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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a riveting book. Well written with interesting characters. Even the psychopathic killers have some detail spun about them, giving them some depth. One jewel of a short story that is triggered by a phone’s ring tone, and told in the midst of a short lull between two action filled scenes, is particularly memorable.
My only regret with this story is that I kept delaying starting reading It! I was put off by a glitch on the draft copy I am reviewing. Once past that it was an amazing ride with the young potential victims, the private investigator Elvis Cole and his sidekick. Lots of local detail of places I know nothing of but none the less have a feeling for given the spare but clear sketching of place by the author.
The action is intercut with a feeling of action to happen. I also liked that there was space for characters - particularly the kids who had done wrong - to achieve some redemption and a sense of some hope in their lives. The story line is sufficiently tense and intriguing to keep you hooked all the way through.
Thanks again to NetGalley for the chance to offer an honest review of a new book.
I was really surprised barely giving this 3 stars since Crais is probably my favorite author. Since THe Last Detective or the one preceeding that his books have been getting better all the time. They are so special. Cole's wit combined with his tough yet humane character wasn't here. It was like maybe this was ghost written. Joe Pike, the absolute perfect partner in hardboiled mysteries has that menace that you love to know he is the guy you want having your back. Pike is a man of mystery and that special quality didn't come across here either. I was even hoping for the other character (James with the special dog!). He was another beautifully constructed character. Both he and the dog. I missed the woman who was in a couple of Cole's books who is the bomb squad expert and I think was the lead character in another of the author's books. I just read a review here on Goodreads by a woman who mentioned how terrible the bad guys were also. Was Robert Crais under pressure from his publisher? I know he cares about realistic character development because I commeente on his characters, their reality and depth of relationships and he was kind enough to answer, saying that he appreciated my compliment because his goal was realistic characters and their interaction. I hate to say it but this is the only Crais novel I've read that was virtually one dimensional at least most of the time. I will admit that I'd been so built up for his next book - this one - that may have added to my disappointment.
It was decent. It had some real lull points. Somewhat predictable ending if you read lots of mystery books. It was very well written and I liked reading from the different characters point of view. However, I do think it lacked some umph in the middle.
I'm still spending my summer with Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. This one didn't disappoint. There are lots of turns when a single mom hires the duo to find out why her teen son has access to luxury items and clothes. Add this one to your beach bag for an action-packed read.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Apperently, not a book for me. The plot did not interest me as much as I thought it would. I did liked the different POVs the author gave us, but sometimes the banter was a bit distracting and also hard to follow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Murder
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes