Harry Bosch, it's so good to spend some days with you again! I've missed you. Connelly has turned out another terrific read. How he keeps Bosch fresh and avoids the pitfalls of some series authors/characters is admirable. His characters are growing over time. Bosch is developing new skills and trying out new ways to move through his work.
I think another reason Connelly's books stay fresh is that he continues to tackle current events. In this book, not only do we have two compelling mysteries, but also an exploration of the oxycodone epidemic. Although the two mysteries are both well done what really engaged me was Connelly's treatment of the oxycodone epidemic.
I don't want to say much about this----doing so might spoil some of pleasure of the read. I found nothing in the novel to detract from my enjoyment!
Showing posts with label drug trade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drug trade. Show all posts
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Sunday, October 28, 2012
A Sunless Seam, by Anne Perry
Random House: 2012
This latest addition to the William Monk series is equal to any of Perry's other works. Those of you unfamiliar with Anne Perry's work, she sets most of her books in Victorian England. Thus, in addition to a gripping detective story, you also gain an appreciation of the Victorian era. The book continues the theme from Perry's most recent Monk novel, but she provides adequate details so that readers who have not completed, Acceptable Loss, will not find following the plot difficult.
This book explores the opium trade and the opium wars that marred this period of British history. Her portrayal but seems realistic that I have no expertise to be able to evaluate the accuracy of her research. I find it extremely believable and detailed enough that but I am willing to take it at face value.
Thea plot and characterizations are among Perry's best. I appreciate the way that she actually develops characters over the series and rejoice in William Monk's change of relationship with his former antagonist Runicorn.
I had the opportunity to travel to London this summer. Doing so has changed my reading experience. Although the docks are no longer the dangerous and dirty territory portrayed in this novel, having been there and on the Thames, I have a much greater sense of place. Envisioning Perry's books while I visited enrich my time in the city as well. I found myself wanting to purchase copies of them so I could work through the details. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to really walk through either Anne Perry's books or Sherlock Holmes adventures. In my next trip, I will plan more time so that I can complete these literary explorations.
This latest addition to the William Monk series is equal to any of Perry's other works. Those of you unfamiliar with Anne Perry's work, she sets most of her books in Victorian England. Thus, in addition to a gripping detective story, you also gain an appreciation of the Victorian era. The book continues the theme from Perry's most recent Monk novel, but she provides adequate details so that readers who have not completed, Acceptable Loss, will not find following the plot difficult.
This book explores the opium trade and the opium wars that marred this period of British history. Her portrayal but seems realistic that I have no expertise to be able to evaluate the accuracy of her research. I find it extremely believable and detailed enough that but I am willing to take it at face value.
Thea plot and characterizations are among Perry's best. I appreciate the way that she actually develops characters over the series and rejoice in William Monk's change of relationship with his former antagonist Runicorn.
I had the opportunity to travel to London this summer. Doing so has changed my reading experience. Although the docks are no longer the dangerous and dirty territory portrayed in this novel, having been there and on the Thames, I have a much greater sense of place. Envisioning Perry's books while I visited enrich my time in the city as well. I found myself wanting to purchase copies of them so I could work through the details. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to really walk through either Anne Perry's books or Sherlock Holmes adventures. In my next trip, I will plan more time so that I can complete these literary explorations.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Rain Gods, by James Lee Burke (2009)
I am a reader of the collected works of James Lee Burke. This title is not a "Dave Robicheau" book, rather one set in Texas. Burke began expanding his cast of characters to Billy Bob Holland and this book features Billy Bob's cousin "Hackberry Holland." For some Burke fans the Texas books weren't terribly satisfying, but I have enjoyed them. This book, Rain Gods, is one that I am giving my strongest recommendation. Burke's descriptions of the physical and meteorological settings are wonderful. The plot and resolution (which I won't spoil) are compelling.
Hackberry with an anonomyous phone tip, finds a mass grave filled with Asian women. In bringing the parties responsible to justice Holland moves through a cast of characters and situations that keeps the reader going and ultimately is completely satisfying.
Four Stars!
Hackberry with an anonomyous phone tip, finds a mass grave filled with Asian women. In bringing the parties responsible to justice Holland moves through a cast of characters and situations that keeps the reader going and ultimately is completely satisfying.
Four Stars!
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