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sjdunlop's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
ridgewaygirl's review against another edition
4.0
This was a pitch perfect police procedural. Set in a busy and multicultural Toronto, it begins with Kevin Brace, the beloved national radio talk show host, meeting his newspaper delivery person early one morning with bloody hands, telling him that he killed her. And with that, the story is off and running.
There's a huge cast of characters and, to Rotenberg's credit, they are all complex and easy to tell apart. The central crime was well thought through from the beginning and the setting atmospheric. There's a lot to be said for a crime novel that provides a roller coaster plot without descending into unbelievability. Toronto is vividly described, the story taking place while the Maple Leafs look like they finally have a shot at the Stanley Cup. I'll be looking for this author's next book.
There's a huge cast of characters and, to Rotenberg's credit, they are all complex and easy to tell apart. The central crime was well thought through from the beginning and the setting atmospheric. There's a lot to be said for a crime novel that provides a roller coaster plot without descending into unbelievability. Toronto is vividly described, the story taking place while the Maple Leafs look like they finally have a shot at the Stanley Cup. I'll be looking for this author's next book.
kcfromaustcrime's review against another edition
3.0
Despite a rather shaky start in the legal profession, Robert Rotenberg's background in criminal law explains the perspective of his first novel OLD CITY HALL, most of the the book is being told from either the defence or the prosecution viewpoints.
OLD CITY HALL starts off in a decidedly disarming manner, with polite, proper and very Indian Mr Singh going about his daily job of distributing newspapers which always involves a chat with Mr Kevin in Suite 12A. On this particular morning the door is open as usual, but there is no sign of Kevin Brace. When he eventually appears in the hallway of his apartment, Mr Singh is the only person to hear him confess to killing his wife. Kevin Brace refuses to speak again. He doesn't speak to the police who investigate the crime, to his cellmate as he awaits trial, or even to his own defence counsel.
The case of Kevin Brace is the reason a number of characters all come together, although Brace himself is almost a bit player in the entire book. Partly this is because of the use of the Counsel viewpoints, partly because of Brace's decision not to speak. I have to admit I found other characters failure to deduce the reasons behind his speechlessness somewhat inexplicable at the end of the book, although this aspect is really difficult to talk about in a review without giving the game away - suffice to say, there were aspects that made clanging noises for quite a while after I finished reading.
Whilst there is a crime at the centre of the book, it does take a slightly lower profile in this book. An odd thing to conclude as ultimately the story is about the trial of that crime. Possibly this is because this isn't the sort of book where a crime is committed and a guilty party must be identified, rather this is book concentrates on "post arrest". Whilst there is definitely still some investigating going on, mostly it's not about the who, but more concentrating on the why of the crime, it's also the story of the trial and the characters involved in that trial. The crime itself is over and the investigation has a slightly different focus, and therefore intensity, once preparations for, and the trial itself, commences. Having said that, the trial even takes a slightly lower profile as well. Perhaps it's partly this difference that made OLD CITY HALL compelling, possibly it's partly because the lawyer characterisations are really very strong. The book slowly builds the story of the two counsel, aspects of their private lives and their involvement in the trial, at the same time as the facts behind the case are revealed. The lives of the perpetrator and victim are gradually drawn out, the motivation behind the death of Kevin Brace's wife is explained, and Mr Singh goes back to delivering his papers.
OLD CITY HALL starts off in a decidedly disarming manner, with polite, proper and very Indian Mr Singh going about his daily job of distributing newspapers which always involves a chat with Mr Kevin in Suite 12A. On this particular morning the door is open as usual, but there is no sign of Kevin Brace. When he eventually appears in the hallway of his apartment, Mr Singh is the only person to hear him confess to killing his wife. Kevin Brace refuses to speak again. He doesn't speak to the police who investigate the crime, to his cellmate as he awaits trial, or even to his own defence counsel.
The case of Kevin Brace is the reason a number of characters all come together, although Brace himself is almost a bit player in the entire book. Partly this is because of the use of the Counsel viewpoints, partly because of Brace's decision not to speak. I have to admit I found other characters failure to deduce the reasons behind his speechlessness somewhat inexplicable at the end of the book, although this aspect is really difficult to talk about in a review without giving the game away - suffice to say, there were aspects that made clanging noises for quite a while after I finished reading.
Whilst there is a crime at the centre of the book, it does take a slightly lower profile in this book. An odd thing to conclude as ultimately the story is about the trial of that crime. Possibly this is because this isn't the sort of book where a crime is committed and a guilty party must be identified, rather this is book concentrates on "post arrest". Whilst there is definitely still some investigating going on, mostly it's not about the who, but more concentrating on the why of the crime, it's also the story of the trial and the characters involved in that trial. The crime itself is over and the investigation has a slightly different focus, and therefore intensity, once preparations for, and the trial itself, commences. Having said that, the trial even takes a slightly lower profile as well. Perhaps it's partly this difference that made OLD CITY HALL compelling, possibly it's partly because the lawyer characterisations are really very strong. The book slowly builds the story of the two counsel, aspects of their private lives and their involvement in the trial, at the same time as the facts behind the case are revealed. The lives of the perpetrator and victim are gradually drawn out, the motivation behind the death of Kevin Brace's wife is explained, and Mr Singh goes back to delivering his papers.
sandin954's review against another edition
3.0
Set in a fictional Toronto this had a large ensemble cast and a nice leisurely pace. The plot unravelled logically and I ended up finding the entire experience quite good. Listened to the audio version narrated by Paul Hecht.
laurapk's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars - and not because I've met the author.
This was a fun book with a ensemble cast. I found myself literally unable to put the book down as we approached the climax. And the best part? I appreciated the author's decision to not give us clear answers to everything and to . Let's be honest, that's way closer to what happens in real life. I also love the overall structure: we start and we end with Mr. Singh, and he introduces every part, excepting the last one. And for all Torntonians - yeah, you know you'll love seeing your city be a character in a crime novel.
This book absolutely sold me on reading the rest of the series. Right now! And the latest book just came out this month. Oh, I can't wait.
This was a fun book with a ensemble cast. I found myself literally unable to put the book down as we approached the climax. And the best part?
Spoiler
We're not even sure who killed Ms. Torn, or if it was all an accident.Spoiler
let some correct men get away with their crimeThis book absolutely sold me on reading the rest of the series. Right now! And the latest book just came out this month. Oh, I can't wait.
lizwheeler15's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely amazing book! Much better than anticipated, and I loved the characters. I am not a big fan of lawyer/police novels, but I can assure you, I will be reading this complete series. I loved the details about Toronto, it was the first Ontario-based book I've read that really felt that the author actually knew the city. Recommend to anyone who likes mysteries, plot twists, relatable characters, and a great storyline.
laurapk's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars - and not because I've met the author.
This was a fun book with a ensemble cast. I found myself literally unable to put the book down as we approached the climax. And the best part? I appreciated the author's decision to not give us clear answers to everything and to . Let's be honest, that's way closer to what happens in real life. I also love the overall structure: we start and we end with Mr. Singh, and he introduces every part, excepting the last one. And for all Torntonians - yeah, you know you'll love seeing your city be a character in a crime novel.
This book absolutely sold me on reading the rest of the series. Right now! And the latest book just came out this month. Oh, I can't wait.
This was a fun book with a ensemble cast. I found myself literally unable to put the book down as we approached the climax. And the best part?
Spoiler
We're not even sure who killed Ms. Torn, or if it was all an accident.Spoiler
let some correct men get away with their crimeThis book absolutely sold me on reading the rest of the series. Right now! And the latest book just came out this month. Oh, I can't wait.
dlbcoen's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5