This was fantastic. I loved Austin and Tommy and Emma (although we don't see much of her). The mystery was interesting and I didn't remotely guess the murderer. I felt sorry for Austin and Tommy who are dealt a bad lot in life. Particularly with Austin's mother forbidding Tommy to come to the house or see Austin. Austin's so encouraging of Tommy though and I really liked the way he and Max both talked to and with Tommy and how they treated him as more than his mental handicap. Max was still her hardass self determined to reveal the truth but she was further developed in this case - she's starting to learn it might not always be better for everyone to have the truth revealed. I mean she still reveals it but when she discovers Tommy sleepwalks, she has second thoughts about how it may come across. And I like that she's more compassionate and empathetic in this case. The issue and implications of social media and cyberbullying are also examined within this novel. I really liked the following quote.

Civil society requires civility. It requires individuals to consider the repercussions of their words as well as their actions. Today I fear people—not just teenagers, who did not exhibit self-control even in my day—rarely consider the repercussions of anything they do or say.”

Brennan, Allison. Poisonous (Max Revere Novels) . St. Martin's Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Overall this was a fantastic book. 4.5 stars. It only lost half a star because the moaning about Max's relationship annoys me. The thing is I love Max but I also hate her at least half the time. I mean the whole thing with David and Nick's kids and them not wanting to badmouth their partner is admirable. But Max is all the truth is only ever good. I'm firmly on the boys' side of the argument - parents should be parents first and foremost - as in, it's about the kid and what's best for them - not about the fact your husband or wife is a cheating bastard. The fact that David and Nick jump through hoops to see their kids is horrible. The women should feel ashamed of themselves. Every kid should have access to both parents as they desire. But the fact that David and Nick are both willing to comply with every demand so as to see their kid is commendable. And it's wrong of Max to criticise it. She can hate the women too - but she should leave the men alone because it's not their fault.

Anyway so 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. ( )

4.5 stars.

Poisonous by Allison Brennan is another perplexing mystery that has plenty of unexpected twists and turns. This third installment in the Max Revere Novels series featuring an investigative reporter who investigates cold cases can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the entire series.

After receiving a letter from Tommy Wallace pleading for help in solving his stepsister’s case, Max and her assistant/body guard David Kane travel to CA to look into the unsolved death of teenager Ivy Lake. An internet bully who drove one young woman to suicide, Ivy was intensely disliked and with a slew of suspects to chose from, the police are no closer to solving the case than they were fourteen months ago. With cutting edge resources at her fingertips, Max uncovers vital information about Ivy’s death that revitalizes the entire investigation but will they catch the killer before it is too late?

Max is still brash, outspoken and tenacious but she is now less impulsive and thinks before she speaks. Due to the events from her last case, she is much more self-aware and introspective (much to her dismay). This current case brings out the softer and more compassionate aspects of her personality and she is quite gentle, caring and protective when dealing with Tommy. Despite these changes, Max is deeply committed to solving the case despite her mounting concern that she might not find the answers she is searching for.

David is much more involved in this latest case. His meticulous research and ability to read people and situations are instrumental in narrowing down the list of suspects. His relationship with Max has deeply affected her and his advice to her has helped smooth some of her rougher edges. David’s situation with his precarious visitation with his daughter provides him with unique insight into the dysfunctional family relationships Max encounters during the investigation. He offers sound advice that helps defuse tense meetings and although Max does not always agree with his assessments, she does tone down her somewhat overbearing approach to interviews.

The investigation moves at a steady pace and while not everyone is cooperative, Max discovers information about Ivy’s activities that produces a few viable leads. Ivy’s mother refuses to believe the truth about her daughter’s cyber bullying and she refuses to cooperate with Max. Ivy’s brother Austin is angry and somewhat volatile and his resentment of his mother’s treatment of Tommy worsens as she becomes more vocal about her suspicions that he is responsible for Ivy’s death. A local journalist pursues his own agenda and his columns are a careful blend of fact and speculation that hinder Max’s investigation. Although some of Ivy’s victims are initially reluctant to talk to Max, their revelations prove invaluable and yield valuable clues to her killer’s identity.

Poisonous is an intriguing mystery with a compelling storyline and a well-developed cast of characters. With a vast pool of suspects, Allison Brennan’s skillful misdirects and red herrings keep the perpetrator’s identity and motive concealed right up until the novel’s dramatic and stunning conclusion. A riveting and meaningful plot, a fascinating but dysfunctional family and Max’s continued character growth make this latest addition to the Max Revere Novels series an absolutely outstanding read that I highly recommend to fans of the genre. ( )

Decent read- good pace, but while the ending was definitely a twist, it felt rushed in some spots.

Poisonous by Allison Brennan is a 2016 Minotaur publication.

This is a complex crime novel, very compelling, emotional, sad, and quite disturbing on many levels. The characters are complicated, but interesting, with heavy concerns weighing on their minds, which certainly gave me plenty to think about. The pacing is just a little slow at times, and the family drama occasionally took precedence over the investigation, but the threads all come together in the end, with a dramatic showdown that will hopefully be a wake-up call for those involved.
This is a solid crime novel worth checking out, even if you have not been following the series. This story will appeal to anyone who enjoys mysteries or suspense thrillers.

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Cold cases are never easy to solve but Max Revere has a television show that seeks answers then shares them with the world. When she is contacted by snail mail to come to West Coast California to find out who killed Ivy Lake she had no idea what would happen or what she would find or the impact it would have.

There is a cast of characters that range in age from kindergarten to senior citizen populating this book. Ivy, though young, had many who might prefer her dead due to her cyberbullying. Max interviews numerous teens, a reporter, parents of teens, police and others while research is done by many to find out what might have been missed earlier by the police. In addition to Ivy’s murder to be solved there is another murder that takes place, an attempted murder or two, stalking, some family drama and a bit of romance.

Max seems to be a work in progress. She is gruff, direct, abrupt, painfully honest, and focused though often lacking in diplomacy and people skills. There is mention of her past and perhaps more of it is mentioned in previous books of this series. I hope she will get counselling and find out what is keeping her from the sleep she needs and will also find the comfort and friendship she seems to need. That said, it is not necessary to read books one and two to enjoy and totally understand this book.

This novel was action-packed, at times intense, included psychological issues, dealt with bullying and focused on family and how important strong family ties can be – and how damaging family can also be.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press Minotaur Books for the copy of this book to read for an honest review. ( )