ajnel's reviews
665 reviews

Palace of Shadows by Ray Celestin

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

"Palace of Shadows" is a gothic horror set in the Yorkshire Moors in 1899.  The novel focuses on the lives of a number of people involved in the building of the largest manor house ever built and dark reasons for it being built as well as a number of unexplained deaths which occurred during the building process. Celestin, best known for his mafia-styled "City Blues Quartet", masterfully changes pace and adapts to the eerie oppressive writing style, so well known through the works of Arthur Conan Doyle.  On a secondary level, the novel is an absolute treasure trove of metaphors and remarks on the era, human nature, religion and so much more.  The juxtaposition between the "Palace of Shadows" and William Morris' "Red House" (Palace of Beauty) is something to behold.

The Running Grave by J.K. Rowling, Robert Galbraith

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

In the latest novel in the Cormorant Strike series, Robin infiltrates a cult to find and attempt to extract the son of the firm's elderly client. However, (as always) some murders take place and the firm finds out that the cult is even more evil than initially thought.  A real page-turner with a plethora of twists and turns leading to a number of unexpected plot twists.  A must read for a follower of the series and a great read for the occasional reader of crime fiction.

The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

In Dark Angel, Ruth is invited to a small Italian village by an old colleague to provide her expert opinion on an old skeleton uncovered during a dig. During the visit (inevitably) someone is murdered and some obscure events occur which leads to Ruth becoming more embroiled in uncovering the actual events.  Not a bad novel for a slow Sunday afternoon, though the storyline could have done with more complexity. The whodunnits are well written and there are a few twists and turns and the development of the backstory is as always decent without detracting from the whodunnits. 

A Heart Full of Headstones by Ian Rankin

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Rebus returns as the ailing ex-CID officer, this time to investigate a missing (presumed dead) person at the behest of Big Ger Cafferty.  As so often happens, Rebus' investigation intersects with other murders, leading to multiple reveals.  The whodunnits are as always impeccably set out and the eventual climax is bittersweet.  

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The first book in the Ray Carney series of Whitehead's historical crime fictions set in Harlem circa late fifties and early sixties. The novel introduces us to Carney, a furniture salesman, who supplements his business by selling the odd "slightly used" item.  The novel is broken into timepieces, as always beautifully written in true Whitehead style.  This "Harlem crime noir" offers everything from heists to robberies from the most infamous Manhattan family centered around Carney, who edges a future for his family against the risk of dealing with "dangerous men" .  One would be forgiven for assuming Whitehead grew up in Harlem in the time period.  The descriptive writing is effortless, personal and rings true in every regard. A crime novel in the Southern noir style but also a deep reflection on everyday life in Harlem during the mentioned era.

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

In the latest novel in the Thursday Murder Club series,  the gang investigates the murder of one of Stephen's friends against the backstory of Stephen's unfortunate increasing dementia.  As always we learn more about each character and the new characters from the previous novels get more meat around the bones.  The whodunnits are all well-conceived and properly developed, but in this novel it is the emotion around Stephen, which is at the heart of the novel.  It is beautifully written and one cannot help but share in that emotion and maybe shed a tear. 4.5/5

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Yet another very enjoyable read in the Thursday Murder Club murder noir series.  The whodunnit is again very decent, with a good amount of breadcrumbs.  The ancillary story regarding the KGB agent and crypto money launderer is a bit cringe worthy, but it kinda works in the context. The pace is a bit off but not enough to detract from the enjoyment of the novel. 3.5/5 

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman

funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The full ensemble from the previous novel makes a return to investigate more crimes and even to retaliate against a crime against one of their own.  The whodunnits are just as engaging as in the previous novel, but there is even more incisive wit and banter, making this novel superior in some regards to the previous one.  One of the most enjoyable English language books I've read in a very long time.

Holly by Stephen King

dark mysterious tense

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Number three in the Holly private detective series, sees our protagonist dealing with Covid, the death of her mother and, her investigating the disappearance of a student.  Holly quickly learns that there were previous similar disappearances and it might be that a couple in their late 80s with some peculiar tastes (literally) might be involved.  A cracking gumshoe novel (albeit not a whodunnit), with a highly unique storyline which will leave the squeamish green.  As always the King delivers. 

Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This is an extremely ambitious stand-alone crime thriller by Slaughter.  There is definitely a lot to like here, such as mysterious events and even more mysterious characters.  The problem with the novel is that all that mystery could have unfolded in a rather complex and satisfying manner.  This despite, the mystery is explained in minute detail from around the halfway mark of the novel and the novel just keeps losing pace, and frankly my interest.  The final reveal is also a bit of an afterthought.  Not bad but not great.