One of the things I especially liked about this terrific novel (and there's a lot to like) is when one of the characters attends a series of classic black and white pictures called “Raising Cain.” The movies happen to be The Postman Always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity and Mildred Pierce. Shrewd book and movie lovers will instantly recognize the reference to author James M. Cain, who was probably the father of this type of hard-boiled thriller.

Each of those novels, turned into great movies that garnered countless spinoffs and remakes, involves betrayal and illicit love affairs, and consists primarily of unlikable characters, none of whom can ever be trusted. What a great way to sell Laura Lippman's new work of fiction, SUNBURN, which follows that formula to a tee and makes for an extremely pleasurable reading experience.

"Laura Lippman handles the text and subtext of SUNBURN with great ease, and it's apparent she's having a lot of fun with these characters. She is a skilled writer at the top of her own game --- thriller writing --- and this one is a doozy."

Right from the start, we are plunged back into the year 1995. It is on these first few pages that we are introduced to a red-headed lady who now goes by the name Polly Costello. There's a man watching her, and the first thing he’s drawn to are her sunburned shoulders. A con woman who is always in her element, she is sitting on a barstool trying to blend in. However, this is a novel filled with con artists, and she will pick up on that fact soon enough.

Polly befriends the barmaid, Cath, at the High-Ho bar in Belleville, Delaware, and quickly finds herself working alongside her. The cook, Adam, takes an instant liking to Polly --- something they both need to keep from Cath. The owner, Mr. C., is just happy that his small group of employees aren't robbing him blind. Early chapters jump to a man named Gregg struggling to raise an infant girl following the baby’s mother, Pauline, walking out on them. You already may have figured out who Pauline is, but that still will not prepare you for all the twists and turns that this hard-boiled thriller has in store for the reader.

Polly survives by showing little to no emotion when necessary and hardening herself for the difficult decisions she needs to make for both self-preservation and wearing the badge of the con game on her arm at all times. We get to know a little about Polly's past in bits and pieces. At one time she was badly abused by someone named Ditmars, naturally causing her to mistrust all men. It's no wonder she doesn't have her radar working when it turns out that Adam may have interest in her beyond mere carnal knowledge. Could Adam be under the employ of one of Polly's exes? Stay tuned, because it gets far more complicated from here.

Without fail, practically every character in this novel attempts to double-cross or blackmail each other. This will end quickly as those who are more skilled players at this game are sure to come out on top. It seems as if Polly may be attempting not only to hide from her past but also to stow away a nice chunk of change she appropriated along the way. It will be up to you to decide if you think Polly is committed to finally changing and settling down in this sleepy town, or if this is just one more stop on her endless highway to the sky.

Laura Lippman handles the text and subtext of SUNBURN with great ease, and it's apparent she's having a lot of fun with these characters. She is a skilled writer at the top of her own game --- thriller writing --- and this one is a doozy. As much as I enjoy all of Lippman’s work, I would love for her to return to where she started out --- with the Tess Monaghan series --- so I could learn how Tess has matured as both a character and a sleuth. After reading SUNBURN, it would be fun to see what nastiness Lippman might cook up for good old Tess!