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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
My taste goes more toward fun than noir, but I overlooked it in this case, as this book was more than readable (as sometimes noirs aren't), page-turning, emotionally resonant, and ultimately satisfying (I was impressed with myself for identifying the killer relatively early on, though mostly from vibes). The grief captured here was really well rendered and affecting, the story moves along very well to the point where it's easy not to begrudge Brown for having most of the detecting be a wild goose chase , and the characters are really great. I fully believe in all of them even when they do crazy things, and they do sometimes do crazy things. The story ties together beautifully and as much as the wild goose chase is indeed just that, it's so well integrated into the story that it really doesn't matter . 4.5 is I think a good score for a book that, while still not being quite my thing, manages to really elevate itself from its not-my-thingness.
Many reviewers refer to this is a "hard-boiled" or "noir" mystery. I suppose it is, but to me, its main value was in the dialog and description of sets, scenery and costumes--all very evocative of lower-class Chicago in the 1940s.
emotional
mysterious
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-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
Respectable if antiquated intro to these characters. One of those mysteries that suddenly wraps up quickly with little build. Easy-going noir-ish tale but it ain't Cool and Lam. Okay but not great. May try the next in the series but it better get more compelling.
Many reviewers refer to this is a "hard-boiled" or "noir" mystery. I suppose it is, but to me, its main value was in the dialog and description of sets, scenery and costumes--all very evocative of lower-class Chicago in the 1940s.
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced