Disclaimer: The reviews I post on The Self Rescue Princess won’t be the usual style of book review that talks about all the points and elements of a novel. My intention is to focus on heroines that I believe exemplify the spirit and character of a self-rescuing princess or are on their way to achieving that status.
Now on to the review:
This book is about Nikki Latrelle, a jockey at a racetrack in Maryland … a strong, capable woman in a man’s world. At a young age, the heroine had to learn to fend and protect herself. From the start, I was drawn to Nikki and curious as to how her past would affect Nikki in her job and when she got tangled up in a murder investigation. I was impressed how Nikki’s past explained her distrust of others but never controlled her. It was a part of the character’s history but not an overwhelming thread in the story. Nikki was a very well-balanced character and I found myself admiring her very much.
When Nikki was accused of some terrible crimes (don’t want to give away any of the plot so I won’t give specifics), she is hurt and devastated when others turn from her but still tries to understand their feelings and realize that was a painful time for a few of those individuals. I found that aspect of her character inspiring, she never wallowed in her circumstances or just accepted it, she worked through it without becoming bitter and writing people off.
What I loved most about Nikki was her determination to make her way in the world and not allow any baggage to hold her down. Her painful childhood was part of her … shaped her … but didn’t define Nikki. It fleshed out her character but didn’t become the identifier for the heroine or take over the story.
Even though she remained cautious, Nikki took chances and steps to allow people in her life and refused to allow the past to control her. That makes her a self-rescue princess. I can’t wait to get to know her more in future books.
Full Mortality by Sasscer Hill is an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel 2010.
The Self-Rescue Princess 
What a wonderful and delightful surprise it was to see this blog post! A very big thanks to Chris Freeburn! You’re the best, and Nikki thinks so, too.
Very nice review. I hate the ones that read like a synopsis of the story, making you feel you’ve already read the book. You’ve made Nikki an interesting character and one I’d like to get to know. Thanks!