I watched the movie when it first came out. It was my first exposure the Nicole Kidman and I thought she was amazing in it. Like is often the case, thI watched the movie when it first came out. It was my first exposure the Nicole Kidman and I thought she was amazing in it. Like is often the case, the book is actually better (except for missing Nicole Kidman) with a more nuanced plot. The characters were interesting, bordering on Patricia Highsmith intensity. I liked the story, the narrative drive, and the characters. Nearly perfect. No wonder even Orson Wells considered making a movie out of it....more
The last of Vidal's three Edgar Box mysteries. Interesting. None of these novels was great fiction or even a great mystery, but all were fun. InterestThe last of Vidal's three Edgar Box mysteries. Interesting. None of these novels was great fiction or even a great mystery, but all were fun. Interesting to see Vidal's early playfulness and nonconformity, mixed with status....more
An interesting take on the crime novel. Gives it a bit of a family history and family trauma aspect that isn't usually around. One of the better Alex An interesting take on the crime novel. Gives it a bit of a family history and family trauma aspect that isn't usually around. One of the better Alex McKnight novels. My biggest complaint about these novels is the amplitude of the narrative never emotionally goes super high or super low. There are moments that are horrible (beatings, shootings, breakups) that are horrible, but Hamilton writes them almost surgically. The humanity is partially there. I can feel the pain of Alex in recovery, but he just doesn't dip deep enough into the well that say a Matt Bell or a Brian Evenson can evoke. The despair that exists in a pit, constantly gets shielded from the reader. Minor issue, but I keep wondering why I both like these books at one level, but never LOVE any of them....more
Another solid Steve Hamilton. The reluctant Upper Peninsula detective, ex-cop, and good friend finds himself again beat up, out gunned, and a bit outtAnother solid Steve Hamilton. The reluctant Upper Peninsula detective, ex-cop, and good friend finds himself again beat up, out gunned, and a bit outta sorts. ...more
How can you not like a crime novel that has snowmobiles, Canadian beer, and hockey elements in it? My only gripe is in the first Alex McKnight novel HHow can you not like a crime novel that has snowmobiles, Canadian beer, and hockey elements in it? My only gripe is in the first Alex McKnight novel Hamilton has Alex being shot with a 9mm Uzi (with a full metal jacket). One of the three bullets get left in him. In the second novel the caliber switches to a .22. Kinda sloppy gun work. I know Wikipedia give you a couple different option but you probably need to stick to one story, otherwise the narrator becomes even more unreliable. Other than that this is a fine series set in the UP (upper peninsula) of Michigan....more
A sold first step. I've read Hamilton before (Lock Artist), but just ordered a bunch of his Alex McKnight books. Figured I'd give them a shot. An inteA sold first step. I've read Hamilton before (Lock Artist), but just ordered a bunch of his Alex McKnight books. Figured I'd give them a shot. An interesting take on the retired cop/detective narrative....more
The last of the first series (16) of Parker novels. Late in his life Richard Stark (Donald E Westlake) would return to Parker, but this was a nice finThe last of the first series (16) of Parker novels. Late in his life Richard Stark (Donald E Westlake) would return to Parker, but this was a nice finish to the first group. A lot of the old gang getting back together, and old score reclaimed, and accounts balanced....more
Think Die Hard at an amusement park. This novel continues Stark's deviation from his usual formula (Plan > Execute > Fix Mess created another > RevengThink Die Hard at an amusement park. This novel continues Stark's deviation from his usual formula (Plan > Execute > Fix Mess created another > Revenge > Get the bag > Return to the lady with a slightly darker more unbounded set of challenges for Parker. Like a game set to expert level, Parker dances and weaves through danger while caught in the proverbial funhouse. Makes me excited to read the graphic novel (four of the Parker novels were turned into graphic novels by Darwyn Cooke....more
That was the edge Parker had; he knew that survival was more important than heroics. It isn’t how you play the game, it’s whether you win or lose."
ThiThat was the edge Parker had; he knew that survival was more important than heroics. It isn’t how you play the game, it’s whether you win or lose."
Think Charles Manson meets Charles Bronson. A solid Parker novel that starts post heist. First 8 Parker novel follow a roughly similar format. Next 4 were his “score” novels. This is the first of the next 4 where Stark reinvents (maybe reinvents is too much) the Parker novels before Stark (Donald E Westlake) took a 29 year vacation from Parker. Anyway, this novel has Parker on catch-up and defense for most of the book as he chases down an adversary that doesn't operate logically. ...more
An interesting take on the heist novel. Brings in an Air Force base and a local psychiatrist/psychologist. Solid. Solid crime novel that feels relevanAn interesting take on the heist novel. Brings in an Air Force base and a local psychiatrist/psychologist. Solid. Solid crime novel that feels relevant in an age of active shooters....more
A solid coin heist, falling in the normal Parker arc (caper goes sideways, rational criminal gets out with skill and quick thinking). I liked it, but A solid coin heist, falling in the normal Parker arc (caper goes sideways, rational criminal gets out with skill and quick thinking). I liked it, but I often prefer the Stark novels that stray a bit further from the usual Parker formula. ...more