Book Review: ‘Brush Back’ The Latest V.I. Warshawski Novel

Sara Paretsky is back with her latest V.I. Warshawski Novel Brush Back (Putnam in stores July 28).

V.I. is stunned one day when former high school flame Frank shows up asking for her help. Not really wanting to relive her south side of Chicago days, V.I. is hesitant to help him. His mother Stella, a very vile woman, has been released from jail (she was found guilty of murdering her daughter Annie) and Frank wants V.I. to help her clear her name. She claims she didn’t do it and at her trial years ago she had a rookie lawyer that didn’t do much to help her.

V.I. says she will look into it briefly but really has no interest. As she visits the south side and Stella old wounds are opened and she starts to see things don’t add up. Stella soon goes public with an alleged diary from her late daughter and points the finger at hockey legend Boom-Boom (V.I.’s relative).

As V.I. starts investigating more she comes across the ex-lawyer of Stella’s case, south side tough guys, gangs wanting to do her in, top political leaders and even the Chicago Cubs. It all leads to a stunning climax where V.I. has to save lives before it’s too late.

Having never read one of the Warshawski books I found it a fun read. V.I. is one smart, tough woman who will go to no ends to find the answers she needs even if it endangers her live. You don’t have to have read any of the other books as Sara gives good back story on characters and who is who and what they have done. You can pick up Brush Back on July 28.