Body of a Girl

by Leah Stewart

Book Overview

In Memphis, where the heat clings heavy like a second skin, it has been a summer of murders. Olivia Dale's job as a novice crime reporter is at once surreal stepping in and out of strangers' lives... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670891649
• ISBN13: 9780670891641
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 313 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Stroll Down the Humid, Sultry, Mean Streets Of Memphis!

A 25-year old fledging ace crime newpaper reporter seeks the answers to a night time street murder of a multi-faceted young lady with a surprising resemblance to the reporter herself. Our intrepid narrator meets about every type, from frustrated lovers, drugged out kid brothers, very good local police, and a lot more. And in this case, the police do a fine job in crime solving, a nice change from many novels of the genre. A fine atmospheric job you'll read thru to the end! My only quibble..Is it that easy to enter the apartment of a murder victim?

Totally addictive

From the moment I started this book, I was hooked. Every page had me on the edge of my seat. Was there nothing the main character wouldn't do for her story? (You'll have to read it for yourself to find out if and where she draws her line in the sand.)Stewart's writing style perfect for the tale. She does a great job of helping you understand the motivations of the lead character without giving away her next move. No easy task.A great read. You won't be disappointed.

Exciting amateur sleuth tale

In Memphis, Olivia Dale does the cop beat. Although quite young for such an assignment and is not even aware of the names of the cops she reports on, Olivia normally arrives after the police and medical examiners have completed their efforts. This time she happened to hear the report of murder over the scanner and was close enough to beat most of the homicide cops to the scene. For the first time she sees the brutalized corpse lying in the park before the tape prohibits voyeurs and reporters (some might say that is the same). The victim is Allison Avery, who haunts Olivia, as she seems so similar to herself down to her painted toenails at least to the reporter. An obsessed Olivia needs to know the truth because the similarities between them bedevil her and she could have been the person lying in the park. Olivia begins her own investigation into the life of Allison by flirting with the victim's brother and former boyfriend. Olivia digs deeper into a life that increasingly strikes home. Though in some respects, BODY OF A GIRL is an amateur sleuth tale, the story line centers more on Olivia's state of mind. Olivia is a complex character whose actions obfuscate the barrier between reporting a story and becoming the story. The support cast, including the victim, exists for readers to dig deep inside the mind of the protagonisst. Purists who enjoy an amateur sleuth examining a murder will probably be a bit disappointed by this tale, but readers who relish a psychological portrait of an investigator who stepped over the line will devour Leah Stewart's debut novel.

One of those you just can't put down

I have to say there are not many books I just can't put down, but this was one of them. Leah Stewart has done a remarkable job of luring you in so easily you don't realize how engaged you are before it's too late. I'm not normally a mystery/thriller reader, but this was recommended by a friend, and I'm really glad I picked it up. The book is terrific -- hard to believe it's a first novel!

Read This Book!

Body of a Girl is so wonderful I can only urge you to order it and read it as soon as possible. Allison Avery is the perfect 'girl.' Beloved by friends and family. Her murder opens up her life... a secret life that may have led to her brutal murder. Olivia Dale is a young reporter who covers the story for her Memphis newspaper. Olivia bears a resemblance to Allison and soon the murdered girl's family and friends open up to her, giving her insight into Allisons life. Olivia is drawn into this shadowy and dangerous world, fascinated by the wild side hidden inside her. Leah Stewart is a wonderful writer . I never thought anyone could hold a candle to Ruth Rendell, but here she is! This book is what a crime novel should be...literate, insightful and most importantly, great fun to read. I look forward to the next book!