The Shack ...

This book was recommended to me by a lady in a Bible study group that I attend ... so I bought it and read it. It is a well crafted piece of fiction that consumes you - in the sense that you can't put the book down. However, in terms of Christian analysis, this book is rightly placed among the Mind, Body and Spirit bookshelves as it reeks of mysticism and is stamped with the authority of the New Age. It is difficult to discern whether this is intentional but if there are folk out there who are looking for the 'real' Jesus ... they would be better off reading the Bible.

Not quite a revelation...

In this latest Matthew Shardlake novel, the sights, sounds and smells of Tudor London ring as true as ever, and the struggle between religious reformers and conservatives is persuasively drawn. Unfortunately, the main plot (serial killer on the loose) is irritatingly predictable. Even a semi-comatose reader will have worked out the connection between killings before Shardlake, and from then on it's a plodding murder-by-numbers until the damp squib of a conclusion.
Perhaps the weakness of the plot would have been less obvious if the characters had been better developed. The coroner's main role sees to be to declare every thirty pages that the killer is possessed by the devil, while even Barak, a lively and resourceful presence in earlier novels, spends most of his time getting drunk and squabbling with his wife.
The scenes at Lincoln's Inn and Bedlam are well handled, but overall there is a lack of ingenuity and no real plot twists. I'm hoping Shardlake's next outing will be more inspired.

Don't waste your money

Even at Amazon's cut price this is a complete waste of money. Hugely over-egged and repetitive. What was the editor doing for their fee? The plot is predictable and the characters two dimentional. Extended use of East End gangster slang and swearing does not necessarily mean that the novel is"realistic". It is a pity that some novellists merely rely upon their reputation. Martina Cole is as much a con artist as Imelda in the novel.

Sadly, a bit disappointing

Though it seems something of a sacrilege to criticise one of her books, I'm afraid this is not her best and the formula is looking very very jaded. OK a lot of people out there still like this kind of Christie-ish plot, whereby a number of people are stuck in a certain place and one of them clearly 'dunnit' but there are too many issues here that distract - she can't help having a go at the government for example and I couldn't help noticing how often the word 'tweed' cropped up. Perhaps that says it all really. As ever, quality writing, but the plot leaks badly and the ending is pretty disappointing.

Courtroom Thriller with Harry Bosch Portrayed as He Is Seen by Others

Do not read this review or this book unless you have at least read The Lincoln Lawyer and The Last Coyote. If you have read both of those, you'll probably think The Brass Verdict is a four-star book. If you've read The Lincoln Lawyer and all of the previous Harry Bosch novels, you will probably think The Brass Verdict is a very interesting five-star character study buried in a series of intriguing mysteries.

Characters, to me, are what make or break mysteries. If I like a character or find the character to be interesting, I look forward to each book teaching me something new about the character. In the best mysteries, the characters grow into something more than before which makes the progression interesting to contemplate.

The best writers save some things to surprise readers. Most such surprises are like a little firecracker going off. There's big bang for a second, but it doesn't mean much after a few minutes. Michael Connelly has the ability to set off what seems like a little firecracker that makes you see the whole world differently. It's a great gift, and he employs it in The Brass Verdict. But you need background from the earlier novels to appreciate the beauty of what he does.

I have a problem in reviewing this book. I can't tell you about the two most interesting aspects (what the title means and revelations about the two leading characters in The Brass Verdict). But I can tell you that these aspects will pique your interest and leave you with many fascinating things to think about after you finish the book.

Here's what I can tell you. Mickey Haller is a sadder and a little wiser version of the man who was the hero of The Lincoln Lawyer. He has had a serious run-in with drugs, and he doesn't have his empathy back yet. As a result, he can think clearly about legal issues . . . but human relations are difficult for him. The emotional environment for him is flat . . . which makes reading the book a little flat . . . but that's part of the Connelly's plan.

Michael Connelly also puts Harry Bosch in the background of this story. That's something that you should know before you decide whether or not you want to read the book. There's a good reason for doing this that you won't understand until you finish the book. But you should appreciate that you'll gain new insights into Harry's methods and effectiveness by getting a sense of what it's like to be on the receiving end of one of his investigations.

As the book's blurb reveals, Mickey Haller hasn't been doing criminal defense work since The Lincoln Lawyer events for about two years. When a fellow solo practitioner is executed in his parking garage, Mickey inherits Jerry Vincent's cases . . . including a multiple six-figure defense of a Hollywood mogul who is accused of killing his wife and her lover. Mickey's life is shaken to the core, but he decides he wants to get back in the saddle.

There's only one problem with being a criminal defense attorney . . . you are usually defending guilty people who did the crimes. You have to watch out that you don't get in their way . . . or you may become a victim as well.

Wanting to help with the Jerry Vincent investigation, Mickey Haller provides what information and cooperation he can to Harry Bosch. Bosch isn't too impressed, and soon Mickey finds Bosch putting on unnecessary pressure as well.

Can Mickey hold it all together? Will he become a victim, too?

Ultimately, Mickey has to face up to a question that his daughter asks: Why can't he do what mommy does, and prosecute bad guys?

It's gritty and exciting and filled with many mysteries. It's a keeper.

Marmite Book: you'll love it or hate it

I tried to get into this as I love historical murder mysteries and it sounded as if it was well written.

I wouldn't actually criticise the writing (as Ken Follett is a very good writer) but I suspect this particular work of his is a bit like marmite: you'll either love it or hate it. Personally I couldn't get into it enough though I tried a couple of times and I know one of my friends couldn't either. It may well be very enjoyable for those who enjoy the protracted sweep down generations style story (possibly Catherine Cookson fans might appreciate this more than I did?). Or at least the bit I did read before I gave up due to lack of interest generated - sorry Follett fans, I know he's a good writer but this tome is for a distinctive market. Those who enjoy such sweeping stories may well love it though.

It's a hefty size book and the only writer I enjoy, who also does such a large size novel, is C.J. Sansom (as I find his/her books tightly paced and well plotted but they doesn't generally go across time periods as wide as a generation in each book).

If anyone is interested in Sansom, I would warn that his/her books are mainly based in Tudor times. From my own experience, people enjoy different time periods and those who like the medieval period (to have shown an interest in this) may well not like the tudor period. Forewarned is forearmed.

11 and still not out!! Brilliant read.

For fans of the `Stone` series this is a must. The series is still as strong as ever and hasnt lost any of its sparkling action. As far as thrillers go this was very good. the story has plenty of violent action including an old Regiment buddy being tortured with a Black and Decker drill, before being shot in the head....nice! Seriously though the characters were deep and enthralling, keeping your interest all the way through. There was enough suspense to keep you turning the pages, and plenty of action. If you enjoy Lee Child`s Jack Reacher books then this will please you. I`m a series fan and enjoy Child and Michael Connelly books immensely, if you like Special Forces, terroist kind of thrillers read the `Soft Target` trilogy of books by Conrad Jones they are Special forces based and are real shockers. They are unputdownable!! The new Chris Ryan book is his best for years too. Back to the review, ten out of ten.

Excellent"War on Terror" thriller

It's great that Le Carre, at 76, has been able to write a"War on Terror" thriller that ranks with his Cold War thrillers. The old master can still construct a cracking plot. And there's important insight here into where our intelligence agencies, under pressure from their political masters, are going wrong (lack of human intelligence and infiltration).

Highly recommended (4.5 stars, but I'm feeling generous so let's call it 5!).

Best from Francis in a long time

First sentence: "Guilty."

Barrister and amateur jockey Geoffrey Mason, known as `Perry Mason' by his racing friends. He had once successfully defended a violent young man, Julian Trent. Trent, found guilty nonetheless and swearing revenge against Mason, is now being released on appeal.

Mason receives a call from fellow jockey, Steve Mitchell. Steve has been arrested for the murder of another jockey, the hatred between the two of known was well known. Mason first receives a warning and then a beating, instructing him to lose the trial and ensure Mitchell is convicted. Mason realizes his only option is to stand up to Trent, but a at the risk of his life and those he loves.

Even though this was written by Dick and Felix Francis, I'm going to refer to them as singular. Francis has such a wonderful voice. He has a way of drawing you into the story, a way of explaining things that make the information fascinating and an excellent ear for dialogue. I appreciated his including information on English law.

Francis creates great characters. His protagonist isn't particularly brave and strong, but he is stubborn and determined, and his villains are about as villainous as they come. I liked that he made the point about not understanding how hard it is to stand up against violence and intimidation. It was nice to see the hero actually get the girl in this story.

The story was similar to a horse race in that it milled out a bit in the beginning giving you background information, took off with sudden action and built in pace and suspense up to the end. Even the courtroom scenes, which were so well done, had an element of suspense.

Portents are something I normally hate and the one early in the book wasn't necessary. I also don't usually like when authors hold information back from the reader, but here it worked. Thinking back, I probably could have anticipated many of the turns in the plot, but I was so engrossed in the story, I didn't take the time to analyze as I read. And that's what makes Francis, Francis; you jump on and go to the end. The ending is violent and bothers some people; however, I felt he addressed the age-old question of legality versus justice.

This was definitely the best Francis book I've read in a long time.

She's done it again.

I came late to Sue Grafton and was so hooked on these marvellous books, I read all of them up to S is for Silence over a period of about a year. It was a long wait until T is for Trespass but the book was well worth the wait. The author gives us economical writing, good plots, a cast of characters to love, what more could a reader want. Roll on U is for ....? but what will we read when she finishes Z, I shall feel as if I've lost a friend in Kinsey Millhone.

A waste of an otherwise perfectly good Sunday....

Ian Rankin is an excellent writer and has proved this repeatedly throughout the Rebus series, but 'Doors Open' is simply boring and left me with a feeling of having wasted most of my Sunday. Not at any time did I feel a connection with any of the (not so bright) characters, and the plot was a dead giveaway.

I don't expect John Rebus to reappear but he was so much more entertaining and sympathetic than Mike Mackenzie, 'the self-made man with too much time on his hands and a bit of the devil in his soul' as the dust jacket says. Give me a break, please.

One of the best"In death" - books so far - a must read

"Salvation in Death" number 27 in the In Death - series is one of the best so far. There are two cases (one especially seizing), Eve and Roarke at their top and a lot of Peabody, McNabb and co. - so there's all a good"In Death"- book needs.
"Salvation in Death" starts with the murder (through poison) of a catholic priest during mass. The priest, a highly appraised member of the community, seems to have no enemies and besides the church no real family. He cared especially about the youths in his community and every member of the church looked up to him. But when the autopsy of his body brings some old scars and a covered tatoo to light, Eve starts to realize that the priest may have some dark secrets in his past. And when the tatoo points to a ruthless gang of youths that terrorized the people in the community years ago Eve is no longer convinced that the priest really was the one who he posed to be.
When another religious leader is killed in a similar way Eve and her team have to investigate if there is a serieal killer on the hunt or if this cases have nothing to do with each other.
Especially the first murder case is gripping and up until the end you don't really know the reasons for the murder. Case two is interesting as well and both show the reader that under the cover all can be different and that humans are experts in being pretenders. The combination of the church and Eve is really interesting and Eve is at her best although she is unsure about how to handle the catholic rituals and all that is going on in a church. But with her approach to respect people for what they do and not for what they are Eve handles the situation without too many complications.
In this In Death Eve really seems to get a better grip about how to handle her past and I felt really happy when reading this. Roarke and she are hot as always and Roarke has some funny moments for which I adore him even more. He is there for her when certain aspects of the case trouble her but she is also there for him when he has to fight with some bad memories of his past. They just are a perfect team and I can't wait to read more of them and how they try to handle themselves and the relationships with their friends (especially Louise's and Charle's upcoming wedding) .
All in all this is a"classic" In Death - book that enthrals the reader from the first moment right to the end.
So enjoy your copy of this fabulous book.
S.M.

Very fashionable - mostly boring

This is by far the most tedious book I have read in ages. Where is the action? The dramatic twists and turns? It seems like an ode to food, cocktails, fashion and exotic locations. Bond sat in his room, ordered this drink, had that to eat, wore this and looked out over some or other supposedly amazing view.

It's boring.

And can someone in the literary world please stop this trend of throwing foreign phrases into English books? I do not have a French dictionary on hand to translate 'en fete'. It doesn't make it clever. It makes it incomprehensible.

As for the bad guy - a monkey's paw Mr Faulkner? Really.

I suppose it was the hype that did it in. If you really want the spirit of James Bond, may I suggest you try the Young Bond series by Charlie Higson. It's all action.

Absolutely brilliant - it has everything and more

I was recommended this author and started the book with an open mind but with some reservations. BUT it was brilliant - well written - not just a crime book, fascinating people and marvellous plot. I was really sold on this author only to find out that he only managed to write a few books before his untimely death - what a disappointment. The world was robbed of a truely good writer.....

Disappointing

As other reviewers have already pointed out, this really is a reworking of Dumas' classic tale 'the Count of Monte Christo'. But unlike most other reviewers I find that very unsatisfactory. Especially since I enjoyed some of Mr. Archers earlier works so much because of their originality. I do think the similarities are intentional, as Dumas' novel is referenced at some stage.
I also found the actual writing 'loose'. And what I mean by that is that you sometimes get a feeling Mr. Archer was not 100% sure where he was going with the story and was letting his fingers decide on the plot. A great example of this writing style is Louis L'Amour, author of over 100+ Westerns, who admitted he would only have a very broad outline of the plot and, once he started typing, just let the story run with itself. Now, when we are talking about quite straightforward Western stories, this is an acceptable approach. But when you are writing a complicated thriller, it means the writer has to rely on too many coincidences and chance meetings to advance the plot. I don't remember Mr. Archers previous novels to be like this, so what I am not sure about is whether over the past few years his writing has dropped in quality or my standards have increased and I demand more from my books. A disappointing read nevertheless.

Excellent

It's been a long time coming but well worth the wait mutiple story lines
Frost is a great British creation couldn't put it down

Great story and characters! A must for lovers of history

I bought this off Amazon after my Sister raved about it. I am interested in the Dissolution of the Monasteries anyway so I thought I would give it a try.

To begin with, it is hard to keep up with the many different characters, but it doesn't take long for it all to come together, and it works really well.

Set in a monastery during the Dissolution, with Shardlake, a hunchback lawyer is sent to investigate a Murder, and also to persuade the Monastery to dissolve voluntarily. Shardlake finds himself in the middle of sin and murder!

I really enjoyed this book, and have bought the rest of the series!

Enjoyable until the ending

I have been fan of Kathy Reiches' books much preferring her writing to the cruder style of Patricia Cornwell. I enjoy the detailed medico-scientific descriptions, and, in this story, I found the information about alternative religions interesting, however I've felt, particularly with recent books that they were tending to become formulaic in the way they ended with her forensic anthropologist heroine, Temperance Brennan, being in fear of her life, attacked and injured. She's supposed to be a forensic scientist not a law-enforcement officer and by repeating the same scenario in each book it becomes unbelievable and annoying. I thought the basic story was good and will continue to buy her books in the hope that Tempe will manage to get through a case without ending up in hospital! I'd welcome fewer acronyms familiar to USA readers, but not for the rest of us.

Pedant's Corner

I like the Shardlake books: the let a person while away a week of winter evenings and painlessly absorb some history at the same time. This one, though, wasn't quite up to scratch. Sometimes the psychological reality slips (such as when Shardlake has a tooth tortured out of him: I felt I was more bothered by it than he was). And I kept feeling that some of the details just didn't quite ring true... and then we set sail from Hull, and the whole book promptly lost all credibility.

Warning: pedantic rant follows:
I'm no expert sailor, but I have gadded about a bit on the briny. On Planet Earth, you tack when the wind is blowing out of the quarter into which you wish to travel. On Planet Shardlake, you tack because of light winds. Er, no. Tack in light winds, and you can come to a standstill.

Then they went all the way up the Orwell to Ipswich to get their rudder fixed, when they could have put in to Harwich which is conveniently on the coast. Then it took them four days, with favourable winds, to get themselves from Ipswich to London. Even allowing for the lumbering design of Tudor ships, I can't imagine it would take that long. A Victorian working vessel, sails, no engine, built for handiness and cargo capacity and many other things besides raw speed, can hammer from the mouth of the Thames to halfway up the Orwell in less than seven hours, if there's a strong blow on her side.

Mistakes like this spoil a book for me, as they make me doubt all the facts that I don't know and can't check. That's not to say that I won't read the next Shardlake, but I'll be taking some of the details with a pinch of salt.