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marbles66's review against another edition
2.0
I did not really like this book and I am not sure if it is just because I don't like the writing style or what.
on_a_sunbeam's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I read Time to Murder and Create before this one, and I honestly like that one a bit better. I still really enjoyed reading this and I found it quite gripping, but I'm not really a fan of the almost pseudo-psychological explanations given throughout the book. Since the second one did not have these explanations, I assume it's probably not going to be a recurring theme in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide, Sexual content, and Vomit
ijm's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
latas's review against another edition
4.0
Matt Scudder is a stereotypical detective - alcoholic, divorced, ex-cop with PTSD. I don't care about the detective's personal life in a detective novel because every other book has the same kind of hero. I look for a good mystery and this one delivered. HE doesn't waste any words, it is a quick read.
This book is over 45 yrs old but didn't feel dated.
Scudder methodically pieces together the life of the victim and the life of the perp (who committed suicide). He also takes a practical view on corruption in the police force. "When anyone offers you money, you take it" When the identity of the murder was revealed, it was not surprising
The ending made me very angry. This was not justice. The killer deserved something worse.
This is my first Lawrence Block and won't be my last. The problem is - he is such a prolific writer and so many of his books have got rave reviews.
This book is over 45 yrs old but didn't feel dated.
Scudder methodically pieces together the life of the victim and the life of the perp (who committed suicide). He also takes a practical view on corruption in the police force. "When anyone offers you money, you take it" When the identity of the murder was revealed, it was not surprising
Spoiler
The title gives it away.The ending made me very angry. This was not justice. The killer deserved something worse.
This is my first Lawrence Block and won't be my last. The problem is - he is such a prolific writer and so many of his books have got rave reviews.
bundy23's review against another edition
3.0
It’s very strange reading a detective story where the dick doesn’t get shot at, beaten up, arrested, bang numerous femme fatales or even torture anyone but not Matthew Scudder. He spends his time wandering about asking questions, politely working with the police, speaking about his victim/s with respect, being totally cool with “the gays” and then eventually solving the crime, all within 200 pages.
Sadly the end made zero sense psychologically which ruined it for me even though I get what the author was trying to do. I’m unsure whether I’ll continue with the series but a lot of reviewers here point out it’s takes until about the 5th book before it really finds its feet. We’ll see...
Sadly the end made zero sense psychologically which ruined it for me even though I get what the author was trying to do. I’m unsure whether I’ll continue with the series but a lot of reviewers here point out it’s takes until about the 5th book before it really finds its feet. We’ll see...
bjt1977's review against another edition
2.0
This was okay. I was somewhat entertained, but not excited when it came time to pick it up each day.
it's a slow-moving detective story, which I enjoy if there is some deeper emotional conflict explored, but that is not the case here.
the investigation is not filled with peril or shocking discoveries. The life of the subjects, client and detective are not explored very deeply.
the result is a story that just meanders along until reaching a not very surprising nor exciting culmination.
it's a slow-moving detective story, which I enjoy if there is some deeper emotional conflict explored, but that is not the case here.
the investigation is not filled with peril or shocking discoveries. The life of the subjects, client and detective are not explored very deeply.
the result is a story that just meanders along until reaching a not very surprising nor exciting culmination.
kayeness's review against another edition
3.0
I recently reread a later book in the series, and decided to run the series. This first book is a pretty solid unremarkable private eye story.
sonofthe's review against another edition
4.0
Matt Scudder takes on the case of (rather, “does a favor for”) a father who wants to know what his daughter’s life was like before she was murdered.
For some reason, I’ve been on a detective kick recently. Most of it’s been through TV and Film, though, so I’d forgotten how good even the pulp novels could be. Not that this is pulp fare, but certain things remind me of the pulp I’ve read in the past.
The main thing I’d forgotten is just how these detective stories work. Terse language. Morality worn on the sleeve (even when they’re trying to seem detached). Short novels whose length add to the story rather than detract.
I haven’t read around that much in the genre—maybe just a few by Block, some Chandler, and maybe one by Hammett—but I’ve had luck with what I’ve read. It’s all certainly executed much better than the majority of the hard-boiled TV out there.
I did this one in audio, and Alan Sklar does an excellent job narrating. I’m looking forward to more.
For some reason, I’ve been on a detective kick recently. Most of it’s been through TV and Film, though, so I’d forgotten how good even the pulp novels could be. Not that this is pulp fare, but certain things remind me of the pulp I’ve read in the past.
The main thing I’d forgotten is just how these detective stories work. Terse language. Morality worn on the sleeve (even when they’re trying to seem detached). Short novels whose length add to the story rather than detract.
I haven’t read around that much in the genre—maybe just a few by Block, some Chandler, and maybe one by Hammett—but I’ve had luck with what I’ve read. It’s all certainly executed much better than the majority of the hard-boiled TV out there.
I did this one in audio, and Alan Sklar does an excellent job narrating. I’m looking forward to more.
boleary30's review against another edition
4.0
Scudder is a great lead character, worth reading just for that.