stable of American authors is not as full as my British one but I am warming to the VI Warshawski series after two books. I've come in at the end of the long-running series and VI is now around my age. That's enough to draw me in. Reading reviews of the later books suggests to me that the earlier ones are better so I'm keen to check them out.

This review is of book 19, Shell game, another complex story set in Chicago with Vic in traditional PI mode, doggedly determined to get to the bottom of things.

Shell game | Book 19 | Published October 2018 | Read February 2025

I know I only have two books to go by, but Paretsky writes crime fiction that transcends the ordinary as she crafts intricate stories that tackle current social and political issues in the US. I've seen reviewers criticise Paretsky for her obvious politics in book 19 but I assume those criticisms come from readers who don't agree with them. I found Paretsky's exploration of the impact of US policy on immigrants and refugees resonated with me. It saddened me to think she was writing of this world in 2018 with reference to Trump and here we are witnessing the repercussions of his ignorance and prejudices for a second presidency term.

In Shell game, Vic is concentrating less on her day job as a PI and more on solving problems for her friends and family. She has two things on the go - the implication of the grandnephew of her close friend, Dr Lottie Herschel, in the murder of an archaeology student, and the disappearance of her ex-husband's niece. Vic's support network of Lottie, her elderly neighbour, Mr Contreras, her main client, Darraugh Graham, and computer whiz, Niko, are all present. On top of all that, there's plenty devoted to Vic's two dogs and I love their air time. Even after two books, I feel like I know all these characters.

The story throws Vic into the world of insurance fraud, stock scams, the theft of artifacts from Syria, Russian hired heavies, sexual abuse, and the demonising of immigrants. It's a complex and multi-layered story that keeps the reader on their toes. The main villain (amongst a group of many) is not hard to spot, but that doesn't take anything away from the reading journey. The book relies on strong characterisation and Vic's quest to disentangle all the moving parts, putting her body on the line multiple times. Her canny approach to getting answers makes for a fun read. As with Critical mass, there's a lot of technical detail, this time about artifacts and for the ride.

The ending is a little over the top - especially after all the punishment Vic's 50-year-old body took throughout the book - but I can forgive Paretsky that minor criticism. If you like gritty female leads with a strong feminist and social justice characterisation, then give Paretsky a go. Her books are not easy reads, but they are a unique take on the crime genre and I'll certainly be on the lookout for the back catalogue.

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐