Dear Readers, a copy of Southie Girl came into our hands over at Caught in Southie , and we were extremely excited to take a look.  Any time the neighborhood is highlighted in a novel, a movie, or even just referenced – our attention immediately peaks, hoping for an accurate representation and a handful of Greater Boston locations we recognize.

Over the last year, most of the area (and possibly the country) became obsessed with the Karen Read trial.  For those that might know, Karen Read was accused of killing her Boston Police officer boyfriend on a drunken night.  Without starting a debate over THAT case, I only bring it up because the connection to working-class crimes and conspiracy theories is on a high- everyone enjoys a solid local mystery.  I know that I was personally glued to the television (and any similar type of case always gets me), so when I learned that Southie Girl’s plot was along the same lines – I said, “GIVE IT TO ME MAUREEN!”

In the 1990s, our main character, Chris Stathis, filled his time in the State House, chasing politicians for quotes and popping into press conferences related to ongoing legislation. Born and bred in Weymouth, he found he knew about Boston and its neighborhoods but not the true characteristics and personalities that ran in their veins.   It wasn’t until he began dating and eventually marrying a woman, Brooke Sullivan from Southie, that we began to see the author, including some neighborhood tidbits.   Suppose you’re looking for true Southie characters. In that case, I suggest paying attention to Brooke’s nana- Molly and her sister, Eva- with their nods to Irish soda bread, chats in the parlor, and references to their intense loyalty to those important to them.

It opens with the reader learning that Chris’s good friend, Suffolk Attorney General- Jason Miller, is run over late one night (!!!)  after leaving a restaurant with no suspects.  Chris’s goal is to identify why the case has been swept to the side and seemingly “forgotten.”   He is determined to get justice for his friend, no matter where it takes him – including a trail of finding out who would benefit the most from his death.  Through his findings, he finds out that Jason is on the short list to move up in the state government’s offices and one of the top choices for Governor.  Chris knows that something is off and begins questioning those he’s become close to.

 The book ping pongs between Chris and Brooke, with Chris reminding me of the unwavering foundation of a husband who just wants the typical life – a house in the suburbs (specifically Duxbury), a good job, and a loving family.  Brooke has a bit of a different take as we follow her from an office assistant in Housing and Development to a spot in the running for Lieutenant Governor.  (Along this journey are some references to her grit & determination, her “Southie – tell it like it is – style,” and the campaign often sells her as “Southie Girl” – a girl of the people, a girl who knows what it’s like to work hard and dig her feet in alongside others just like her.  Now, if this description is true of “Southie Girls,” – you tell us in the comments after you read the book.)  Brooke is on the ballot paired with a man named Matthew Brooks; the perfect tagline for the yard signs isn’t it – “Brooks and Brooke.” While she’s cozying up with her running mate, Chris makes note that Matthew swooped right in after Jason’s death.  Not only is Brooke running a campaign, but she’s also running one to figure out what happened between her mother and her biological father.  All of these matches run parallel to each other, and the author does a good job of intertwining them enough to connect, but not so much so that the reader is confused about how to follow along.

Have you heard of the 1800s poem “The Spider and the Fly” about seduction and manipulation?  Take that for what it is and see why the author threads a line or two throughout the chapters of this book.  Overall, I started the book assuming it would have little jabs at Southie or generalize those from here.  Instead, I found that Southie itself wasn’t a major part of the book, but instead used as a way to describe Brooke’s character traits.    I thoroughly enjoyed myself reading it with equal parts “Oh, I knew that was going to happen,” “Oh, what a twist!” and “I miss Hilltop Restaurant too.”  If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer, a quick read, or a book to put alongside your James Pattersons, grab Southie Girl!

I’m currently finishing:

• The Senator’s Wife  by Liv Constatine

• Evil Eye  by Etaf Rum

• Four Weddings and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer

If you got this far, thank you!  Let us know what you’re reading via the comments on @caughtinsouthie or catch me at @glossinbossin / @josiegl on Instagram.

FYI:  I’ve seen lots of “newer”  books lately in the Free Little Libraries around town.  Don’t forget to bring one, take one & keep them tidy.  My favorite spots include the ones in the parking lot of Julie’s Learning Center, the Laboure Center,  at the bottom of G/8th Street, and the Clock Tavern by the fireplace (take only – not a drop off location).  If you know of the other locations on the East Side, please let me know.