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snoakes7001's review
5.0
It was a joy to be back in Charlie and Rose's company. This time one of Charlie's exes is in danger. Not one of his terrible ex-wives, but Grace, an artist and the one true love of Charlie's life. Starting with a shooting at a police station, Charlie and Rose uncover a web of gangs, sweatshops, animal smuggling and drugs. Even Charlie's shit brother is involved. But how is Grace mixed up in all this, and more importantly how can Charlie help her when all he can do is watch impotently from the sidelines?
This third outing for the unlikely crime-fighting duo has everything we have come to expect from Jo Perry - a fast-paced story told in short snappy chapters each starting with a quote relating to death. Charlie's character is developing nicely - he is increasingly self aware and seems to be becoming a better person in death than he ever was in life. And Rose is still Rose: enigmatic, sensitive and frequently appearing to know something Charlie doesn't. I'm still loving this series - Charlie's sardonic tone coupled with great storytelling, dashes of humour and moments of poignancy makes each book a great noir read.
This third outing for the unlikely crime-fighting duo has everything we have come to expect from Jo Perry - a fast-paced story told in short snappy chapters each starting with a quote relating to death. Charlie's character is developing nicely - he is increasingly self aware and seems to be becoming a better person in death than he ever was in life. And Rose is still Rose: enigmatic, sensitive and frequently appearing to know something Charlie doesn't. I'm still loving this series - Charlie's sardonic tone coupled with great storytelling, dashes of humour and moments of poignancy makes each book a great noir read.
verityw's review
4.0
This is the third installment of the Charlie and Rose investigations, in which a ghost and a ghost dog float around LA trying to solve mysteries. If that sounds a bit bonkers, don't panic. This is not a premise for a wacky cosy crime novel, but for a noir-y exploration of solving mysteries when you can't actually tell anyone or influence events.
I would have read this in one sitting if I could - but my train got to my destination and I had to go to work. I liked the previous books in the series, but I liked this more. This time Charlie is trying to keep his ex-girlfriend alive and figure out why she's in danger - but without actually being able to do anything about it. My only gripe is that it all seemed to wrap up very quickly at the end. The details about Los Angeles life for the rich are great and Charlie is an engaging central character. I could have read another 50 pages.
I would have read this in one sitting if I could - but my train got to my destination and I had to go to work. I liked the previous books in the series, but I liked this more. This time Charlie is trying to keep his ex-girlfriend alive and figure out why she's in danger - but without actually being able to do anything about it. My only gripe is that it all seemed to wrap up very quickly at the end. The details about Los Angeles life for the rich are great and Charlie is an engaging central character. I could have read another 50 pages.
bhalpin's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Ultimately just okay. Clever mystery with good twists, but the concept kind of hobbles the mystery: when your detective can't communicate with or influence living characters in any way and can't even move objects, it kind of kills suspense. He's already dead, and the other characters we might care about will decide their own fate independent of what the detective discovers. Also I wanted more from the dog. :)
bibliophilebookclub's review
4.0
What’s not to love about a dead dog? This is book 3 in the series, and I really enjoyed it. Quotes about death start every chapter, which I love, morbid as that sounds. Charlie and Rose are a great team. They may be dead, but that doesn’t stop them trying to figure out the living. Unusual and fun, these books are great reads. Highly recommended!
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