philantrop's reviews
1786 reviews

Lückenbüßer: Kluftinger ermittelt | Klufti isch bäck! by Michael Kobr, Volker Klüpfel

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-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

Endlich wieder ein Kluftinger, den man gern liest!


Die letzten beiden Kluftinger-Krimis fand ich nicht gut; der letzte, “Affenhitze”, war eine vollkommene Klamauk-Katastrophe mit Kluftinger als widerlichem, mobbendem alten weissen Mann. Danach sollte Schluss mit Kluftinger und seinen beiden aus der Zeit gefallenen Autoren für mich sein.

Dann kam “Druckfrisch” mit Denis Scheck, der Regional-Krimis - oft zurecht - üblicherweise gar nicht mag, und ausgerechnet Scheck fand diesen neuen Band “Tierisch gut”. Und auch in diesem Fall hat er Recht: “Lückenbüßer” präsentiert uns einen Kluftinger, der, mittlerweile Interims-Polizeipräsident, plötzlich wieder denkt, seine Kolleg_innen (meist) anständig behandelt und von dem ich mich nicht mehr von Ekel erfüllt abwenden muss.

In der kurzzeitig etwas zu sehr raumgreifenden Nebengeschichte treten Kluftinger und Langhammer bei den Lokalwahlen gegeneinander an. Kluftinger, der sich eigentlich nur als der titelgebende Lückenbüßer aufstellen ließ, läßt sich schnell vom Wahlkampffieber mit- und hinreißen. Als jedoch Langhammer… Aber das müsst Ihr bei Interesse schon selbst lesen. 

Und gut lesbar ist dieser Roman des Autoren-Duos, dessen wohl geistig gesündere Hälfte sich durchgesetzt hat, allemal: Der zu untersuchende Mord tritt zwar zeitweise ein wenig zu sehr in den Hintergrund und seine eher antiklimaktische Auflösung hat mich nicht vollständig überzeugt, aber endlich ist “Klufti” wieder unterhaltsam und man kann sich (weitgehend) ohne Fremdschämen im fiktiven Altusried wieder zuhause fühlen.

Dabei gibt es wieder viele dieser typischen "Klufti-Momente"...

»Unten angekommen, ließ er Leipert allerdings erst nach mehrmaliger Ermahnung, strengstes Stillschweigen zu wahren und niemandem gegenüber ein Sterbenswörtchen zu verlieren, ins Auto steigen. Wer konnte schon voraussehen, welche negativen Konsequenzen es haben würde, wenn der Journalist seine geheimen Pilzplätze verriet?

»Ach so, ja, und bitt’schön nix wegen den Ermittlungen in die Zeitung!«, schob er noch halbherzig nach und verabschiedete sich.«


… nicht zuletzt auch im Umgang mit seinem Arzt(-freund) Langhammer. Trotzdem grenzt es fast an Satire, wenn Langhammer über seine Angestellten spricht:

»Aber in der Praxis habe ich ja meine Mädels.«
»Weibliche Bodyguards?«
»Meine Sprechstundenhilfen.«
Kluftinger verstand nicht. »Was nützen die Ihnen denn?«
»Das sind meine menschlichen Schutzschilde.«

Dies zeigt, dass die Autoren zwar immer noch eine Menge Spaß mit ihren Figuren haben, der Humor aber treffsicherer und angenehmer dosiert wurde als in den letzten Büchern.

Erfreulich fand ich auch, dass die Autoren ohne Scheu und fast “unverschleiert” den Neo-Nazis der AfD einen erzählerischen Tritt in die Weichteile verpassen. Merke: Wer Nazis wählt, ist ein Nazi. (Das gilt natürlich gleichermaßen auch für US-Amerikaner, die einen verurteilten Straftäter, Rassisten und Vergewaltiger anstatt einer kompetenten Frau zum Präsidenten wählen.)

Wer die letzten Kluftinger-Krimis nicht mochte, die Vorgängerbände aber vielleicht doch zu schätzen wusste, kann beruhigt zu dieser Lektüre greifen. Einzig der Preis (eBook: EUR 20, Hardcover: EUR 25) trübt ein wenig das positive Bild - aber das ist der Verlag, Ullstein, und die unsägliche Buchpreisbindung.

Vier von fünf Sternen.




We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida

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

2.0

“We’ll Prescribe You a Cat” by Syou Ishida is a peculiar attempt at blending magical realism and episodic storytelling, but one that ultimately veers off course. While on the surface it shares superficial similarities with “Travelling Cat Chronicles”, the comparison hardly holds due to the stark differences in execution and tone. Unfortunately, “We’ll Prescribe You a Cat” leans heavily into clichés, offering overdoses of preachy content and saccharine lessons that come across as formulaic and forced.

The novel presents a range of short vignettes, promising to deliver moments of heartfelt connection between humans and their feline counterparts. However, the episodic nature makes each chapter feel disconnected and shallow. Rather than a cohesive story, the book presents a series of almost obligatory moral lessons, which feel more esoteric than engaging. The subtlety I hoped for is utterly missing here. 

»”Everyone is delighted by your reactions”. Before he knew it, the sincere words had dropped out of Koga’s mouth. “Your compliments bring people joy. I think that's great.”«

Reading moments like this felt more like being spoon-fed life advice than becoming emotionally involved in a character’s journey. The translation doesn't help either, as it often borders on clunky and sometimes detracts from what could be poignant moments. 

At times, it even feels like the novel is dunking one’s nose into moral teachings rather than letting the story naturally unfold. Though there are some tender moments and nice ideas, this novel, sadly, misses the mark.

Two stars out of five.




The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

“The Grand Sophy” by Georgette Heyer delivered exactly what I expected: a sparkling, if somewhat dated, Regency romance. At times, it felt stuffy and blustery, especially in the dialogue, where I found myself struggling with the verbosity of certain characters.

»*Really, Horace, I must say that I think that most unjust of you, for how could he help it? It is so mortifying for him! And, what is more, excessively unfortunate, because I don’t doubt that had he been able to attach Cecilia… But no one can deny that nothing could be more ill-timed than Charlbury’s mumps!*«  
   
This type of rambling speech made the beginning of the book feel quite slow for me. The social dynamics and constant talk of marriages seemed quaint and twee—typical of early 20th-century historical fiction, yet it grated on me initially. However, as the story progressed and Sophy’s vivacious nature took centre stage, the novel became utterly irresistible. From orchestrating romantic entanglements to causing delightful mayhem, Sophy is a force of nature.

Though it’s tempting to dismiss such stories as too formulaic or predictable, Heyer demonstrates masterful pacing. Her truly witty writing, far better than many imitators in the Regency romance genre, propelled the latter half of the book to become a page-turner of the highest degree. Compared to Heyer’s *Venetia*, I found *The Grand Sophy* more energetic. While old-fashioned in certain areas, it holds up far better than many of her contemporaries.

Four out of five stars!




The Closers by Michael Connelly

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

My expectations were naturally high as I ventured back alongside Harry Bosch as he re-joins the force in "The Closers". This novel does bring a different tempo, quite unlike the whirlwind of suspense we often associate with Bosch's live-wire cases. Instead, he delves into a cold case, bringing a slower, perhaps more methodical, feel to this venture. 

Initially, my excitement ebbed slightly as the urgency I’m familiar with in Bosch novels was subdued due to the nature of a cold case. However, as Bosch's intricate world unfurled, the story's pace began to pick up, rendering my initial reservations (mostly) moot. Detours from urgency can indeed provide new spaces for character exploration and narrative depth. This novel proved that slow-burning embers could have the potential to ignite an inferno.

The inclusion, perhaps reintroduction, of Irvin Irving added a nuanced blend to the storyline. Though I found Irving's character portrayal to be somewhat dissonant with previous depictions, it provided a refreshing dimension. It's these unexpected character arcs that might polarise views but undeniably stir the plot's dynamic.

Also, Kizmin “Kiz” Rider's return from administrative duties to being Harry’s partner on “sixth floor” made for a welcome addition. Sadly, she remains somewhat bland and underused but at least she’s back.

Lastly, the narrative's gradual acceleration led to a climax that, while not as adrenaline-pumped as some of Connelly’s others, was satisfyingly appropriate given the plot's trajectory.

Connelly proves with "The Closers" that revisiting cold cases need not be a cold affair; rather, it can kindle new respect for nuances in crime-solving that fresher cases rarely provide the space to explore. 

While the novel initially felt like a quiet murmur compared to the thunderous exploits of Bosch, it evolved beautifully into a rhythmic soliloquy, deserving a solid four-star rating.




The Narrows by Michael Connelly

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dark mysterious relaxing tense 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

4.5

Having read multiple entries from Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, I approached The Narrows with high expectations, and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint. As one of the later books in the series, the tone is darker, more introspective, and delves into an older Bosch trying to adjust to life after the LAPD, all while being drawn into a chilling case involving a serial killer.

The plot kicks off with Bosch investigating the death of a friend’s husband, which also links FBI agent Rachel Walling to the resurgence of a notorious killer. Connelly’s deft plotting shines through, as the story unspools with a quiet, steady tension that kept me flipping pages. There's a masterful blend of investigation and emotional weight, particularly as we see Bosch juggle the demands of the case with his tangled personal life, especially his fractured relationship with his daughter.

What elevates The Narrows beyond a simple police procedural is its subtle exploration of Bosch’s internal struggles. “As a character, Bosch here feels weighed down by his years of service.” The walls are closing in on him in many ways, and at times, the book takes on a meditative tone as Bosch confronts his past choices and his identity outside the badge.

In comparison to some of Connelly’s other novels, such as The Lincoln Lawyer, which favours a more fast-paced, courtroom-drama style, The Narrows is slower, more methodical. While the story has its share of action, it’s not relentless, instead giving space for character reflection—and that’s where the novel truly shines.

Though predictable at moments, the book offers a layered story with tension, driven by Bosch's relentless pursuit of justice.

Four stars out of five.





Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

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

3.0

Curtis Sittenfeld’s “Romantic Comedy” failed to deliver what I’d hoped, taking far too long to engage, and bombarding the reader with tedious background details about television production. The novel’s focus on the behind-the-scenes mechanics of a sketch show often felt like unnecessary padding, leaving the narrative sluggish at times.

»The sets would be built at a warehouse in Brooklyn then transported back to 66, ideally on Friday, to be painted.«

Exciting, right? That’s the kind of procedural minutiae that dominates much of the early parts of the novel. While some readers might appreciate this level of intricate detail, I personally found it detracted from both the pacing and the emotional depth I was looking for. When Sittenfeld could have been focusing on the actual romantic and comedic elements, she instead seemed determined to dive into the trivial goings-on of a writers' room.

»The writers’ room, Elliot seemed to consider the Danny Horst Rule rewrites finished then, because he said, “Sally, can you make those changes and email«

I found this a frustrating aspect. With so much filler, the characters almost got lost in their own plot. Sally, the protagonist, doesn’t seem very compelling for much of the book. She waffles between sudden feelings of insecurity—strangely more akin to someone in their early twenties than a seasoned professional in their mid-thirties. Perhaps that’s part of her appeal for some, but I found this immaturity slightly irksome.

»Noah grinning, Noah using my name, Noah’s ability to be warm and normal, while my insides churned—it was all somewhat devastating.«

Despite all this, the latter half of “Romantic Comedy” picks up significantly. Once we leave behind all the procedural fluff, there’s a decent story at the core that’s worth exploring. A solid—but not spectacular—showing from Sittenfeld.

Three stars out of five.




Starter Villain by John Scalzi

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

3.0

"Starter Villain" by John Scalzi is a light, fast-paced read filled with Scalzi’s characteristic wit and humour. I approached the book expecting an entertaining romp, but unfortunately, while it had moments of genuine charm, it often felt too shallow and predictable to leave a lasting impact. It’s a story that adheres closely to a wish-fulfilment fantasy setup — a relatively ordinary protagonist finds himself embroiled in a world of supervillains, talking cats, and evil corporations. However, the execution falls a bit flat.

Scalzi’s success with the Old Man’s War series and Redshirts lies in his ability to blend humour with substance, and in comparison, Starter Villain seems to lack the depth and complexity of his earlier works. The novel is full of zany situations, but it all feels rather surface-level, with little emotional heft or character development. Even with its quick pacing, the stakes never felt particularly high, and I found myself detached from the outcome.

That said, Scalzi’s humour shines through, and there are definitely laugh-out-loud moments. A particularly amusing element is the talking cats, who inject a level of absurdity that I imagine would appeal to fans of Scalzi’s quirkier side. Moreover, the dialogue crackles with the same snappy back-and-forth that readers have come to expect from the author.

Ultimately, Starter Villain is one of those books that’s easy to pick up and put down. It’s fun in the moment, but for readers who crave something with more complexity or deeper world-building, it might not be the offering that best represents Scalzi’s talents.

Three out of five stars.




Lost Light by Michael Connelly

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective relaxing tense 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

Lost Light, the ninth entry in Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series, carries the familiar grittiness and deep introspection that long-time readers have come to expect. Bosch, now retired, finds himself entangled in another case, this time a cold one that starts just as the reader expects: with a murder shrouded in mystery and Bosch's relentless determination pushing it forward. However, like in *Angels Flight*, what makes *Lost Light* stand out isn’t just the mystery itself, but Bosch's internal journey as he grapples with his own complex emotions. 

»*I’m a believer in the single-bullet theory... What I do know is that Eleanor Wish had been my bullet. She had pierced me through and through... I was still bleeding and I knew I would always bleed for her. That was just the way it had to be. There is no end of things in the heart.*« 

This passage encapsulates the essence of Bosch's emotional state in *Lost Light*. In some ways, it felt like meeting an old friend again, much in the way Connelly revisits familiar themes—justice, love, and loss—with renewed vigour. Yet, Bosch seems older here, more hardened by both his career and his personal relationships. Comparatively, *Lost Light* offers a more personal look at Bosch than other works like *The Black Echo*, where duty often took centre stage.

»*And that was the hardest part of the surveillance to watch. That was the part that made me feel the most like an intruder... "Turn it off now," I finally said.*«

It’s fascinating how Connelly blends high tension with moments of emotional rawness. The human side of the man beneath the gruff exterior is both riveting and haunting, making *Lost Light* stand out in the otherwise crowded genre of detective fiction. 

Five stars out of five.


Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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

4.0

I actually read this a while ago - at the end of August. Deeply entrenched in executing my father’s last will (which I still am), foregoing Goodreads and pretty much anything for weeks, my life felt like being “on-hold” (which it still does to some extent). I needed something light and fun and, well, it was pretty good…

As with her previous works, Jimenez masterfully balances humour with heart, crafting a story that can make you laugh one moment and tug at your emotions the next. While it shares the same warmth and wit as The Friend Zone, I would argue that Life's Too Short delves deeper into the complexities of living with uncertainty and the importance of embracing life's unpredictability.

One of the moments that particularly stood out to me was when a character compared a small, toothless dog to "an angry potato with legs." The humour in this scene was delightful:

»He bit her when she picked him up.\ He didn’t have any teeth. It didn’t hurt, but it was the thought that counts. I was worried it would put her off, but she couldn’t stop laughing. She said he was like an angry potato with legs.«

Jimenez shines when portraying raw vulnerability. In a dialogue between two characters struggling with existential weight, one declares:

»“I don’t pretend to be happy. I just refuse to be sad.”«

This line perfectly summarises the novel’s poignant theme, making readers reflect on resilience and the conscious choice to cherish life’s fleeting moments. Though Life’s Too Short is packed with humour, it's the deeper emotional exploration that sets it apart and makes it not just a fun read, but a memorable one.

Four stars out of five.




Seven Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly

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adventurous tense 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? No

1.0

Matthew Reilly's "Seven Deadly Wonders" is akin to reading a 90s action B-movie. Unfortunately, the novel fails to deliver a compelling narrative, with both the plot and characters lacking believability. While Reilly attempts to blend high-octane action with historical mysteries, the result is a muddled execution that leaves much to be desired.

From the outset, the characters come off as one-dimensional and unconvincing. They are supposedly a diverse group from various backgrounds, but this diversity is sadly superficial. This oversight detracts significantly from the novel, creating a sense of sameness that undermines the story's potential. For instance, Big Ears dangling precariously over a ledge is a moment ripe with tension but falls flat due to clichéd dialogue and character interactions:

»Big Ears was dangling over the edge of Level 1 directly above her, helpless. ‘I can’t get to her!’
‘And I can!’ another voice called.
West.
He never missed a step.
Running full tilt, he just leapt off the edge of Level 1 and sailed in a high curving arc through the air toward the croc-lake below.«

The plot is convoluted with numerous loose ends and implausible scenarios. The novel struggles to maintain a coherent storyline, often feeling episodic rather than a unified narrative. This lack of cohesion disrupts the reading experience and makes it difficult to remain invested in the characters' exploits. The plot includes a vividly gruesome yet ridiculous depiction of a Caesarean delivery performed during a volcanic eruption.

»A gruesome yet urgent image: flanked by the encroaching lava and the steadily lowering ceiling, the two men perform a Caesarean delivery on the dead woman’s body using West’s Leatherman knife.«

Reilly's attempts at infusing the story with historical conspiracies come across as overly extravagant and eye-roll-inducing. The portrayal of the Cult of Amun-Ra, linked to various historical and modern figures, borders on the absurd. This inclusion feels less like a testament to thorough research and more like desperate embellishment.

»This Cult of Amun-Ra has endured to the present day, under many guises. For instance, the Knights of St John of Malta, and some sections of the Catholic Church.\
‘The Freemasons, too, have long attached great significance to the Great Pyramid—and are often accused of being a thinly-veiled reincarnation of the Cult of Amun-Ra. Indeed, one very famous Freemason, Napoleon Bonaparte, was initiated into the order’s highest ranks inside the King’s Chamber of the Great Pyramid.«

Ultimately, "Seven Deadly Wonders" reads like a cheap piece of bubble gum – initially somewhat fresh but quickly becoming bland and boring. The novel fails to deliver on its intriguing premise, leaving readers with a disappointing aftertaste. With its numerous flaws and lacklustre execution, this novel does not live up to the standards set by other works in the genre. If you’re seeking a quality action-adventure read, you might want to look elsewhere. 

If you want an in-depth, detailed review, read https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1678820144 which absolutely nails it.

One star out of five.