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A review by annemariewhelehan
The Lock-Up: A Novel by John Banville
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I enjoyed this book. I had read Snow and April in Spain before. When I read April in Spain, I was introduced to Quirke for the first time. When I look into it, It seems Quirke was a detective when Banville wrote as Benjamin Black. So I’m a little confused that he is now a pathologist. And the blurb for the book says its about two detectives, but all I’m seeing is Stafford. So totally confused.
This book is as much about Stafford and Quirke’s lives as it is about the murder they are investigating. It’s a period of time I love reading about, 1950s Dublin. I know the streets where all the action was, so that always endears me to a novel. It wraps up quickly in the end, so that felt a bit rushed to me. And not sure we need both of the main characters hooking up with much younger girls, feels a tad seedy. But i do like the general setting of the two guys figuring out stuff, and look forward to the next one.
This book is as much about Stafford and Quirke’s lives as it is about the murder they are investigating. It’s a period of time I love reading about, 1950s Dublin. I know the streets where all the action was, so that always endears me to a novel. It wraps up quickly in the end, so that felt a bit rushed to me. And not sure we need both of the main characters hooking up with much younger girls, feels a tad seedy. But i do like the general setting of the two guys figuring out stuff, and look forward to the next one.