Parker Adams

The Lock Box by Parker Adams

Intense, interesting, immersive story that drew me in, made me think, and wonder what I would have done in Monna’s situation.

What I liked:
* Monna Locke: ex-army veteran, single parent, safe cracker, mostly raised herself, mother died when she was sixteen, taken in for a few years by a teacher, good friend, not a scholar, great with machines and mechanics, intriguing
* Evan: Monna’s child, five, smart, loves Monna, protective, had a tough time in this book
* Mule: high school shop teacher, good friend and mentor to Monna, a strong presence in her life
* Constance-Miss C: retired librarian, Monna’s neighbor, sometimes caretaker of Evan – wondered what happened to her
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Learning a bit more about safes
* Being able to dislike Huang and understand the thugs he had on hand for the heist though most were rather unsavory.
* That the bad guys had some good qualities
* That one of the bad guys was not as bad as the rest
* The way it all played out and the conclusion of the story – did wonder if it might be a one and done or the beginning of a series
* That I could see this as a movie

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The ease with which Huang could manipulate others and the darkness and evil emanating from him
* The oligarch on the yacht…and his henchmen

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars… (mehr)