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pegasusjones's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
As always with Leonard, great characters -- derived mostly from staggeringly good dialogue -- and light-speed pacing keep the pages turning. The backdrop of a Civil War reenactment is a nice touch for this story about a high diver thrust into a world of small-time gangsters fighting for territory with smaller-time gangsters. The finale leaves something to be desired, but nothing else does.
nerissassippi's review against another edition
3.0
This isn't my usual genre but I read it for my book group. The characters and plot were compelling and it went in directions that I didn't guess, but overall it will be forgettable.
mgmoore's review against another edition
2.0
I like Leonard's characters and dialogue, but sometimes his plot points are just strange. Why did a mob boss from Detroit have to join a group of Civil War reenactors to expand his drug territory? I've read the book and I still can't tell you.
bookguyinva2022's review against another edition
5.0
It's an Elmore Leonard book, what can I say that hasn't already been said.
brakywaki's review against another edition
3.0
This is, so far, the least interesting of Leonard’s books that I’ve read. He knows how to write these characters in his sleep, the only real difference being the bizarre plot combination of high diving and Civil War reenactments. And no surprise, reenactments are full of very real racists.
nathanklainer's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
wolfdreamer's review against another edition
3.0
A bit disappointing as an Elmore Leonard story, but still full of the witty dialogue and quirky characters that fans will appreciate. If this is your first exposure to Leonard, you should probably move on to something more engaging and impressive, such as [b:Rum Punch|240910|Rum Punch|Elmore Leonard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349064079s/240910.jpg|2242] or [b:The Hot Kid|85207|The Hot Kid (Carl Webster, #1)|Elmore Leonard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1316544098s/85207.jpg|1838381]. But if you're an Elmore Leonard usual, this is familiar territory.
However, I think the familiarity is why I only give this book 3 stars. It does nothing exceptional other than offer Leonard's usual unique style of writing, very simplistic and forward, and I felt as if I could just change the characters' names to others from other Leonard novels and they could possibly be the exact same character.
Regardless, I enjoyed the story, laughed out loud more than once, held my hand over my mouth a few times, and might even recommend it to other Elmore Leonard fans.
However, I think the familiarity is why I only give this book 3 stars. It does nothing exceptional other than offer Leonard's usual unique style of writing, very simplistic and forward, and I felt as if I could just change the characters' names to others from other Leonard novels and they could possibly be the exact same character.
Regardless, I enjoyed the story, laughed out loud more than once, held my hand over my mouth a few times, and might even recommend it to other Elmore Leonard fans.
shoemaker's review against another edition
3.0
Never read any Elmore Leonard before. Figured it was time to give him a try. Interesting plot, I liked it well enough that I think I'll read some more titles before I make a decision about this author.