criminolly's reviews
2400 reviews

Out on the Cutting Edge by Lawrence Block

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

A really great mystery, full of delightful tricks and wonderfully satisfying. Scudder is an amazing creation, at first glance a stereotypical PI, but under the surface a rich and completely convincing character. 

Mortal Stakes by Robert B. Parker

4.0

Bright Orange for the Shroud by John D. MacDonald

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

The Crazy Kill by Chester Himes

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.0

Green for Danger by Christianna Brand

dark funny informative mysterious tense medium-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

4.0

A thoroughly enjoyable closed circle mystery that takes place in an English hospital during WW2, with a patient dying on the operating table in suspicious circumstances. It has a really fun cast of characters and a great mystery, what makes it even more interesting is the setting. The book was published in 1944 and the detail of life in wartime Britain is fascinating.

Three Smile-Mile by Chad Lutzke

dark emotional tense fast-paced

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

4.0

A fast-paced but thoughtful old school thriller that feels like the kind of forgotten noir movie that might show in the middle of the night on TV. It's tense, moving at times and packed with rich and interesting characters. The 100 or so pages absolutely flew by.

PoppyHarp by Simon Avery

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

At Dark, I Become Loathsome by Eric LaRocca

challenging dark emotional 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

Promotion Tour by Terry Harknett

emotional informative medium-paced

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

3.5

An fascinating glimpse into the paperback publishing world of the 70s, Promotion Tour follows a successful US author in the UK to promote his latest shocking blockbuster. There's more depth than you might expect, and a load of interesting detail on the publishing business.

Nickel Dime Town by Jack Clark

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No

4.0