Parker, Sandra, and McWhitney attempt to retrieve their bounty; serialised stolen bank cash that they can’t use but can trade internationally – sure tParker, Sandra, and McWhitney attempt to retrieve their bounty; serialised stolen bank cash that they can’t use but can trade internationally – sure they won’t get the full score but a portion, once is all said and done, is better than nothing even if it is one thousand per ten.
In traditional Stark fashion, the violence is bubbling to bursting point. Any confrontation can lead to bloodshed. Parker’s violent nature is once more on display and there are plenty of opportunities for him to satisfy that need. Dealing with underworld figures and a crew who would as easily backstab you as they would say hello over coffee in the morning, brings with it a natural form of scepticism that breeds confrontation.
Despite the potential for DIRTY MONEY to be memorable and the acclaimed accomplishments of the previous books, notably the earlier ones in the series, the last Parker novel doesn’t end on a high note. DIRTY MONEY did little to end such a dominant rein of the perennial and the most immensely readable thief in crime fiction which is a shame as I had high hopes for this final instalment in the series following the lacklustre ASK THE PARROT.
DIRTY MONEY is the conclusion of a three novel story arc that actually doesn’t provide the reader with a whole lot of closure. Parker, his allies, and enemies are still there ready for more action. Had it not been for the authors untimely passing, I have little doubt that more books would follow DIRTY MONEY – and perhaps better written too.
There are a number of reasons as to why DIRTY MONEY left a sour taste in my mouth – firstly, I have read ASK THE PARROT (hence the previously mentioned comment) and that was a direct continuation of NOBODY RUNS FOREVER (a book I haven’t read), with DIRTY MONEY following the continuity and asking that the reader be familiar with the previous works to fully appreciate the events of this book. DIRTY MONEY doesn’t work as a standalone or even a partial component of continuity as it picks up mid stream and fails to provide closure. Perhaps my thoughts on the situation Parker and co so find themselves would’ve been more positive had I read NOBODY RUNS FOREVER (I will read this at some stage).
Melbourne, Australia circa 1967 is rocked with the multiple disappearances of young women. Detective Charlie Berlin is tasked to find one of these in Melbourne, Australia circa 1967 is rocked with the multiple disappearances of young women. Detective Charlie Berlin is tasked to find one of these in a parallel investigation covertly running alongside the public police hunt.
The missing teenager is the daughter of a prominent local identity with important political connections. To aid Berlin’s quest to track down the missing teen is the dapper detective with questionable allegiances Bob Roberts. The duo makes for interesting reading with one clearly on the take while the other is by-the-book and a seemingly honest hardworking cop.
As the two swim through the current of Melbourne’s underbelly they learn more about the depths of despair drowning many a family who are enduring a loss equal to that of the lead investigation. When one of the missing girls is found dead, the pressure mounts from the public and secretive sides of the investigation ultimately sending Berlin down a spiralling path that leads him to confront some of his past horrors.
ST KILDA BLUES is the third book to feature Charlie Berlin and despite not being familiar with the previous books, I found ST KILDA BLUES to be an easily readable standalone.
There is a lot to take in with author Geoffrey McGeachin going to great lengths to provide an insight into the criminal mind as well as articulating Berlin’s POW and confrontation flash blacks. Whilst adding context it did have a tendency to dilute the primary story.
One of the more enjoyable aspects of ST KILDA BLUES is the fact that it goes beyond the standard issue police procedural with the later stages in particular providing a great amount of emotional turmoil for some of the characters.
Having read ST KILDA BLUES, I’ll certainly be looking to track down copies of THE DIGGERS REST HOTEL (published 2010) and BLACKWATTLE CREEK (2012).
Merrick – former PI and partner of author Reed Farrel Coleman’s series PI Moe Prager now runs a bar having retired from the detective gig. However, wiMerrick – former PI and partner of author Reed Farrel Coleman’s series PI Moe Prager now runs a bar having retired from the detective gig. However, with Moe out of commission, there’s one case that hangs over Merrick; missing children and the taunting perpetrator – one case he can’t walk away from but can’t solve on his own.
Ken Bruen’s newest lead character creation Tommy Ryan has elements of Bruen’s penultimate Guarda Jack Taylor but with a little more restraint and a greater moral compass. He’s looking to make a fresh start in America having lost his way and all that matters in life in his homeland. The two cops find each other over a couple of brews and instantly bond – soon enough they’re teaming up to crack down on children killers with their own brand of justice.
MERRICK is loaded with little easter eggs for fans of Ken Bruen’s other books. The Jack Taylor series resemblance is here, as are subtle nods to TOWER (co-authored by Reed Farrel Coleman) and ONCE WERE COPS.
Ryan is the main character and reads very well. Bruen devoted a lot of time and effort in making him multi dimensional with his personal life and relationship with a local Indian woman sharing top billing with the case itself. Interestingly enough, Merrick read as a sidekick which makes this title somewhat misleading.
It’s evident there’s to be more books featuring the two and if MERRICK is anything to go by, the new series has potential.
MULTIVERSUM is an entertaining and thought provoking novel that transports the reader through a limitless stream of possibility and uncertainty, invokMULTIVERSUM is an entertaining and thought provoking novel that transports the reader through a limitless stream of possibility and uncertainty, invoking a kind of paralysis of reality by which time and place are defined by no traditional boundary or scale.
With pre and post-apocalyptic elements embodying the plot, the omnipresent sense of doom is ever looming over the heads of the young characters at the forefront of MULTIVERSUM. The dynamic is such that each interaction between Alex and Jenny is heightened to a point that the star crossed lovers undergo an almost painful yearning for one another as they battle not only their sanity but humanity as a whole.
Conceptually, MULTIVERSUM is brilliant, borrowing a little from the Butterfly Effect and taking it to the extreme by virtue of alternate dimensions and a delicately poised interwoven cataclysmic event.
The conclusion is awe inspiriting and a fitting end to the story as a whole while clearly paving the way for the next instalment. It takes a smart writer to pull off a satisfying ending while also plotting the beginnings of future stories, here, author Leonardo Patrignani ever so deftly delivers.
"I opened them up to let the dreams out, and then I made them into the dreams they wanted. That should have been enough."
BROKEN MONSTERS is a police "I opened them up to let the dreams out, and then I made them into the dreams they wanted. That should have been enough."
BROKEN MONSTERS is a police procedural that exemplifies the deranged and mentally afflicted mind of a demented serial killer beyond redemption. Through Detective Gabriella Versado, the reader gains an insight into the world of policing in Detroit amidst a proverbial media shit storm following the unearthing of some macabre art involving a young boy and animal remains.
Despite having her hands full with tracking down the killer, Detective Versado also has to contend with her too-smart and cop-savvy daughter, Layla who unwittingly finds herself deeply involved in the case.
Author Lauren Beukes does a great job at writing her lead heroine in Detective Versado as both a parental and public authoritative figure. BROKEN MONSTERS isn't just about a serial killer, it's about relationships and the broader impacts of policing on families and the community (by virtue of an over enthusiastic blogger, Jonno).
Readers are treated to a break in the narrative by virtue of blog entries, differing perspectives and a look at way social media and texting impacts/implicates the cast of characters. I also liked the idea of some of the more ghostly spiritual references, notably the use of some rather spooky doors drawn into the walls and floors of abandoned buildings. These secondary elements really enhanced the core premise of the book.
I think BROKEN MONSTERS caters to a broad reader base and will appeal crime and horror junkies.
"Was it real?"
"Yes. It was all real . It lives in me now. If you've seen it, there's a splinter of it in you too. We can change the world. You just have to open the door."
As unpredictable and violent as the meth trade and those who swarm towards its deathly drug addled embrace, A SWOLLEN RED SUN is the raw, uncut, pure As unpredictable and violent as the meth trade and those who swarm towards its deathly drug addled embrace, A SWOLLEN RED SUN is the raw, uncut, pure embodiment of noir versed in a kind of hick/back-water literature akin to Daniel Woodrell.
When Deputy Sheriff Banks discovers a hidden stash of cash in a cooks’ trailer buried beneath kitty litter and excrement, he can’t turn a blind eye. Thinking it a victimless crime (Jerry Dean, the trailers occupant cant report the cash stolen by virtue of how he accumulated it), Banks proceeds to go out his daily policing without much thought of potential repercussions. Until the body count starts to pile – on both sides of the law.
Wading through a pool of blood, Banks sticky red footprints leave pools of violence and torment across Gasconade Country. From local farming establishments to the terrors of Goat Hill, no one is immune to the call of the reaper.
Author Matthew McBride (who also wrote FRANK SINATRA IN A BENDER, a PI novel) has once again delivered an utterly enthralling read that surpasses his previous novel and puts him into the upper echelon of noir writers.
A SWOLLEN RED SUN has everything – mystery, intrigue, murder, backstabbing, believable characters, well defined place-setting, and a damn good story line. Without a doubt one of the best books of 2014.
I've been waiting for another novel set in the world of the Old Kingdom for a long time now, and, despite having moments that brought back the enjoymeI've been waiting for another novel set in the world of the Old Kingdom for a long time now, and, despite having moments that brought back the enjoyment of LIRAEL and SABRIEL, the long ago prequel to SABRIEL doesn't quite live up to my expectations.
CLARIEL leans heavily towards the YA styling's of Garth Nix's other fantasy series targeted at that demographic. The toned down storytelling is evident, as is the teenage angst and constant reference to love despite Clariel's predicament (even though she shows no interest in her male suitors, it's a constant theme throughout).
Clariel, sees her family decimated before her eyes, traverses the Old Kingdom in search of the Abhorsens for sanctuary from the threat of the Belisaere governor. Here, readers of the series are treated with a familiar character and further elements of Free Magic as Clariel slowly builds towards realizing her path and takes the first tentative steps towards justice for her slain family.
I really liked the last third of CLARIE. It had everything I'd come to love from the Old Kingdom trilogy before it (mages, free and charter magic, bells), yet the set up is what let CLARIEL down.
Inscapes, christmasland, the Wraith, the Shorter Way Bridge: imaginative horror with real world connotations immortalized in this epic piece of fictioInscapes, christmasland, the Wraith, the Shorter Way Bridge: imaginative horror with real world connotations immortalized in this epic piece of fiction. Loved the nod towards DOCTOR SLEEP with the True Knot reference. ...more
NIGHT TERRORS is a ridiculously fun book to read – a concoction of nightmares, detective drama, and the supernatural that stretches the fabric of realNIGHT TERRORS is a ridiculously fun book to read – a concoction of nightmares, detective drama, and the supernatural that stretches the fabric of reality and bleeds surreal through the seams.
Shadow Watch officers/agents Audra (an Ideator, maker of nightmares) and Jinx (an Incubus, Audra’s nightmare made real) are introduced to the reader following the unsuccessful collar of another Incubus causing havoc amongst the general populace. It is during this episode of violence that a Maelstrom opens up, dredging up monsters and supernatural horrors bringing the Shadow Watch partners out of the shadows and into full light of their superiors and many terrified onlookers. From here a tried and tested detective formula precedes the investigation – yet with a shade of the surreal.
I really like the dynamic of the unpredictable duo in Audra and Jinx, not only does the real life existence of Audra’s worst nightmare work with her day and night (Ideators don’t need sleep, often relying on illegal drugs to maintain alertness) but often saves her from other peoples tormented and ghastly creations. Jinx, being a murderous clown, packs a few big gloved punches (or mallets) to go along with his humour which lightens the mood and breaks-up the procedural nature of their investigation.
NIGHT TERRORS has a lot going for it and I’m pleased that it’s the first in a series focusing of the Shadow Watch as Jinx is one nightmare that I, as a reader, wouldn’t mind reoccurring.
The final chapters of TROLL MOUNTAIN see Raf, our young and brave protagonist face off against the Troll King’s champion in battle he surely has no chThe final chapters of TROLL MOUNTAIN see Raf, our young and brave protagonist face off against the Troll King’s champion in battle he surely has no chance of winning.
Picking up where Episode 2 left off, the reader is thrown into the action – something author Matthew Reilly is renowned for. The confrontation between the Troll champion and Raf is smartly written with Raf using his smarts rather than brute force (of which, someone of his stature would not have much of) as he fights for his life and the lives of the people in his village (those in dire need of fresh water and the elixir). His companions are put to the peripheral, as the book shifts perspective to Raf’s plight following the early episode’s character building.
This is perhaps the most up-front instalment that conforms to the YA stereotype, not in a bad way. As Raf deals with his violent confrontation he also must learn humility to go along with his bravery. Characters from the earlier chapters of Episode 1 reappear, forcing Raf’s hand at learning important life lessons.
Episode 3 did feel a like the weaker of the instalments, but I think that’s primarily attributed to the journey having been walked and the characters being developed, leaving only the closure to the story to tell – which in itself is good and reads as lengthy action sequence.
Overall, TROLL MOUNTAIN is a sold YA fantasy read that has engaging characters pitted against formidable foes set amongst an interesting place-setting.
Analysis, trends, calculations, manipulation; these are the core themes of the tech-fi novel A CALCULATED LIFE. Exploring the humanist/artificial inteAnalysis, trends, calculations, manipulation; these are the core themes of the tech-fi novel A CALCULATED LIFE. Exploring the humanist/artificial intelligence interoperability/compatibility (or lack thereof) with the respective character leads in a post modernist society driven by enhanced brain stimulus and increased cogitative function sees protagonist Jayna, a young enhanced analytical mind, question the shackles bestowed upon her with a view to break and escape.
Author Anne Charnock, has, with Jayna, created a likeable and identifiable young women who is empathetic, emotionally numb, enveloped in a blanket of wide-eyed innocence - at least at the beginning. When she starts to deviate from her programming by showing a side of her independent self, the story really shows promise. Here, Jayna forms her own emotions and uses her calculations, not for the purpose of work, but to forge a life of her own.
I kept waiting for that key moment where Jayna breaks free and the cat and mouse chase by her handlers ensues only to be rewarded with something slightly different yet just as satisfying. While A CALCULATED LIFE might not be high in thrills, it is high on emotion and heart – interesting considering the character the novel revolves around.
Overall, I enjoyed A CALCULATED LIFE. Its premise is interesting and not without room for expansion. The characters are believable and Jayna is heart-warming while hinting at a darker, more evocative side.
INK MAGE opens in dramatic fashion, thrusting the reader head on into a world of warfare and violence. Blood is spilt, heroes are felled, and the homeINK MAGE opens in dramatic fashion, thrusting the reader head on into a world of warfare and violence. Blood is spilt, heroes are felled, and the homeland of Rina, soon to be Dutches by virtue of her father’s murder, is overrun by the invading Parranese.
Author Victor Gischler’s deep dive into the surreal results in a fast paced fantasy that envelops the reader in a fantastical shroud of magic, monsters and mystical lore from start to finish. Rina’s initial battle alongside the devastating violent and protective Kork in the early stages of the book sets the tone for strong character development and provides a pathway cut through the meaty flesh of invaders towards her first tattoo, spawning the adventure and creating the legend.
Double crosses and questionable allegiances ensue as Rina seeks help from all manner of unlikely sources to rid her homeland of its conquering guests (including gypsies). Aided by a likeable cast including Alem and Tosh, Victor Gischler ensures INK MAGE remains fresh by virtue of varying perspectives and allowing for respective telling of events through differing eyes. This allows for the blend of magic/warfare/and traditional fantasy quest elements to merge seamlessly into the broader tale.
I had the luxury of reading INK MAGE as a single volume and I’m glad that was the case as the pace of story made for a quick read – in serial format, I would’ve been too impatient waiting for each instalment.
I’m keen to see where Victor Gischler takes this series next. ...more
This review contains spoilers from episode 1. Avoid reading further if you don’t want to spoil the entertaining fantastical adventure Reilly’s young protagonist Raf undertakes in the first instalment.
Raf and his unorthodox band of followers edge closer to obtaining the valuable elixir, made and controlled by the inhabitants of the dreaded Troll Mountain.
Episode 1 saw Raf, outlander Ko, and the endearing yet simplistic exiled troll Dum forge an unlikely friendship on an adventure which led them to the entrance of the feared hobgoblins’ abandon kingdom on route to Troll Moutain. Here, author Matthew Reilly steps up the atmosphere and brings the accustomed action he’s renowned for (Jack West Jr. Novels spring to mind) as the threesome traverse the hostile kingdom that isn’t as abandoned as first thought. I only wish more page time had been given to this dark and menacing place-setting but given TROLL MOUNTAIN is YA, I can see why he didn’t go over the top with explicit depiction of the surroundings and the danger lurking in its shadows.
From there, Raf catches a glimpse of what awaits him and the path he must undertake to obtain the elixir which will save his ailing sister and fellow tribesmen. Complete with maps (stock standard Reilly fiction), tension, action, and a more evolved cast of characters, this latest instalment brings readers to the edge of what seems to be a pivotal moment in Raf’s journey.
Much like episode 1, the second instalment of TROLL MOUNTAIN ends in a cliff hanger of sorts that has me eagerly awaiting the final portion of the story. ...more
HELLHOLE ended with a declaration of war with AWAKENING set up for a large scale confrontation between the Crown Jewel planets and the deep zone planeHELLHOLE ended with a declaration of war with AWAKENING set up for a large scale confrontation between the Crown Jewel planets and the deep zone planets. Diadem Michella, Escobar Hallholme, and Ishop amongst others against General Adolphus and his alien Xayan race is epic within itself yet the added mystery of an anonymous space craft scanning Hellhole and the planets’ slow awakening added even more drama and chaos. There’s a lot to take in, and to the authors credit, they make it easily readable. This is one sci-fi series reader can enjoy rather than have to work to read.
Much like HELLHOLE, book 2 of the trilogy, AWAKENING doesn't give full closure to the story arc. Whilst I walked away satisfied, I would've liked less of a tease for the next installment and more of a clear ‘end point’ to the book. Perhaps it’s more a criticism of my own impatience rather than the authors themselves – they have me craving what happens next. Mission accomplished in that respect.
This is an interesting book on so many levels. Despite enjoying it there was something that felt a little off. Set on the Gold Coast in Queensland, AuThis is an interesting book on so many levels. Despite enjoying it there was something that felt a little off. Set on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia it was nice to see an Aussie author tackle noir and do it well. I thought the writing was at times poetic and vivid, with the seedy depiction of the sunshine state a real highlight.
One thing that bugged was that the characters just didn’t feel real, more a cardboard cut-out than three dimensional. That said the author did go to some length to make Jade, one half of the books’ focus, a tormented and deeply scarred individual with a penchant for the grifters game, same with the titular male lead ‘The Dealer’ – the foundation for a decent character yet something was just a little off centre.
The plot revolves around Jade and her attempts at luring members of the opposite sex into her world of scams and cons. For the most part she’s successful but quickly shows her devil may care attitude when switching sides to hook up with a prominent underworld figure, leaving The Dealer alone with his thoughts of past capers and romanticisms.
From that point forward, the reader learns not to trust her narrative nor The Dealers as jealously boils over and versions of the truth become skewed.
I give this 4 stars on Goodreads but not with confidence. The premise and poetry enough to satisfy me despite the lack of character depth. ...more
Best summarised as a noir akin to Stark’s Parker, ONE FOR MY BABY encompasses all the lurid and violent traditions explored in this sub genre of darkeBest summarised as a noir akin to Stark’s Parker, ONE FOR MY BABY encompasses all the lurid and violent traditions explored in this sub genre of darker crime fiction with the added element of sexual desire and a misguided drive to achieve the American dream.
Mark is a lounge musician who moonlights as a dangerous thief. His targets, a string of restaurants, his method, more scare and terrorise than bloodshed and body bags. That all changes when he robs a restaurant owned by underworld figure Casci and becomes involved with one of the staff; the femme fatale of ONE FOR MY BABY, Linda.
The confident, devil may care persona of Linda portrayed to the cops at the police station following Mark’s capture shortly after robbing Casci crumbles when confronted with the robber who stuck a gun to her head. Rather than confirm the police’s suspicion she denies his involvement – a move made of lust which brings about violent ramifications.
Clocking in at around 60pgs, ONE FOR MY BABY is a quick read but left this reader fully satisfied. Not a word was used as padding; each chapter progressed the story and thoroughly entertained.
Author Barry Graham has a string of great reads (along with one of my all time favourite noirs WHEN IT ALL COMES DOWN TO DUST) and ONE FOR MY BABY is yet another. Highly recommended.
BREAKING POINT is a perfect blend of humour and noir spiced with a spliff sense of serendipity that is nothing short of entertaining from start to finBREAKING POINT is a perfect blend of humour and noir spiced with a spliff sense of serendipity that is nothing short of entertaining from start to finish.
Brian and his girlfriend Rachel are trying to live a normal life. Well, as normal as can be seeing as Rachel killed Brian’s brother and they’re both in hiding after Brian failed to take down hardman Owen in the books predecessor THE POINT.
With a grudge and raw determination, Owen seeks to track down Brian ‘ear for an ear like’ only with a view to exact a more permanent form of gratification. Unbeknownst to Brian, who’s bonded with a local small time drug dealer (who happens to be forming his own kind of martial arts, a barstardisation of disciplines), the killer is on the verge of quenching his thirst for vengeance when Tony’s dojo is busted up (along with Tony) by the larger drug profiteers. Brian in a state of flux flees his new friend and ends up in the arms of a madman.
BREAKING POINT is top notch storytelling by one of the best in the business. Author Gerard Brennan continues to knock it out the park time and time again (WEE ROCKETS, FIREPROOF etc.) and BREAKING POINT is no different.
Short, sharp, funny, and balls to the wall exciting. This is one novella that packs a punch many novels fails to land.
COLD IN JULY is one of those books that fools the reader into a false sence of security before sweeping the rug out from underneath. Initially resemblCOLD IN JULY is one of those books that fools the reader into a false sence of security before sweeping the rug out from underneath. Initially resembling a run of the mill crime novel, COLD IN JULY treats the reader with three distinct acts/stanzas, all a natural progression from one another. Beginning with a home robbery, then turning private eye, to ending a violent vigilante, COLD IN JULY provides three distinct reader experiences each as good as the other.
Woken by the sound of an intruder, husband and father of one, Richard Dane, murders the would-be robber in an act of pure self defense, kill or be killed. Little did he know the mans father would be released from a lengthy stay in jail shortly after learning of his sons murder resulting in more violence and invasion of Danes family home. Revenge runs red in the eyes of the beholder.
Just when you think you know where this story is going, author Joe R Lansdale hits you in the face with a double aught. Que police cover ups, Dixie Mafia, FBI witness protection, snuff films, and broken hearts. Not forgetting an uneasy alliance between Dane and Ben Russell, the recently freed from jail father. Lansdale really makes this multidimensional crime piece simmer in tension, steadily boiling over to violence.
I really enjoyed COLD IN JULY and can't wait to see the film adaptation.
Matthew Reilly enters the world of young adult fantasy with his serialised tale, TROLL MOUTAIN. For endearing protagonist, Raf, a scrawny teenager, seMatthew Reilly enters the world of young adult fantasy with his serialised tale, TROLL MOUTAIN. For endearing protagonist, Raf, a scrawny teenager, seeing his younger sister fall victim to an illness which is running rampant throughout his tribe, he knows the time has come to face those who have the remedy, even if it means travelling across a dangerous land full of rogue human eating trolls, wolves, and hobgoblins.
The trolls of Troll Mountain have developed an elixir to cure such ills but demand a great price – the life of the one who seeks in exchange for the one they wish to save. For this reason, many warriors from Raf’s tribe have sought to take the elixir by force only to never return. Raf, hopes to be the first, showcasing his worth to his tribe and saving the life of his sister.
TROLL MOUNTAIN episode 1, is a very short read but one that accomplishes so much. The reader is introduced to Raf, a travelling companion, and a Troll unlike the stereotype in Dum (who instantly connects with the younger reader in us all) who together formulate the key group of characters we fellow on this dangerous quest.
Without giving too much away, the set-up for episode 2 is perfect. Enough cliff-hanger without being overtly so, and a distinct turning point in Raf’s quest to save his sister. I look forward for reading how Raf and co handle this next instalment.
The writing is exemplary, the story drab. Woodrell has a way with words that takes the readers breath away and this book is no different. However, theThe writing is exemplary, the story drab. Woodrell has a way with words that takes the readers breath away and this book is no different. However, the tale he so delicately constructs feels padded and perhaps more suited to a shorter form. There were far too many moments where my mind tended to drift; particularly those chapters dedicated to the backstory of some the victims of the dance hall fire in 1929. The telling of events by maid Alma to her grandson reads laden with gossip and scandal, all well and good if it keeps the reader entertained, however all it did was cloud the mystery. Many reviewers lapped this up but it just wasn’t for me. ...more
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