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specificwonderland's review
4.0
reminded me a lot of the wire. sully the McNulty, sly the stringer bell of this operation. I dug it. the ending wasn't a complete surprise and seemed to be trying a little to hard but I have to see I want to go on the next hunt w sully.
thecirclek's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A decent twisty-turny mystery. The author's personal experiences and understanding of the city and the newspaper trade add a nice dose of realism.
civreader's review against another edition
5.0
My review is posted here (dual review of Murder, D.C. as well): https://civilianreader.wordpress.com/2015/08/06/review-the-ways-of-the-dead-and-murder-d-c-by-neely-tucker-penguinwindmill/
raven88's review
5.0
I had a sneaky eye on this one from the minute it arrived into the bookstore where I work, due to the temptation of a cover recommendation from Michael Connelly, and a Washington setting promising echoes of George Pelecanos. To be honest, I could not have been any more delighted with this book, as it not only delivered in spades from this starting point, but also imbued all the social critique and wry humour of The Wire too. I know. You’re intrigued now too aren’t you?
I will immediately put my hands up and confess that I do usually do a slight bodyswerve when reporters carry the weight of a crime book. With a few exceptions, I sometimes find that the plot overshadows the characterisation of such protagonists, and they merely become a conduit for whatever browbeating issue/murder investigation ensues. Not this one. Oh no. What Tucker delivers is not only an enthralling murder investigation (based on the real life case of the 1990’s Princeton Place murders), but a plot that is strengthened and illuminated by two of the best characters I have read for some time- reporter Sully Carter and his cohort, the streetwise gangster Sly Hastings, whose intimate knowledge and personal involvement with the seedy underbelly of Washington provides a regular source of information for Sully. Sully is a weary, cynical, PTSD suffering, former war reporter, physically and mentally scarred by his experiences. A little too keen on the drink, but a harbinger of not only a strong moral core, but a tenacity for justice and truth that shines through in his mercurial personality. I loved his character, whether dealing sensitively with bereaved families, facing up to the arrogant David Reese (father of the initial murder victim) who has tried to sink Sully’s career before, and his pure obstinancy when berated and sidelined by those intent on scuppering his investigation. Equally, Sly is a gem of a character, sassy, bursting with street smarts and possessed of an almost charming disposition that belies the violence he is so capable of meting out, and the fear he instils in others. Together, their exchanges are pure gold with Sully attempting to squeeze information out of Sly, and Sly pretty much only volunteering what suits him, but equally, very capable of a few surprises…
Despite the very character driven nature of the book, not only with Sully and Sly, but with the police officers, Sully’s work colleagues, local residents and the associates and families of the victims, the plot stands solidly throughout. Not only does it bring into focus the political power and wrangling inherent in Washington, but perhaps more ardently, puts into the spotlight the undercurrents of racial tension, urban crime and poverty that underscore the nation’s capital. In his writing, Neely Tucker gives a voice to the dispossessed and the ignored, especially in relation to his character’s linking of a series of murders where the victims cannot hope for the same pursuance of justice afforded to the likes of Sarah Reese, as the daughter of an influential figure. Through Sully Carter these voices resonate loudly in the book and it is gratifying to see that one man embodies the dogged determination to bring their killer to justice.
So with such a glowing review, there is little for me to add, except, you should buy this book. Free up some quality reading time, get yourself comfortable and prepare to be gripped and enthralled in equal measure. A great debut and I think Michael Connelly succinctly sums it up: “If this is Tucker’s first novel, I can’t wait for what’s coming next.”
I will immediately put my hands up and confess that I do usually do a slight bodyswerve when reporters carry the weight of a crime book. With a few exceptions, I sometimes find that the plot overshadows the characterisation of such protagonists, and they merely become a conduit for whatever browbeating issue/murder investigation ensues. Not this one. Oh no. What Tucker delivers is not only an enthralling murder investigation (based on the real life case of the 1990’s Princeton Place murders), but a plot that is strengthened and illuminated by two of the best characters I have read for some time- reporter Sully Carter and his cohort, the streetwise gangster Sly Hastings, whose intimate knowledge and personal involvement with the seedy underbelly of Washington provides a regular source of information for Sully. Sully is a weary, cynical, PTSD suffering, former war reporter, physically and mentally scarred by his experiences. A little too keen on the drink, but a harbinger of not only a strong moral core, but a tenacity for justice and truth that shines through in his mercurial personality. I loved his character, whether dealing sensitively with bereaved families, facing up to the arrogant David Reese (father of the initial murder victim) who has tried to sink Sully’s career before, and his pure obstinancy when berated and sidelined by those intent on scuppering his investigation. Equally, Sly is a gem of a character, sassy, bursting with street smarts and possessed of an almost charming disposition that belies the violence he is so capable of meting out, and the fear he instils in others. Together, their exchanges are pure gold with Sully attempting to squeeze information out of Sly, and Sly pretty much only volunteering what suits him, but equally, very capable of a few surprises…
Despite the very character driven nature of the book, not only with Sully and Sly, but with the police officers, Sully’s work colleagues, local residents and the associates and families of the victims, the plot stands solidly throughout. Not only does it bring into focus the political power and wrangling inherent in Washington, but perhaps more ardently, puts into the spotlight the undercurrents of racial tension, urban crime and poverty that underscore the nation’s capital. In his writing, Neely Tucker gives a voice to the dispossessed and the ignored, especially in relation to his character’s linking of a series of murders where the victims cannot hope for the same pursuance of justice afforded to the likes of Sarah Reese, as the daughter of an influential figure. Through Sully Carter these voices resonate loudly in the book and it is gratifying to see that one man embodies the dogged determination to bring their killer to justice.
So with such a glowing review, there is little for me to add, except, you should buy this book. Free up some quality reading time, get yourself comfortable and prepare to be gripped and enthralled in equal measure. A great debut and I think Michael Connelly succinctly sums it up: “If this is Tucker’s first novel, I can’t wait for what’s coming next.”
veronica87's review
5.0
Sully Carter is a former war correspondent who now works for the local paper in Washington DC. He carries scars, both physical and emotional, from his work in a war ravaged Bosnia and he makes no bones about his use of alcohol to get through his days. He has few personal attachments, and the ones he has are starting to fray at the edges, and even fewer personal interests. What he does have, however, is a strong penchant for the truth. When the daughter of a prominent judge is murdered and the developing theories and news stories don't add up, Sully's instincts kick in as he leads the reader on a news trail that back tracks and twists in on itself more than once.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It has a sympathetic male protagonist who is both flawed and head strong but not so much that it would keep you from rooting for him (or wanting to befriend him). The look into the world of newspaper journalism was interesting and seeing as how the book is set in the late 1990s despite being published in 2014 makes the relevancy of print news more believable. The story was well paced and suspenseful. The last third or so was especially so because just when I thought the story was going to zig it zagged. And then it did it again! I'm definitely signing up for more breaking news with Sully Carter.
I really, really enjoyed this book. It has a sympathetic male protagonist who is both flawed and head strong but not so much that it would keep you from rooting for him (or wanting to befriend him). The look into the world of newspaper journalism was interesting and seeing as how the book is set in the late 1990s despite being published in 2014 makes the relevancy of print news more believable. The story was well paced and suspenseful. The last third or so was especially so because just when I thought the story was going to zig it zagged. And then it did it again! I'm definitely signing up for more breaking news with Sully Carter.
eleellis's review
4.0
Sully Carter is a local newspaper crime reporter that gets involved in the story of the murdered daughter of a federal judge. While collecting the facts of the murder, Sully Carter uncovers more information on other killings of young women from parts of society that never receive the attention as that of the daughter of a federal judge.
Carter keeps digging and along the way receives help from a dangerous gang boss and others.
Neely Tucker introduces characters that readers will most likely want to learn more of and in future books most likely will.
This novel is a gritty crime thriller and an interesting lead character.
It's highly recommended, with anticipation to read Tucker's next novel Murder D.C.
Carter keeps digging and along the way receives help from a dangerous gang boss and others.
Neely Tucker introduces characters that readers will most likely want to learn more of and in future books most likely will.
This novel is a gritty crime thriller and an interesting lead character.
It's highly recommended, with anticipation to read Tucker's next novel Murder D.C.
scknitter's review
4.0
Scarred and battered, investigative- reporter Sully Carter pounds the beat for his story, fighting politicians, the police and his own newspaper, looking for the truth. He wants to write about several missing women and a prostitute recently found dead, who are all from a gritty area of DC. But, not until a judge’s daughter is found dead nearby, does his newspaper or the MPD even care about those other crimes. Twists and turns, and a surprise ending leave a great opening for the next installment!
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