Snapshot of NYC #2
Christin Brecher’s second book in her Snapshot of NYC mystery series, Mugshots of Manhattan, has photographer Liv Spyers tossed into the high drama, high energy world of pop stars. She’s managed to score an assignment as the only photographer allowed at, and behind the scenes of, Grammy Award-winning pop star Bisa at a massive event. Concerts and a movie release revolving around Bisa’s new songs is the event of the century. The whole city has Bisa madness, and Liv is excited to be along for the ride. But the life of stars turns out to be more dramatic and dangerous than anyone could have predicted. Bisa’s estranged sister Anna crashes the party, and leaves a whirlwind of chaos and potential PR nightmares in her wake. After experiencing Anna’s rather dynamic personality up close, the last thing Liv expects is to find her dead.
Unfortunately, Liv is surrounded by people desperate to save face and to keep Bisa on track to make the next few days a big success. Such an extravagant flashy event has no place for something as dark and scandalous as murder. Liv refuses to simply pretend to not have seen what she’s seen, or to just fall in line for the good of the show. However, at this particular venue, she seems like the only one. Luckily Liv’s new boyfriend and member of the Art Crimes Unit, Harry Fellowes, is back.
He arrives in town ready to help her to uncover Anna’s killer. But his appearance in town isn’t just for relaxation and hanging out with Liv, it turns out he is currently hunting his own elusive criminal. Given that Liv is cut off from police assistance in this novel, it’s a great comfort to have Harry in town and watching her back. In a world of performances and acts, it’s a huge relief to have someone real nearby. A picture is worth a thousand words, and Liv maximizes her ability to read those words in the photographs she takes. She uses them to read people, to tell the stories of their lives, and to uncover their secrets. She is able to read down to micro expressions and use them in the most efficient way to get the subjects of said photos to cave and give her more clues and information.
Readers who did not pick up Christin Brecher’s previous book will not find themselves lost in any way if they choose to start their journey with Mugshots of Manhattan. Characters are introduced effectively, and their relationships are clear, so the reader is never unsure of how anyone knows each other in the reoccurring cast. Liv’s passion for photography is obvious, as is her sense of justice. It is easy to be drawn in by her drive and determination to pursue both. Liv remains relatable to any reader and stays grounded despite the grandiose and dramatic environment. Given the fast pace of the celebrity world Liv finds herself in, the story moves along quickly, and readers will find themselves constantly guessing what secrets Liv will uncover next, and who is keeping them. –Carla Schantz