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Sara Paretsky
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Body Work: V.I. Warshawski 14 (The V.I. Warshawski Series) Kindle Edition

by Sara Paretsky (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,045 ratings

'Doctors take days off - why not PIs?' V.I. Warshawski demands. But when the hardest-working of private eyes goes out one night, a stranger is shot and dies in her arms. V.I. has been visiting Club Gouge, Chicago's edgiest night spot, where a woman known as the Body Artist turns her naked body into a canvas for the audience to paint on. The show attracts all kinds of people, from a menacing off-duty cop to Ukrainian mobsters and Iraq war veterans - and V.I.'s impetuous cousin, Petra. A tormented young painter shows up too, and the intricate designs she creates on the Body Artist drive one of the soldiers into a violent rage. When the painter is shot, the police think it's a clear-cut case: a shell-shocked war veteran goes off the rails. But the soldier's family hires V.I. to clear his name, and the detective uncovers a chain of ugly truths that stretches all the way from Iraq to Chicago's South Side.

THE 14TH BOOK IN THE THRILLING V.I. WARSHAWSKI SERIES.

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  1. Book 14 of 22
    V.I. Warshawski
  2. Print length
    476 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Hodder & Stoughton
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    17 Mar. 2011
  7. File size
    1.0 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Shop this series

 See full series
There are 22 books in this series.

In this series (22 books)

Kindle Edition

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Product description

Review

Praise for Body Work

"V. I. Warshawski is...an immensely likeable character."--Newsday

"Warshawski presents an irresistible combination...she's like Spider-Man with a P.I. license."--Chicago Sun-Times

"This strong outing shows why the tough, fiercely independent, dog-loving private detective continues to survive."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"V.I. Warshawski is back--intelligent, tough, sarcastic and trouble-prone as ever...Body Work isn't just a satisfying whodunit; it's a rich, well-written why-dunnit."--St. Louis Post-Dispatch

More Praise for Sara Paretsky and the V. I. Warshawski series

"Sara Paretsky's Chicago private eye, V. I. Warshawski, is one tough cookie."--The New York Times Book Review

"One of our genre's crucial, solid-gold, best-ever series. Paretsky is a genius."--Lee Child

"V.I. Warshawski is one of my all-time favorite investigators."--Lisa Gardner

"For me, the most remarkable of the moderns is Sara Paretsky."--P.D. James

"One of the most-loved characters in crime fiction."--Booklist (starred review)

"No one, male or female, writes better P.I. books than Paretsky."--The Denver Post

"Paretsky's books are beautifully paced and plotted, and the dialogue is fresh and smart...V.I. Warshawski is the most engaging woman in detective fiction."--Newsweek

About the Author

Sara Paretsky is the New York Times bestselling author of the renowned V.I. Warshawski novels. Her many awards include the Cartier Diamond Dagger Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Crime Writers' Association and the 2011 Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award. She lives in Chicago.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004K1EK1A
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hodder & Stoughton
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 17 Mar. 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 476 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1848942189
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 14 of 22 ‏ : ‎ V.I. Warshawski
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,045 ratings

About the author

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Sara Paretsky

Sara Paretsky

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Called a "genius" by Lee Child and "one of the all time greats" by Karin Slaughter, Sara Paretsky transformed the role of women in the mystery world with her detective, V.I. Warshawski. V.I. is tough, feminine and vulnerable, but above all loyal to her friends and clients. Paretsky and Warshawski share a love of singing, Golden Retrievers and Italian reds. V.I. has escaped many near-death experiences, including drowning in Chicago's swamps (Blood Shot), falling down an elevator shaft (Burn Marks), and multiple attempts to shoot her down (Dead Land). Paretsky would have retired to the Umbrian Hills after one such event, but V.I. keeps coming back for more.

Paretsky's passion for social justice is reflected in her novels but also in her support for reproductive health and the welfare of women and children. She founded Sisters in Crime, an international organization that advocates for women in the mystery/thriller field. She is one of four living writers to earn both the Cartier Diamond Dagger from the British Crime Writers and Grand Master from the Mystery Writers of America.

Visit Sara's website, www.saraparetsky.com, find her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/SaraParetsky, and follow her on Twitter @Sara1982P.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,045 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot intricately woven, with one review noting its complex character development. The writing style receives positive feedback, and customers consistently describe it as a good read. They appreciate the book's thought-provoking nature.

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11 customers mention ‘Plot’9 positive2 negative

Customers praise the intricate plot of the book, with one review highlighting its complex weave of characters.

"...Superb story teller and another great book." Read more

"...I liked the writing style and the characters were vividly portrayed; I believed in them and cared what happened to them...." Read more

"...The plot is intricately woven and seemingly insignificant things are all wrapped up in the final conclusion, which is both clever and..." Read more

"...Apart from that, it's very believable. (In marked contrast to J A Konrath's gorefests, set in the same city, Chicago)" Read more

9 customers mention ‘Readability’9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a good read.

"...Superb story teller and another great book." Read more

"This was the first Sara Paretsky book I've read and I enjoyed it very much...." Read more

"Body Work is a thought provoking and interesting book. While in "whodunnit" style it stands high in quality and intelligence...." Read more

"Always a good read,VI Warshawski PI, gritty and tough,just love these books." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Thought provoking’3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with one describing it as clever.

"...of the plot around this central theme was suitably complex and interesting...." Read more

"...things are all wrapped up in the final conclusion, which is both clever and contemporary...." Read more

"Body Work is a thought provoking and interesting book. While in "whodunnit" style it stands high in quality and intelligence...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Writing style’3 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book.

"...I liked the writing style and the characters were vividly portrayed; I believed in them and cared what happened to them...." Read more

"Excellent writing, great plots and strong character" Read more

"An awesome story told, twisting and turning, smoothly and expertly written - a pleasure to read and revisit old friends!" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Craig
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 November 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Totally up to the usual high standard of both story and structure that you get from Sara Paretsky.
    Superb story teller and another great book.
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  • Mrs Louise E Miles, UK
    4.0 out of 5 stars Atmospheric, authentic
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 December 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This was the first Sara Paretsky book I've read and I enjoyed it very much. I thought the whole idea of the body artist was really original and the structure of the plot around this central theme was suitably complex and interesting. I liked the writing style and the characters were vividly portrayed; I believed in them and cared what happened to them. I'd definitely recommend this book to those who like a meaty and original crime thriller.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Stacey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great yarn about VI Warshawski
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 October 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Body Work begins with the murder of a young artist behind Club Gouge, and edgy night spot in Chicago. It turns out that she was there to see the headline act, a woman known only as 'The Artist', who allows the audience to paint on her naked body while she sits on stage. The murdered girl had begun to paint on The Artist and her work had enraged an Iraq veteran in the audience for some unknown reason. When the young woman dies the finger is pointed at the veteran who has - seemingly - tried to kill himself out of guilt. VI Warshawski is engaged by the veteran's family to find out what happened and - hopefully clear his name.

    This book is another great addition to the VI Warshawski collection, the immediate death of the victim within the first few pages definitely grabs you! VI is her usual hound-dog self in tracking down the truth, but this time she has her cousin (who she picked up in Hardball) along for the ride and helping her in her investigations. The plot is intricately woven and seemingly insignificant things are all wrapped up in the final conclusion, which is both clever and contemporary.

    I've read that Sara Paretsky is already working on the next novel, which I await with interest!!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • jacw2000
    4.0 out of 5 stars Believable Detective
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 April 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A woman is killed outside a night club - she bleeds to death in the arms of V I Warshawski, private eye. Prime suspect is Chad Vishnewski, disturbed Iraq war vet, no relation. The victim is Nadia Guaman whose sister was killed in Iraq. The cops arrest Chad who has conveniently taken an overdose and is in a coma. (So who deleted his blog entries?) V I isn't convinced and she proceeds to unravel the elaborate chain of connections between nude performance artists (not strippers), drug dealers accountants and heavies, and a company that makes body armour for the US military.

    V I tends to get involved with cases where she cares. Not necessarily where she has a paying client. Apart from that, it's very believable. (In marked contrast to J A Konrath's gorefests, set in the same city, Chicago)
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  • Sionnach Rua
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2021
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    Excellent writing, great plots and strong character
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  • samantha
    3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 May 2017
    Verified Purchase
    First book of V I that I couldn't get into
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  • victoriamacdonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Roller Coaster Rude
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I read this at 3 this morning, I read it on the tube to work, I’ve just finished reading it in a noisy restaurant because I couldn’t put it down. And I cried at the end and only the Kite Runner has ever made me do that. I think I’m a little in love with V I. I can’t wait for my daughter to discover all Sarah Paretsky’s V I Warshawski books. Lucky her to have them ahead of her.
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  • P G Hall
    4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 February 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Body Work is a thought provoking and interesting book. While in "whodunnit" style it stands high in quality and intelligence. V I is, as ever, an appealing heroine.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Deborah Boisvert
    5.0 out of 5 stars Creative and suspenseful crime and detective story.
    Reviewed in Canada on 25 February 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love the PI V.I. Warshawski novels! The premise of this story is so creative and suspenseful. Only Sara Paretsky could come up with a story like this! Would definitely recommend!
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  • 隼人パパ
    4.0 out of 5 stars 期待どおりの楽しさ
    Reviewed in Japan on 4 November 2011
    Verified Purchase
    V.I.Warshawskiシリーズは読者を裏切らない。いつもどおりの楽しさ、会話の豊かさ、アクション、人情、非情。
    　しかし、最近、この女流探偵は少し分別臭い感じがする。ストーリーの中に反戦気分が見え隠れしていた。あまり、政治色を濃くしないで欲しかった。また、女探偵は最近、男に甘えすぎ。男もかっこつけすぎ。探偵を冷たく突き放して欲しかった。昔の作品のように、女探偵がむさくるしく、もてない女のほうが、セクシーでワイルドな感じでよかった。それで星が一つ減点。あとは完璧な出来だった。次回作もぜひ読みたいと思った。
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  • gammyjill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another strong Chicago book by Sara Paretsky...
    Reviewed in the United States on 3 September 2010
    Verified Purchase
    It's a little difficult to describe Sara Paretsky's on-going V I Warshawski series to someone who's new to her work. Paretsky has been writing the Warshawski series for about 20 years or so, as well as at least one stand-alone book. Her writing, her characters, her settings, her crimes are unlike any other contemporary mystery writer I've read.

    Her latest, "Body Work", is not an easy book to read. I think it's the edgiest of all her novels; the center around whom the story revolves is a "body artist", working out of a Chicago night-club. The "body artist", called here "the Body Artist" is a murky figure who allows customers to paint on her naked body. The images are sent world-wide on a web-cam. The plot of "Body Work" has the standard murders, bad guys, the internet, the war in Iraq, a Blackwater-like company which provides mercenary services in Iraq, sexuality issues, and many more plot points. Paretsky does a good job in laying out the plot and then tidily cleaning it all up again. But in the background of the plot are the issues of V I Warshawski herself.

    Vic is a long-time private-eye in Chicago. She's gone through many cases, ably written up by Sara Paretsky, who brings her character along in personal development in each book. Many of the same characters show up in the books; Vic's family members, her neighbor-and-protector, Mr Contreras, various friends and lovers, and, of course, her two dogs, Mitch and Peppy. Paretsky has brought her character from a hard-scrabble childhood as the only child of a Polish Catholic policeman-father and an Italian Jewish opera singer-mother. Her first books were set in that odd Chicago area of the southeast side of Chicago, with the various ethnic groups jockeying for space. The power of Paretsky's writing, in those books, was the diversity Chicago is known for. The settings of the later books have moved to the northside of Chicago and the villains have subtly changed to large corporations - Blackwater, Wal-Mart - who are a blight on our society, in Paretsky's view. (She's not wrong). She regularly brings up societal issues not examined in other fiction.

    I felt this book was a little over-written. It could have been a little shorter and more concise. Of course, I'm comparing it to her back-list. It is a good book and an enjoyable one, particularly for long-time Paretsky fans.
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  • Anita Slade
    4.0 out of 5 stars Body Work: V.I. Warshawski 14 (The V.I. Warshawski Series) (English Edition)
    Reviewed in Brazil on 21 November 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Warshawski como sempre. História interessante, como sempre bem desenvolvida, prendendo nossa atenção.
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  • Placeholder
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and enjoyable
    Reviewed in India on 23 August 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Paretsky delivers another wonderful Washawski thriller. My favourite female detective. With her guts and vitality and her anger and her vulnerabilities. Loved it
    Report

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