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vkaz's review
2.0
I got this book last year in a giveaway; when I was out of mystery novels this week, I finally picked it up and read it. The first few chapters pulled me in. I like Long Beach police detective Danny Beckett's tragic backstory, his fellow detectives and even his attempts to unwind by learning to play the banjo. I started to get interested in Beckett's search for the identity of a murdered homeless man. But the first few chapters seem so much more fleshed out and compelling than the rest of the book. By the last quarter of the book, I felt like I was reading a plot synopsis. Not much description or attention to detail. It's almost like the author was told to chop the length of his book, then didn't go back and bandage his book's gaping wounds.
betty816's review against another edition
3.0
Had NO IDEA this was a series of books. I would def like to read book #1, I liked the main character.
jenn_amanda's review against another edition
3.0
Fun read
A nice, quick, and fun summer read. Good characters. Good characters development of the main cop. Just a fun story overall.
A nice, quick, and fun summer read. Good characters. Good characters development of the main cop. Just a fun story overall.
rick_k's review against another edition
5.0
I haven't read many "crime" novels, and this was my introduction to Tyler Dilts writing. It is the third book in this series, but I never felt like there were pieces missing. First of all, great title. I love Cohen's "Hallelujah" and several of the covers over the years, so the resonance of the title put me in the perfect mood for this mournful, yet hopeful story. I appreciated how Detective Danny Beckett identified with the victim and the personal loses he himself had suffered. His conflict with trying to put a name and history to a homeless victim and desire to care for everyone injured throughout the case - it could have come off hokey or sappy, but it felt honest. I appreciate that the case unravels slowly and the revelations are not made through car chases and stand-offs, but through contemplation and tenacity. Not every loose end gets resolved. The romantic plot line is complex and sweet. The entire story woven with sadness and strength. Solving this case does not make him whole again, but it makes a difference. In all ways the story stays true to itself and the note perfect title.
maishaimani's review
2.0
Mediocre. Didn't finish when I was 80% done. The lyric from the song drew me. But overall... meh
curby's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
readerxxx's review
2.0
Not my cup of tea. I didn't find the story to be believable, that this much energy would be expended to determine a john does identity.
tchrcyd's review
4.0
This was a different read from the usual detective murder mystery story. This was really more a character development involving the victim and the detective's need to "see" this homeless person. I hadn't realized there are previous books, but I didn't feel lost as to who was who; the author included enough information to let me know these characters and what had happened previously. Also enjoyed the musical references, including the title which leads back to Cohen's Hallelujah. So, a good read, and enjoyable. I will probably look for other books involving this detective.
smcwhorter's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0