Category: Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller Page 147 of 153

Once again, Goldberg delivers a definitive response to anyone who disparages tie-in novels. The TV series, Monk, was great — but what Goldberg’s done with this series of novels — particularly following the series finale.

What he’s done with these characters — Disher, Ambrose and especially Natalie (oh, yeah, and that OCD detective) is incredible. Almost got a little misty a couple of times here.

In addition to this great character development, we got a handful of great comic scenes, a couple of solid mysteries, and one of the most action-packed scenes in the Monk canon.

While I understand his need to move on with his career, really not liking the idea that there’s only one more in this series from Goldberg. But I’m really looking forward to his swan song now.

Dusted Off: Mr. Monk on the Couch by Lee Goldberg

By HCNewton

On June 4, 2013

In Fiction, Lee Goldberg, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Mr. Monk on the Couch by Lee Goldberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not at all surprisingly, Goldberg delivered yet again. It seems the man can’t write a bad book–which is fine with me.

This book is more about Natalie than usual, about her growth as an investigator–spurred by her work with Monk. As such, it’s probably one of the more emotionally satisfying of this long series. We also get some good development of the new lieutenant brought in by Goldberg to replace Lt. Disher following the TV series’ finale.

I can’t think of much to say about this that doesn’t fall into spoiler territory (or is a rehash of the backcover copy). Funny, good whodunit, and some nice character moments. All you can ask for.

Dusted Off: Black Cherry Blues by James Lee Burke

By HCNewton

On June 3, 2013

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Black Cherry Blues by James Lee Burke
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

that seemed like it took forever to read, and it was totally not worth it. Still trying to figure out the appeal of Robicheaux to mystery readers. I appreciate the insights I’m getting to someone working the program (AA) and his relapses, etc. But just don’t see the point in continuing to read the series (‘tho I fully expect I’ll read a few more)

Dusted Off: Eight Million Ways to Die by Lawrence Block

By HCNewton

On June 3, 2013

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Eight Million Ways to Die by Lawrence Block
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first Scudder novel I’ve enjoyed–first time I cared about the identity of the killer, or any of the characters (including Scudder). Maybe it’s the fact that he’s “working the Program” (well, attending meetings anyway) and not just stumbling around from bottle to bottle until the mystery practically solves itself–he’s more active in this one, not just reactive.

Anyway, whatever the case may be, this was a good read and I can see why Scudder has the following he does if more of the series is like this one

Pros and Cons: A Short Story by Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg

By HCNewton

On May 31, 2013

In A-F, Fiction, Fox and O'Hare, Janet Evanovich, Lee Goldberg, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

I spent the better part of an hour writing a different review this morning — it wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be, but I’d worked on it a lot. And then I lost it. One stupid, wrong and mostly stupid click of the mouse and …poof. Didn’t have time to try to recreate it, but wanted to post something new today. And hey, I just purchased the Evanovich/Goldberg short story, Pros and Cons. Perfect! That’d fit the bill. Right? well…

—–

Pros and Cons: A Short Story by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
Series: Fox and O’Hare, #0.5

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I’ve been eagerly awaiting The Heist since it was first announced — I’m a big fan of both Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg, so when this short story prequel was released I couldn’t resist.

I probably should have found the will power. This, at best, was not bad. Amusing at times, but most of the humor felt forced. Even then, the humor was overly broad most of the time. Worse than that, the story was chock-full of exposition dumps that are almost worthy of Dan Brown.

That said, I’ve read almost 30 books by these two over the years and have no doubt that the novels are going to be better. The primary characters — Agent O’Hare and scoundrel Fox, are promising and chock-full of potential. Sure, I’m a little less enthused about The Heist than I was yesterday, but I’ll get over that once it’s in my hot little hands.

Short version: Skip this tease, come back for the real thing.

Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child

By HCNewton

On May 30, 2013

In C-E, Fiction, Jack Reacher, Lee Child, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Gone Tomorrow by Lee ChildSeries: Jack Reacher, #13

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5 really. Not sure why I’m holding that .5 out, but let’s say it wasn’t perfect — just so, so close.

On the one hand, this was a typical Jack Reacher novel* — Reacher sees a wrong that needs righting, a question that needs answered, someone who needs a little help, a little vengence that needs meting out, and he takes care of business, period. On the other hand — this was more intense, had more twists and turns, with higher (personal) stakes than your typical Reacher novel.

So, I guess it was a typical Reacher novel — just turned up to 11.

It’s really hard to say much about this Gone Tomorrow without spoiling the whole thing. But I’m going to try a bit: From the outset, it’s hard to tell who Reacher is working for until a little over halfway through the book (I think–didn’t take notes); everyone (everyone) lies to him about all sorts of things — but there’s enough truth mixed into the lies that I didn’t just spoil anything there; the violence (at least on Reacher’s part) is a bit more concentrated than usual, but once it starts…whoa, Nelly.

The biggest difference in this one is the looming specter of various counter-terrorism agencies and entities, functioning in the full protection and powers given by the Patriot Act and so on. Reacher and other characters in this book aren’t reticent to voice their complaints with these powers and the curtailment on citizen rights, honestly, to an extent that surprised me. While Reacher’s not directly in opposition to these agencies (he never would be that), his purposes and theirs do not directly align. Which gives an extra layer of danger for him — if Reacher’s not careful, he can disappear like he’s never existed before.

Basically the only other thing I can say without spoiling the crap out of this is simply: With Gone Tomorrow, Child, once again, shows that he and Reacher are the best around.

——-

* And a typical Jack Reacher novel is a great read, so don’t take this characterization as a complaint.

Dusted Off: The Weed That Strings the Hangman’s Bag by Alan Bradley

By HCNewton

On June 4, 2011

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

The Weed That Strings the Hangman’s Bag by Alan Bradley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The plucky young chemist with a nascent obsession with death is back in action. The case is a little less personal for Flavia de Luce this time, but that doesn’t stop her from jumping in whole hog to get to the bottom of it.

Flavia runs into a couple of traveling performers with some car trouble and before you know it, she’s got them some help–and a gig. While she hangs around the TV star and his assistant, she finds herself surrounded by some of her town’s darker history and then face to face with a murder. And Flavia being Flavia, she can’t resist sticking her nose in and making sure all the knots are untangled–particularly the ones adults are ignoring, despite them being painfully obvious to her.

We get less of Flavia’s sisters (and the rest of the household, come to think of it) in this installment–but when they’re around, their impact is greater. Clearly, as this series continues, there’s going to be some serious drama on the homefront with some major implications for the de Luce family, I hope Bradley tackles that quickly, the foreshadowing’s getting old quickly.

Unlike with so many other amateur sleuths (particularly juveniles), it’s nice to see that her reputation and track record are acknowledged by some in the community — which is both a help and a hindrance, I hope to see more of that in the future.

My only major quibble with this installment is that it takes far too long to set the main action of the novel up–in a 348 page mystery novel, you’d better get to the central crime before page 150 or so. Unless you’ve got a heroine like Flavia to focus on, I can’t imagine being patient enough to wait that long to get the ball rolling.

Another fun (occasionally hilarious) read, with a mystery satisfyingly twisty, with just enough red herrings to get you through it. Highly recommended if you’ve read the first in the series.

Dusted Off: Misc. Things about Books

By HCNewton

On April 28, 2011

In Books, News/Misc., Robert B. Parker, Spenser

We’re all more than familiar with the stereotype of the socially awkward bookworm (heck, it’s practically my whole identity for huge chunks of my life), but some recent research suggests that just might not be so. In fact, those who read a lot of fiction might be more empathetic than others (gotta say, that’s long been my theory, glad to see that I was probably right). (h/t:Lifehacker)
This has been linked like crazy all over, but author extraordinaire Michael Chabon has a great essay out about The Phantom Tollbooth (taken from his introduction to the forthcoming 50^th anniversary edition). Loved, loved, loved that book (and re-re-re-re-re-reread it as a kid). A couple years ago I read it with my kids and fell in love again–thanks to Mr. Chabon, I have to go read it again.
I’m torn about this. I’m a huge, huge fan of Robert B. Parker, and the thought of not getting new Spenser and Stone volumes each year depresses me, but the news that the Parker estate and his publisher have hired new authors to continue his two main series (thankfully there’s no talk about more Cole/Hitch books). If Joan’s comfortable with it, it seems wrong for us fans to be naysayers. But, my initial reaction’s more like what Andrew Wheeler tweeted, “V.C. Andrews, move over: sharecropping to begin over Robert Parker’s barely-cold corpse.” (h/t:Harry Connolly’s feed). But, hey, it’s not like Parker treated his stuff as much more than a commodity anyway lately (and honestly, I liked some of the choices that the new Stone writer made with the movies more than Parker made). I do know I’ll be grabbing them up from the library as soon as humanly possible–and hopefully I’ll like ’em enough to head to a bookstore after that.

Dusted Off: A Bad Day for Sorry by Sophie Littlefield/After the Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn

By HCNewton

On April 27, 2011

In Carrie Vaughn, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

A Bad Day for Sorry: A Crime Novel by Sophie Littlefield

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I knew that crime fiction would come up with someone to dethrone Lisbeth Salander as reigning Queen Bad*ss, but I never woulda figured it’d be someone like Stella Hardesty. Sure, Lisbeth could take Stella in a steel cage match–but in an extended campaign, that little girl wouldn’t stand a chance, Stella’d kick her Asperger’s all the way back to Sweden.

After years of spousal abuse, Stella finally had enough and killed him. Some years later, Stella augments her income from her sewing supply store by helping women in similar situations by making their spouses, boyfriends, etc. To say that her methods are unorthodox would be an understatement of the highest order.

The case at the center of this book seems pretty straightforward–the jerk in question seems to need (and respond to) some encouragement to stick to the behavior plan that Stella’s lined out for him–like she expected, but lo and behold, he ends up kidnapping his ex’s kid.

Things go out of control from there.

Given the subject matter, this book obviously goes to some pretty dark places. Yet this story is told with a lot of wit and charm–a few laughs, too (particularly as a mutual attraction grows between Stella and the new Sheriff). It doesn’t take long at all to really like Stella and get invested in her crusade, as well as this case.

Just can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.

After the Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

(really 4.5 stars, if that were possible)

This should make up for my less than glowing review of Vaughn’s last book (the fun Steel). This is the best novel Carrie Vaughn has published–and that’s saying something.

Beyond paraphrasing the book description, or spoiling the whole thing, I can’t think of anything else to say.

Just read it.

Dusted Off: Dark Jenny by Alex Bledsoe

By HCNewton

On April 16, 2011

In Alex Bledsoe, Authors, Eddie LaCrosse, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Dark Jenny by Alex Bledsoe

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ll be honest with you, I have only the vaguest of memory of what actually happened in the first Eddie LaCrosse novel (The Sword-Edged Blonde), and only somewhat better recall about the second (Burn Me Deadly). That’s a reflection on the amount of stuff I’ve read in that time, and is in no way a reflection on Bledsoe. I do have a very clear recollection about what both books told me about Alex Bledsoe’s talent and that I enjoyed them a lot. I’m equally certain that Dark Jenny won’t suffer from that same fading from memory/excuse to reread them. This one is gonna stay with me for awhile.

Essentially, this book is a variation of an Arthurian story–ideal king, queen rumored to be less than ideal, noble knight corps with a few rotten apples thrown in, a wizard figure, wicked half-sister, and a whole lotta intrigue–with a few unique twists of Bledsoe’s own thrown in for good measure. Not a sour note to be found here–some notes that were hard to listen to, sure, but…okay, there’s a metaphor that went awry. I was trying to say that yes, there were things that were less pleasant than others–this book goes to some dark, nasty places–but it all worked well.

We get this Arthurian tale via an extended flashback–in the middle of a nasty winter storm, with nothing else to occupy the attention of his neighbors, Eddie receives an interesting package. One so interesting, there has to be a great tale that goes along with it–which he ends up telling to the crowd at his favorite tavern (with only the tiniest of breaks to remind us that this is all in Eddie’s past). By making this all an extended flashback, Bledsoe is able to give us a slightly different version of Eddie–one on the way to being the guy we’ve seen in the last two books. It also gives him the excuse to have a great femme fatale to grab Eddie’s attention without having to write around his lovely lady.

A great, riveting fantasy noir. Can’t wait for the next one already. A decent jumping on point for those new to the series, and a great third installment for those who’ve been around for awhile.