A Kind of Justice

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.

This novel, centered around a transgender hairdresser and the murder investigation following her, feels real and authentic to a level I didn't expect. I loved Bobbi Logan, and I feel like I gained some genuine insight on what it's like to be a trans person, likely due to the fact that Renee James is both transgender herself and an excellent writer.

The central “mystery,” if you can call it that, is really secondary to the story of Bobbi's life and relationships with the people around her. One of the central themes of the book is that outward appearances can be deceiving, and people can change/be much different than you thought initially. The warmth that radiates from the main character (and the book itself) makes this theme feel true and moving, but even with that warmth, the book never shies away from the violence, bigotry, and turmoil trans people often face. The characters in A Kind of Justice are so well-drawn and compassionately written that it might even make you think twice about easy judgments, and that's a takeaway message that couldn't be more necessary in the world.

A Kind of Justice by Renee James is an amazing read and before I break down why I loved it I want to say thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for the ARC, which I received in exchange for my honest review.
I picked this book up because of a few reasons, first and foremost being my best friend is transgender. I have gone to college talks we have watched movies but I have never read a book where the lead is this amazing fire cracker that is Bobbi Logan. Not only do you get an awesome glance at how the trans community lives this is a great murder mystery for those who love the who done it kind of reads.

Right from the first few pages I was drawn into the world of Bobbi Logan a trans woman who is also a sister, aunt and popular hairdresser. there is so much dimension and personality that gives the story a kind of edgy feel to it but discloses nothing until the very end.
Bobbi's life is a roller coaster that she is just getting a handle on. Before her transition Bobbi was a married man and the story brings Bobbi back face to face with her ex-wife Betsy and her daughter not only does Bobbi balance work, the murder and her family but she does it with so much style that you the reader find yourself cheering her on even if you don't know if she is the killer.
Detective Wilkins doesn't really regard himself as transphobic. He is just determined to resurrect an old murder case and close the case like a good cop should. The murder of John Strand, a respected business man, has continued to trouble him. Throughout the plot of the story the detective discovers that Strand is not a good man but still feels justice must be done. But what kind exactly?

Bobbi is a beautiful character. As she seeks to understand what it is to be a woman she goes through the pain of yearning for real love that so many people face. This story makes you think opens your heart to equality and most importantly makes you love books even more. Even though this is the second book this is so well written it can stand on its own two feet brilliantly. 4.5 stars for the perfect justice.