Reviews

Le centième homme by Jack Kerley

julie_sapienza's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

thrifty_librarian's review against another edition

2.0

The hook to this book is incredible. I read the first few pages and knew I needed to read the rest. The crimes are interesting at first. Unfortunately, the book as a whole is not good. The writing, especially the dialogue, is overdone. The insane brother is unnecessary and annoying. Most of the plot is taken up by the protagonist melodramatically caring for his alcoholic ladyfriend, rather than doing any actual sleuthing.

Thriller isn't my favorite genre, so maybe those who have a soft spot for thrillers will enjoy this more than I did. I've definitely read thrillers worse than this one, I would chose this over a lot of Patterson's books, for example. And I think Kerley has promise, given that this was his first novel. Some thoughtful editing would've gone a long way to tone down the excessive drama and help Kerley's ideas shine.

gawronma's review against another edition

5.0

Wow. Excellent. This book introduced readers to two of the most interesting character in the mystery genre. Carson Ryder and his series killer brother Jeremy are a duo worth reading about.

suzannemseidel's review against another edition

5.0

Very interesting

literaryfeline's review against another edition

3.0

http://www.literaryfeline.com/2014/06/from-archives-bit-of-action-in.html

margenotbutter's review against another edition

2.0

I didn't enjoy this as much as some other Kerley books (as I have read them out of order). I think it is clear that it is a debut novel as it is a bit scattered. The murder plot was overlooked by the inclusion of Carson/Jeremy backstory, and the side plots of Ava and Squill. I found the Ava story added nothing to the book and the Squill plot was repetitive and boring. It was interesting finding out about the Carson/Jeremy backstory though, and parts of the murder plot were clever. I am glad I didn't read this first as I think it would have put me off some of his other books.

book__man's review against another edition

5.0

Good book

fleurette's review against another edition

3.0

I have mixed feelings about this book. I think I have generally liked it but I have expected something more.

The plot is quite interesting and kept me guessing till the end. I also enjoyed the characters. But to be honest the whole package is rather unmemorable. It's so similar to the other thriller I have read that I wouldn't remember it after a month or two.

In the end is just a crazy killer, the person nobody suspects, and Ava, the hero's sweetheart, in his hands. And Carson nearly dying while trying to rescue her. I also felt disappointed that Carson decided to ask his brother for help. I wanted for him to be strong and show that he can solve a case on his own.

I didn't like that there are many male characters with names beginning for J. Carson's brother, the first victim, somebody else. It wasn't easy to make a distinction between them sometimes.

I generally enjoyed the reading and rate it 3 stars.

uncouth's review against another edition

4.0

Solid debut. I'm picking up the second book in the series next and looking forward to seeing how the characters evolve.

arathi's review against another edition

3.0

good book, Carson Ryder's brother sounds so creepy....creepier than the killer in this book itself..
definitely didnt like Squill...he was very irritating in every possible way!

will surely read all the other books by this author..hope there is no more Squill in the other books!!