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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
This was a great and interesting installment in the Carpenter and Quincannon mystery series. I loved how they both teamed up in the beginning and the story slowly revealed that to you. I love the unique way this is written with 2 narrators progressing the story from either Carpenter or Quincannon’s point of view. Long time trades might be thrilled this mystery and all that ensues from it seems to substantially move along their will-they-won’t-they situation.
One of the better ones thus far - due in large to the fact that there's a ton of interaction between the two main characters. Romance aside (for the moment), these two are good detectives and I enjoyed their various cases. Also, I must say this series may win the slow-burn-romance award because we're 6 books in and barely anything has happened. It's honestly what's keeping me reading this series (because the writing itself is just okay, quick read though).
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Bags of Tricks Affair is the 6th Carpenter and Quincannon mystery by Bill Pronzini. Released 6th March 2018 on Macmillan's Tor/Forge imprint, it's 256 pages and available in hardcover, ebook, and audio formats.
I've been a fan of Pronzini's nameless detective series for decades. I originally picked up this series because I'm a fan of his other work (and his wife's, who co-wrote the earlier books in the series). This series is quite different from their other work. The Carpenter and Quincannon books are period western mysteries and the lead characters are private investigators involved in several different cases per book. The fact that they aren't tied to one single case means that the book feels like a collection of vignettes with one overarching storyline. I thought the author(s) did a great job of tying together the disparate threads of narrative to maintain a cohesive whole.
There were admittedly some points at which I found myself being yanked out of the story. Mr. Pronzini is a masterful storyteller and gifted writer, but I didn't find myself particularly invested in either of the main characters. I did like that Sabina was strong and never a damsel-in-distress and could rely on her own resourcefulness.
This book could be read as a standalone. The other books in the series are quite good also and don't need to be read in order.
Enjoyable escapist reading for mystery/thriller fans. There's some light cursing, but nothing to shock or dismay the average reader.
Three and a half stars, rounded up for the very strong storytelling.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Bags of Tricks Affair is the 6th Carpenter and Quincannon mystery by Bill Pronzini. Released 6th March 2018 on Macmillan's Tor/Forge imprint, it's 256 pages and available in hardcover, ebook, and audio formats.
I've been a fan of Pronzini's nameless detective series for decades. I originally picked up this series because I'm a fan of his other work (and his wife's, who co-wrote the earlier books in the series). This series is quite different from their other work. The Carpenter and Quincannon books are period western mysteries and the lead characters are private investigators involved in several different cases per book. The fact that they aren't tied to one single case means that the book feels like a collection of vignettes with one overarching storyline. I thought the author(s) did a great job of tying together the disparate threads of narrative to maintain a cohesive whole.
There were admittedly some points at which I found myself being yanked out of the story. Mr. Pronzini is a masterful storyteller and gifted writer, but I didn't find myself particularly invested in either of the main characters. I did like that Sabina was strong and never a damsel-in-distress and could rely on her own resourcefulness.
This book could be read as a standalone. The other books in the series are quite good also and don't need to be read in order.
Enjoyable escapist reading for mystery/thriller fans. There's some light cursing, but nothing to shock or dismay the average reader.
Three and a half stars, rounded up for the very strong storytelling.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No