Hare Today, Gone Tomorrow

The Jessica James Mysteries, Book 3

By: Meg O'Brien

Narrated by: Cathi Colas

SHE’S A TOUGH CRIME REPORTER IN A LEAGUE OF HEAVY HITTERS. BUT THAT’S OKAY— SHE KNOWS HOW TO PLAY HARDBALL …

Jessica James has a nose for a good story, but she isn’t sure how much she likes the story she’s getting from her mother’s charming, handsome new beau with the improbable name of Charlie Browne. Especially since the tale is attached to the Hare—a stolen painting that is now hidden under Jesse’s own bed.

Jesse’s investigation into Charlie's background turns up a hole big enough to smuggle the Mona Lisa through, which has her worried about her romantic, not-altogether-practical mom. And for good reason—in a few short days, Kate James has gotten herself entangled in art theft, bashed over the head by a burglar, and involved in a tête-à-tête with a murderer.

Now Jesse must crack a stolen art ring and solve two murders—one forty years old and one all too recent—before the killer paints another masterpiece in scarlet.

©1991 Meg O'Brien (P)2024 David N. Wilson

A cozy mystery suitable for all ages

Meg O'Brien brings Jessica James to life again in Book 3. She keeps us in suspense to the end.

Excellent

Raced through this one. I love a good cozy mystery and this one certainly kept my attention. Well done!

Good 3rd book

Enjoyed the third book in the series. The author does a great job bringing the characters to life. Does have some language. Good narrator.

Timeworn Mysteries of Art

Pulpy art thriller with a colorful crew of returning characters and some new ones. Introducing Jessica's family is a clever move adding depth and a different direction of character development. This installment struck me as more literal missing some of the timely commentary of the earlier books. Some of the continued characters that felt cleverly implemented in the earlier books ate starting to seem a little thin absent evolution. Narrator Cathi Colas has a great reading voice that is familial and maternal but it didn't seem as good a match for sardonic punch of Jessica James and maybe that blunted some of the audiobook for me. Jessica started as a small town reporter with a story and with this book it's gotten a bit larger across time and scope; which feels like moving away from the strength but an ambitious direction. Im curious to move to the fourth book.