A werewolf story narrated by the last of the species, Jack, a 200-odd year old who has been hunted by not only those who seek to rid the world of supeA werewolf story narrated by the last of the species, Jack, a 200-odd year old who has been hunted by not only those who seek to rid the world of supernatual beings, but also vampires who want to see his blood flow red for different reasons altogether. Isolation and longing, a consistent theme throughout. Glen Duncan, as per usual, writes beautifully to provide his characters a voice as well as an established lore and gradual evloution of 'the last werewolf'. TALLULA RISING indeed....more
Exiled to a rotten and almost inhabitable planet, General Adolphus, must find a way not only to survive but sustain a colony in the DZ (deep zone) plaExiled to a rotten and almost inhabitable planet, General Adolphus, must find a way not only to survive but sustain a colony in the DZ (deep zone) planet aptly nicknamed ‘Hellhole’. Actually called, Hallholme, named after a Commander of the Constellation who defeated Adolphus, this planet is riddled with terrific storms that decimate all living objects in their path and a mysteriously secretive species, long gone, but still felt by the frontier thrill seekers.
I thought the story was well articulated and executed to a readers delight. The characters were complimentary without over powering the surroundings (which really was the focus of HELLHOLE’s plot) and were well rounded and believable. I especially liked the evolution of some of the characters – despite being well outside the realms of Earthly possibility; the authors made it feel somewhat plausible and fitted the story perfectly.
If I were to pinpoint a negative it’d be that HELLHOLE doesn’t read well as a once and done story. It doesn’t end apart from a clear nod towards the new direction for the series and requires readers to pick-up HELLHOLE AWAKENING (which I did on the strength of this book) to reach any sort of conclusion to the foundation laid in HELLHOLE.
In summary HELLHOLE is an entertaining venture into the other worldly and caters to all the needs of escapisms through science fiction with a nod towards the fantastical.
STRAITS OF FORTUNE is a fun book to read. It’s noir with a nod to the Carl Hiaasen style of storytelling. The dark humour mixed with violence makes foSTRAITS OF FORTUNE is a fun book to read. It’s noir with a nod to the Carl Hiaasen style of storytelling. The dark humour mixed with violence makes for a well-balanced cocktail of drama and suspense.
In Jack Vaughn, author Anthony Gagliano has created a likable protagonist who fits the Miami Beach noir mode to the fullest. He’s buff, fit, and an ex-cop turned personal trainer. His clients love him and it’s this connection that compliments the plot, making his actions and interactions plausible (at times Vaughn needs to rely on a gangster rapper and lawyer to help keep his head above water – in some instances literally).
Opening with a pulp style act 1, STRAITS OF FORTUNE quickly morphs into a much larger monster as bodies pile up and blackmail and family secrets come to surface.
I haven’t seen any other books out that feature Vaughn, hopefully this isn’t the only novel to feature him as I can’t help but think we’re just getting started.
Jonathan Nasaw has long been one of my favourite crime writers. FEAR ITSELF and WHEN SHE WAS BAD are perfect examples of his ability to craft a well dJonathan Nasaw has long been one of my favourite crime writers. FEAR ITSELF and WHEN SHE WAS BAD are perfect examples of his ability to craft a well defined crime tale that goes the extra mile. THE BOYS FROM SANTA CRUZ is no different in terms of engaging the reader and satisfying that criminal appetite for genre junkies.
Like a lot of crime fiction, Nasaw’s E.L Pender is a lone wolf-type working liaison for the FBI who steps outside the boundaries of ‘safe law enforcement’ in order to catch the bad guys. In taking a step back from the present day tone of the series, Nasaw turns our attention to Pender investigating an earlier case in his career involving Luke Sweet, a damaged young man presumed to be a ruthless killer and victim of his upbringing (he was on the phone to his father just prior to his death and saw his father’s lover commit suicide, the drug peddling and snuff films his parental figures were involved in doesn’t add well to the mix). However, Luke, is really misunderstood and ends up being someone the reader can sympathize with – he’s notorious throughout the novel for being in the wrong place at the wrong time; a victim of circumstance and deadly coincidence.
What I love about this book is the shift in perspective and changing point of view. Primarily narrated by Sweet with alternating chapters focused on Pender, we see both sides of the story spread over the course of decades (Luke is admitted to a mental health institution which takes him out of action for some time) which really gives a feel of realism and depth (not all cases are clean cut, this is a perfect example o f the blow burn crime fiction).
Not without its humour, Nasaw balances out the macabre nature of his fictional killing spree with light hearted characters and a side bar featuring the personal side of Pender.
THE BOYS FROM SANTA CRUZ, whilst part of a series of crime books featuring Pender, can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the preceding novels for some time yet found this easily readable as a self contained novel) or enjoyed as part of the series. Another highly recommended novel by Jonathan Nasaw. ...more
Going into YAKUZA MOON I had envisioned a rich and provocative look at the raw and uninhabited side of the inner trappings of the Yakuza. Instead, whaGoing into YAKUZA MOON I had envisioned a rich and provocative look at the raw and uninhabited side of the inner trappings of the Yakuza. Instead, what I got was a memoir of a young woman who has had to endure torment, trials and tribulations throughout her teenage years - some of which due to her father’s long-time association and subsequent departure from the Yakuza.
Despite not delivering what I had perceived to be the books focus, I still enjoyed YAKUZA MOON. Author Shoko Tendo bleeds her life story through wordsfrom being under the control of a ruthless and obsessive Yakuza gangster, a gradual addition to speed, to the growing resentment towards authority and the eventual growth which comes from hitting rock bottom.
YAKUZO MOON is very much a nonfiction novel of self-discovery amidst adversity and a lengthy streak of bad decisions. Her father’s association with the Yakuza is very much on the peripheral yet the unlawful activities and heinous crimes committed on behalf of Tendo’s ‘circle’ are on full display – from lovers to fellow gang members.
YAKUZA MOON is well worth a read; just don’t expect to learn much about the Yazuka.
The title of this book is somewhat misleading. Sure Michael Corleone has a revenge of sorts but mainly, THE GODFATHER'S REVENGE focuses on the politicThe title of this book is somewhat misleading. Sure Michael Corleone has a revenge of sorts but mainly, THE GODFATHER'S REVENGE focuses on the political side of mafia life and traitor to the Corleone regime in Nick Geraci.
Reading the back of the book is more spoiler than synopsis - the events detailed don't happen until the final third of the book and by then, the reader is well aware they are coming and what the likely outcome is.
I will say, that Tom Hagan, a crucial member and close friend of Don Corleone is well written. His part, along with Geraci's scenes make this book worth a read alone - unfortunately there isn't much more going for this book apart from that.
A contemporary Chinese noir, LEAVE ME ALONE had all the hallmarks of a great book yet it fell short on a number of levels. I'm not sure if something wA contemporary Chinese noir, LEAVE ME ALONE had all the hallmarks of a great book yet it fell short on a number of levels. I'm not sure if something was lost in translation or if the author was a little lose with the writing as the style was jumpy, often switching gears from urbane poetic to grade school in a matter of sentences.
The story of a slowly depreciating young man living a life of deceit and sin who has little sense of self despite the at times overbearing narrative attempting to illustrate the opposite is a constant draw back and contrary to what the novel was to deliver rather than complimentary - in my view.
The lead character starts with a good job, professional prospects, a close knit circle of friends and a loving wife - by the end of LEAVE ME ALONE all this things are little more than words in the wind.
The premise is definitely something I like reading and could be vaguely compared to a Jason Starr white collar noir (without the murder) yet there was always this limitation to the expanses LEAVE ME ALONE could reach.
NOBODY'S ANGEL is an interesting insight into the perils of being a cab driver in the Windy City. A heavily atmospheric character driven story about aNOBODY'S ANGEL is an interesting insight into the perils of being a cab driver in the Windy City. A heavily atmospheric character driven story about a middle-aged cabbie, a serial killer, and the streets of Chicago.
Author Jack Clark's novel is the perfect fit for a film noir; the dark often rainy night time setting, the hopelessness attached to the young street workers, the humble protagonist, and dangerous dames, along with some public displays of indecency exemplify the hallmarks of noir.
Interspersed amongst the narrative are excerpts from the City of Chicago, Department of Consumer Services, Public Vehicle Operations Division guidebook to add a sense of realism to the fictional account of murder, violence, and survival in the dangerously unassuming cabbie world. I liked this touch to break-up the story while at the same time contributing to it. ...more
Rarely does a novel evoke such strong reactions from readers; the provocative and overwhelming inappropriateness of the topical nature of LOLITA and tRarely does a novel evoke such strong reactions from readers; the provocative and overwhelming inappropriateness of the topical nature of LOLITA and the misguided and delusional paedophile Humbert Humbert at its controversial centre radiates loathing and disgust.
Irrespective of the uncomfortable themes explored in Vladimir Nabokov's classic depiction of a weak middle aged man and his prepubescent unofficial ward nee unwilling lover, LOLITA is as difficult to put down as it is to read.
The unreliable narrator (the pompous, self righteous and unlawful Humbert Humbert) provides insight into a mind meddled with madness and consumed by a child concubine. Through turn of phrase and clever word play, author Vladimir Nabokov attempts to breathe reason and rationale only to portray Humbert Humbert in the deeply distributed darkness of which he rightfully resides.
Interestingly, English isn't Vladimir Nabokov's first language, yet to the uninformed, LOLITA reads beautifully, written by a highly competent author well versed in the use of the English language.
I really did enjoy LOLITA and I'll seek other novels by Vladimir Nabokov, the only downside is that LOLITA has set such high expectations that I hope his other novels can compare.
EXPIRATION DATE tells the tale of a down-on-his luck and out of work newspaper reporter who moves into his grand pop’s apartment in a downtrodden and EXPIRATION DATE tells the tale of a down-on-his luck and out of work newspaper reporter who moves into his grand pop’s apartment in a downtrodden and seemingly dangerous part of town. There, Mickey Wade discovers an innocuous bottle of pills in the medicine cabinet which he greedily takes in hopes of them having some medicinal purpose as a means to pre-empt his impending hangover. Rather than take the edge off, they send Mickey back in time, to the date he was born. Being a reporter and naturally inquisitive, Mickey soon learns family secrets best left buried and confronts his father’s killer only to learn things aren’t quite what they seem.
Wow. EXPIRATION DATE is just as, if not more, impressive the second time round. Like with any reread I found myself noticing details that I didn’t take in before, such as the complexity associated with Wade’s predicament and the ‘butterfly effect’ his time travelling sojourns have on the present.
There are some great twists that complement the story, as well as an ending I didn’t envision (yes, despite having read it close to its original publication).
With EXPIRATION DATE, author Duane Swierczynski explores the cause and effect of actions of the more violent nature and how a split second decision, one that even seems right, can have dire consequences years down the track. I enjoyed every moment and will no doubt go back for yet another read. ...more
EAT THE DARK is an intensely rich and deeply satisfying survival horror.
Serial killer Frank Snow is transported to Tanglewood Memorial Hospital for aEAT THE DARK is an intensely rich and deeply satisfying survival horror.
Serial killer Frank Snow is transported to Tanglewood Memorial Hospital for an emergency brain scan. Accompanied by a police escort and a handful of hospital staff for the MRI he finds himself in the bowels of a near fully evacuated hospital as Tanglewood officially closes its doors with Snow, the last patient.
MRI Technician Mike Hughes is on hand to assist Tanglewoods last and most famous patient undergo the final form of healthcare provided at the decommissioned facility. He’s soon visited by his wife and young son who show unexpectedly – it’s a surprise that could end in tears and bloodshed as Snow escapes the shackles that so tentatively corrupted his free will allowing him to once more bathe in the blood of his victims in the darkened halls of Tanglewood.
Terror at every turn, heart pounding suspense in every chapter, fear and violence omnipresent throughout – EAT THE DARK is a great fast paced supernatural/survival horror.
Author Joe Schreiber encapsulates all that consists of nightmares – ghosts, serial killers, claustrophobia, thick dark, and the unexplained, into a tightly wound bundle of madness. Despite having read EAT THE DARK previously, I still couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. ...more
Epic in story and substance, THE POWER OF THE DOG is the crime equivalent of a broad spanning fantasy novel. Told over a thirty year time frame, WinslEpic in story and substance, THE POWER OF THE DOG is the crime equivalent of a broad spanning fantasy novel. Told over a thirty year time frame, Winslow's masterful tale of cross border drug running, corrupt cops, and gangsters is much more than a bloody swipe at alphabet agency politicking, with themes comprising vengeance, betrayal, misguided justice, and the illusion of redemption rife.
Through Art Keller, Winslow delivers a rich and deeply satisfying plot driven by a tainted protagonist whose moral compass is as skewed as the fractured blue line that policies the borderline war on drugs.
One of the strengths of THE POWER OF THE DOG is the mutli faceted characters. The reader gets to see them grow with each predicament they face. Be it Nora or Callan, who they start out as is vastly different from the person they grow to be. As a reader it's nice to go on a journey with the characters irrespective of the setting.
From the bowels of the Mexican drug cartel to the sunny blood encrusted sand on US soil, Art wheels and deals in the lives of innocents and gangsters alike in his quest for vengeance. It's a violent ploy that is the catalyst for many plot threads, all culminating in an entertaining and wholly addictive read that truly is unputdownable.
For fans of Bruen's Jack Taylor series, AMERICAN SKIN will feel out of place initially from the trademark prose of those books. Read a few pages and tFor fans of Bruen's Jack Taylor series, AMERICAN SKIN will feel out of place initially from the trademark prose of those books. Read a few pages and the same nihilistic noir enriched goodness seeps in. In jig time AMERICAN SKIN brings back that same feeling.
I love this book. It was a favorite of mine back when I read it in 2009 and nothing has changed in this re-read some five years later.
This is Breun's American noir with a distinct Irish flavor. We've got travelling criminals/murders/temptresses and a whole cast of characters which create a mixed dynamic of dynamite.
Blood flows like Jameson as the past catches up with all the characters. Headlined by Stephen Blake - a man with toxic friends, this tale of lust, loathing and lifelessness, AMERICAN SKIN is utterly gripping and a must read for fans of Bruen and noir.
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