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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
This is a very well written book. The subject matter was difficult to me - it's from the perspective of a private detective brought in to try to find a missing child. It's dark and he's involved in a lot of dicey, violent situations. I don't typically read this kind of book but I did think it was a good book. If you like this type of scenario, it's probably a great book.
This is the fourth book of Dennis Lehane's Kenzie and Gennaro series, but I learned that this can be read as a stand-alone novel, so I gave it a go.
I like this. The characters weren't that interesting for me, but they weren't bad. The pacing was... eh. S'okay. What I love the most here are the revelations and the ending. When it comes to these, Dennis Lehane never fails.
I was supposed to give thos book 4 stars, because it was a bit dragging and it doesn't have the charm of Shutter Island and Mystic River. But the ending was so good, I gave it 5 stars
I like this. The characters weren't that interesting for me, but they weren't bad. The pacing was... eh. S'okay. What I love the most here are the revelations and the ending. When it comes to these, Dennis Lehane never fails.
I was supposed to give thos book 4 stars, because it was a bit dragging and it doesn't have the charm of Shutter Island and Mystic River. But the ending was so good, I gave it 5 stars
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Well, this was bleak.
At least I got my wish about this book being better than [b:Sacred|425124|Sacred (Kenzie & Gennaro, #3)|Dennis Lehane|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388234249s/425124.jpg|1352373]. It definitely was. I had more expectations coming into this one because of the film, actually! When I started the series, it was the recognition with this title that piqued my interest, along with the Kenzie/Gennaro partnership. So it was with some anticipation that I started this, and in terms of the plot and characters and everything, this book did not disappoint. Not at all.
No matter how dark the previous books got, I could depend on there being some hope, whether it's regarding the relationship with the characters or the case, but I felt pretty hopeless reading this. I knew the topic wouldn't be a happy one, especially with how gritty these cases get for these two, yet I still wasn't prepared. On top of everything, Patrick and Angie's relationship takes another turn, for better or worse, into something more serious. I mean, these kids aren't getting any older. I'm rooting for them with all of my heart and believe that they're meant to be, if it comes down to it, but Lehane doesn't make it easy. It's perfectly understandable with the sort of work they're doing, and frankly makes even more sense for them to quit after oh, I don't know, the 2nd book. The stakes are raised even higher in this one. What I've always liked best about these books were how fleshed out Patrick and Angie were, not just in relation to each other, but as individual characters. They exist beyond their work and their relationship. They both have their own demons to deal with, and seeing that come into play with everything they do is something special. Every case leaves them more scarred, and it carries over. The struggle can be painful at times but the conflict is done so well.
So far I'm having a tough time ranking the books I've read so far, but an easy choice is [b:Sacred|425124|Sacred (Kenzie & Gennaro, #3)|Dennis Lehane|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388234249s/425124.jpg|1352373] being at the bottom of that list. I'm weak for prequels/backstory/first books so by default [b:A Drink Before the War|21685|A Drink Before the War (Kenzie & Gennaro, #1)|Dennis Lehane|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386921356s/21685.jpg|22786] would sit on the top spot, and then it's really a near tie between [b:Darkness, Take My Hand|21681|Darkness, Take My Hand (Kenzie & Gennaro, #2)|Dennis Lehane|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392049150s/21681.jpg|1356228] and this. I can't choose between the two. As far as emotional rollercoasters go, they're the most intense ones, and there's this dread and emptiness that lingers a bit, but this one may have the slight edge. I think I may have to prepare myself a bit before seeing the film - still haven't seen it - because it was almost too much to read about. I'm a lot weaker with dealing with seeing something come alive on screen with the imagery and the sound, so I'll put it on hold.
I'm not sure whether I feel like a lot of time has passed since I started this series or whether none has passed a lot because I've been trying to read them so quickly, but I'm happy I decided to give Dennis Lehane a shot. Kenzie/Gennaro is now up there in terms of my favourite partnerships in fiction. I don't exactly have a concrete list, but they're up there. Just two more books left! :(
At least I got my wish about this book being better than [b:Sacred|425124|Sacred (Kenzie & Gennaro, #3)|Dennis Lehane|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388234249s/425124.jpg|1352373]. It definitely was. I had more expectations coming into this one because of the film, actually! When I started the series, it was the recognition with this title that piqued my interest, along with the Kenzie/Gennaro partnership. So it was with some anticipation that I started this, and in terms of the plot and characters and everything, this book did not disappoint. Not at all.
No matter how dark the previous books got, I could depend on there being some hope, whether it's regarding the relationship with the characters or the case, but I felt pretty hopeless reading this. I knew the topic wouldn't be a happy one, especially with how gritty these cases get for these two, yet I still wasn't prepared. On top of everything, Patrick and Angie's relationship takes another turn, for better or worse, into something more serious. I mean, these kids aren't getting any older. I'm rooting for them with all of my heart and believe that they're meant to be, if it comes down to it, but Lehane doesn't make it easy. It's perfectly understandable with the sort of work they're doing, and frankly makes even more sense for them to quit after oh, I don't know, the 2nd book. The stakes are raised even higher in this one. What I've always liked best about these books were how fleshed out Patrick and Angie were, not just in relation to each other, but as individual characters. They exist beyond their work and their relationship. They both have their own demons to deal with, and seeing that come into play with everything they do is something special. Every case leaves them more scarred, and it carries over. The struggle can be painful at times but the conflict is done so well.
So far I'm having a tough time ranking the books I've read so far, but an easy choice is [b:Sacred|425124|Sacred (Kenzie & Gennaro, #3)|Dennis Lehane|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388234249s/425124.jpg|1352373] being at the bottom of that list. I'm weak for prequels/backstory/first books so by default [b:A Drink Before the War|21685|A Drink Before the War (Kenzie & Gennaro, #1)|Dennis Lehane|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386921356s/21685.jpg|22786] would sit on the top spot, and then it's really a near tie between [b:Darkness, Take My Hand|21681|Darkness, Take My Hand (Kenzie & Gennaro, #2)|Dennis Lehane|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392049150s/21681.jpg|1356228] and this. I can't choose between the two. As far as emotional rollercoasters go, they're the most intense ones, and there's this dread and emptiness that lingers a bit, but this one may have the slight edge. I think I may have to prepare myself a bit before seeing the film - still haven't seen it - because it was almost too much to read about. I'm a lot weaker with dealing with seeing something come alive on screen with the imagery and the sound, so I'll put it on hold.
I'm not sure whether I feel like a lot of time has passed since I started this series or whether none has passed a lot because I've been trying to read them so quickly, but I'm happy I decided to give Dennis Lehane a shot. Kenzie/Gennaro is now up there in terms of my favourite partnerships in fiction. I don't exactly have a concrete list, but they're up there. Just two more books left! :(
I liked this book. First of all reason for me to read this book was because I wanted to watch movie. I didn’t plan to read it just happens that I’ve got couple of Dennis Lehane’s books and even though I never got chance to read any of his books I love movie based on his book –Mystic River. So because I wanted to watch movie directed by Ben Affleck and I had this book (plus when it’s director’s favorite book you should read it) i decide to go for this one. It was fine. I like how concept of book was and the fact that this is mystery –crime book (first contemporary I’ve ever read) and that made to keep me up until very end was good job done. It’s written very real (missing better word here) but still kept nice writing style. I wanted change I go change you know. I liked his mane character Patrick Kenzie I find him very charismatic character. Not just him but also the author himself trough the words gives me feeling of charismatic person. IMO is 3,5 but between 3 and 4 I’ll give 4 because it’s very quality written.
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Svidela mi se ova knjiga. Pre svega razlog za čitanje ove knjige je bio jer sam želela da gledam film. Da sam planirala da je ničam ali se desilo da sam slučajno nabavila set knjiga Denisa Lehana i mada nikada nisam čitala ni jednu njegovu knjigu, obožavam film baziran na njegovoj knjizi Mistična Reka. Pa zbog svega toga (plus činjenice da je ovo omiljena knjiga reditelja filma Bena Afleka, a kada reditelj uradi adaptaciju svog omiljenog dela želiš da je pročitaš pre nego što gledaš) rešila sam da je pročitam. Fina knjiga. Svideo mi se koncept knjige i činjenica da kao misterija –krimi žanr (prvi savremeni koji sam ikada čitala) je uspela da me do kraja drži u neizvesnosti –do bukvalno pretposlednje glave ne znaš ko je oteo devojčicu, odlično odrađen posao. Napisana je jako realno (nemam bolju reč) a opet je uprkos psovkama i realnom govoru je uspela da zadrži lep stil. Svideo mi se glavni lik Patrik Kenzi, veoma harizmatičan lik. Ne samo da je on harizmatičan, već sam autor je kroz svoje reči meni stvorio sliku harizmatične osobe. Lično smatrm da je realna ocena 3,5 ali između 3 i 4 radije biram da dam 4 zbog lepog stila pisanja.
------------------------------------------------
Svidela mi se ova knjiga. Pre svega razlog za čitanje ove knjige je bio jer sam želela da gledam film. Da sam planirala da je ničam ali se desilo da sam slučajno nabavila set knjiga Denisa Lehana i mada nikada nisam čitala ni jednu njegovu knjigu, obožavam film baziran na njegovoj knjizi Mistična Reka. Pa zbog svega toga (plus činjenice da je ovo omiljena knjiga reditelja filma Bena Afleka, a kada reditelj uradi adaptaciju svog omiljenog dela želiš da je pročitaš pre nego što gledaš) rešila sam da je pročitam. Fina knjiga. Svideo mi se koncept knjige i činjenica da kao misterija –krimi žanr (prvi savremeni koji sam ikada čitala) je uspela da me do kraja drži u neizvesnosti –do bukvalno pretposlednje glave ne znaš ko je oteo devojčicu, odlično odrađen posao. Napisana je jako realno (nemam bolju reč) a opet je uprkos psovkama i realnom govoru je uspela da zadrži lep stil. Svideo mi se glavni lik Patrik Kenzi, veoma harizmatičan lik. Ne samo da je on harizmatičan, već sam autor je kroz svoje reči meni stvorio sliku harizmatične osobe. Lično smatrm da je realna ocena 3,5 ali između 3 i 4 radije biram da dam 4 zbog lepog stila pisanja.
I am already familiar with the premise, as I've watched and loved the Ben Afflect directed movie. Hence, the suspense did not enthral me as it would have if it was the first time. Having said that, the writing was atmospheric (but I would say not as atmospheric as the James Ellroy ones), the characters well defined. What really defines a Dennis Lahane's work for me is the way the peculiar way the reveal is crafted - clues are delivered in the form of casual dialogues mostly in the early part of the book that you would most definitely won't care to remember, and we get to see the same thing in a different light towards the end pages of the book. A masterful work.
The second best book in the series after Darkness Take My Hand. This one had a twisting plot and there was a few times where I thought Lehane had written himself into a corner. I'd look at the pages remaining in the book and wonder "What else happens? Seems like it's wrapping up soon." Then it would take a turn and the plot would be even more twisted. Lehane is so good at this shit.
What an amazing book!!! First of all, the characters of Kenzie and Gennaro are outstanding in every book. But this book goes way beyond that. The villains they first come across are one of kind demented and will give you the creeps beyond anything you have ever read. Then the next set of villains are the exact opposite, intelligent and you might even side with them. Your moral compass will be tested. This book is going in my top ten list (don't know which one I will bump out), might have to make it a top 11 list.
I haven't read any of this series before but thought I would give it a try as I really enjoyed shutter island. I will definitely be reading more of dennis lehane, the writing is fantastic and filled with humour. A good read!
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes