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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
Staying with the self-contained procedural here. We even get new characters! Although he may never show up again. This one was OK. I'm used to these stories coming together quickly, but this one almost came together too quickly. And if there were any clues to whodunnit, I certainly didn't see them. And a couple instances where you thought "Oh no!", seemed to peter off into nothing. But still, I am a devoted reader of the series and this one at least wasn't flat out weird like the Diogenes or Helen books in the series.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
I got this book from the public library. Around page six or so, a previous borrower had scribbled in pen some smart-aleck comment at the end of a paragraph. It happened again a few pages later. It happened throughout the book. Sometimes there would be a comment on every page. Sometimes several chapters would roll by before this joker opted to sign on as the literary version of MST3K. This made me upset for several reasons. First of all, one shouldn't deface public property -- especially library books. Second, find another outlet for your "comedy;" I'm not interested.
At the end of the book, however, I found myself in agreement with the mystery graffiti artist. They wrote: "Not the best Pendergast novel. It might be time to put the old goat out to pasture."
Maybe the authors feel compelled to keep creating Pendergast adventures. All I know is that the world building and editing has gotten pretty sloppy. There are lots of loose ends in this book. One character gets sent on an intriguing plot arc, makes a critical discovery right before the big end piece action sequence . . . and is never mentioned again. Dropped like a hot potato. And during said end piece action sequence, there's a little bluff about who some people are. Then they're killed. We find out they aren't who we thought they were . . . but we don't ever find out who they are.
A great new character was introduced. I hope we get to see more of them. However, like Corrie Swanson, I fear this new character will simply fade forgotten into the background...
At the end of the book, however, I found myself in agreement with the mystery graffiti artist. They wrote: "Not the best Pendergast novel. It might be time to put the old goat out to pasture."
Maybe the authors feel compelled to keep creating Pendergast adventures. All I know is that the world building and editing has gotten pretty sloppy. There are lots of loose ends in this book. One character gets sent on an intriguing plot arc, makes a critical discovery right before the big end piece action sequence . . . and is never mentioned again. Dropped like a hot potato. And during said end piece action sequence, there's a little bluff about who some people are. Then they're killed. We find out they aren't who we thought they were . . . but we don't ever find out who they are.
A great new character was introduced. I hope we get to see more of them. However, like Corrie Swanson, I fear this new character will simply fade forgotten into the background...
Introduction of Agent Coldmoon as well as Roger Smithback. Roger doesn't entirely make up for the killing of Bill, however...I really like having a Smithback again. I hope he's used a lot more, would love to see him and Nora interact some time. I also really liked Coldmoon.
Wow! I've been addicted to this series from Book 1, and Verses of the Dead is a home run in so many ways. I had doubts about Pendergast working with a partner, but the addition of Agent Coldmoon was a stroke of genius. Not only is Coldmoon a great character, but it gave readers a chance to see Pendergast--along with all his quirks and unorthodox methods of working--through his eyes. Toss is a new boss for Pendergast, new location (Miami Beach) and a string of bizarre murders and you've got a perfect recipe to hold the reader glued to the page.
The authors verge away from anything supernatural this time and stick to crime-solving, something Pendergast does exceptionally well. I love "watching" him work. The murders, the method in which they occur, and the reason behind them unfold in an ever startling trail of clues. Pendergast (and Coldmoon) get to interact with several new, interesting characters. Cab driver Axel was one of my favorite. The high-speed taxi ride through Miami is a blast.
I also have to applaud the authors for creating an unusual killer with an unusual motive. Although I love the supernatural twists in many of the Pendergast novels, I admit to enjoying the intriguing details of crime-solving best. I also believe this is a book you could pick up, having never read a single Pendergast novel before, and thoroughly enjoy without knowing any background from the previous books. The new location, new boss, and addition of a partner all go to "seeing" Pendergast through fresh eyes. Highly recommended!
The authors verge away from anything supernatural this time and stick to crime-solving, something Pendergast does exceptionally well. I love "watching" him work. The murders, the method in which they occur, and the reason behind them unfold in an ever startling trail of clues. Pendergast (and Coldmoon) get to interact with several new, interesting characters. Cab driver Axel was one of my favorite. The high-speed taxi ride through Miami is a blast.
I also have to applaud the authors for creating an unusual killer with an unusual motive. Although I love the supernatural twists in many of the Pendergast novels, I admit to enjoying the intriguing details of crime-solving best. I also believe this is a book you could pick up, having never read a single Pendergast novel before, and thoroughly enjoy without knowing any background from the previous books. The new location, new boss, and addition of a partner all go to "seeing" Pendergast through fresh eyes. Highly recommended!
This one was just ok. Unremarkable. The series has become very hit or miss lately. Nothing like the early books in the series. The plot was too random and much left unexplained. This was a rush job or the authors didn't have their heart into it. No pun intended.
One thing of note about this book (and series) is the introduction of a new partner for Pendergast. He's a younger FBI agent, raised on a Lakota reservation. I loved this guy! He is smart, practical, and a great fit for Pendergast. The amount of back story was great and he really fleshed out by the end of the book. I _really_ hope this is a continuing partnership because I was getting bored with Constance (and Pendergast in general).
Highly recommended for readers of the series who might be getting a bit bored with the series as it has been.
Highly recommended for readers of the series who might be getting a bit bored with the series as it has been.
3.5⭐
Verses for the Dead is a great mystery thriller, but missing the very unique Pendergast supernatural feel. I miss the other supporting characters as well since this book is based in Florida. We're introduced to a new sidekick perhaps? Agent Coldmoon is a great addition.
Verses for the Dead is a great mystery thriller, but missing the very unique Pendergast supernatural feel. I miss the other supporting characters as well since this book is based in Florida. We're introduced to a new sidekick perhaps? Agent Coldmoon is a great addition.
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No