Definitely worth reading - decide for yourself

I read this novel a few months ago and although I'm still undecided about its absolute merit, the story has stuck with me. Many reviewers are very enthusiastic about this book, rating it as the best they've read. I certainly wasn't blown away to that extent, but Ellory has produced a work that is considerably more than a formulaic crime thriller.<br /><br />This is a tragedy telling the sorry tale of a series of child murders in small town Georgia and the profound effect these have on local boy Joseph Vaughan. Not surprisingly, the frequent passages documenting Joseph's tragic obsession can sometimes be hard going, but Ellory's writing is thoughtful and descriptive so keeps you reading.<br /><br />Interestingly, Ellory is an Englishman who writes `American' novels, complete with US spellings throughout. I thought he over-egged the pudding with this a bit with the dialogue sometimes sounding as if it were lifted from a Western. However, there is mostly an engaging naturalness of tone that carries the story along well. The writing, especially the early sections about Joseph's childhood, reminded me a lot of Stephen King's non-supernatural outings, which is a good indicator that this is readable stuff. <br /><br />Overall, this novel is recommended but don't approach it expecting either Steinbeck or a standard whodunit. What you will get is a writer with a distinctive voice and a novel that should provoke a reaction and they're both signs of quality writing.<br /><br />

Solid Coben

Mr Coben writes real page turners with a sting in the tale, but of late the themes seemed to be the same - something happened in the past and it comes back to haunt someone. But here he takes an interesting theme about parents and children and spins in a multi-layered story that unravels in a way that will make you read 'just one more chapter'. For fun he throws in some characters we have met before but this is classic Coben. There were one or two elements I guessed (including the final twist) but for me this gets the four stars because it is a real page turner and when it is over you regret the wait until the next one.

Excellent read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - even if I had to read some of it twice to make sure I knew exactly what had happened!<br /><br />The way the plot developed was thrilling with many twists and turns. For most of the story I did not know whether or not to believe that the Perez boy was dead or alive. I also couldn't work out whether the guy in prison was innocent or guilty. I could have kicked myself for not having deduced the final revelation earlier!<br /><br />The ending, whilst inconclusive, does allow you to imagine things the way you want them to be!<br /><br />A thoroughly good read!

Amusing, entertaining and thought-provoking - despite a degree of predictablity

Slow paced, often predictable, repetitive, based in an imaginary, utopian version of a very small country. Not really crime fiction and certainly not thrillers. So why do I like the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency so much?<br /><br />I read"The Good Husband of Zebra Drive", having realised, on buying the recently published next book in the series, and issued, that I had missed it out. My main quibble is that the denouement of this episode was itself very predictable, based I am sure on an"urban myth" or something similar - and while elements of the storyline are very predictable, I had not previously found the crux of the ending to be. <br /><br />Professor McCall Smith writes unashamedly feel-good books, with a slow, measured pace and lightness of touch that makes you feel that Mma Ramotswe is leading you by the hand. The baddies, such as they are, are never really bad, and the conflicts around which the stories are based are ones between basically good people with everyday, minor flaws. I think that the intentional elements of predictability are supposed to reflect the sparsely inhabited place they are set, and the people who live there, who have lived their all their lives and are content to die there too as their ancestors did before them. Those of us who live in the West rather than in this fictional Botswana are perhaps being invited by McCall Smith to consider that our frenetic lifestyles are self-inflicted and by no means a guarantor of greater happiness.<br /><br />McCall Smith was a professor of medical law and clearly has great interest in philosophy and ethics. The books are readers in practical philosophy, a commentary on the differences between man and woman and young and old, a call to live a calmer life and to treat one's fellow human being a little better. And also, despite the predictable bits, they are amusing, thought-provoking and a cracking good read.<br />

Samson at his strongest

This is a novel which appeals to the senses, paticularly of touch and smell. Although a morarally focused book there are no 21st century judements, leaving the reader with a clear impression of the social structures of the time.It emphasises fear of the monarchy and reform regardless of your position. There is a simmering anger created by the need for the people to repress their thoughts,despite holding powerful beliefs. Emotions of the reader are exposed continually and it is impossible to put the book down (I woke in the night compelled to read the next chapter (or 2)). Hiistorical fact and the authors supposition about the era are interlinked in a whodunnit where the language is simple, but informative of the time. The plot is complicated, but is revisited through reflective passages,providing the reader with reminders of significant events (a great plus for readers who lack 100% concentration, such as me!). <br />The author sets the scene innocently and develops the characters with consistency. The conclusion is satisfying and unpredictable, although totally believable. Fantastic novel.

A blemish on an otherwise perfect series

The Jack Reacher series of books are my favourite. I live in Canada, and the release date is 2 months after the UK release date. So I order the book off Amazon UK to a friends house in Scotland. He sends me the book, and I anxiously check the mail every day for a week or two until it finally arrives. Then after all that wait, I end up reading it right away, and inevitably pull an all-nighter until I'm finished it.<br /><br />Not this one. Oh the process of purchasing it was the same, but reading it took a couple of weeks as I just didn't feel like finishing it. It didn't capture me at all, and it was quite a poor book overall. The story was boring, and there was some really outrageous, hard to believe parts. The characters lacked substance, and this really seemed like one of those books where the author is just trying to meet a quota, rather than inspired by an idea. The whole plot came over so forced. <br /><br />As a book on its own, its passable I guess. However Lee Child has set high standards with his excellent series that he was unfortunately nowhere clear to matching in this latest episode.

The bearded one does it again!

Another great book from Mr MacBride.<br />Fantastic characters (DI Steele really is a stroke of genius) and another gruesome plot full of energy, twists and suspense make for such an enjoyable, albeit grim read.<br />Mr MacBrides' black humour will have you laughing in places where you'd least expect to and his expert story telling will take you to places you really don't want to go. Like Aberdeen. Ha ha.<br />This is the fourth in a highly entertaining crime series. Read this book and be introduced to a whole new world of brilliant characters. Some you'll love, some you'll hate and some who get everything they deserve!<br />Thanks, Stuart!

Quite an enjoyable debut

The book was an impressive effort for a new novelist with an interesting subject which was well thought out. <br /><br />I felt like I had gotten the gist of the idea by the first 100 pages and then spent the rest of the book wondering if I had it wrong - well hoping really that it wasn't that simple and there was a really good plot twist coming! I knew the why and what just needed the who.<br /><br />There wasn't a plot twist and I had got it spot on, Right down to Duncan's drugs......the appeal was lost I am afraid. <br /><br />The story rattled along alright but it was a straight forward mystery and suspense tale. The cover give it away by saying 'You are born, You live, They die'. Couldn't have put it better myself as that's exactly how it happens - no surprises there then!<br /><br />Full marks though for keeping the story together and the characters juggling fairly well throughout. I would read the next tale by this author but maybe take the hype with a pinch of salt.<br /><br />

Cracking follow-up

Matthew becomes more of an action hero than in the first novel, Dissolusion, as his life is threatened more frequently and intensly. However, he now has a dashing new assistant, Barak. There are two mysteries to solve. His own personal desires are also in need of attention. The pace of the novel is intense as he is under continual pressure from Lord Cromwell who is keen to save his own head. <br />The atmosphere of Tudor England is evoked with great skill and the reader experiences the vulnerabilities of all, from the lowest to the highest on the social ladder.<br />Some of the escapes from situations which Matthew and Barack become entwined in are quite fanciful, and will make better film (hopefully this will happen), than written word.<br />I enjoyed the first novel more, but this is a fantastic read. The plot is incredibly clever as the task Cromwell sets him has massive implications for the military power balance of a very tense Europe.

Accurate, Moving and Occasionally Funny

What Was Lost' is such an elegant and effortless read filled with intrigue, mystery and despair. I loved it. <br /><br />On the front of this book there is a tagline written by Jonathan Coe (possibly reason enough to purchase this book?) and there are some definite similarities between his novels and WWL. Like Coe, O'Flynn has managed to cut to the rotten heart of her subject matter, in this case, Shopping Centres. <br /><br />The Green Oaks shopping mall is a hulking malevolent presence built on the the industrial wasteland of 80's Birmingham. O'Flynn portrays it beautifully. One of the major characters works at the mall as an assistant manager of a record store chain. Life at the branch is described with acidic accuracy. The sections dealing with the customers, staff and senior managers of the store are hilarious.<br /><br />The central thread throughout the novel is the disappearance of a young girl shortly after the shopping centre's opening. This is dealt with sensitively and the plight of the lost nine year old very moving. All of the central characters are tied together by the repercussions of this event. Much like a Jonathan Coe novel, they are inexorably drawn together, often by coincidence, until the book reaches it's thrilling and poignant conclusion. This use of coincidence ought to be implausible but O'Flynn's light touch makes it work. There is an elements of the mystical and the macabre that jars a little and which some readers may find spoils their enjoyment.<br /><br />On the whole though, What Was Lost is a very satisfying read and an accurate portrayal of our turn of the century cultural wasteland.

4.5 Stars: Murders and Memory, a British detective suspense novel

Best enjoyed in the context of his earlier work AFTERMATH, Peter Robinson's FRIEND OF THE DEVIL is a stunning addition to his British police detective series. Not only does the reader glimpse more of the unfolding dynamics between the main characters, but also, the case hearkens back to the past as new murders challenge both the detectives and the reader to look at the past through a different perspective.<br /><br />Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks and Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot investigate a series of chilling murders. Cabbot investigates a brutal and chilling murder of a parapalegic woman in a wheelchair while Banks investigates the brutal murder and rape of a woman found in The Maze. Although these crimes seem unrelated, the murders provoke both Banks and Cabbot to look into their own histories to past crimes that have touched their lives. The eerie murder of the mysterious woman in the wheelchair haunts the imagination as the detectives ponder the thoughts a woman unable to defend herself or even voice a protest in her last moments. The first layer of clues unraveled is only one layer to this finely constructed suspenseful mystery. When Banks' investigation solves the mystery of one crime detail of the rape and murder, more mysteries emerge. Will the security cameras around the Maze aid or complicate this investigation? Each clue, each new development twists and turns the investigation, keeping the reader in suspense until the final dramatic scene.<br /><br />FRIEND OF THE DEVIL explores the ambiguity in the relationship between Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks and Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot. Peter Robinson's unflinching and realistic look into the conflicts in their personal lives add a depth to the characterization as their past chafes and recalls earlier moments and the character's personal weaknesses. In FRIEND OF THE DEVIL, relationships aren't easy or simplistic and, to the reader's delight, neither is the path to catching the perpetrators of these crimes. Precise, sometimes stark descriptive details heighten the terror of these crimes all the way to the shocking climatic end.<br /><br />Chilling, eerie and full of surprises, Peter Robinson's FRIEND OF THE DEVIL gradually builds up a fascinating look into memory, interweaving it into the very thematic structure. Memory underpins this mystery, interwoven within the very core as reminiscences from a former case haunt Banks. Past events present obstacles to personal relationships. Even in the murders themselves, Banks and Cabbot must delve into the memories of witnesses. Quite simply, Peter Robinson's kaleidoscope into memory makes FRIEND OF THE DEVIL a good choice for readers who might crave a little extra to ponder in addition to riveting suspense.

Sue Grafton brilliant pure fiction

I have read all this author`s books and this is as good as any of them. They are fun fiction, entertainment and escapism in a paperback, Superb. I like to read thrillers. Lee Child, Connelly and Sue Grafton is real holiday novel writer. If you like this genre try some of her other titles, also try Soft Taget by new author Conrad Jones that is a fantastic read. 10/10 Sue more please !!!

The Best

I can say without doubt that the Shardlake series of books are some of the very, very best historical fiction out there - not many books can rate as highly.<br /><br />The characters and situations are woven into the fabric of history with a expertise that makes you stand back and simply admire.<br /><br />Can't wait for the next book to come out - now, who would be a good Matthew Shardlake in the film versions?????<br /><br />

Time for a change?

This new book bears all the marks of Donna Leon's previous Commissario Brunetti books--superb atmosphere and location in Venice, the charm of the friends and family characters (not withstanding the unpleasantness of the rotters!)and an intriguing plot and sub-plot.<br /> As with all non-believers (I'm making an assumption here) the author falls down when it comes to portraying religious characters. Mutti's sermon, for example, is weak, and unbelievable--certainly it wouldn't make much appeal (she suggests that his followers are in thrall to him.) On the other hand, the sections dealing with the gypsies ring true (even though many readers will probably feel that she overdraws their character, but not knowing Italian gypsies I cannot really make a judgment).<br /> Is Donna Leon somewhat in danger of writing to a formula?--apart from the differences in crime, most of the material could be changed from one book to another without significantly changing anything. In the end, one wonders, has she run out of steam? As a writer she has immense charm, and I shall continue to read her. But she might do well to consider striking out along entirely new lines--even leaving Venice behind? I know that's thinking the unthinkable, but maybe the time has come.

Good book and enjoyable read but not a classic Rebus

This was a good end to Rebus's police career in CID but the book seemed a bit longer than was necessary and there was loads of extra detail which didn't add anything to the plot.<br />I think I understand that Ian Rankin was trying to show that often life is not as difficult as you make it seem but the plot twists and co-incidences often seemed a little contrived.<br />The Cafferty part in the story was a great touch and his involvement throughout the story summed up the relationship between him and Rebus throughout the whole series.<br />I admire the way that the series has been left open (without too much drama) and look forward to whatever Ian Rankin does next.

A delightful read

This was highly enjoyable. There was such an easygoing jaunty manner about this book, which was immensely satisfying. McCall has such a beautiful writing style; witty eloquent words of wisdom coupled with accurate and knowing observations: I can see myself becoming quite addicted to this charming series. As for Mma Ramotswe - a lot of her success seemed to be down to sheer luck rather than any great skill but even so, very worthy of your time and effort.

Excellent

This is a beautiful series of novels that remind us what it is to be human and to be a member of a closely-knit society.<br /><br />Like the other books in the series,"Blue Shoes and Happiness" is brimming with a sharp wit and accurate perceptions of human nature that seem to echo Austen (with a much more simple style). <br /><br />They also poignantly depict the slow demise of a traditional way of life in a similar way to Hardy, and are full of local colour and description. You'll grow to love Botswana without ever going there, and you'll particularly love the humourous characters.<br /><br />It is wrong to assume that these are gripping crime novels and they should not be read as such. They are deeply philosophical and require thought to be enjoyed properly. Having said this, they are an easy read and are exceptionally enjoyable. I can recommend them to anyone, with this particular installment being the most well-developed so far.

Book Without End...

The Pillars of the Earth was good. This is more of the same - too much more, that seems to have been written quickly to contract. It reads like a year's worth of medieval Archers episodes. It also has far more sex but even that gets repetitive, with"firm small breasts like eggs" being squeezed every now and then, and a bit of homosexuality amongst nuns and amongst priests thrown in to cheer up the time of the Black Death. Maybe that's why my Mum liked it; but she agrees that if you read Pillars, remember it fondly as a good example of a long historical novel and give this second book a miss...

The Same Old

rubbish that she has had published for the last few years. There is only one word for this latest offering from Patricia Cornwell....CRAP.<br /><br />I loved all her other books right up until Dr.Scarpetta left Richmond. After that.... well who knows what possessed Ms Cornwell to write such drivel. She uses anacronyms without explaining what they are and expects the readers to sit there and go"oh yes I know what that is" I don't think I'll buy another of her books again. If you thought Isle of Dogs was bad enough this latest one just creeps ahead in taking the biscuit.