From the Archives - The Irresponsible Reader

Dusted Off: The Lost Ones by Ace Atkins

On June 20, 2013

In Ace Atkins, Authors, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Quinn Colson, Spenser

Well, while I enjoy my time in Tibbehah County, Mississippi with The Broken Places, figured I’d dig this one out of the archives

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The Lost Ones by Ace Atkins
Series: Quinn Colson, #2
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Atkins’ has left me cold with his Nick Travers series and I’m still trying to figure out how positively I feel about his take on Spenser (pretty sure it’s very), but there’s no doubt that this series about Quinn Colson just plain rocks.

This time, Colson’s been elected to sheriff, but he’s still learning the ropes, still more soldier than cop. He and his childhood friends (now mostly employed by Colson) have a lot to deal with: a recent Afghan war vet running drugs, a Mexican drug cartel, a child-abusing/selling family, not to mention a few more federal agents than Colson’s comfortable with. Plus a bunch of personal stuff (current and past), and the corrupt local government that Colson started wrangling with last time out.

Tense, fast-paced, morally murky…Atkins has really nailed this. Can’t wait for the next one.

Dusted Off: Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci

By HCNewton

On June 10, 2013

In Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, YA/MG/Children's Books

Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Victoria Jurgen is an honor student, a budding photographer with a heck of an eye, a social misfit, a movie geek (there’s a correlation of the two), who’s nicknamed herself after a SciFi movie character. All this makes her (a goal for her, a criticism for her mother) “boy proof.”

She has no real friends at school–only rivals, acquaintances, and those that she ignores. Until a transfer student rattles her cage, awakening ideas, feelings, and goals she’s not ready for.

Victoria is what Bella Swan could’ve become if she were a bit geekier, and didn’t fall in with the supernatural set. Speaking of ol’ Bella, early on in Boy Proof, there’s a scene involving a transfer student, the only empty seat in class, and the newcomer’s odor that is very reminiscent of a scene from Twilight. IMNSHO, Castellucci pulls if off better than Meyer did.

There’s nothing ground-breaking here plot-wise, but Victoria’s character and voice are so strong, you don’t care. This book is about watching her change and grow. Could the book have been more than that? Sure. Did it need to be? Nope. I wish I could remember what blogpost/tweet/whatever it was that tipped me off to this book, but whatever it was, I’m glad I read it.

Dusted Off: The Highly Effective Detective Plays the Fool by Rick Yancey

By HCNewton

On June 10, 2013

In Authors, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Rick Yancey

The Highly Effective Detective Plays the Fool by Rick Yancey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

really enjoyed the first two installments in this series, but Yancey kicked it up a few notches here. The last two pages sealed the deal, I’m with this series for the long haul.

Yancey took care of a couple of dangling plotlines that were starting to get tired in a very effective way, along with his best mystery yet. I’d totally sell out for him if he’d get rid of Teddy’s secretary once and for all–can’t stand this woman.

Dusted Off: Mr. Monk is a Mess by Lee Goldberg

By HCNewton

On June 4, 2013

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

Mr. Monk is a Mess by Lee Goldberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

Dusted Off: Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn

By HCNewton

On June 3, 2013

In Fiction, General Fiction/Literature

no time today for a new review, so let’s continue with the dusting off and posting of the archives…

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Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As it’s not my typical genre, I’m not positive that this is chick lit–but I’m pretty sure it’s at least close enough to the border to keep me from being the target demographic. That said, I thought this look at the messy nature of relationships (and the need/want for one) was hilarious and touching.

Dusted Off: This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

By HCNewton

On May 29, 2013

In Authors, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Jonathan Tropper, P-U

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is everything you want in a Tropper novel–and then some–an awkward fistfight (actually multiple fights this time); an emotionally withdrawn father; a meddling mother; a female confidante/best friend/sister; a death…and it all works–pain, grief, wry observations, some 80’s references, and plenty of laughs. Actually you get most of that in the second chapter–probably the saddest, funniest, most disturbing sex scene I’ve read.

I went with 4 stars rather than the 5 I’d probably have given it because this isn’t Tropper at his best, but it is him being very, very good–which still makes it better than just about anything else out there.

Dusted Off: Turn Coat by Jim Butcher

By HCNewton

On May 29, 2013

In Authors, Fiction, Harry Dresden, Jim Butcher, Urban Fantasy

Turn Coat by Jim Butcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On the whole, Turn Coat is about the problems in the wizarding world that Butcher’s been giving hints about and glimpses at for a while now–and they come into focus in the most surprising of ways–Morgan asking Harry for help.

There’s just so much good stuff to be mined from Harry helping Morgan hide from the Wardens, deal with the Merlin (and others at HQ), investigate a murder/frame-job–it’s almost a shame to see Butcher wrap it up in 400 pages, because I’d love to get more of it. Great stuff.

In addition to all that, we see three important relationships forever altered in important ways (well, maybe one’s only temporarily altered, time will tell)–some good long-term character development for our pal Harry and his gang.

So, so good–Butcher had the ol’ brain firing on all cylinders for this one.

Tag: From the Archives Page 12 of 28