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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Definitely a 4.5. This Carribean crime is as far removed from Death in Paradise as it is possible to be. That is a very good thing. I really enjoyed the authors voice and imagery used, I could almost taste the atmosphere. It stands out in a crowded market and provides a welcome alternative to American crime and thrillers. I found it hard to keep up with who's who at some points, hence the 4.5 not 5.
I'm not really somebody who reads much crime, but having read The Bone Readers I was keen to read more about Michael "Digger" Digson, so have been eagerly awaiting this for some time. It's a terrific book, full of twists and turns; the novel is set on the Carribean island of Camaho, a place so keenly evoked by Ross that you can practically taste the seawater in your throat. There are plenty of mysteries in this one. Ross' characters and his wicked turn of phrase will keep you invested in this from start to finish. Standout for me was Miss Stanislaus with her complex backstory and no-bullshit attitude. Could not recommend this novel more, especially if you're looking for a unique and atmospheric twist on the usual.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I definitely need to start reading more novels by poets, I don’t think this book would be half as atmospheric if it was written by someone without that background.
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
slow-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Colonisation
Reading Black Falling Rain is like savoring a meal. Each dish has been carefully prepared for maximum savory experience. Ross’s ingredients are his descriptions. When I’m reading, I feel like I live on the imaginary island of Camaho. Granted, I read his books while I’m in the Caribbean, but his descriptions are so precisely intricate. I can see the sun setting over the sea. I can feel the oppressive midday heat. I can hear the rough waves of the Atlantic. When Digger interrogates someone, the descriptions Ross gives the characters are so adroit even when they’re vague and frustrating the team. Ross’s word choice compels you to enter not only into the characters’ world, but also their minds.
As is not uncommon in the Caribbean, people say more with less and when Stanislaus and Digger or Chilman and Digger or Malan and Digger argue without arguing, Ross still gives you a sense of what’s at stake because each main character has a fully developed backstory. We understand their motivations. We learn where de hole is, why it exists, and what the character has been doing to fill it. The only characters who don’t get this grace are the bad guys, and I can forgive Ross for this. Black Rain Falling is a crime novel. Unraveling the mystery was entertaining, but for me, the novel is really about how people survive not knowing and then the aftermath of their actions once they can’t unknow what they do know.
His descriptions of food and music and bars and limes are so lively. Again, I feel like I’m there. Digger’s music is the book’s soundtrack. When he put on a song, I played it too and let Ross’s world swallow me whole. While this world is dark and dangerous, it’s also smart. I stayed Googling forensic terms I didn’t know. I would “aha” at the plot twists and turns that made sense but I didn’t entirely see coming. I enjoyed the sensory experience of reading the book and the conclusion left me full.
As is not uncommon in the Caribbean, people say more with less and when Stanislaus and Digger or Chilman and Digger or Malan and Digger argue without arguing, Ross still gives you a sense of what’s at stake because each main character has a fully developed backstory. We understand their motivations. We learn where de hole is, why it exists, and what the character has been doing to fill it. The only characters who don’t get this grace are the bad guys, and I can forgive Ross for this. Black Rain Falling is a crime novel. Unraveling the mystery was entertaining, but for me, the novel is really about how people survive not knowing and then the aftermath of their actions once they can’t unknow what they do know.
His descriptions of food and music and bars and limes are so lively. Again, I feel like I’m there. Digger’s music is the book’s soundtrack. When he put on a song, I played it too and let Ross’s world swallow me whole. While this world is dark and dangerous, it’s also smart. I stayed Googling forensic terms I didn’t know. I would “aha” at the plot twists and turns that made sense but I didn’t entirely see coming. I enjoyed the sensory experience of reading the book and the conclusion left me full.