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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
6/1/20: GR is telling me I read this in 2009, though I’m wondering if I mixed it up with one of the Harry Bosch books bc I didn’t think I had ever read this series. Anyways, this was terrible. I like Connelly normally, but this was awful - the main character (a journalist) kept figuring things out ahead of his female FBI counterpart (
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I haven't read The Poet yet, so this was my introduction to Jack McEvoy. I have to say I like the reporter point of view presented by Connelly in this book. I love that the author can take characters that the general population looks down on and make them likable and sympathetic. If a writer can make you feel for a defense attorney or reporter, then they are doing something right. The beginning of The Scarecrow really drew me in, and I instantly liked all of the characters involved. My only problem is that yet again a mystery author decides to throw in the point of view of the bad guy. I usually dislike that, but it wasn't too bothersome here. The alternate points of view added a bit to the plot, and didn't cause too much overlap, but I would have enjoyed this more if the reader found everything out as the characters did instead of knowing who the bad guy was from the start. I can't wait to read The Poet, and all the other Michael Connelly books I can get my hands on. I haven't read a bad one yet.
I liked the story, but somehow, Connelly is getting boring. I never thought I would say that.
Yet another novel that goes on much longer than necessary.
It’s good to return to the central character of this novel; I really liked The Poet, and this shared many of that book’s strengths. Also present and correct is the author’s gift for presenting a real sense of the wider world of Los Angeles, and the complexity of the city. It’s marred a little by a couple of key choices made by characters that don’t bear thinking about for any length of time, and one or two too many coincidences or lucky breaks. But the central mystery is really well constructed.
Kind of a C thriller. If you were trapped on a desert island, you'd listen, but it's just not that great. Listened on books on CD from the library. There are better.
I really enjoy these Jack McEvoy books from Connelly. They're fun and fast and engaging and often interesting.
Would have gone five stars but felt the wrap-up on this one was a bit convenient when it came to solving the mystery and the finale which felt a bit flat. But enjoyed the journey very much.
Would have gone five stars but felt the wrap-up on this one was a bit convenient when it came to solving the mystery and the finale which felt a bit flat. But enjoyed the journey very much.
I really enjoyed this book! Jack is such a likable character and I really felt connected to him throughout the story. I didn't realize this was the second in a series so I will be picking up The Poet soon, as well as any other Michael Connelly books I can get my hands on.
I listened to this book on a long car trip. It was a good choice as the plot is gripping and fast paced, with lots of tension and action. The main character is compelling, and it was interesting to read about an accomplished print reporter getting laid off as well as the struggles of a large newspaper trying to survive in a digital world. High level of creepiness in the story - I looked forward to getting back on the road to listen.