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ginandbookish's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book! The hero of the story was amazing and so realistic. The crime story behind it was almost secondary as the character development was so good.
nicjohnston's review against another edition
4.0
A superior debut and one of the picks for New Blood at the Theakstons Crime Writing Festival, The Man on the Street, introduces us to Jimmy, a Navy veteran of the Falklands war. Living on the streets and suffering from PTSD, Jimmy is a complex man formed of a trail of circumstances and is joined by an eclectic ensemble of friends and acquaintances.
The plot zips along (the reveal was a little disappointing) but the two stand outs are the characters and the location. This is the first book I have read based in Newcastle and it was a thrill to follow the action through my hometown (noting that the excitement of chapters entitled Leazes Park, RVI and Freeman Hospital has niche appeal). It was also refreshing to engage with homeless protagonists where the author hasn’t painted over the many difficult issues that can be faced.
I would thoroughly recommend this book.
The plot zips along (the reveal was a little disappointing) but the two stand outs are the characters and the location. This is the first book I have read based in Newcastle and it was a thrill to follow the action through my hometown (noting that the excitement of chapters entitled Leazes Park, RVI and Freeman Hospital has niche appeal). It was also refreshing to engage with homeless protagonists where the author hasn’t painted over the many difficult issues that can be faced.
I would thoroughly recommend this book.
debbie1810's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
emckeon1002's review against another edition
4.0
Got to hand it to Wood for an original detective concept - a homeless veteran, suffering from PTSD witnesses a murder and then sets out to help solve it. I read it in a long weekend. Wood knows how to move the action along, but I'd be less than honest if I didn't say the ultimate solution strained on a moral perspective as well as a political perspective. You may find yourself saying, as I did, "that's what everyone is so upset about?"
maggymags's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my word! What a great read this turned out to be. I loved this book, Jimmy is a great character, flawed, but it serves to put flesh on the character, not your usual baggage carrying, angry, lone wolf detective. All the characters are relatable and likeable in their own way.
kersknowe's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my word. I loved this book. I read it because I make a point of reading the Theakston’s Crime Award shortlist every year - a good way to introduce me to new authors I might have passed by before. I’m so glad I did. Trevor Wood and Jimmy Mullen will be on my future reading list for sure. I really like that Trevor has humanized the homeless by making them the main characters in this novel. If I like the voice, I often listen to the Audible narration for part of a book, going between the two depending on what I’m doing. I’ll admit I’m a sucker for a Geordie accent and David Nellist’s fantastic narration just brought Jimmy, Gadge and the rest to life. Off to get #2 and can’t wait for #3.
mrichmondx's review against another edition
3.0
I’m really quite disappointed in how little I followed this story, when I picked it up I was so excited to read it; another perspective of Newcastle based crime thriller - but alas this did just not sit right for me. I can tell it was a good story, but I had such trouble picking it up, following the different twists and turns, the characters who bounced in and out of the storyline … maybe I need to try again in the near future? I’m sad it didn’t spark it for me but nevertheless if you enjoy crime fiction and live locally these books are always interesting to read!
jmatkinson1's review
4.0
Jimmy sleeps rough in Newcastle, just him and his dog, Dog. One night he wakes from a nightmare to witness what he thinks is a man being attacked and thrown into the river, but is he just dreaming. This haunts him like all his other demons but this is something he can do something about. Jimmy wants to atone for his past but his past is also catching up with him.
I didn't click with this book at first, I found it slow and not very gripping. However towards the middle it really picked up pace and I even feel as though I can forgive a rather contrived plot ending. Wood definitely knows Newcastle and its people, there is a love of the city pervading through.
I didn't click with this book at first, I found it slow and not very gripping. However towards the middle it really picked up pace and I even feel as though I can forgive a rather contrived plot ending. Wood definitely knows Newcastle and its people, there is a love of the city pervading through.
rmichno's review
4.0
I enjoyed the premise of a homeless person solving a crime and Trevor Wood did a great job of making you care for his characters. The mystery was interesting and the pacing of the story was also good.
I would definitely read more in this series.
I would definitely read more in this series.