Woman With a Gun audiobook

The characters seemed a bit cliche and not well developed, but despite some flaws, it was a quick read, because I did look forward to picking it up whenever I could!

Another great book by the extremely talented, Mr. Margolin. This is my third book that I have read by this author. Every book that he comes out with is a must read for me. I can't wait to get my hands on his books. Mr. Margolin infuses his characters with such life and makes the stories that he is writing so personal that I just fall for the characters and their story. Just like Mr. Margolin I too was very intrigued by the title of this book and the book cover. I wanted to know more about the mystery woman in the photo and what secret she held. I liked the way the author went smoothly from present, past and back to the present. I kept trying to figure out the truth before the author revealed it to me. Sadly, I was not able to uncover the secret before it was time. The way the author wrote the story was very smart. He never revealed anything. He had a good poker face. I can't wait to see what inspiration the author finds next for his next book. Woman with a Gun is a must, must read!

I am a big fan of true crime so I knew I was going to like this book, I just didn't know I was going to like it this much. This book kept me on the edge of my seat for the longest time, even though it kind of started out a little slow. I was truly surprised by the end of the book but I love when that happens. I listen and watch so much true crime shows that it's very rare to be put on the edge of my sit anymore but this book did that and more. Longer review to come soon!

Surprisingly great. Dropped to 4 instead of 5 stars because it ended up being ever so slightly predictable.Running my complete review on my blog on Dec. 10 for TLC Book Tours. Check it out!!REVIEW:I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review!Woman With a Gun starts with the story of Stacey Kim, a talented writer, who is having trouble with ideas for her first novel. She dropped everything to move to New York and become successful, only she hasn’t been able to do that yet. One day, on her lunch break she goes to the Museum of Modern Art and stumbles upon the photo, “Woman with a Gun” by famous photographer Kathy Moran. Stacey is immediately intrigued and inspired to write a novel loosely based on the story behind the photo – the only problem is that no one knows the story. Stacey eventually finds out that the photo is of Megan Cahill, the wife of Raymond Cahill who was brutally murdered in their home on the night of their wedding. So begins her journey to learn more – Stacey interviews the lead detective on the Cahill murder, Jack Booth, and the story quickly jumps back to the Kilbride case, which happened several years before the Cahill murder, and explains Kathy Moran’s background and Jack’s connection to her. As Stacey is uncovering the truth about these cases, she begins to put the puzzle together that no one has been able to before and ends up finding herself in danger also.So we have three main plots: the present where Stacey is investigating the photo, the Cahill case, and the Kilbride case. However, unlike a lot of books with subplots in different timelines, Woman with a Gun does not jump back and forth incessantly. For this reason, I loved it. The fact that each story is told almost independently adds a lot of suspense and keeps you guessing who the Cahill killer is until the end.I’ve seen other reviews that say this book was difficult to get into and that it didn’t keep the reviewers attention since it is difficult to see how the different crimes are connected until the very end. Yes, the connections are not there in the beginning, but the stories are written without fluff, almost like a detective is presenting you the facts. So, in my opinion, the writing style is perfect for this story.Throughout the entire book, I was prepared to give a 5-star rating – The premise of the story being based on a photo is amazing; the story keeps your attention; the characters are developed just enough to make you interested in all of their outcomes but not too much to detract from the actual whodunit plot. I did slightly lower my rating at the end though because I’m a snob when it comes to mystery and I don’t like when I am able to guess who the killer is. Although, I only guessed in the last couple of chapters.If you want a quick mystery (this book literally took me less than one day to read), then I highly recommend Woman with a Gun. This was my first time to read Phillip Margolin, and I was definitely not disappointed.

Overall rating = 3 & 1/2 starsOVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: Phillip Margolin is one of my favorite authors, his previous series books starring Amanda Jaffe & Dana Cutler are some of the best thrillers I've read. While the books primarily focussed on legal aspects (Amanda Jaffe) and political aspects (Dana Cutler), they also mixed a large cast of characters along with a lot of twists. This is classic Margolin as he lays out the story in different time periods as he introduces all the main characters before taking the reader along for a roller coaster ride.This story of is no different but has a unique start to it because of its cover. The author spotted this picture in a restaurant in the south and from there, the germ of an idea was born. Coincidentally one of the main characters of the book Stacey Kim, sees the same picture and wants to write a book about it. The story is set in three time periods of 2000, 2005 & 2015. The main plot deals with the murder of Raymond Cahill in 2005 with his bride Megan Cahill being the prime suspect. Stacey's story begins in 2015 while we learn more about Jack Booth and Kathy Moran in 2000 and how do they know each other.The earlier half of the book deals with the events in 2000 & 2005 while the latter half is almost exclusively set in 2015, the story is a good thriller with enough red herrings interspersed to keep the readers from guessing who did it. Over all I enjoyed the story but I can't say this was Phil Margolin's best.

Woman With A Gun: Phillip MargolinSome photographs speak volumes making the subject matter come alive and allowing viewers to become so immersed within the scenery or transfixed with the subject they often lose sight of where they are and become one and the same with the photo. “Woman with a Gun,” was a photo that author Phillip Margolin saw when in the bathroom of a men’s washroom and he immediately knew that this photo of a woman on the beach with her back to her audience holding a gun behind her back in her right hand was just the perfect cover for his next book and triggered a plot so diabolical, so brilliantly crafted that not only did the author tell the story but his main character, Stacey Kim decided to use this same photo in her novel after viewing this same photo. Stuck in a writer’s rut or writer’s block trying to figure out where to go in her writing career, Stacey contemplated her options while working as a receptionist for a law firm and hating every minute. All it takes is one change viewing or meeting and your life can change forever. A short lunch break and a visit to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Stacey becomes so taken and obsessed with this photo that she has to learn more about it, the photographer and wonders and asks some of the same questions our author did when viewing this photo: Who is this woman? Why was she at the beach wearing a wedding dress? Why was she holding a gun and did she use it to kill her husband? Someone took this picture moments before the photographer of the picture, Kathy Moran, came upon the wife of millionaire, Ray Cahill, the woman in the photo on the beach. Megan Cahill is the woman in the photo and although she presents a puzzle and mystery to both the author, the potential novelist and the reader there are many questions that will go unanswered, there are many reasons why her husband was killed but who was behind the murder and why is only known by one person besides the murderer our author. Woman with a Gun provides a complex novel that takes readers back to where it all began namely the night of the murder before we get to know Stacey better, her motives for wanting to write this book and how she tries to find the answer to a ten year old murder that was never solved.Relationships cannot be carved out and created just the way you might want them to be. There is no recipe that can be prepared to make two people join together as one. Jack Booth found his way to Palisades Heights through the Oregon Attorney General’s office asked to help in Raymond Cahill’s murder investigation. Finding a position with the Oregon Department of Justice District Attorney Assistance Program, Jack was noted for his experience, exceptional skills in being able to detect what others cannot and his straightforward way of handling cases. But, this one before all was said and done would not only test his every fiber but also make him question himself, his integrity and his objectiveness. Teddy Winston was waiting for him when he arrived appreciated the fact that Jack was there to help. Explaining the case, reviewing the facts one being that Raymond Cahill was a millionaire and that his wife was a person of interest. The photographer of the picture, Kathy Moran, found Megan Cahill and lead back to her home in what Kathy claims was a daze and unsteady demeanor. Claiming she remembered nothing, was hit over the head and thought to have a concussion, Jack realized right away that her actions and words might be suspect, her reasons for killing Raymond, financial and that there was more to this case. Defining the case and deciding who might be guilty would take readers back to 2010 when the murder occurred before getting to know Stacey and watching her weave a web of questions taking her investigation to a level that would not only endanger some of the players in the present but Stacey too. Someone does not want this solved and will go to any lengths to stop Stacey and anyone that gets in his/her way. Getting to know Jack, hearing the investigators involved and learning more about Megan, you begin to wonder whether she is guilty or not or being framed. Meeting Megan provided him with some clues but in his own mind he realized that there was more that she would not reveal. Who would want to kill Raymond? Who stole some of his collection from his vault or safe and where did the gun she was holding come from? The author flashes back to 2005 when the murder took place as Stacey views the painting ten years later. Jack and Kathy were once adversaries in the courtroom and although he was taken with her right away she kept her distance. Kathy Moran’s past is sorted and shady and if revealed could ruin her career. Learning more about her we realize that she was addicted to drugs and alcohol and often the victim of abuse. Kathy Moran filled in some of the blanks as she revealed to the investigators and Jack that Megan Cahill was married to an abusive man named Parnell Crouse. Implying that he was the victim of Megan as a result of their divorce the stories do not seem to mesh and the end result will surprise readers as we get to know both Megan and Kathy and the reader has to decide with whom the truth lies. Getting close to a witness might not have been the best strategy but Jack was taken. As the case progresses in the past we meet Glen Kraft and Henry Baker who will do everything to defend Megan Cahill. Megan is starlet quality and has everyone convinced by her actions and mannerisms that she was a victim in all of this. But, others supply information to the contrary making Jack wonder if she would more than profit from her husband’s death, if she was really so dazed and duped when Kathy found her and what really was behind the murder. The victim hired Frank Janowitz, as the curator of his collection would house guns, coins and stamps. But, did he buy them from legitimate collectors or did he buy them from a thief? Many questions go unanswered as Jack tries to piece it all together but first the author takes us back five more years to where his life took a downward spin and his first encounter with Kathy Moran when dealing with the Kilbride Disaster. Meet Detective Oscar Llewellyn a twenty-year veteran who is investigating this case. As he and Jack begin to unravel the clues, meet with the witness little does Jack know that meeting Kathy Moran, in the past when she practiced law would be his downfall. Never take your eyes off the subject and never allow yourself to not pay close attention as Kathy Moran takes advantage of Jack’s obvious feelings for her and the end result is deadly. A murder trial that should have been a slam-dunk for Jack and a clever lawyer that made him look bad. Read chapter 10 and learn the end result in Chapter 11 when Jack’s attention is wrongly diverted. But, information is revealed and the link between lawyer and client is solid as Jack learns about Kathy’s addiction to cocaine and the reasons behind her taking his case. Trusting a witness is fine but not investigating her and learning about her past was a fatal error. When the truth comes out Jack has to find a way to rebuild himself, his career and get a sadistic killer behind bars as the deal is made, Kathy pays some of the price and the author flashes ahead 2005 where Kathy is now working in a the Seafarer as a waitress, is protected by the owner and many others and we learn more about Raymond Cahill, Megan, her ex-husband and his dealings and we meet George Mendez the chief of police. But, some cases are not meant to be solved and with all of the evidence, all of the speculations somehow the case remained cold and the only or end result was Kathy Moran found herself a victim as she claims and was worried about Gary Kilbride having been released early from prison. So, why does Jack believe her stories and why do they provide her with the weapon that she would use to take this killer down? As the case unfolds more and clues are pieced together a clever killer gets away with murder and the author flashes to the present as we learn more about Stacey, Kathy Moran’s Pulitzer Prize photograph, her showing at a gallery in New York as we learn of two other victims from the past. Stacey is so taken with the photo of Woman with a Gun that she uproots herself and moves to Portland to be where it all began. New apartment, new career in the making and hopefully meeting both Megan and Kathy, Stacey sets out with her idealistic attitude hoping to connect not only with them but with Jack Booth too. But, some investigations prove dangerous and when the killer realizes just how close Stacey is coming, the questions she’s asking just might lead back to the killer, something had to be done to stop her. With her list of people to question and her hope to solve a case writing a fictional novel focused on the photo, Stacey finds herself in Portland hoping to connect with those involved as Jack faces yet another failed relationship and must come to grips with his own realities. Watching Jack in the courtroom is revealing as he unveils a case filled with lies, betrayals and deceit when an officer is wrongly accused and the court learns how and why. But, suspicious rise as evidence is revealed making the reader and Jack wonder the connection between Moran and Gilbride, and Megan’s ex-husband. When pasts are revealed and truths known just who the killer is and why will not surprise readers but the fact that it took one photo to reveal the truth will let you know that the saying “A Picture is worth a thousand words,” and in this case the answer to a murder. How? Use your own detective skills to figure it out as Stacey starts a web of events, creates a trail leading directly to a killer and with the help of one young lawyer named Glen, Jack Booth and her own persistence and tenaciousness a killer just might be brought down. Characters so diverse and cleverly crafted they will draw you into the case and keep you glued to the printed page until you too decide: Woman with a Gun just who holds the smoking gun? Find out when you learn more about Woman With A Gun!Fran Lewis: reviewer

This is my first book by this author so I have nothing to compare it to. Some reviews by people that have read many Phillip Margolin books, wrote this one wasn't as good. I thoroughly enjoyed his writing and the story. Did I figure who did it early on yes, but it was still worth reading. Jack was a complete moron from the get go. In my opinion he wouldn't have a job long. He didn't seem very grown up. I really liked when the story took an unusual turn that I wasn't expecting....but you will have to read it to find out what that is. I will definitely read more from this author. What made me pick up the book? The picture on the cover.

3.6 I recently read The Third Victim and enjoyed it and wanted to read another Philip Margolin novel. My friend Joy recommended this novel.I was enjoying the story and then got confused when it jumped to Stacy Kim. I thought wait a minute ~ ”what am I missing ? The first part really didn't end, as I have questions” I liked Stacy so was curious and sure enough discovered the connection. (view spoiler)[ Have to admit that Kathy had me suspicious (hide spoiler)]

WOW, what a Great Read and ENDING*****

The author wrote this novel based on the cover photo, which he bought from the photographer. I think it is a terrific book and has everything a good mystery should have in it. A woman who moved to New York City after she won a prize for a story she wrote was encouraged by her mentor to write a novel. She was not making much progress until she saw the above mentioned photograph in a Museum of Modern Art exhibit. Because of this, she decides to use the photo as a basis for a book and moves cross country to Oregon to investigate the history of the photograph and interview the people involved in the story behind the photo: the photographer, subject, and because the photograph was documentation of an unsolved murder, the law enforcement individuals involved in the case.The story is very involved and tragic, and the author keeps the reader guessing until almost the last page. I enjoyed the story, and the setting very much, and think this is one of Mr. Margolin's best books.

Really great read. Interesting plot line, but was a little predictable. I also found it had to keep all the characters straight at the beginning of the book. Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars

This is the perfect book on a plane ride. It moves quickly, so you're turning pages constantly, and the characters keep you guessing. I've real all of Philip Margolin's books and enjoyed every one.

Recommended despite some plot inconsistencies. Here is the link to my review:http://perfectretort.blogspot.com/201...

The photograph on the cover of WOMAN WITH A GUN by Phillip Margolin is a fascinating image and intrigued me as much as the author when he first spotted the photo and thought it would make a great mystery novel. I love it when i can know exactly why a writer pens a story! Mr Margolin did a great job bringing a narrative to the photograph with the murder of football star Ray Cahill at his mansion on his wedding night and why his bride Megan was standing on the beach in her wedding dress holding a gun. The story was interesting and I like the short chapter style as it makes the book and the story move faster. The format was perfect for the bonk. The book was mostly police procedural style, with some romance mixed in between Jack Booth and Katy Moran and included a plucky novelist in the mix of characters that helped bring the story together in the end. I really liked Stacey Kim and would love to see more of her. I suspected a particular character from the beginning and was proven correct.To me, it was obvious but getting to the conclusion was worth reading. It wasn't the best mystery I have read but it was good and I wold recommend the novel if you are looking for a quick read (only 294 pp) or just want to sample the author's work. This is my first read of a Phillip Margolin book and won't be my last.

I thought this was a very intriguing book and enjoyed it until the end. I felt it was a sad ending but on our way to the ending it did hold my attention. Stacy is trying to write a novel but is stuck and cant seem to make it happen and then she sees this photo of a bride looking out to sea with an old gun behind her . Stacey decides to find out why the bride was holding the gun and who took the photo and all the circumstances that created the photo.Stacey doesn't realize she is getting involved in a lot more than she had planned. She becomes involved in a 10 year old murder case that creates more questions and puts her in danger. Good conclusion to the book. Really enjoyed reading it.

Another random audio book pick for me from the library, Woman with a Gun has an interesting premise. Aspiring writer Stacey Kim wants to write a novel, but has been stuck in a rut and uninspired. When she sees the black and white photograph taken by Kathy Moran and she becomes intrigued. Who is the woman? Why is she standing at the beach with an old revolver? Stacey thinks with a little research, the photo could be a great inspiration for a mystery novel.I liked the way the story went into the past to tell the story of the photograph, and then back to present day for Stacey's research. The mystery pulled me in as it did Stacey. There are plenty of possibilities for whodunit to keep you guessing until the end.