This is one of those books that makes you keep reading because of how many wild and shocking things happen. I loved that there was a list of characters at the beginning and their roles so I wasn’t confused. I couldn’t put this book down and I was entertained the whole way through!!

I love the authors genre of gay mystery, because it was exactly that! The drama was so entertaining and there was always more clues unfolding.

The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because I was left questioning when the book ended. We never found out who the actual serial rapist was. I was also wondering why the hell Julia attacked Kenzie the way she did, I wanted her to leave Jane and Kenzie alone. I felt it was kinda random and odd for Julia to attack Kenzie, but I suppose this is just a way of showing that Julia is still the same person as she was and she has some work to do on herself.

Some readers may complain about Corey and his personality, but I think it’s great that there are characters that have flaws (everyone does) but it shows that not everyone is perfect. Corey made me so frustrated and confused but I think that’s what made him so interesting. You want your readers to feel something about the characters you create! He really put me through the ringer!This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review1 Beth303 17

Perhaps not quite so dark as her last one, but certainly emphasizes a cynical view of human nature. Not many people to in this one! Thank goodness for scenes with Cordelia--always good for amazing outfits, bon mots, and at least a few laughs. (It was great to hear Hart read for her publication party at the newly renamed Amazon Bookstore [now True Colors] in Minneapolis--her 16th Jane Lawless and 16th Jane Lawless publication party at the store! I've probably attended the last six or so.)favorite_authors glbt mysteries1 Bev3,046 315

Jane Lawless is being run ragged trying to help her father win the governor's race while keeping her restaurant business going full-steam. Not to mention trying to juggle a long-distance romance in the bargain. Roy Lawless's campaign is chugging along nicely until his rival uses the internet to post a list of criminals who got light sentences thanks to Ray's stint as a defense lawyer. At the top of the list is Corey Hodges. He cut a plea deal on a rape he swears he didn't commit because Ray thought the circumstantial evidence too much to overcome. People don't to see convicted rapists back on the streets.

Corey has just been released from prison and decides it would be a cool idea to volunteer for Ray's campaign. Just to see what's what. Corey may or may not have been guilty of the rape--but one thing's for sure...he's got anger issues and he'd love to find a way to make Ray Lawless pay for the advice that got Corey put in the slammer. Then one of Ray's volunteers is murdered and all the signs point to Corey again. Same MO...except this time the girl died. Corey's aunt is sure (well...really wants to believe) that her nephew is innocent and she asks Jane to investigate. Jane is already interested...she wants the killer found in time to save her father's campaign. But life is complicated and finding the culprit isn't going to be easy.

The cover makes you think you're getting a nice, cozy little mystery. And, after all, it features a restaurant owner who plays at detective--so it shouldn't be too gritty. But that isn't what you get at all. It's a pretty grim plot line with way too many intense, broken or dysfunctional relationships in it to suit me. You've got Jane, our heroine, and her stalker ex-girlfriend. You've also got Jane and her rocky, long-distance relationship that goes sour fast (twice--as if once in the book wasn't enough). Then there's the victim and her stalker ex-boyfriend--who may or may not have killed her out of revenge. And there's Corey who is stalking his ex-girlfriend while making time with the victim. So, of course, he's also on the suspect list, especially since the MO is the same as the case he was put away for. And all the references to Jane's brother's marriage that was maybe on the rocks before but is maybe okay now? (I wasn't clear on that one.)

I just couldn't really get into this one. It's not my cup of tea at all. Fairly interesting motive for the murder is the only thing that takes this out of the one star range.

First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting.american-mystery cozy mount-tbr-2020 ...more David380 4

Book #: 27
Title: Sweet Poison (Jane Lawless #16)
Author: Ellen Hart
Popsugar Category: Basic: A book with a title that contains "salty", "sweet", "bitter", or "spicy"
Popsugar Category: Basic: A book featuring an amateur detective
Popsugar Category: Basic: A book with a two-word title
Popsugar Category: Advanced: An "own voices" book
A-Z Title: S for Sweet
A-Z Author: H for Hart
Format: Hardcover, Library book
Rating: *** three out of five stars

I decided that the purpose of the challenge was to expand my reading list and keep me from getting into of ruts. So, when I saw a book that fit a category with a title, series, and author that I never heard of, that hadn't been recommended on any of the book review websites I follow, I decided to read it.

Jane's father is a lawyer running for governor. His opponent posts a list of criminals released early due to his work. One of them, Corey Hodge, maintains he's innocent of the original crime. A woman in Mr. Lawless' campaign is killed in a manner highly reminiscent of Corey's crime. Corey maintains he's innocent, it's the original criminal who did it, not him.

The book reads an episode of a soap opera. Jane is a lesbian who's breaking up with her lover. A rich spoiled man assaults a priest because he's gay, his rich daddy gets him off, but now the
priest is on trial by his religion and may be removed from the priesthood because he's gay. There's a near accident with a private plane flown by Jane's father which may be mechanic error, pilot error or an attempt to assassinate Mr. Lawless. I found it hard to keep track of all the characters and all their secrets.

For what it's worth, Ellen Hart is a five-time winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian
Mystery and her character Jane is also an open lesbian who speaks about gay rights. 2019-books Sandy460 12

A continuation from the last book, Jane finds her world unraveling. Her father who is running for governor, becomes secretive about his health, her former girlfriend shows back up, her current girlfriend makes choices, and her father’s criminal defense history comes back to haunt him and Jane. Add in her job and you have a very full plate. Not nearly as dark as the last book, this one still carries dark themes and characters that walk the dark side in the guise of love. I really Ellen Hart as a writer an spinner of tales. On to #17.female-detective glbt-lesbian Sarah837

3.5 stars. Another solid entry on the Jane Lawless series. In this one, the mystery takes a back seat to personal relationships, especially between Jane and her current partner Kenzie, and her ex Julia, as well as a story about Corey Hodge, a recently released convicted rapist who was defended by Raymond Lawless.

*Used for PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge prompt "A book about or set on Halloween."cozy-mystery lgbt minnesota ...more Sarah Thornton726 9 Read

The less hinged the people in Jane's life get, the more I am here for it.

Edited to add that this, book 17, was written thirty years after the first in the series. Excellent character development over that time to be honest, but the changing world and new technologies/making the characters remain the same ages while the world changes around them is an unsettling choice in an already unsettling series. Betty Day144

A little too facile . . . one too many twists . . . interesting to read about the lives of characters who are not heterosexual . . . including the perceived ability to see the bad and cut them no slack - especially men - when socialization goes the other way for heterosexual characters . . . the old "saved by a good woman" cuts deep and lasts a lifetime. Susan Moxley961 17

Wonderful written story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tink629 2

16 down. Margaret1,978 21

The writing was marred by the use of bad language. It spoiled the book for me. Linda628

Political campaign, lovers quarrels and a convict who is released after serving his time for a crime he said he didn't do. Lots of undercurrents with everyone involved. Kaye543


Sweet Poison by Ellen Hart

Ms. Hart was most generous in sending me an early copy of her newest book, Sweet Poison, sixteenth in the popular Jane Lawless series and for that I profusely thank her. Sweet Poison is available in bookstores Nov. 11th.

Minneapolis restaurateur, Jane Lawless, is helping out her father, Ray Lawless, defense lawyer now gubernatorial candidate, at his campaign headquarters when she learns his plane had to make an emergency landing.Jane is frantic until she finally gets to talk to him. Although she has a feeling that he is holding something back, she is just relieved he is okay. Early on, Hart cleverly sets the stage for suspense.

At the outset, the reader is introduced to a host of characters, some who had previous dealings with Ray when he was a defense attorney, a lot of whom are not happy with the amount of felons he got off with light sentences. One of the campaign volunteers is murdered in similarly eerie circumstances as the crime allegedly committed by one Corey Hodge nine years previously. Coincidentally, Ray Lawless was his attorney and got him off with what many thought a too light sentence. While Jane is busy with her successful restaurant she still finds time to look into the murder along with her P.I. friend, Nolan, and long time friend ,Cordelia.

Along with the murder investigation are several gay romantic subplots. When past lovers show up, the story line deepens and makes for more complexity. Hart does such a wonderful job of characterization, the reader feels the anguish of the lovers as they try to resolve many relationship issues making it easy to empathize with them. With insightful dialogue and witty repartee, the reader gets a good feel for the characters’ personalities, their self doubts and even doubts about their respective partners. Not all is as it seems. These richly portrayed subplots not only enhance the mystery, but they are good stories in themselves. When Jane’s girlfriend , Kenzie, is attacked in the same way as the murder victim, the motives now are numerous. Was the murder politically motivated, or was it jealousy with a little revengeful obsession thrown in?

Hart writes a really tight plot, carefully crafted with a lot of red herrings, clues and teeming with motives. The story is well paced with a good progression towards the very surprising denouement. The characters are plausible and seem to come alive with every page. There are so many elements to this story along with a multi twists and turns mystery, the reader will be enthralled until the end. I defy the reader to guess who “dunnit”.

I think this is one of Hart’s more edgier mysteries. A lot of series seem to become stale after a few books, but not so with Hart. In fact, she just keeps getting better and better. If you have not read any of the previous Jane Lawless series, this is a stand alone mystery but after you read this one, you will definitely want to go back and read more. Ellen hart is also the author of the enjoyable Sophie Greenway series. Highly recommended.














Heather61 14

Reading other lesbian mystery books, I have a true appreciation for Ellen Hart's Jane Lawless mysteries. Sure, the characters are more jaded as the years go by, but the writing style is humorous, (a rare and delightful thing in a mystery novel!), the characters are well-developed and well-described (even if you're a virgin of Hart's books), the characters are likable -- and the story is well-crafted. You don't have to work to follow the storyline. I also how Hart lists the characters at the beginning (many a time have I found myself asking, "wait! who is she?" and being able -- with relief and ease of mind -- to turn back to the first page and read a general description of the character).

Sweet Poison focuses on Jane (the main character)'s father running for a governor. Previous history as a criminal defense has created some pretty devious vengeful characters who don't want to see Jane's father live, much less win. Jane, too, gets in on the suspense and the fear for her own life, and of course, relationship drama for her, and for her lively sidekick, Cordelia are sidelines to this engaging read.

My main disappointment with this book, aside from the increase in jaded characters (since the beginning of the Jane Lawless series), is that the author tries too hard to bring in past storyline (e.g. the DRAMA of Cordelia missing her absent young niece) which takes away from the plot and intimacy between characters who are part of THIS lively novel.

Other than that, this is a great read. Read other lesbian mysteries, and you'll see why Ellen Hart wins many Lambda awards! She's awesome! Kathleen Hagen1,929 43 Read

Sweet Poison, #16 Jane Lawless, by Ellen Hart, a-minus, Narrated by Aimee Jolson, produced by Audible Inc. downloaded from audible.com.

In this book we are in the middle of Ray Lawless’s campaign to be governor of Minnesota. Jane is extremely busy, running two restaurants, giving some thought to opening a third, working on her father’s campaign, and trying not to be tempted by her friend’s offer to join him as a private eye. One day a key turns in her lock and Julia enters. Jane is shocked to see her after such a long time, and angry that she held onto a key for four years. Julia backs away trying to keep Jane from thinking she’s not still obsessed with Jane. She makes herself indispensable to Ray’s campaign and helps in other ways as well, so most of her family thinks she’s amazing and that Jane is being hard on her. But Cordelia isn’t fooled, and neither is her current partner, Kinsey.At first it appears that Ray Lawless is way ahead in the poles, but then the opposition starts releasing information about the criminals who are back on the street because he is such a good criminal defense lawyer, and his lead starts slipping. One of his volunteers Is killed, and the MO looks to be the same as that used by Corey Hodge, one of Ray’s former clients who just got out of jail. Jane finds it necessary to investigate who really killed the volunteer to help save her father’s campaign, and, if possible, to prove Corey innocent. A very good fast-moving and gripping book. Jolson is still at the top of her game narrating these books.

2014-books Kylie1,109 12

Ellen Hart used to be one of my favorite mystery writers, but her books have taken a turn I really don't . I think the problem is that she keeps centering the crimes around Jane's intimate family circle and it's just too much. The long dragged out subplots with Jane's father, brother, lovers, and friends are so tragic and twisted, it's impossible to even enjoy the story anymore. I mean, all detective novel series twist credulity--how could so many crimes happen in one town--but this is ridiculous. How many tragic things can happen in one family? Give Jane a break once in a while!!! I think it is ironic that the marketing for her books (the covers and titles) make them look sappy romances. And I certainly don't think they should be sappy romances...just the smart mysteries she used to write. On a side note I also really dis the way she now starts all of her mysteries off with a first person account by the criminal...and has so many chapters written from the criminal's perspective. Maybe it's just me, but somehow I don't find it enjoyable to read or at all believable. It always just seems "oh, this is how the author thinks a sick twisted criminal might think." I don't know, I'll rate this one higher than I'm inclined to, because even a bad mystery by Ellen Hart is better than some author's good mysteries. Ryan Mishap3,466 66

Hart plugs on and so does her heroine resterant owner and amateur sleuth Jane Lawless. Sometimes these books are rather rote, but Hart is good at the family intrigue, relationship issues, past affecting the future, and sliding in multiple political and social issues. This book is no exception, but is better than the last one by far.
Jane's dad, Raymond, is running for governor. Her brother Peter and his wife are having problems (see previous book) and Jane and long distance girlfriend Kenzie are having some as well. Cordelia's evil sister still has her beloved niece in England, and Julia, the duplicitous ex-love of Jane is coming back into the picture.
Meanwhile, a volunteer for the campiagn is found dead in much the same manner as a rape victim--the man--who claimed he was innocent--was counseled by Ray Lawless to plead and now that the guy is out, he might be looking for revenge. A complicated mystery with multiple shifts of view, hart always lets her characters be real people, offers several plot twists/red herrings, and finishes up nicely and nastily with the promise of more to come.mystery-crime Liz534 2

These are good mysteries, and they hurt little happy ending me, who s the tidy Agatha Christie ending, where the bad guy gets what’s coming to him/her, and the good guys live happily ever after. The ongoing cast of characters in the Jane Lawless mysteries – Jane, her lovers, current and past, her best friend Cordelia, Cordelia’s lovers, present and past, Jane’s father and brother Peter, Peter’s wife and daughter, and other friends who wend their way through these books – lead messy, imperfect lives, and the threads never tie up neatly in the end. Just real life, dammit. The mystery is sometimes incidental to the plot. Cordelia still pines for her niece, Hattie, whom she raised until Hattie’s mother (Cordelia’s sister) took her to England and cut off all contact. Jane and Kenzie are going along swimmingly until Julia, a former lover, returns and screws things up. Well, it’s not all Julia’s fault, even though she is a scheming bitch. Jane is pretty insensitive herself. And there’s another thing – isn’t the protagonist supposed to be the hero, not the goat? Jane is pretty normal and flawed. Sigh. I love these books. mysteries Angela Lam9 1 follower

I don't even know why will i choose to read this book. I just randomly picked it up and i just feel so curious about the book title "Sweet Poison" it sounds just another love story that girls will always . I didn't even read what is it about. So when i first start reading it it's because i was too bored. But then the beginning of the book kinda makes me wanna continue reading it. Well it's just weird that a book will start with the negative side. But surely, that hook me a lot. Even know this is not a book for my age, i still it.

The book Sweet Poison it's about our narrator Charity, got in a rapist case, her ex and friends also involved with it, but she's the one who knows what happened. She's also a lesbian, which is still not accepted all in people's heart, from this version the author can clearly shows the dark cruel side of the book. It's a cool mystery book and the way author brings her mind to this book it's pretty good, recommended this book to those people who s mysteries and they better be above 15... Christina (Boupie)131 18

LGBTQ choice

Ok so I wasn't sure about a mystery set in Twin Cities with a Lesibian Resturantuer as the main character (I was worried Twin Cities would be portrayed as very anti-LGBTQ) but it wasn't a problem. Jane and Cordelia are very funny and very sweetly portrayed. Cordelia with her flabouance and unusual relationships was probably my favorite character (maybe the best side-kick ever). I also d Jane no-nonsense attitude (though I totally feel for her girlfriends). This was an entertaining and a very cute mystery. I was very happy with the ending and I even think I might go back and read more of these books. I think this is number 14 of the series so far. 2009-books mystery nestie-sbc-2009 Robin409 48

This is another hard to resisit installment in the consistently imroving Jane Lawless series. In it, Jane's father is running for Governor of Minnesota; one of his campaign workers, also a family friend, is killed. Jane is undone by the changes in her relationship with her partner, Kenzie, and there's obsessive behavior on the part of almost every character in the book. The threads, as usual, are tied up neatly at the ned of the book with Hart's customary deftness. If you are a Jane Lawless fan, don't miss it. Jennifer436 11

I guessed the "who" but not the "why" of the main mystery. However, the two side mysteries woven into this story took me by surprise. Even with some correct guessing, I thought this was especially well-plotted and and intricately laid-out. I'm hoping the Julia/Kenzie dynamic returns in future books. I was also a bit disappointed that the drama of Peter's family from the last book was dropped so throughly; that story arc has a lot of momentum and I'd hate to see it disappate.
Jason2,115 9

I really need to fill in the gaps of my Jane Lawless collection. These mysteries are full of twists and turns and intriguing characters (absolutely LOVE Cordelia) and lots of heart. There are really bad things that happen to folks in these books, but there is a well crafted story around each incident, leading the reader to understand (not condone, mind you) why what happened, happened. Quite a feat! Janet Lomba2 Read

I d this book. We just read it for our mystery book club. Many in the group thought it was "too gay" for them. Please take into consideration that this book was written by an author who is gay, for the gay community. I read all genre's of mysteries, and it was definitely something new for me. But I enjoy seeing how other cultures see themselves. Kristi41 2

The election is finally here and Jane's Dad is running for governor. Jane's girlfriend, Kenzie, is jealous and angry about all the time she spends on other people's problems and on the restaurants. And Julie, Jane's old girlfriend, is back in town and more trouble than ever. Laurel445 18

I'm reminded how much I enjoy the Jane Lawless series; this book is no exception. Will I ever forget the image of Cordelia walking around a neighborhood at night in a sequined gown, cape, and plaid hunting cap with earflaps?! No. And I don't want to. Carol Stanley-Snow715 29

My first time reading Ellen Hart. Loved her style and her characters, Jane Lawless & Cordelia Thorn!

They are a match made in heaven. BFFs who find murder and mayhem in the most unly places! A very good mystery and great read.

Must go...Jane Lawless awaits!! Jay GablerAuthor 12 books138

I reviewed this book for the Daily Planet:
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/15626
annebeth48 3

Another wonderful, dark mystery from Ellen Hart. glbt mystery John2,059 196

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