Riven, a seventeen year old commander is ruthless, skilful, determined, and dangerous. In her homeland of Neospes, she’s feared and revered by friend Riven, a seventeen year old commander is ruthless, skilful, determined, and dangerous. In her homeland of Neospes, she’s feared and revered by friend and foe alike. She’s responsible for leading the Vectors, a band of deadly military personnel who are both alive and dead. A mix of the biotic and robotic – killers with violent intentions and zombie-like attributes that keep them singularly tasked. In order to lead this brigade of death and torment, Riven would have to be their superior, her ability above and beyond those she commands – luckily she is. However, her command doesn’t last all that long, she defects and leaves her world for Earth, the alternate universe living parallel to her devastated and war torn homeland.
Enter her primary mission target Caden, a clone of the prince required for ‘parts’ to aide his ailing counterpart through ill health, high school teen drama, Guardians – protectors of travel, everting (travel between universes), and a sinister game of cat and mouse that will leave Riven questioning everything she’s ever known – including the face steering back at her in the mirror.
I love Neospes – it’s a well articulated place that instantly conjures images of the post apocalyptic landscape, both desolate and dangerous. The nooks and hidden communities of the outer realms are space-aged yet believable within the setting author Amalie Howard has so devised them. My only gripe is that it didn’t feel as though enough of Neospes was explored – despite the second portion of the novel being set there.
Being a Young Adult book there is a degree of teenage angst that creeps into the daring protagonist – this, while I understand the rationale for it being there, did seem to portray two conflicting sides to Riven. Irrespective of that, the story and the strong sense of more to come (book-wise), more than makes up for this in my books.
Overall, THE ALMOST GIRL is a solid form of escapism that transports the reader off Earth and back again.
The origin of Peter Stanchek in the new Valiant universe (company relaunched 2012) is unearthed - was it worth the wait? Yep.
Author Josh Dysart is a mThe origin of Peter Stanchek in the new Valiant universe (company relaunched 2012) is unearthed - was it worth the wait? Yep.
Author Josh Dysart is a master of character development. While OMEGA RISING is primarily about Stanchek, we see Harada - the complex leader of the Harbinger Foundation, Bleeding Monk, a mysterious and dangerous psiot, as well as Ion, Stronghold and Livewire - members of the Harbinger Foundation, each with their own unique skill set and ability.
What I enjoyed the most about OMEGA RISING is that there doesn't seem to be a definable protagonist. Harada wants to help the world through his teachings at the Harbinger Foundation yet his methods are somewhat questionable and downright cruel at times. Whereas Peter, uses his powers early on to manipulate a teen crush into falling in love with him, only to sleep with her and ultimately turn her loose when he’s brought to the foundation. Both are hardly typical heroes.
Apart from the first two issues in this #1-#5 collection of HARBINGER, I thought the pacing was a tad slow, yet I can see how that's warranted given this is the first arc of a new reimaged series. That said, overall I was very pleased with OMEGA RISING and will continue to do back to it as the HARBINGER ongoing monthly comic contiues. ...more
With his parents falling victim to the plague, his grandfather murdered, and his 14yr old sister kidnapped by a ruthless gang of cutthroats, teenager With his parents falling victim to the plague, his grandfather murdered, and his 14yr old sister kidnapped by a ruthless gang of cutthroats, teenager Jack Parker faces adversity from all angles yet doesn't succumb to it. Rather, he turns his pain and sufferance into determination, embarking of a quest for vengeance and to return his sister to safety.
Set in the early 1900’s, THE THICKET is near perfect contemporary fiction. The sense of time and place is enveloping, the characters and their mannerisms wholly period-centric. Transporting to the reader to a dangerous time in American history, Lansdale also manages to capture the hearts and imagination of the reader.
The young protagonist, Jack Parker, assembles a rough and ready band of misfits to track his sisters’ kidnappers. Spilling blood in the wake of an escape, one of the kidnappers’ leaves a bloody trail of menace which only serves to spur Jack on despite being seemingly unfit for such a violent confrontation.
There is so much to like about THE THICKET but I’ll refrain for saying too much as to not spoil the plot and the formulation of Jack’s search party. Many of the characters will stay with you long after you've finished the book; Eustace and Shorty, as an example, are two of the most memorable fictional characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading, yet they are a mere sample of the quality of cast Lansdale as crafted for this novel.
Jason Starr’s SLOW BURN tells the tale of Justin Fate, a teenager victimised by bullies, segregated from his friends, and the harbinger of a unique abJason Starr’s SLOW BURN tells the tale of Justin Fate, a teenager victimised by bullies, segregated from his friends, and the harbinger of a unique ability – one that allows him to burn objects when provoked. By virtue of a hot temper and a long seeded desire for vengeance, Fate’s teenage life has been dominated by those all too eager to inflict pain and suffering. All this unwarranted attention comes to ahead when he focuses his anger into a gift draws Toyo Harada, founder of the Harbinger Foundation to the outcast teen.
This kindle words short story is brimming with characters and familiar concepts from the Harbinger comics by Josh Dysart and Valiant Entertainment including Livewire, Flamingo, and Harada yet it still brings plenty originality and sits perfectly well outside the ongoing series.
Given the depth and scope of possibilities Starr had to choose from, SLOW BURN feels a little close to the comics with the Renegades and popular foundation members playing parts in Fate’s ultimate realisation of powers and subsequent capture by Harada’s members. Still, it’s an enjoyable quick read that showcases what Starr is capable of – makes me which Valiant would get him on a Harbinger character spoltlight mini to compliment Dysart’s rich world within the broader Valiant Universe. ...more
There’s a comic book and horror-like quality to HANG WIRE that seems to take all that is good from the sub genres and mold it into a deliciously well There’s a comic book and horror-like quality to HANG WIRE that seems to take all that is good from the sub genres and mold it into a deliciously well crafted tale that gives life to the death that stalks the inhabitants of this semi fictitious San Francisco landscape – the place-setting for HANG WIRE.
Local blog reporter, Ted is felled by an exploding fortune cookie whilst celebrating his birthday. Suffering head injuries, he can’t account for time or the strange events that seem to follow him. His partner, Alison, worried for his safety regularly checks in but apart from those interactions, we see little of Ted post accident. And the mystery begins...
There’s a killer lurking the streets, stalking his victims, desperately searching for that next outlet to feed his bloodlust; something to satisfy the craving, if only for a little while. The Hang Wire killer murders in macabre fashion, using wire as a means of hanging his victims (the tools of the trade a dead giveaway by virtue of the moniker) which not only strangles but nearly decapitates those unfortunate enough to meet his deadly embrace. Highwire, part of a circus act and hero of sorts has caught wind of this killer and wants to stop the menace – sounds like a scripted superhero/villain tale, yet author Adam Christopher ensures there’s so much going on that the reader can’t easily adjust to a single theme - enter the Gods in mortal disguise.
For many years Gods and other elements have walked amongst the mortal, taking human form and entire bloodlines as their own. Some thirst for blood, others the more tranquil life – some have converged on San Francisco as history looks to repeat itself. The fire under the city threatens to burst and rain down hell upon the unsuspecting citizens – enter golems, horror, and a... circus? Yep, a travelling circus.
There’s only so much praise you can heap on a book, and I’m going to lay it on thick here. HANGWIRE is a damn cool book. It’s the perfect example of deep and well thought-out characterisation, diversification, multi dimensional plotting, and clever (and at times poetic) writing. Each chapter could easily read as a self contained short story yet it’s the intrinsically well linked and overlapping plot that binds these gems into a greater beast that dares the reader to tame it – be warned, you can’t... and you’ll love Adam Christopher for it.
The Aurora series is shaping as a heavily character centric space adventure in a futuristic world where interplanetary inhabitation is reminiscent of The Aurora series is shaping as a heavily character centric space adventure in a futuristic world where interplanetary inhabitation is reminiscent of the American wild west. The UNF, the leading government force is one that both protects and neglects its loyal servants. For the team aboard space shuttle Aurora, this is something they know all too well and now find themselves on that dusty red frontier, Mars cleaning up the UNF’s mess – trying to contain and capture the man responsible for creating a new breed of super soldier called Jumbos.
Welles, Harris, Doc, McKinley, Hunter, Packham, and Brown are joined by a batch of new recruits in a bid to lure Sharley and his jumbos out of hiding – the bait, Carrie Welles, the select female member of the Aurora team whose not only a crack member of the unit but is perfect breeding material for the jumbos next evolution, a pure bread jumbo. If Welles can lure Sharley, the UNF can put an end to this rogue program. But looming in the background is the question ‘does the UNF want to continue or mask the jumbo experiment?’ Harris and co find themselves yet again the puppets, controlled by a higher power on a deadly mission that once again threatens to tear apart the team limb by limb.
There were some great character defining moments in AURORA: PEGASUS, the relationship between Carrie and Doc for one, and Harris’ unrelenting determination to keep the surviving members of the team safe as they slowly piece together their lives and man-up for another confrontation is another. That said, after a while the Doc/Carrie subplot took over and distracted from what was a very solid and entertaining broader story in the hunt for Sharley. At times, feeling more of a romantic drama than sci-fi thriller.
The place setting is superb; I love the likeness of Mars to the Wild West; a bold and dangerous new frontier town where salons and gun toting men dominate the early stages of inhabitation. The space shuttles themselves also add a distinct sense of place with the Aurora already well established as a key locale. Bridgeman also teases a superior and imposing warship called the Barbican which I hope to read more of in later instalments. Then there’s Hell Town – the super max prison home to the worst of the worst...
Overall, there’s a lot to like about the second Aurora novel yet it doesn’t hit the same cords as the initial instalment, largely due to the lengthy period of time dedicated to the Doc/Carrie romance. Certainly worth a look if you read and enjoyed AURORA: DARWIN.
Jake Hinkson, author of the novella THE POSTHUMOUS MAN and novel HELL ON CHURCH STREET returns with a new novella, SAINT HOMICIDE to explore one man’sJake Hinkson, author of the novella THE POSTHUMOUS MAN and novel HELL ON CHURCH STREET returns with a new novella, SAINT HOMICIDE to explore one man’s hidden urges and sickly sweet lust narrated with a naivety and undercurrent of malice that demands the reader’s attention.
In a misguided attempt to serve his creator, Daniel, a devout religious man, crosses the line between doing God’s work and being an agent of hell. Though Hinkson outlines the ending up front; we know Daniel ends up in prison, the writing consistently conveys a message of hope, morphing Daniel from a criminal to good-guy to ultimately a man who deserves his place in a cell.
The slow dilapidation and easy sway of decay that creeps over the character as the plot ticks along grows increasing violent and truer to the Saint Homicide moniker. Touted as a seemingly loving husband to a wife still recovering from the mental and physical injuries of an accident, Daniel at first looks to be the doting and caring husband his façade so alludes. Then his sister in law goes missing and he’s asked to help find her for fear it will burden his wife. This is where the story heads down that dark and non returnable place...
Tracking down someone who doesn’t want to be found, being confronted with that person performing acts you hadn’t thought them capable, and discovering disturbing and sinister truths about the family history culminate in Daniel undertaking a couple of brazenly violent acts that ultimately bring him back to his present day incarceration and conclude the single shot of noir that is SAINT HOMICIDE.
If you like your noir short and black then SAINT HOMICIDE is your poison.
A United National Forces (UNF) Space Patrol crack team is dispatched to a deadly and secretive corner of space to investigate a breakdown of communicaA United National Forces (UNF) Space Patrol crack team is dispatched to a deadly and secretive corner of space to investigate a breakdown of communication at a classified government facility known to have been dabbling in dangerous scientific experiments. Aboard the Aurora, Captain Saul Harris knows this isn’t a simple mission – for one, he’s been given three additional crew members; all female, something unique to space patrol, secondly; command are sketchy on the details of the communications breakdown and have an open reluctance to divulging information about the facility and the research/breakthroughs made deep in the outer limits.
The newcomers, lead by Carrie Welles, the main member of the group to feature prominently in proceedings, find themselves victims of inexperience and gender segregation as the male members of the Aurora test and taunt the new recruits to determine their mettle and capacity to do more than cook and clean. Welles and co bridge the gender divide by pure will and determination. In a world/universe of hard men and hard action, these women bring brass balls and a dead aim.
Author Amanda Bridgeman has provided readers with a plausible space story that’s grounded by its deep characterisation and tension filled plot. From the moment the crew of the Aurora disembark from Earth, the palpable and ever impending sense of doom kicks into gear. Never knowing what’s around the corner, where the threat will arise or from whom heightens the anticipation for action and blood curdling terror – in which Bridgeman delivers in spades.
I didn’t know what to expect from AURORA: DARWIN and found myself instantly hooked on the premise and impressed by the delivery. Each character brings something to the table, from Doc, Harris, Welles, to Command – all elements in a broader game of deceit, violence, and cover-up. Utterly addictive.
The follow-up, AURORA: PEGASUS was released in December 2013 and has shot near the top of my TBR.
The fifth volume in this magnum opus that is A Song of Ice and Fire reinstates Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister as lead characters wThe fifth volume in this magnum opus that is A Song of Ice and Fire reinstates Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister as lead characters whose stories take place, for the better part, alongside those told in A FEAST FOR CROWS. Taking a step away from the bloody state of Kings Landing, A DANCE OF DRAGONS takes readers to the frozen and deadly cold winds of the Wall where Jon Snow is Lord Commander of the Nights Watch, and some other unruly guests. To the south of Westeros in the free city states of Slavers Bay, the promise of dragons is unleashed with unforeseen consequences. Daenerys is a Queen without a King in a land of dwindling food supply and murderous sellswords. Tyrion Lannister, much like the majority of the novel, finds himself far away from Kings Landing, battered and without his Lannister gold, his wits, the only thing keeping him from being little more than a circus act or source of entertainment for wild companies of men looking for a distraction from their bloody occupation.
There’s a host of lesser characters and some nice cameos but the sheer number did make the book hard to follow in parts - partly due to the breadth of storytelling and the well defined and complex narrative attributed to this deeply rich world GRRM has so painstakingly created. Each character means something, the deaths, trials, and tribulations all have a significant impact on the broader endgame which makes every chapter, every piece of dialogue, and every murderous action a must to savour and enjoy.
I read large chucks of A DANCE WITH DRAGONS deliberately slowly in order to take in as much as I could and I think this is essential for developing a full appreciation and understanding of what GRRM is trying to achieve with these books. It’s one long sweeping tale which encompasses every nook and cranny of Westeros’ past, present and future – from times of peace to warfare with secretary, sorcery, and the fantastical in-between and all around.
The long lost follow-up to the iconic I, THE JURY – LADY, GO DIE sees Mike Hammer and assistant Velda (who also doubles as a PI) take a vacation for sThe long lost follow-up to the iconic I, THE JURY – LADY, GO DIE sees Mike Hammer and assistant Velda (who also doubles as a PI) take a vacation for some much needed R&R. What they get, however, is a face full of police brutality, a missing and presumed dead woman about town, and an inept police force prone to corruption and murder.
Hammer, never one to shy away from a fair fight, takes it upon himself investigate the police angle behind a seemingly untoward the beat-down which exposes a deeper plot involving town officials, illegal gambling and unnecessary strongarm tactics. In the pursuit of information, Hammer will do whatever it takes to see justice and revenge is served cold.
It took me a little while to get into LADY, GO DIE – much like many Mike Hammer novels, the hard man PI stumbles upon a case and proceeds to continually put himself in harm’s way to solve it with little or no motive apart from his deep seeded desire to protect the innocent. In this, he’s more likened to a cop than rogue PI but somehow author Max Allan Collins pulls it off to make it feel natural for the renowned PI.
The core plot was murder mystery - once established, however there’s much more to this circa 1940’s crime tale, including a couple of nice twists and turns I didn’t see coming and some character building to add more menace to the Hammer persona.
LADY, GO DIE isn’t the greatest of the many Mike Hammer novels buts well worth a look. It’s a quick, fun read that transports the reader back to I, THE JURY territory. My review of I, THE JURY can be read here [GR]: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......more
Gus Dury is hired by a Minister to locate his missing and pregnant 16yr old daughter. Reluctantly, Gus takes the case only to find the missing person Gus Dury is hired by a Minister to locate his missing and pregnant 16yr old daughter. Reluctantly, Gus takes the case only to find the missing person hasn’t been reporting missing and the reason surrounding her disappearance is not as clear as the Minister had him believe.
Despite being small in page count, this is a satisfying and well-conceived plot, executed in typical Tony Black fashion - equal measures of humour, alcohol, and the undesirables of crime fiction.
There’s a liberal dose of Gus’ trademark path to oblivion while his finer qualities and investigative ability are also on show to counteract his troubled personal life.
Readers of the previous Gus Dury novels will see the effects of those books in this setting while new readers will get a mere glimpse of the character and quality of Tony Black’s writing.
As usual – a highly recommended read that’s left me craving a full length follow-up to LONG TIME DEAD (Book #4).
An underlying current of aggression balanced by an appreciation for beauty in the unconventional. Moses McGuire is the embodiment of unlawful justice;An underlying current of aggression balanced by an appreciation for beauty in the unconventional. Moses McGuire is the embodiment of unlawful justice; a vigilante of sorts driven by a deeply rooted urge to protect the innocent and vulnerable from the ever present snakes lying in wait with expectant fangs dripping with blood lust and an eager anticipation for pain-for-profit opportunities ready for their unassuming victim. For his part, Moses will cross any line if it means bringing home his quarry to safety, regardless of the ramifications.
A teenage girl, 13, is kidnapped and thrust unwillingly into the life of prostitution. With little hope, Freedom, slowly sees her bright future decay in front of her own eyes as horror upon horror is placed upon and in her. Persuaded by Rollens; a strong take-charge female character assuming the identity of an LAPD Detective, Moses accepts the task of locating this young girl and delivering her to safety. As with any plot featuring Moses McGuire, this isn’t a slow walk on the beach, peach and cream affair on a sunny day. Moses’ world is a dark and hurtful place where only the light of foot and steeled heart dare to tread.
Author Josh Stallings has once again encapsulated the full embodiment of noir. ONE MORE BODY’s eloquent brutality is choreographed for maximum impact. The body count is high, but then again so are the stakes. For Moses, Freedom represents more than a trapped and tortured soul, she’s a reason to keep his blood pumping another day with a glimmer of hope that she’ll place a broken piece of his own trapped and tortured soul back where it belongs.
ONE MORE BODY comprises well-articulated and full bodied characters that complement the raging bull of a man, Moses, whose self-medication and self-induced-warfare are a staple of his very being. Without spoiling too much, Gregor, makes a return as a trusted and deadly sick-kick to help Moses on his violent journey into the underbelly of the sex industry there’s also a band of vets and some mobsters who get in on the action – just to add further firepower to bloodied path Moses walks.
Like its predecessors, ONE MORE BODY demands attention and refuses to let up. The action is breakneck from the first to last word. ONE MORE BODY is one more reason why Josh Stallings is near the top of my ‘must read authors’.
Author Deborah Sheldon has crafted an Aussie noir mixed with the desperation and desire of a romantic recluse and a sinister schemer. Lingering lust aAuthor Deborah Sheldon has crafted an Aussie noir mixed with the desperation and desire of a romantic recluse and a sinister schemer. Lingering lust and crippling longing propel both Ronnie and Rita into a deep dark place where the flash of a gun barrel is the only source of light at the end of this disturbing tunnel.
Ronnie mows lawns to pay the bills and lives a simple life. Middle-aged, he still sleeps in his boyhood bedroom and lives amongst his deceased parents belongings. Timid and without much of a personal life, Ronnie thinks he’s hit the jackpot when 30-something maid Rita takes a sudden interest. Sparks fly, love is in the air - the two form a relationship at breakneck pace with Ronnie not stopping to second guess this pleasant turn of events.
Rita seems too good to be true; an attractive and unattached young woman who has taken a strong interest in Ronnie – is it love or is Ronnie an easy target?
Thrust into a web of violence and mistrust for the purpose of devising a dysfunctional and inappropriate family dynamic, Ronnie finds himself led by the outlandish and brazen actions of Rita. As time goes by this femme fatale drops the façade to provide Ronnie a mere glimpse of his future – one not bound for the warm sunshine of Queensland, rather the firers of hell.
RONNIE AND RITA is a surprisingly deep novella that includes interesting characters with fractured pasts, heinous acts with disturbing underlying causes, and a linear plot that runs rampant as the pace quickens - all wrapped in a distinctly Australian narrative.
I highly recommend this book for fans of James M Cain, Jim Thompson, and David Goodis.
A crippling tale of love, loss, redemption, violence, and political intrigue. THE VIEW FROM THE TOWER is a slow burning crime novel that’s more about A crippling tale of love, loss, redemption, violence, and political intrigue. THE VIEW FROM THE TOWER is a slow burning crime novel that’s more about retrospective relationships post death than the mystery surrounding the identity and motives of a killer.
Federico is a powerful and influential public servant living in Rome and married to the attractive Helen when he is gunned down running an innocuous errand. At the time of the murder Helen is in bed with former lover and close friend of Federico’s, Giacomo, an ex-terrorist and reformed gentleman – also involved in a relationship.
The news spreads fast and aspersions are cast in every direction with Helen’s life placedunder close scrutiny; her movements under a microscope for eager public viewing. Paranoia and guilt wrack her conscious and subconscious thoughts, yet she continues to be entangled in the security and familiarity of her fellow adulterer Giacomo. As the nature of the heinous crime is slowly unravelled, Helen’s world is turned upside down. Trust, a precious commodity, she learns, she can ill afford.
I wasn’t expecting such a deep seeded emotional journey into the inner sanctum of a long standing marriage and complicated character whose motivation and secrecy derailed the façade and questioned the perceived truth behind what seemed a perfectly normal and amicable relationship. Author Charles Lambert, does a masterful job of engrossing the reader into this cushioned and somewhat isolated world as Helen comes to terms with her predicament.
THE VIEW FROM THE TOWER is a literary yet psychologically charged murder mystery that slowly cuts deep to the bone.
The second police procedural in the DS Thomas Hutton series pits the complex and downtrodden lawman against a brutal serial killer with a penchant forThe second police procedural in the DS Thomas Hutton series pits the complex and downtrodden lawman against a brutal serial killer with a penchant for public violence in the most macabre fashion.
Hutton, living as a recluse in the woods following a mandatory leave of absence from the force is brought back into the modern world where he's reinstated to capture a killer who's sadistic nature is like nothing the police have seen. The victims taken to a secluded woodland area, are cemented in place, tied to a chair, and the tops of their skull removed, leaving exposed brain matter for the circling crows. More horrific - the victims are forced to watch one another as the hungry birds land and devour their gruesome meal. As the slowly dying cant feel their life being taken away bite by bite, the onlookers and fellow victims watch in horror. This story is not for the fainthearted.
In THE UNBURIED DEAD (book #1) we were introduced to Hutton's womanizing ways and uncompromising investigative prowess, and this instalment is no different despite the added characterisation and backstory applied to Hutton. His time in Bosnia is fleshed out with the events a major factor on his current day self. This added another level of depth to a series that is reminiscent of McBain's 87th precinct (in terms of characters and varied plots).
Like the Barney Thomson books, author Douglas Lindsay ensures there is a healthy dose of humour to balance out the serious nature of the disturbing killings. I was at once cringing at the horror of the murders and then laughing from Hutton's interactions with the finer sex. It takes a talented author to pull off such a seamless switch of gears and Douglas Lindsay is just that.
I'm looking forward to reading more entertaining cases featuring Thomas Hutton. As for A PLAGUE OF CROWS, it's an essential read for those who are familiar with the character from the first book and fans of the Barney Thomson series.
THE BLACK ECHO is a police procedural that encompasses a bank robbery, police corruption, and a murder investigation which conjures violent imagery ofTHE BLACK ECHO is a police procedural that encompasses a bank robbery, police corruption, and a murder investigation which conjures violent imagery of the horrific tunnels of close quarter claustrophobic Vietnam combat, set amidst a seedy backdrop of the underbelly of Hollywood. It’s a great start to the Bosch series, introducing a deep and insightful character with flaws and a lone wolf persona who doesn’t care if the truth harms his fellow lawmen.
“There was no name for it, so we made up a name. It was the darkness, the damp emptiness you’d feel when you were down there alone in those tunnels. It was like you were in a place where you felt dead and buried in the dark. But you were alive. And you were scared. Your own breath kind of echoed in the darkness, loud enough to give you away. Or so you thought...It’s hard to explain. Just ... the black echo.”
Re-reading THE BLACK ECHO was just as enjoyable as the first time ‘round many years ago. Connolly adds depth the core plot by virtue of a deep backstory and a solid grounding to Bosch and his previous cases (of which I’m sure if further elaborated in subsequent instalments). The action isn’t over the top and the natural progression of the plot comes full circle as a greater mystery unravels.
Formulaic in a sense but interesting enough to entice more re-reads of Bosch and his exploits....more
Phil Kramer, a private detective with his own agency is gunned down at night on an abandoned street. There are no witnesses, his investigators don't kPhil Kramer, a private detective with his own agency is gunned down at night on an abandoned street. There are no witnesses, his investigators don't know what case he was working on, and his wife is in the dark.
Phil's wife utilises the private investigators at her disposal in an attempt to solve her husbands murder but as she digs into Phil's past she uncovers truths about her marriage she was ill prepared for.
The thing I most admired about FIDELITY was author Thomas Perry's ability to connect with the reader through his varied and equally deep characters. The chapters switch point of view from Emily (Phil's wife) to contract killer Hobart, to Theodore Forrest a wealthy businessman with his fare share of perversions. Each of the core group of characters brought a different sense of perspective to the plot and were completely believable.
As far as the plot itself goes, its linear yet as Emily's investigation unfolds the back story delves deeper into Phil's persona, his relationship with the agency and marriage.
Overall, FIDELITY is an enjoyable and well executed piece of crime fiction of the quality I've come to expect from Thomas Perry (having previously read STRIP and NIGHTLIFE).
THE BEAST WITHIN Reads like a men's magazine adventure pulp with a supernatural twist. Cahill is cast as a commando of sorts, taking down soldiers witTHE BEAST WITHIN Reads like a men's magazine adventure pulp with a supernatural twist. Cahill is cast as a commando of sorts, taking down soldiers with ease and rescuing the inhabitants of the compound with little regard for his own safety. The action is high octane and more akin to blockbuster action than supernatural drama of pervious instalments. The nature of the episodic novellas is more prevalent here with the plot coming together as a once off read - knowledge of what came before isn't essential but will provide context to Cahill's plight.
THE BEAST WITHIN surprised me. I didn't expect the type of story author James Daniels concocted for the series - and that's a good thing.
A kind of supernatural noir mixed with an original pulp style that somehow oozes Stephen King at the height of his craft. In a nutshell, THE CYPRESS HA kind of supernatural noir mixed with an original pulp style that somehow oozes Stephen King at the height of his craft. In a nutshell, THE CYPRESS HOUSE by Michael Koryta is a genre defying piece of fiction that could easily have been passed off as a Stephen King novel - a complement and testament to Koryta's ability. The supernatural blend seamlessly into the world of 1930's American crime.
There's a rural feel and distinct sense of isolation throughout THE CYPRESS HOUSE. Arlen Wagner can sense imminent death amongst people he comes in direct contact with - a gift and a curse at the same time. His father had the same ability, one that additionally allowed him to speak to the dead - something which Arlen struggled to come to terms with throughout his life.
Led by a series of events courtesy of Arlen's ability, he, and 19yr old Paul Brickhill find themselves stranded at the isolated Cypress House, a boarding house on the Gulf Coast, just as a powerful storm hits, the wind kicking up long kept secrets as dangerous as the rising tide and flying debris.
Rebbecca Cady, a beautiful women with a brother in jail and a murdered father is both strong willed and struggling to maintain control of the criminal situation she so finds herself. The arrival of Arlen and Paul, while unexpected provides a glimmer of hope, a way to potentially sever the ties that hold her to the corrupt and mobbed-up lawmen of Corridor County.
I enjoyed THE CYPRESS HOUSE. It was vastly different from the PI novels I'd previously read by Koryta in TONIGHT I SAID GOODBYE and SORROWS ANTHEM and reminded me of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. The supernatural element was there, however I would've loved to have seen more of that within the Cypress House as apposed to Arlen's plan to foil a drug run and commit murder. That said, there was a lot to like about THE CYPRESS HOUSE and I'll certainly be tracking down more of Koryta's supernatural/horror novels.
In DOCTOR SLEEP there are mournful echoes of THE SHINING without the full embodied horror of the original instalment. Stephen King updates the originaIn DOCTOR SLEEP there are mournful echoes of THE SHINING without the full embodied horror of the original instalment. Stephen King updates the original theme while simultaneously introducing a new menace - The True Knot, a group of people who live off the 'steam', a unique substance only children with the shining have. Dan Torrance, having lived through the horrors of the Overlook in his childhood now faces a new threat in adulthood. One that has far reaching ramifications for not only him, but many children gifted with the curse.
The Overlook is very much a part of Dan's life, from his terror stricken time at the hotel as a child through to his adulthood, the horrors of the hotel haunt and disturb him. Having established coping mechanisms, he's able to lock away the ghastly spirits that continued to plague him and move on with his life - one that's dangerously close to resembling his alcoholic and abusive (though loving) father.
The opening of DOCTOR SLEEP blew me away. Stephen King went to great lengths to establish the continuity while building upon THE SHINING. However, what looked to be a direct follow-up soon evolved into it's own story. That's not a bad thing. DOCTOR SLEEP is it's own kind of horror supported by a familiar protagonist and a devilish new cast. The True Knot aside, Dan's friendship with Abra Stone - a child with a gift stronger than Dan's adds another element to an already well rounded story.
The constant in DOCTOR SLEEP for me, is evolution: Dan's ability/powers expand to aide those on their death bed at the hospice he works towards the afterlife, the shining itself grows within Abra from an ability to move objects to being able to mentally transport herself from one person to the next, The True Knot - a long standing group of people who avoid death and the ageing process by sucking the life out of children with the shining become the new threat to Dan and those closest to him. There's a lot to distinguish DOCTOR SLEEP from THE SHINING yet the original still resonates throughout the latest installment.
I re-read THE SHINING prior to delving into DOCTOR SLEEP and I highly recommend this as familiarity with the characters is paramount to enjoying the cameos and linkages between the events at the Overlook and the membership of The True Knot. The only gripe I have with DOCTOR SLEEP is that it doesn't capture the same atmospheric horror of THE SHINING, that said, this is a different story and can be excused as such.
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