This was another quick read for this series. I didn’t like this one as much as I liked the first one but it was still enjoyable. The plot line for this one wasn’t as exciting as the first book in the series.

This is the second book in the Krista Larson series. I have not read the first book but was able to understand the plot and characters with no problem. I love books with music as the plot and this book revolves around a reunited rock and roll band. who is being inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. While it was a quick read, I felt it dragged in several spots, which made me put it down for a time. The characters were interesting, especially the two main characters. I really enjoyed the father-daughter duo. Overall, I enjoyed this musical mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy in return for my honest review.

This is a second volume in the series - and I will not continue in reading. While I still like the father-daughter detective duo and the glimpses into their private lives, too - yet I am not invested neither in them, nor in the mystery itself. The plot feels clichey and the in-fashion in today's culture motive for murder feels flat, because the deeper context and understanding to the motivation is missing.

I thought the first book in this series was very solid and kept my attention. I love Krista Lawson and following along her story in the first book was fun and almost fresh, even though I read mysteries constantly. This one, was a little on the slower side and I didn't have quite the same anticipation in finishing it (it took me much longer to get through this one than the first one), but it was still a solid book and a fun series. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

I always enjoy Mr. Collins books and he doesn't disappoint with this one. It has what I was looking for in a mystery novel and I think it added and improved on from the first book.

“Sex, Drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll”

Okay! so this is book #2 in the ‘Krista Larsen’ series, however for those of you who tend to dip in and out of a series, it works just fine as a stand alone story. Yes, there is an ongoing backstory which runs through both books, however the author does a good job at weaving the pertinent, need to know details into the narrative, so that you don’t feel as though you are being left out of anything!

This story is an interesting mix of plot versus characters – but if you were to ask me if one prevailed markedly over the other, I would probably say, “no, not noticeably!”

More mystery than thriller; more small-town cozy than hardcore city crime; detailed police procedural, definitely not – but still murder nonetheless!

Don’t they always say that it is easier to write what you know about? Well! this author has enjoyed such a successful, long and varied career, that there was probably only one place left for him to go with that statement, and that would be to reflect and indulge a little in his passion for rock ‘n’ roll music, which he does most eloquently and knowledgeably in this book. You therefore do need to be prepared for some quite detailed narrative about the subject, where and when it is relevant, although Max has achieved such seamless results by blending fact with fiction, that I never lost interest in the storyline from that perspective.

The storyline and motive isn’t overly complicated, although that is predominantly because certain segments of the narrative are written from the perspective of the perpetrator, which could have become rather messy and confusing, but in reality were skilfully written, worked really well and only added to the intrigue. So in effect I knew the how, why and when of all the crimes, just not the who! I had a list with three suspects on it, however one of them became a victim and my other two choices were proved to be innocent, so I definitely wouldn’t have been much help for Krista, in solving the case! As it was, the guilty suspect gave themselves away, but not until the very last moment and I still never saw it coming until it hit me in the face. The final showdown maybe wasn’t quite so much of a surprise and was probably the most suitable and inevitable outcome in the circumstances, making for a definitive ending, following a good strong opening sequence, with some sound focused storyline content.

The mechanics of the police procedures which would undoubtedly be involved in such a complex series of unexplained deaths, are unfortunately not dealt with in quite so much detail. However this kind of reflects the authenticity and reality of the position of the City of Galena, one of the so named Quad Cities. It seems as though there are such limited resources, needing to be drawn with cooperation, from so many different cities, that for a Police Chief in Krista’s position, coordinating and commanding a serious potential murder investigation in-house, is almost impossible. So in that respect Max has stayed true to reality, which although that doesn’t make it quite so satisfying for us fiction crime addicts, who enjoy the complexities of the investigation and the pace of the action and storyline is definitely more sedentary, there is plenty of opportunity for immersing the reader in the whole experience, with some visually good and observationally detailed, descriptive writing, evoking a real sense of time and place. I felt as though I could have been there, in the city, knowing my way around the place and a neutral observer and bystander to the action.

There were a whole raft of characters involved in this complex story of revenge, betrayal and blackmail, some of whom I liked, a number of which I took an instant dislike to, with the rest probably being those whom I loved to hate! Not many of them came across as genuine, caring individuals, who were particularly engaging and there were plenty of sharp, edgy dialogue exchanges. There was also plenty of self-centred ego flying around the place, which made interaction between individual characters very difficult, not very open and certainly not very truthful, but to be honest was pretty much expected given the nature of the storyline.

If anything, I enjoyed this book more than the first, as Keith and Krista are beginning to resonate and grow on me, with Max starting to transform and develop the dynamics between them, giving both their personal and working relationships some genuine depth and engagement with me, the reader. I would also like to see the character of Detective Booker Jackson develop in his role alongside Krista, as they have the potential to make a great team in the future, especially if Keith does take on more of a consultancy role, as right now he is still searching for a sense of belonging, a state which will no doubt evolve and change as Krista finds her feet in her new role and Keith feels emotionally able to take his own life in a new direction.

This is definitely a series with real potential to go places and one which would probably lend itself quite nicely to a television series!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, but my first, and I did not feel that I had gaps in my understanding of the locale or the lead protagonists.

A fairly low danger murder mystery based around a local band's revival concert which I thought worked pretty well, and whilst the original rockers were now pretty sedentary, it was clear that their pasts were a little less straitlaced. I liked the concept of looking back and reflecting on how the decisions they took affected each of them. We soon know that someone else is also feeling the impact of the time she spent with the band.

Krista and her father, Keith, are quite fun, although why I needed to know what they (and everyone else) was wearing all the time did confuse me. At the beginning, being a committed murder mystery reader, I was keeping note, in case there was a twist based on clothing, but it certainly didn't seem to be what I needed to remember at all. I enjoyed their romance problems due to them sharing a house, although it certainly wasn't the focus of the book.

I enjoyed the read, and it would be perfect for a beach read, when you don't want to think too hard and yet have a satisfying mystery with some clever if nasty twists.

This was another quick read for this series. I didn’t like this one as much as I liked the first one but it was still enjoyable. The plot line for this one wasn’t as exciting as the first book in the series. Overall this one gets 3 stars.

Girl Can't Help It is the second book in Max Allan Collins' Krista Larson series. I enjoyed the first book and enjoyed the second just as much. I love the main character, Krista. I recommend this series but definitely read this series in order!

I received this book through the read now program on "NetGalley".

This story starts out with Hot Rod and the Pistons performing a concert while being inducted into Iowa's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After the concert, one of the followers goes with Rick to the cottage where he is staying. While there, this individual winds up giving Rick a drug which gave the appearance of a heart attack and his death was ruled as normal.

The band reforms with the addition of a new member and is preparing to go on a reunion tour. After a dress rehearsal, Danny winds up dead the following day after meeting with the same individual who was responsible for Rick's death. In this instance, his death was rulled a suicide because he supposedly hung himself. After another dress rehearsal for the group, Rick's wife Donna also met with this individual and met with her death. In this instance, the apartment was ransacked and it appear that the cause of death was a homicide.

The chief of Police and her father followed the clues, but were not able to come up with a suspect. This all came to a conclusion when the individual arranged to have a bomb made that she was going to use on the remaining group at the concert being performed in Galenta. This would have worked except the Police Chief's father realized that the previous speaker doing the introductions had left her purse and on inspection noticed the bomb which he was able to dispose of in the river. The individual responsible was then pursued and ultimately took her own life while she gave her reason to the Police Chief.

If you want to find out what the reason was and who the killer was, then you must read this book which I recommend highly.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this arc book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

This follow up in the Krista Larson series is a stand alone read for the most part. The history and situation from the first novel have no impact or relation to this storyline.


In the first book you are introduced to Krista Larson who has become the youngest female Police Chief in Galena, IL at 28 years old. It seems she is following in her father Keith’s footsteps as he recently retired at 58 from his position as Chief Detective at Dubuque PD. Krista has her father move back to the family home in Galena months after her mother passes away.

This second novel involves a murder mystery surrounding a popular rock band, Hot Rod and the Pistons. They were written about in the Dubuque Telegraph Herald as reuniting for their induction performance into the Iowa Hall of Fame.

The book describes a lot of music history as related to rock and roll of the past. Of course the group takes a look down memory lane of all the wild nights and crazy performances. By now most of them are married and have moved on with their lives. There are a few who wish they could rekindle the old days and some who wish they could erase evidence of the past.

Some members of the band seem to be dying unexpectedly as Detective Larson begins to learn of a missing video tape with potentially incriminating evidence of the past. It seems like a race to uncover and catch the killer before another victim is found.

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first book. It seemed to drag and contain too much information about music history in my opinion. I didn’t find the main character and her father as instrumental in the storyline as the first book.

Girl Can’t Help It is the second book in Max Allan Collins’ Krista Larson series. This is a great read for those who enjoy mysteries. Krista Larson is the Chief of Police in a small Iowa town. She grew up in this town and is familiar not only with the residents but also with the band that is a main focal point of this second book. Hot Rod and the Pistons have reunited for a farewell tour due to their upcoming induction into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Before things can get off a start, tragedy strikes the band in the form of death. Did these band members die form suicide and natural causes or was it something more than that? Because this is a big Labor Day Weekend, the show must go on. And it does…with Krista and her father Keith keeping an eye out. They say revenge is best served cold and, in this case, all of the tragedy that besets the band can be traced back to their earlier years.
I will admit to reading other reviews of this book prior to reading the book, and I will admit that I was a bit worried that it would not measure up to the first book. Now don’t get me wrong: each book can be read as a stand-alone. I definitely enjoyed this book. It is told from the perspective of the killer as well as in general. I was pleasantly surprised and am glad that I read this book. It is a solid read that I believe you will enjoy. There is more to this story than meets the eye. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

The second on the Krista Larson series from Max Allan Collins. A rock n' roll feel, with long descriptions of clothes, this is a fun thriller, that seems to be wearing a black leather jacket and mohawk.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this fun thriller.

A new book by Max Allan Collins is always an event, something to which to look forward, and this fun mystery/police procedural is no exception. This is the second of a series, but can be read easily as a standalone as everything is satisfactorily explained. The book is set in Galena, Illinois, near the Quad Cities, which for those of you who don’t live there are the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois. (Yes, the Quad Cities actually number five. What can I tell you?)

Hot Rod and the Pistons were once a big group in the area, playing the Midwest circuit before hitting it big as a one-hit wonder group. They are about to be inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame, and are making a mini-comeback and touring. The young Chief of Police of Galena, Krista Larsen and her retired police officer father get involved when there is a death. I don’t like spoilers, so I am not going to say more about the plot.

I had not known previously that Max Allan Collins is also a rock musician, but he certainly makes all of the details of the behind-the-scenes of the group seem authentic. As always with this author, the novel hangs together quite nicely, and I didn’t see the end coming. I really enjoyed this book; I liked the characters, the story line, and the writing. I am looking forward to further books about Krista Larsen and her father Keith, and I recommend this one.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions are my own.

Girl Can’t Help It brings together an aging rock band for a reunion and a place in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, it also brings a murderer to the party.

I had no idea that there was any rock and roll history in Iowa. So that was interesting. I’ve been around bands much of my life and the band dynamics and backstage hubbub are true to my experience. Maybe it is because of my prior knowledge that I found Girl Can’t Help It’s pace glacially slow (even boring at times). The mystery itself was challenging. Plus, I liked the detective and her father’s relationship. 3 stars.

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

There's more to Hot Rod and the Pistons than meets the eye. They might be new inductees to the Iowa Rock n'Roll Hall of Fame (really?) but they're also dropping like flies. Krista Larson, who is the police chief of Galena, Iowa, and her father Keith find themselves truing to sort out who committed suicide and who was murdered. Or was it all murder? There's good interaction between Krista and Keith and some chuckles about the band but the mystery isn't too complex. This also would have benefited from another edit (yes, as others have noted, there are a lot of references to clothing). That said, it's a good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

As a musician, I'm a sucker for a mystery with music in the plot. In this case the plot revolves around Hot Rod and the Pistons, a New Wave rockabilly band that had a brief moment of fame and have reunited for their induction into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. They happen to be based in Galena, where Krista Larson (the series protagonist) is sheriff.

The story begins with a murder, on the evening of the band's big honor. Unplanned, but it sets the pattern for the rest of the book. Band members and those close to them fall one by one. Krista and her father Keith (a retired police officer) are convinced that someone is a threat to the band members and everyone close to them. But they lack proof, due to the poison used for most of the murders, which is especially hard to detect, even when those doing the autopsy are looking for it.

So the grand climax is a surprise--at least it was to me--which brings together all of the story threads. And also reveals the identity of the mystery murderer. The ultimate resolution is a bit unsatisfying, but it does answer all of the questions.

Even if it's well written I couldn't connect to the characters and the book fell flat.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

The best way for me to get the word out on this dark, suspenseful, fast-paced, sensational and amusing novel is to compile a playlist of the songs that the fictional band Hot Rod and the Pistons cover.

The list will be in my blog after the book is published on 3-10-20 and I’ll add a link to the 1956 film “The Girl Can’t Help It,” a musical comedy starring Jayne Mansfield, Tom Ewell and Edmond O’Brien and featuring such rock and roll greats as Little Richard, Fats Domino, Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent.

The book is about the star-crossed Pistons, known for playing rockabilly with an edge, the addictive style Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen performed on songs like “Hot Rod Lincoln” and “Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar” in the 1970s.

A major difference between the Pistons and Commander Cody is that I believe no members of Commander Cody died under suspicious circumstances.

I'm not here to give a plot review. That's available elsewhere. Please, just read the book when it's available to find out what happens.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.

Another enjoyable Krista Larson novel, with an interesting plot and vivid characters. There were points where the descriptions became a little over wrought, and knowing the motive and a lot about the murderer made it less of a mystery - I prefer to know as little as possible and be left in shock at the end!