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!
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
