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Tara Sharp #2
Sharp Turn
Tara's quirky PI business is attracting some even quirkier customers. She's not sure how Madame Vine's Escort Agency got her number. And then there's the eccentric motorcycle racing team owner, Bolo Ignatius. Both these clients want Tara to investigate suspicious circumstances that turn up dead bodies. That can only mean one thing in this town: John Viaspa. Tara goes in for round two with the local crime boss, while balancing the tight rope of her deliciously complicated love life.
Tara Sharp's life can only be described as furious fun.
Tara Sharp's life can only be described as furious fun.
288 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2010
457 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Delacourt
10 books96 followersMarianne Delacourt is the alter ego of internationally published SF writer Marianne de Pierres.
Marianne Delacourt writes humorous crime about Tara Sharp psychic investigator who can read auras.
You can read about Marianne's books at www.mariannedepierres.com and www.burnbright.com.au and www.tarasharp.com.au
Marianne Delacourt writes humorous crime about Tara Sharp psychic investigator who can read auras.
You can read about Marianne's books at www.mariannedepierres.com and www.burnbright.com.au and www.tarasharp.com.au
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 23, 2017
Sharp Turn by Marianne Delacourt is the second book in the Tara Sharp series about a Private Investigator with an unusual gift – she can see people’s auras.
With Tara’s PI business taking off she now finds herself juggling two different clients, Madame Vine who runs an escort agency and Bolo Ignatius a motorcycle racing team owner.
After a spate of dead animals being left on the doorstep of her business and several threatening text messages, Madame Vine hires Tara to find out if one of her employees is behind it all or if it is something more sinister. When her assistant Audrey is shot dead on the front doorstep it is clear that this is not a straightforward case.
When hunky businessman Nike Tozzi contacted Tara with a business proposition for her she knew she would not say no. Bolo Ignatius needed someone to work undercover at the race track to look into some odd goings on that could ruin his chances of winning the championship.
With the body of bird napper Barbaro turns up, Tara’s life gets even more complicated as once again she is up against local crime boss Johnny Viaspa.
Back in this second instalment are Tara’s best mates Boc & Smitty, her narcoleptic head of security Wal, and her mentor Mr Hara. Still living above her parents’ garage means that her Mum still tries to interfere in everything she does. She is also assisted in her undercover mission at the race track by teenager Cass who Tara had brief dealings with in Sharp Shooter. Currently homeless Tara takes her in and puts her culinary skills to good use… which considering they are undercover in a food truck and Tara is slightly lacking in cooking ability is not a bad thing.
For some reason I warmed to Tara far more in Sharp Turn than I did in Sharp Shooter. Her life is no less hectic, she is sort of dating Eduardo a bar tender/model but also finds time to flirt with Josh who has just started frequenting her local gym and she still has her undeniable crush on Nick Tozzi, who unfortunately for her is still married and determined to make his marriage work. Despite this fact she still finds herself repeatedly turning to him when she is in trouble. Is it wrong of me to say that despite everything I am kind of rooting for Tara and Nick to get together?? Yes I know he is married but when his wife is constantly lying about sorting out her drug problem you kind of want him to ditch her and go and have some fun.
Although she still uses her “gift” from time to time it is more to judge people’s character than anything else and she uses her investigative skills far more to solve the two cases she is working on. I know that at the start of the series it was her ability to see people’s auras that was the focal point of the plot but I think as the character has developed in the second book it is taking more of a back seat which for me makes the story much better.
There are some real chuckle out loud moments in the book and for me the best one was when she goes along to Eduardo’s photo shoot at the beach but if you want to find out why then you will have to read the book for yourself as I am not going to spoil it.
I will admit that I enjoyed Sharp Turn more than the first book in the series which some may consider strange. I felt that I connected more with the characters this time even though Mr Hara is still under used in my opinion and you would probably not miss him if he was written out entirely. If you are looking for a fast paced quick read that provides you with some fun moments then the Tara Sharp series is worth taking a look at. I for one can’t wait to read the next instalment to see what Tara and her friends get up to next…. And if she finally gets together with Nick.
With Tara’s PI business taking off she now finds herself juggling two different clients, Madame Vine who runs an escort agency and Bolo Ignatius a motorcycle racing team owner.
After a spate of dead animals being left on the doorstep of her business and several threatening text messages, Madame Vine hires Tara to find out if one of her employees is behind it all or if it is something more sinister. When her assistant Audrey is shot dead on the front doorstep it is clear that this is not a straightforward case.
When hunky businessman Nike Tozzi contacted Tara with a business proposition for her she knew she would not say no. Bolo Ignatius needed someone to work undercover at the race track to look into some odd goings on that could ruin his chances of winning the championship.
With the body of bird napper Barbaro turns up, Tara’s life gets even more complicated as once again she is up against local crime boss Johnny Viaspa.
Back in this second instalment are Tara’s best mates Boc & Smitty, her narcoleptic head of security Wal, and her mentor Mr Hara. Still living above her parents’ garage means that her Mum still tries to interfere in everything she does. She is also assisted in her undercover mission at the race track by teenager Cass who Tara had brief dealings with in Sharp Shooter. Currently homeless Tara takes her in and puts her culinary skills to good use… which considering they are undercover in a food truck and Tara is slightly lacking in cooking ability is not a bad thing.
For some reason I warmed to Tara far more in Sharp Turn than I did in Sharp Shooter. Her life is no less hectic, she is sort of dating Eduardo a bar tender/model but also finds time to flirt with Josh who has just started frequenting her local gym and she still has her undeniable crush on Nick Tozzi, who unfortunately for her is still married and determined to make his marriage work. Despite this fact she still finds herself repeatedly turning to him when she is in trouble. Is it wrong of me to say that despite everything I am kind of rooting for Tara and Nick to get together?? Yes I know he is married but when his wife is constantly lying about sorting out her drug problem you kind of want him to ditch her and go and have some fun.
Although she still uses her “gift” from time to time it is more to judge people’s character than anything else and she uses her investigative skills far more to solve the two cases she is working on. I know that at the start of the series it was her ability to see people’s auras that was the focal point of the plot but I think as the character has developed in the second book it is taking more of a back seat which for me makes the story much better.
There are some real chuckle out loud moments in the book and for me the best one was when she goes along to Eduardo’s photo shoot at the beach but if you want to find out why then you will have to read the book for yourself as I am not going to spoil it.
I will admit that I enjoyed Sharp Turn more than the first book in the series which some may consider strange. I felt that I connected more with the characters this time even though Mr Hara is still under used in my opinion and you would probably not miss him if he was written out entirely. If you are looking for a fast paced quick read that provides you with some fun moments then the Tara Sharp series is worth taking a look at. I for one can’t wait to read the next instalment to see what Tara and her friends get up to next…. And if she finally gets together with Nick.
February 16, 2012
Sharp Turn continues the adventures of twenty something fledgling investigator, Tara Sharp who was introduced in Sharp Shooter. With three new cases and a new romance, things are finally looking up, then her clients girlfriend is murdered, her boyfriend's first modelling job pairs him with Tara's nemesis and Tara is targeted by an assassin known as 'The Finisher'. It's all downhill from there.
With it's blend of humour, action and romance, the Tara Sharp series is proving to be an entertaining read. The plot is just a touch improbable, but perfectly enjoyable as Tara uses her newly discovered skill at reading aura's, and undercover investigating, to help her clients. In Sharp Turn, Tara's cases involve the owner of a local brothel, Madame Vine, sabotage at Wanneroo Raceway and troublemakers at a nightclub. As she searches for clues she also has to contend with a narcoleptic bodyguard, an illiterate teenage runaway, the tempting (but very married) Nick Tozzi and the attentions of a serial killer. None of these distractions do anything to enhance her new relationship with the gorgeous Ed nor gets her any closer to moving out of her parents garage.
Tara is a fun protagonist, and she is supported by a great cast of quirky characters. Many of those met in Sharp Shooter return for the sequel though we see only glimpses of Bok, Smitty and Mr.Hara. The romantic tension between Tara and Nick is ramped up in this installment with both desperately trying to do the right thing despite their attraction to each other. Wal and Cass are back and camping out at Tara's and Johnny Viaspa is still lurking menacingly in the background.
Sharp Turn is a light-hearted crime caper with fast paced action in the tradition of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. I'm not sure that Sharp Turn would work as a stand alone but as a second installment it does a great job of building on the series and I eagerly await the third.
With it's blend of humour, action and romance, the Tara Sharp series is proving to be an entertaining read. The plot is just a touch improbable, but perfectly enjoyable as Tara uses her newly discovered skill at reading aura's, and undercover investigating, to help her clients. In Sharp Turn, Tara's cases involve the owner of a local brothel, Madame Vine, sabotage at Wanneroo Raceway and troublemakers at a nightclub. As she searches for clues she also has to contend with a narcoleptic bodyguard, an illiterate teenage runaway, the tempting (but very married) Nick Tozzi and the attentions of a serial killer. None of these distractions do anything to enhance her new relationship with the gorgeous Ed nor gets her any closer to moving out of her parents garage.
Tara is a fun protagonist, and she is supported by a great cast of quirky characters. Many of those met in Sharp Shooter return for the sequel though we see only glimpses of Bok, Smitty and Mr.Hara. The romantic tension between Tara and Nick is ramped up in this installment with both desperately trying to do the right thing despite their attraction to each other. Wal and Cass are back and camping out at Tara's and Johnny Viaspa is still lurking menacingly in the background.
Sharp Turn is a light-hearted crime caper with fast paced action in the tradition of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. I'm not sure that Sharp Turn would work as a stand alone but as a second installment it does a great job of building on the series and I eagerly await the third.
September 14, 2018
Everything I said in my review of Sharp Shooter still stands. An easy read with a noir feeling set in present day Brisbane, with a kick ass barely-functioning-as-an-adult heroine. It's funny and it's really hard not to love the rag-tag gang of friends.
Only criticism is the speed and lack of depth to the one scene that could have added some real feeling and realism to the whole thing, but maybe the almost light hearted glazing over of the ACTUAL REAL DANGER is the style of this.
I think I preferred book 1 more, but I'm enjoying the series as the light, fun stories they are.
Only criticism is the speed and lack of depth to the one scene that could have added some real feeling and realism to the whole thing, but maybe the almost light hearted glazing over of the ACTUAL REAL DANGER is the style of this.
I think I preferred book 1 more, but I'm enjoying the series as the light, fun stories they are.
December 23, 2017
DNF... I tried but it was just too ‘racing car’ heavy. I couldn’t get a picture of the main character in my mind, she just didn’t seem consistent enough in the character build for me to understand her. I liked that it was set in Perth, especially as my sister in law lives there but there wasn’t enough description of the locale to keep me interested.
July 14, 2014
Like its predecessor, Sharp Shooter, this is a detective story involving PI Tara Sharp and a bunch of quirky characters, some of whom are her friends. Some of them are not friends, and sometimes she has trouble knowing the difference - and thereby hangs this tale of adventure, intrigue and fast cars. It's an easy read with quite a few laughs to lighten the tension.
The Tara Sharp series is set in Perth, the author's hometown, and Delacourt's knowledge of the place gives a feeling of authenticity and also adds to the appeal of the series for anyone who knows and loves the most isolated city in the world.
The Tara Sharp series is set in Perth, the author's hometown, and Delacourt's knowledge of the place gives a feeling of authenticity and also adds to the appeal of the series for anyone who knows and loves the most isolated city in the world.
July 5, 2017
Even better
It took me a while to get into the first book, since I'm American and had to get used to Aussie talk but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Well, this one is even better and I loved it! I'm hooked and officially a fan now. Tars is great, her band of misfits hilarious and the mysteries great. I could do with her having a better love life but I'm sure it will pan out.
It took me a while to get into the first book, since I'm American and had to get used to Aussie talk but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Well, this one is even better and I loved it! I'm hooked and officially a fan now. Tars is great, her band of misfits hilarious and the mysteries great. I could do with her having a better love life but I'm sure it will pan out.
June 24, 2017
Nicely twisty plot line, fantastically interesting characters, and funny incidents
The title says it all. I don't usually laugh out loud while reading a book. Can't wait to start the 3rd book, and will read something else by this author after that.
The title says it all. I don't usually laugh out loud while reading a book. Can't wait to start the 3rd book, and will read something else by this author after that.
June 22, 2017
Tara Sharp - the gal from down under #2
Another action packed story from beginning to end. Good characters and story line - keeps you wanting more. Can't wait for the next book...
Another action packed story from beginning to end. Good characters and story line - keeps you wanting more. Can't wait for the next book...
June 24, 2017
Another fun trip
I am really enjoying these books! I like the characters and the cadence. Fun, quick reads with not so predictable endings.
I am really enjoying these books! I like the characters and the cadence. Fun, quick reads with not so predictable endings.
January 15, 2011
Sharp Turn is the second book in Marianne Delacourt's crime series featuring protagonist Tara Sharp. It's a departure from my usual reading, I am not a huge fan of the crime/romance/paranormal genre. Indeed mention of the characters ability to read aura's had me rolling my eyes - it's a credit to Delacourt's skill and craft that I kept reading.
The Story
Our Protagonist Tara Sharp is an Amateur Private Investigator with a special talent(she can see Aura's). In this outing she's hired by a Race Team owner to investigate who is tampering with his bikes and preventing the team from taking out the championship. She also gets to see more of the underside of Perth when she's called in to help investigate trouble at an upmarket brothel.
What I liked
Delacourt's writing is polished, the story light with a hint of romance, a lot of action and bearable amount of that eye rolling aura stuff. It's a quick read and despite it not being my usual fair I found myself quiclky turning the pages at the end to find out what happened.
What I didn't
The aura stuff - I don't know why this affected me so much. I am perfectly okay with magic in a fantasy or urban fantasy setting, so I can't understand why I baulked at this. Perhaps because I know people who believe this stuff seriously?
The Martial Arts - I found Tara's level of skill after one self defense class too unbelievable, especially considering her opponent.
Credit to Delacourt though, her writing got me over these two roadblocks in my suspension of disbelief
Final Thoughts
If you like paranormal adventure fiction with a female protagonist, this one's for you. It's a light refreshing read with a nice twist at the end.
I give this book 4 stars for writing ability. I liked it which would normally be 3 stars, but I am not sure whether most view star ratings as a mark of quality.
January 18, 2012
This review was first posted on my blog: The Australian Bookshelf
Tara Sharp is back! We met this flighty trainee PI in Sharp Shooter and she is up to more outrageous antics in the sequel, Sharp Turn. If you are a fan of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich and haven’t discovered Marianne Delacourt yet, then you are missing out! Set in Perth, Australia, Sharp Turn takes us on another adventure with Tara Sharp, 28 years old; living at home with her parents and near broke.
Out of desperation she accepts a job by Madame Vine who runs the local brothel and needs Tara’s ‘skills’ to sort out some problems among her staff. Just to make things confusing, she also takes on a job at a nightclub to locate the troublemakers and a big job with the motor racing industry with thanks to her dream man (and very married man) Nick Tozzi.
I loved the chemistry between these two in Sharp Shooter as the author managed to convince me that Nick and Tara would make a better couple than Nick and his drug addicted wife. The tension continues in this sequel, but Tara is very much inexperienced in dealing with emotional issues and so chooses to deal with them via avoidance. This suits her impulsive personality perfectly, as she is always jumping from one thing to another and winding up in situations that are impossible to escape from. I liked that Cass, the unruly teenager who turns up on Tara’s doorstep had a much bigger role in the sequel. Tara, Cass and her bizarre bodyguard Wal make a hilarious team.
The Tara Sharp series is exciting, funny and slightly outrageous at times but completely engrossing and a lot of fun!
For humour crime genre fans- this series is a must!
Tara Sharp is back! We met this flighty trainee PI in Sharp Shooter and she is up to more outrageous antics in the sequel, Sharp Turn. If you are a fan of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich and haven’t discovered Marianne Delacourt yet, then you are missing out! Set in Perth, Australia, Sharp Turn takes us on another adventure with Tara Sharp, 28 years old; living at home with her parents and near broke.
Out of desperation she accepts a job by Madame Vine who runs the local brothel and needs Tara’s ‘skills’ to sort out some problems among her staff. Just to make things confusing, she also takes on a job at a nightclub to locate the troublemakers and a big job with the motor racing industry with thanks to her dream man (and very married man) Nick Tozzi.
I loved the chemistry between these two in Sharp Shooter as the author managed to convince me that Nick and Tara would make a better couple than Nick and his drug addicted wife. The tension continues in this sequel, but Tara is very much inexperienced in dealing with emotional issues and so chooses to deal with them via avoidance. This suits her impulsive personality perfectly, as she is always jumping from one thing to another and winding up in situations that are impossible to escape from. I liked that Cass, the unruly teenager who turns up on Tara’s doorstep had a much bigger role in the sequel. Tara, Cass and her bizarre bodyguard Wal make a hilarious team.
The Tara Sharp series is exciting, funny and slightly outrageous at times but completely engrossing and a lot of fun!
For humour crime genre fans- this series is a must!
April 1, 2011
Tara Sharp is at it again! Those lucky people, who may have previously discovered Tara in ‘Sharp Shooter’, can now continue to follow her adventures in Perth, WA in the new story ‘Sharp Turn’.
Things are finally looking up on the work front for this feisty PI, which may just mean she'll be able to escape living in her parent's garage. She has the owner of a motorcycle racing team put her on retainer to find out who's sabotaging his bikes and a wealthy 'madam' wants her assistance in coaching her 'girls' on how to read their clients more astutely.
Tara’s ‘vision’ skills will come in handy on both her jobs, however Johnny Viaspa, the local gang lord whom Tara had bad dealings with on a previous job, has engaged a hit man known as 'the Finisher' to clean up some 'unfinished business'. Due to their own ‘unfinished business’ Tara should be concerned... As if that weren't bad enough, Wal, her narcoleptic security chief is suddenly homeless and is eyeing off the couch in Tara's digs while talking about 'keeping an eye on her'.
Things are finally looking up on the work front for this feisty PI, which may just mean she'll be able to escape living in her parent's garage. She has the owner of a motorcycle racing team put her on retainer to find out who's sabotaging his bikes and a wealthy 'madam' wants her assistance in coaching her 'girls' on how to read their clients more astutely.
Tara’s ‘vision’ skills will come in handy on both her jobs, however Johnny Viaspa, the local gang lord whom Tara had bad dealings with on a previous job, has engaged a hit man known as 'the Finisher' to clean up some 'unfinished business'. Due to their own ‘unfinished business’ Tara should be concerned... As if that weren't bad enough, Wal, her narcoleptic security chief is suddenly homeless and is eyeing off the couch in Tara's digs while talking about 'keeping an eye on her'.
April 27, 2014
Tara Sharp is a new character for me to know and I just loved her!
As sharp in nature as she is in name, Tara earns a living solving mysteries. She is not a registered PI, but people do pay her to snoop. In Sharp Turn, she is asked to investigate a series of small, but nasty incidents at a motorcycle track. The big race is coming up, and four teams are in the running to win, but someone is sabotaging a particular team.
Delacourt has crafted quirky, believable characters whom I would like to meet again. I lived in Perth for five years back in the 1970s and recognise “Dog Beach” – our dog, Cindy, had wonderful times there – and of course, Fridge is delightful!
A character from the first in this delightful series – Sharp Shooter – turns up in this novel, and no doubt will appear again.
This fast-paced and hilarious tale is great fun and I hope Ms Delacourt is busy penning another. I am off to get Stage Fright and Sharp Shooter tomorrow.
As sharp in nature as she is in name, Tara earns a living solving mysteries. She is not a registered PI, but people do pay her to snoop. In Sharp Turn, she is asked to investigate a series of small, but nasty incidents at a motorcycle track. The big race is coming up, and four teams are in the running to win, but someone is sabotaging a particular team.
Delacourt has crafted quirky, believable characters whom I would like to meet again. I lived in Perth for five years back in the 1970s and recognise “Dog Beach” – our dog, Cindy, had wonderful times there – and of course, Fridge is delightful!
A character from the first in this delightful series – Sharp Shooter – turns up in this novel, and no doubt will appear again.
This fast-paced and hilarious tale is great fun and I hope Ms Delacourt is busy penning another. I am off to get Stage Fright and Sharp Shooter tomorrow.
January 28, 2016
What a great continuation from Tara's first adventure! Tara has more of an idea what she's doing with her business and how, plus there's Cass. I love that Tara can't help but take in strays and help them - she's not so different from her Aunt Liz whatever she might say. I loved the mysteries being unravelled, spicy enough but not heavy enough to impact on the overall light tone of the book that aims to entertain rather than frighten. I love that about these books and I keep falling in love with the characters even more, especially Smitty.
Read
March 31, 2012An Australian author who has done a great job with this entertaining piece of work. The suspense was great and the humour entwined throughout was fantastic. Believable characters in extraordinary situations worked well for me.
January 11, 2015
Think I enjoyed this one more than the first in the series - can't wait for the next instalment. Tara Sharp is a colourful character who keeps getting herself into deep water - amusing plots and interesting characters
December 10, 2010
Another quick light read featuring Tara Sharp. I especially like this because of the Australian focus. A recommended read for a flight or lazing around during summer.
October 18, 2011
Sharp Turn is suspenseful, hilarious and absolutely impossible to put down! This book left me desperate to know what happens next. A must-read!
September 3, 2012
I love Tara Sharp she's witty in tune and and amazing heroine.
i read this in one day, I honestly could not put it down.
i read this in one day, I honestly could not put it down.
January 4, 2014
I really enjoyed Tara Sharp's second outing. Lots of action, humour, twists and turns and a bit of romance. I laughed out loud several times. I look forward to reading more of her adventures!
October 30, 2020
Great book, love the series I am hooked
May 8, 2017
Sharp Turn is the second Tara Sharp book and continues to be fast-paced fun. Although Tara finds herself in some prickly situations (sometimes quite literally), the story maintains a light-hearted tone.
The first book in the series got off to a bit of a slow start, but Sharp Turn came roaring out of the gate. Within two chapters, the story had reintroduced reoccurring characters and set up several new plots. It verged on a little too fast for me, but fortunately settled.
I really enjoyed the return of some of the characters. Cass was a particular surprise--a streetwise teen who helped Tara out in the first book. She'd seemed like just a passing character, so I was delighted to see her back. Not only that, but she gets fleshed out as we learn a bit more about her background. She serves as an excellent foil for Tara. The fact she has more life skills than Tara--particularly when it comes to cooking--highlights Tara's privilege, as does Cass's relationship with Tara's mother.
The romantic relationships were a bit of a weak point of the book. There are appearances from both love interests, just long enough to remind us that they are still there with very little meaningful interaction. New complications are added to both relationships, but these felt flimsy and unsatisfying. Overall, Tara gives the impression of not being interested in any kind of relationship beyond the superficial.
The mystery elements were stronger, with each of the cases deftly intertwined. Coming from a family of motorbike enthusiasts, I also really enjoyed the setting. It felt vibrant and full of tension.
If you're looking for a quick, fun read, Sharp Turn doesn't disappoint.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
The first book in the series got off to a bit of a slow start, but Sharp Turn came roaring out of the gate. Within two chapters, the story had reintroduced reoccurring characters and set up several new plots. It verged on a little too fast for me, but fortunately settled.
I really enjoyed the return of some of the characters. Cass was a particular surprise--a streetwise teen who helped Tara out in the first book. She'd seemed like just a passing character, so I was delighted to see her back. Not only that, but she gets fleshed out as we learn a bit more about her background. She serves as an excellent foil for Tara. The fact she has more life skills than Tara--particularly when it comes to cooking--highlights Tara's privilege, as does Cass's relationship with Tara's mother.
The romantic relationships were a bit of a weak point of the book. There are appearances from both love interests, just long enough to remind us that they are still there with very little meaningful interaction. New complications are added to both relationships, but these felt flimsy and unsatisfying. Overall, Tara gives the impression of not being interested in any kind of relationship beyond the superficial.
The mystery elements were stronger, with each of the cases deftly intertwined. Coming from a family of motorbike enthusiasts, I also really enjoyed the setting. It felt vibrant and full of tension.
If you're looking for a quick, fun read, Sharp Turn doesn't disappoint.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
June 3, 2022
Tara Sharp is a young woman living in Australia. She has a special talent; she can see people's auras and is able to "read" them in an unconventional way. The handful of people who know about her talent urge her to use it to her advantage. So she works as a private investigator (of sorts).
In this book, she takes on two different cases - a brothel "madam" and the owner of a bike racing team are having trouble in their respective lines of work, and Tara tries to help them out.
🤗What I liked:
Tara is not the stereotypical female protagonist. She feels like a real person you might know. She doesn't have her life all sorted out for her, she's got her own insecurities about her body, she has real friends, she struggles with money. At the same time, she's bold, strong, street smart and not ashamed of her vulnerabilities. She's a beautiful mess!
Because the book is narrated from Tara's perspective, it's sprinked with her sense of humour. That makes the book an easy read.
🤷♀️ What could have been better:
Even though Tara has this special talent and there are instances of her reading them, the author doesn't go into details about how they really helped with solving the cases.
It seems a bit too convenient for her, that she just happens to know the right people and gets instant answers and solutions without doing any real work. Even though she did do some scouting, there's not much said about how she put the bits of info she gathered help her out the puzzle together. It's a bit too superficial.
I mean, even though I didn't expect a Sherlock-level satisfaction from reading this book, I expected to be satisfied with the solutions nevertheless.
🤔Would I read the other books in the series?
I'll probably read one more book. I don't feel like I missed much by not reading the first book (all the characters were introduced properly in this book too). So maybe I'll read the third, just to see if it gets better?
In this book, she takes on two different cases - a brothel "madam" and the owner of a bike racing team are having trouble in their respective lines of work, and Tara tries to help them out.
🤗What I liked:
Tara is not the stereotypical female protagonist. She feels like a real person you might know. She doesn't have her life all sorted out for her, she's got her own insecurities about her body, she has real friends, she struggles with money. At the same time, she's bold, strong, street smart and not ashamed of her vulnerabilities. She's a beautiful mess!
Because the book is narrated from Tara's perspective, it's sprinked with her sense of humour. That makes the book an easy read.
🤷♀️ What could have been better:
Even though Tara has this special talent and there are instances of her reading them, the author doesn't go into details about how they really helped with solving the cases.
It seems a bit too convenient for her, that she just happens to know the right people and gets instant answers and solutions without doing any real work. Even though she did do some scouting, there's not much said about how she put the bits of info she gathered help her out the puzzle together. It's a bit too superficial.
I mean, even though I didn't expect a Sherlock-level satisfaction from reading this book, I expected to be satisfied with the solutions nevertheless.
🤔Would I read the other books in the series?
I'll probably read one more book. I don't feel like I missed much by not reading the first book (all the characters were introduced properly in this book too). So maybe I'll read the third, just to see if it gets better?
September 2, 2017
While I really liked the first book in the series, the second book was much better! It got into a good flow from the first page with the scenes being super engaging, a nice change from the rather skimming tone of the first book.
I like how the stakes at the end of the book were definitely upped from the last one, Tara handling the pressure much better than I thought she would. I also liked how you got to know the secondary characters a bit more in this one and I loved the subplotline exploring Cass's personality. Wal is also turning out to be a favoured character too (that guy is nuts but awesome).
The only thing that grated after a while was how long it took Tara to put things together at the race track. It seemed a bit slow but that could just be my impatience with finding out 'who done it'.
All in all a bit of fun for a good holiday read.
I like how the stakes at the end of the book were definitely upped from the last one, Tara handling the pressure much better than I thought she would. I also liked how you got to know the secondary characters a bit more in this one and I loved the subplotline exploring Cass's personality. Wal is also turning out to be a favoured character too (that guy is nuts but awesome).
The only thing that grated after a while was how long it took Tara to put things together at the race track. It seemed a bit slow but that could just be my impatience with finding out 'who done it'.
All in all a bit of fun for a good holiday read.
May 3, 2021
Interesting series
I've now read the first two books in the Tara Sharp series and I found them both intriguing. The setting in Perth, Australia grabbed my eye. The first book has a lot of Australia-isms but the second book not so much. I have mixed feelings about Tara, mostly due to her poor judgment at times, but the stories have been good. With her ability to read auras, the books are a little different from the usual cozies. The pace of each keeps your interest, and there is humor along with the low level romance. No overt sex or bad language, but there is some violence in each. It's not gratuitous and it's not overdone. Each book is complete. I'm intrigued enough to give the third book a try.
I've now read the first two books in the Tara Sharp series and I found them both intriguing. The setting in Perth, Australia grabbed my eye. The first book has a lot of Australia-isms but the second book not so much. I have mixed feelings about Tara, mostly due to her poor judgment at times, but the stories have been good. With her ability to read auras, the books are a little different from the usual cozies. The pace of each keeps your interest, and there is humor along with the low level romance. No overt sex or bad language, but there is some violence in each. It's not gratuitous and it's not overdone. Each book is complete. I'm intrigued enough to give the third book a try.
December 24, 2017
Second book in the series. Features a twentysomething lady P.I. from Perth, Australia, who sees auras, has two pet birds that bite people, and is surrounded by a cast of intriguing characters, Her mom seems focused on social class, her dad's a quiet but nice guy, she lives in their backyard guest cabin and tries to make ends meet with this aura reading P.I. gig. She is physically fit, daring, and a terrible cook.
I like the book because it was set in western Australia, a place I've never been (though I've been to the east coast of the country twice). The local mannerisms, language, trends, and perceptions are interesting to pick up contextually this way.
I like the book because it was set in western Australia, a place I've never been (though I've been to the east coast of the country twice). The local mannerisms, language, trends, and perceptions are interesting to pick up contextually this way.
September 24, 2018
Not a bad mystery. The "reading auras" thing really didn't add anything to the story, and very little of Tara Sharp's reading helped to solve the case. I liked that the character was working unrelated cases as opposed to one case. I was disappointed by the coincidences. Tara conveniently leaves her phone home so her teen-aged protege can use it to get her out of hot water. Likewise, what crime lord would let a hired hit-man to use on of his own cars for tailing someone he wants killed, likewise how could Tara be tailed by two separate guys and only notice one? Entertaining, but a few too many plot-holes for me to want to continue with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2019
Page turner
I couldn't put this down until I fell asleep from exhaustion. Tara Sharp is the Veronica Mars of Perth, only she's not a high schooler, she's a late twenty-something Paralanguage and Kinesthetic Consultant. While her gift for reading auras is handy, despite her protests to the contrary, Tara is a gifted private detective. It's rare for books to be set in my hometown and I got a kick out of every small reference to Perth. Marianne Delacourt never fails to provide an entertaining, engrossing read and she truly excells at her craft. Looking forward to reading Too Sharp.
I couldn't put this down until I fell asleep from exhaustion. Tara Sharp is the Veronica Mars of Perth, only she's not a high schooler, she's a late twenty-something Paralanguage and Kinesthetic Consultant. While her gift for reading auras is handy, despite her protests to the contrary, Tara is a gifted private detective. It's rare for books to be set in my hometown and I got a kick out of every small reference to Perth. Marianne Delacourt never fails to provide an entertaining, engrossing read and she truly excells at her craft. Looking forward to reading Too Sharp.
December 30, 2017
Tara sees auras and is sure she is going nuts, so she goes to a family friend who is also a psychiatrist for help. The help she is given is the name and address of Mr. Hara who can help her understand the auras. With his help she no longer thinks she is crazy but she also starts a fledgling business of detection.
Clients are beginning to contact her, now she is working for a Madame as well as a Motor Cross racer.
This is book 2 in the series and I found it as interesting, delightful and fun as the 1st.
Clients are beginning to contact her, now she is working for a Madame as well as a Motor Cross racer.
This is book 2 in the series and I found it as interesting, delightful and fun as the 1st.
November 29, 2018
Another good one
The second book featuring Tara Sharp, a young woman who has the ability to see peoples auras. She uses this talent to help clients determine if they are in danger or just being paranoid. I enjoyed this book because it included characters introduced in Too Sharp & added others. Some bad & some good. Lots of suspense, some romance and even some humor. A great read, don’t miss it.
NickTheMoose
The second book featuring Tara Sharp, a young woman who has the ability to see peoples auras. She uses this talent to help clients determine if they are in danger or just being paranoid. I enjoyed this book because it included characters introduced in Too Sharp & added others. Some bad & some good. Lots of suspense, some romance and even some humor. A great read, don’t miss it.
NickTheMoose
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