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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
The more time that has passed I found that I liked the book more and more.
I'd give it a half-star more than two if I could--I did like the characters and the writing, but I had a couple of issues with a few plot points.
Plodding pacing and a so-so plotline that seems overwrought a good portion of the time serve to give this the lowest spot in the Kenzie/Gennaro series (at least of the first four, I haven't read the last one yet). In adapting it for the screen, Ben Affleck made a wise choice in jettisoning several of the unnecessary plot threads. This is the rare case where the movie is superior to the book.
The story is really intriguing and the end is haunting. Knock you out of breath kind of haunting.
I decided to reread this book because Lehane has a new novel out about the same characters. I had forgotten what a total double-cross this book was. It is really a great read though filled with moral and ethical ambiguity that Lehane has come to enjoy writing. I of course enjoy his earlier East Coast nod to Raymond Chandler books better. There is no one today who captures Boston as well as Lehane. It is absolutely perfect. I do wish he'd try to go back to his earlier style though. I miss the sheer fun of a good guy bad guy shoot outs.
The story starts slow but turns into a real barn burner. It was hard to put down once it got going.
Lehane doesn't spend much prose developing his characters; their motives, their background are exposed slowly over the course of the story, much like the clues Kenzie trips over.
One of the best things about his books is that the Eureka moment when Kenzie finally puts it all together and cracks the case is believable, it's doesn't take a leap of faith on the readers part.
Highly recommended!
Lehane doesn't spend much prose developing his characters; their motives, their background are exposed slowly over the course of the story, much like the clues Kenzie trips over.
One of the best things about his books is that the Eureka moment when Kenzie finally puts it all together and cracks the case is believable, it's doesn't take a leap of faith on the readers part.
Highly recommended!
This book actually makes no sense. The movie is even worse. Cmon goodreads, you’re better than this.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
LOVED IT!!! Very very sad story but loved the book. Dennis Lehane is one of my favorite authors; I've read 2 of his books and so far he does not disappoint. Looking forward to reading another of his books.
This is my first LeHane book. The movie Mystic River was outstanding, so I thought I'd give his books a shot. I know I jumped into the middle of a series, but it works fine as a stand alone book. The characters are rich, and the plot is intriguing, but there was nothing particularly special about this book. I'm going to give Shutter Island a try next.
Thanks, Goodreads, for the book!
Thanks, Goodreads, for the book!