Book Review: MAD MAX: UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES by Betsy Ashton

Title: Unintended Consequences
Series: Mad Max, #1
Author: Betsy Ashton
Publisher: Koehler Books (March 1, 2013)
Format: Paperbook
Source: Author
Genre: Women's Fiction with mystery elements 

Mad Max Davies lives a privileged life in Manhattan when her only daughter is seriously injured in an auto accident. She rushes to Richmond, Virginia, to care for her daughter and her two grandchildren, including the paranormally gifted twelve-year-old, Emilie. When her mother’s behavior deteriorates, Emilie uses her special gift to feel the thoughts of others, and acts as an early warning system . When her daughter is murdered, Mad Max and her grandchildren set out to solve the crime and bring the killer to justice.

 

Review: Betsy Ashton’s Mad Max: Unintended Consequences delights with a unique protagonist this reader won’t soon forget.

Unintended Consequences drops the reader into the glamour of New York City, but one phone call sends the protagonist, Mad Max, flying to homely Richmond, Virginia to take care of her daughter and her daughter’s family. Ashton creates characters that produce strong reactions to the reader. For example, I often wanted to shake Max’s daughter and son-in-law for their behavior. Max’s grandchildren are so much fun to read about, particularly Emilie. I want to learn more about her fantastic paranormal gift.

Then, there is Mad Max. She is perhaps one of my favorite protagonists. She’s strong, smart, witty, sophisticated, caring, independent, and the list goes on and on. She’s the voice of the new grandma—just don’t call her “Grandma,” though. She loves her life the way it is, but duty won’t let her back down from a challenge—even if it is taking care of her grandchildren or catching her daughter’s murderer.

The fast-paced writing style draws the reader into the action. Ashton unfolds a unique story that tugs on your heartstrings, clenches your fists at the injustice that happens to the characters, and then lightens with a humorous quip to release the tension and sadness. I laughed. I cried. I didn’t want to put the book down until the very end.

I highly recommend Mad Max: Unintended Consequences by Betsy Ashton, and I hope to read more of Mad Max Davies in the future.

 

Five Bookworms = I loved it!