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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
This was OK, not a bad read. Probably not my kind of crime novel and I found the ending a little unsatisfying. I'm still keen to try another one of his novels.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Police procedural with rogue suspended cop trying to solve the murder of his mother. Set in Australia
A good read. Page turner. Really keep interest going all the way through
Pretty fun Australian crime novel.
I think the biggest strength of this book was the realistic dialogue. It was true to how people actually speak to each other. Sometimes I get used to reading dialogue which is unrealistic (or maybe just un-Australian?) but it was refreshing to see it done well in Disher's novel.
I read this for our book klub, and I couldn't help but compare it to a previous crime thriller novel we read in early book klub days which was Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. The comparison was largely to do with the WHO DUNNIT reveal at the end of the book, and I must admit I would've liked a bit more of wildly exciting, gasp-worthy plot twist like we had in Sharp Objects. In The Way it is Now, it was a very realistic reveal, which is true to the novel's style, but yep, a tiny but disappointing for me.
I think the biggest strength of this book was the realistic dialogue. It was true to how people actually speak to each other. Sometimes I get used to reading dialogue which is unrealistic (or maybe just un-Australian?) but it was refreshing to see it done well in Disher's novel.
I read this for our book klub, and I couldn't help but compare it to a previous crime thriller novel we read in early book klub days which was Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. The comparison was largely to do with the WHO DUNNIT reveal at the end of the book, and I must admit I would've liked a bit more of wildly exciting, gasp-worthy plot twist like we had in Sharp Objects. In The Way it is Now, it was a very realistic reveal, which is true to the novel's style, but yep, a tiny but disappointing for me.
Pacy strong plot, likeable characters. Mr Dishers settings are always well described. Sadly, and getting older, rarely do I read a book with the urge to keep reading until my eyes have fallen shut. Nice to find one for a change. Bravo!
Wonderfully atmospheric standalone crime novel that asks important questions about toxic masculinity, homophobia, police culture and the misuse of power.
To read my full review, please visit my blog.
To read my full review, please visit my blog.
This is my first Garry Disher and likely not my last. I'm not anti-antipodean, but I've always resisted Australian crime novels for some reason that I can't explain.
Here we meet Charlie Derivan, initially on the day of his mother's disappearance and then 20 years later. He's a man who has already hit bottom and is not trying to climb out. Someone, who unusually for a crime novel, is making his life better in the midst of things falling apart. There is a steady tone to proceedings as Disher never allows it to get too dramatic.
Suspended from his work as a police officer, his free time is taken up by looking into his mum's disappearance to the disdain of the cops still on the job. There's a lot going on in this book, but it never feels overcrowded. Disher allows the elements to run along and together as they must with no information thrown out idly.
I definitely need to check out more of his work as there is something measured in his approach that resonates with me and I feel he is striving to make his story seem life-like here. A triumph and I'd highly recommend.
Here we meet Charlie Derivan, initially on the day of his mother's disappearance and then 20 years later. He's a man who has already hit bottom and is not trying to climb out. Someone, who unusually for a crime novel, is making his life better in the midst of things falling apart. There is a steady tone to proceedings as Disher never allows it to get too dramatic.
Suspended from his work as a police officer, his free time is taken up by looking into his mum's disappearance to the disdain of the cops still on the job. There's a lot going on in this book, but it never feels overcrowded. Disher allows the elements to run along and together as they must with no information thrown out idly.
I definitely need to check out more of his work as there is something measured in his approach that resonates with me and I feel he is striving to make his story seem life-like here. A triumph and I'd highly recommend.