When my friend gave me "The Paper Moon" by Andrea Camilleri, I knew I had to find the time to read it. After I read the blurb, it did feel like one ofWhen my friend gave me "The Paper Moon" by Andrea Camilleri, I knew I had to find the time to read it. After I read the blurb, it did feel like one of the better detective stories, and my interest was piqued. Truthfully, I was in a reading slump, so I needed a book to help me out of it.
As they say, the rest is history.
This is one of the best detective stories I've ever read. I will undoubtedly read more about Inspector Montalbano in the future.
The Paper Moon was a riot, filled with banter and wit that kept me entertained throughout. The suspects, with their own brand of charm, added to the humour. Despite starting with book 9, I found the cast of characters in Vigàta to be engaging and entertaining.
What are you waiting for? Please do yourselves a favour and read it. It doesn't matter where you start; just read one of these books.
It's a terrific story about a private investigator without a license. However, the ending is abrupt. I enjoyed the character of Matt Cordell. I wish tIt's a terrific story about a private investigator without a license. However, the ending is abrupt. I enjoyed the character of Matt Cordell. I wish there was more books about him :) ...more
Everyone should dedicate time to reading this book. It is only a hundred pages.
It is set in Brazil. 'Vista Chinesa' by Tatiana Salem Levy is a very inEveryone should dedicate time to reading this book. It is only a hundred pages.
It is set in Brazil. 'Vista Chinesa' by Tatiana Salem Levy is a very insightful book about rape. The book also covers aspects of facial composites, which I shall not discuss here.
I cannot recommend Vista Chinesa enough.
I read the author's note after I finished this novella. Vista Chinesa is based on the story of a brave woman. I had to go back and reread it again with a newfound respect towards the author and the person the novella is dedicated to.
So please, if you do stumble upon this book, do yourself a favour and read it.
Two For the Money by Max Allan Collins is a novel that defies convention. It is a tale of two halves. The first part, 'Bait Two for the Money (Review)
Two For the Money by Max Allan Collins is a novel that defies convention. It is a tale of two halves. The first part, 'Bait Money ', marked Collins' debut in the literary world. The second part, its sequel, was penned years later: 'Blood Money '. Charles Ardai, an award-winning author and the mastermind behind Hard Case Crime publications, decided to combine and publish the two novels, renaming them 'Two For the Money ', in line with Max Allan Collins' vision. It’s a clever title, as you’re essentially getting two books for the price of one… he-he. I saw what you did there!
Nolan (no first name) would reach the top ten if I had to pick a complex character. Both novels are shorter than the average paperback (My copy is about 360 pages, not including the afterword by the king himself). But still, only a few books come close to Max Allan Collin’s achievement. Max wrote 'Bait Money' during his residency at the University of Iowa. The first part is about an ageing man of 48 years who is forced out of whatever retirement plan (It’s not precisely retirement per se. More like exile with insurance money.) to make peace with an enemy after he is shot in the side and his false identity and money disappear. Naturally, it packs a delicious punch. There’s some special feeling when the protagonist is not a young, inexperienced lad but a washed-up, middle-aged man with scars proof of his exploits. He gets a sidekick (an apprentice?) from Jon, a 20-something-year-old who loves posters and comics and is equally lovable as our protagonist.
Once you read that sensual prologue in 'Bait Money'… he-he. Oh, the action! I’ll put it meekly while slowly shaking my head, “It never slows down, champ. Never…” So, why do I like Nolan? Come on, he’s stoic, intelligent, sarcastic, and very mature in his line of work. He gives me the Ocean’s vibe… I know he’s a scoundrel and always a step ahead, but the qualities I’ve mentioned overshadow the negative. Nolan is respected by his 'friends'. Irish, for example, or Planner. Both of them praise (shall I say worship?) Nolan. There’s a reason why we romanticise thieves. Perhaps it’s the thrill? Or is it the unrealistic excitement of success? We should not be thieves, though! Nolan tries to hammer that lesson to Jon. It’s the ending (of Bait Money) that hooked me.
Why do I like Jon? There’s no other way to put it… He’s us, nerds. Or better yet, children who play games like Trap the Mouse, Monopoly, or, if you live in Malta, a game of Police and Thieves (A group of kids chasing the 'thieves' who are just another group of children. If the 'police' catch you, you get thrown in 'jail')—an outcast fancying the chase. Jon is not a child, though. He lives in his own house, wanting to fulfil a remarkable dream. We all have our dreams. One of Jon’s goals, however, is to plan and join a bank heist. So what does his uncle (Planner) do? He makes Nolan babysit Jon. In the sequel, Jon picks up some of Nolan’s habits… he-he.
What’s interesting is the heist. Many might think the detail is necessary, but Max makes it short, realistic, and hilarious. How many shots were fired? I’m not joking; only one. Remember that this is the Midwest's early seventies—no Artificial Intelligence or fancy technology, just pure wit, paper, and a lot of filing. Perhaps a Vault that combines locks or an antique store with a sleek collection of varied buttons…he-he.
In our monotonous lives, we read about technology every second, and I appreciate it when I stumble upon a book set before technology took over. I’m not too fond of technology, but I still use it.
The second part: 'Blood Money', is about Nolan getting screwed over (again) for something he did in part one. You’ll watch him scheme and blackmail as he undergoes a personal vendetta against one of the syndicates’ (I will not call it Family) members. Nolan and Jon are wronged here, but I must say, after that small interlude at the pool with Sherry and Felix… What methodical planning. Nolan is a force to be reckoned with.
I was brought up never to trust an organisation which calls itself family. Family till what end? If you fuck up, they’ll be the ones ready to replace you. Same thing here.
'Blood Money' mainly focuses on a cast of characters other than just Nolan. But Nolan is still the central character. I felt his absence for the most part. It introduces a new character, the agitated Walter, who accompanies his old man to do a dirty deed.
Walter gradually falls into panic. He is considered to be an innocent in this line of work. He is brought into this line of work to accompany his father (whom I will not name). Walter wants to spend time with his dad. I’ll tell you this: the identity of Walter’s father was a surprise.
I enjoyed this book and will read the rest of Nolan's adventures.
I had so much fun reading this book. There's so much to grasp. So much to apprecStop what you are doing and read this book!
Forgive me for being blunt.
I had so much fun reading this book. There's so much to grasp. So much to appreciate. A mix of revenge, PTSD, sharpshooting and incredible action scenes....more
Was it wrong of me to cheer for John Rambo's escape from prison? Or to think that Rambo was wronged by the police force and thrust into this because oWas it wrong of me to cheer for John Rambo's escape from prison? Or to think that Rambo was wronged by the police force and thrust into this because of a donkey like Teasle?
To wear a police uniform requires responsibility, not corruption. And in the first few pages, Teasle shows how much of a bully he is, making me feel sorry that the two head-strong men encountered each other.
'Five Decembers' by James Kestrel is a mystery about two unsolved murders in Honolulu, Hawaii. It concerns the HPD, and the story unravels through the'Five Decembers' by James Kestrel is a mystery about two unsolved murders in Honolulu, Hawaii. It concerns the HPD, and the story unravels through the eyes of one male protagonist, American detective Joe McGrady.
The story begins in the final days of American isolation, weeks before the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbour, sometime between November 1941 to December 1945. It's interesting, quick, and in no way boring. The characters are so well-written that you'll know who's who before the author describes them in a scene.
This book is a World War II mystery with themes of revenge, romance, graphic violence, and a dash of classical espionage. The character, Joe, has a sense of longing, and that longing does not stop him from achieving what he sets out to do. Detective McGrady may come across (to readers) as a gentleman and a calculating killer. He was an ex-soldier stationed in China and could speak the language.
'Five Decembers' by James Kestrel is a fantastic book and one of the best books I had the pleasure of reading this year (2022). If I am not mistaken, this is Kestrel's debut novel and a successful one, and it hit all the marks--point blank.
Additionally, these Hard Case Crime publications, which come in white and steamy cover jackets, are wonderful page-turners; great stories. Secondly, I'll be reading more in the future. Perfect storytelling! Sharp writing, short sentences, and the intensity of action are some of the best ingredients for this storytelling.
I can't say much more because of the spoilers. But I will be following Kestrel's writing career from here on out.
I heard of this book by James M. Cain by accident. Truthfully, Amazon's algorithms recommended it, and the rest was history. I usually never follow thI heard of this book by James M. Cain by accident. Truthfully, Amazon's algorithms recommended it, and the rest was history. I usually never follow these AI recommendations but the blurb did catch my attention. I own a few of the hard case crime books, which I hope to read and review soon. It's a great collection of books about crime. The Cocktail Waitress was so good I will prioritise these over my unending 'to be read' list.
Let's start by describing the cover. It is a very eloquent and steamy poster of a woman serving cocktails- a critical plot point of the 300-page book (sorry, it's 30-pages short). It also reflects the novel's noir tone and past vibe, a different time from the one we live in today. The title is simple but effective and described better in the book.
The story has a whopping dialogue of professionalism and double meaning. It is about a pledge to reveal the absolute truth of one woman, the so-called Cocktail Waitress, slandered by journalists and her sister-in-law, Ethel. But after reading this, and as promised by Joan (our protagonist), I still am not sure whether the defamations against her (Joan Medford) were true or not. Was Joan Medford the perpetrator, or was she the victim? If she wasn't the killer, then who did it? Was it any of the characters: minor or secondary? I mean, it's only the testimony of one woman, the first point of perspective, and it's not always the truth that comes out of our mouths at the end of the day. And it's difficult to believe that a strong female-lead such as Joan is as innocent as she makes us feel. It's not in her character to be so naive. But it would be so cool if it was one other character who I think had a motive and is much more revolting if it was.
There's a lot to like about this book. The characters are handled professionally by Cain, and each character behaves quite fluently, as expected in society, and all the mannerisms speak volumes about them.
I have been busy lately, and I find it difficult to read the way I used to. Gradually, I am leaning towards shorter works--books that get to the pointI have been busy lately, and I find it difficult to read the way I used to. Gradually, I am leaning towards shorter works--books that get to the point but still have engaging characters. I miss thick books, but I find that I forget what's happened if I stretch a book too long, and I feel upset.
And because of my new attitude, I discovered the book: So Young, So Wicked by Jonathan Craig, a hardboiled noir about a pianist (also a hitman) working for The Syndicate, an alliance of corrupt businessmen protecting their assets from other people. Our pianist and somewhat cheeky hitman, Steve Garrity, is contracted to kill a fifteen-year-old girl named Leda Louise Noland, who lives in Garrensville. Naturally, the Syndicate does not directly contact its assassins, using go-betweens like Vince Licardi. Oh, and Steve needs to make it look like an accident. And he needs to kill her in a few days. Steve hates rushing things, so this already looks like a suicide contract.
Licardi is not open about why the Syndicate wants Leda dead but is revealed later as the stakes become high. The suspense is high in this one.
Steve is a surprisingly well thought out character. He is cold and calculating, as an assassin should be. Yet, there's that exciting appeal. He's attractive and cunning, a good listener, but ruthless. He also has an incredible backstory. I don't want to reveal who Leda is and what character traits she injects. But she is fascinating.
Coincidentally, this is the second noir book I've read (this year), and I must say what an exciting genre it is.
What makes this book stand out?
It is a simple read, and it is gratifying. The ending is quite shocking. This book commands a list of an interesting cast of characters, and I enjoyed them. It is also bleak, and I especially enjoyed it because it reads from Garrity's perspective.
So, this is a first for me: Get Carter by Ted Lewis is one of the first English crime fiction books I came across on kindle. I have never watched the So, this is a first for me: Get Carter by Ted Lewis is one of the first English crime fiction books I came across on kindle. I have never watched the movie, and I can't say I ever will. This is where it all began for me.
It was a pleasure reading it. I can't remember being bored with its straightforward plot; only slightly stunned by the violence against women and upset with another scene that I won't get into because of spoilers, but it involves some questionable pornographic material.
I pretty much expect some people to be offended by this novel. It was written a long time ago, and some descriptions, even words, can be a culture shock to whoever has lived in a bubble these last twenty years.
Other than that, it is still a fun read. There are mentions of pubs, even Dr Who.
Brothers Keepers is my first Donald E. Westlake read. It won't be my last.
A well-deserved ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
This book is sometimes hilariousWhat an original read.
Brothers Keepers is my first Donald E. Westlake read. It won't be my last.
A well-deserved ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
This book is sometimes hilarious but also an honest work of fiction. The book is character-driven. All characters, incredibly the culprits, are handled with the utmost care. Surprisingly, I did not dislike any of the characters from the book. It was so much fun.
It is about a group of monks settled in a monastery in New York. The monastery is on lease and owned by a wealthy benefactor from the Flattery family. The monks learn that they are old monastery is on the receiving end of a bulldozer, a high-priced area fit for construction. What follows is a series of mishaps, confrontations, and comedy....more
I'm staring at the screen, pondering what I will say about No Country for Old Men.
A few hours later...
First of all, I enjoyed the Road. I felt meh...I'm staring at the screen, pondering what I will say about No Country for Old Men.
A few hours later...
First of all, I enjoyed the Road. I felt meh... about the Child of God, but I appreciated it after I read 'As I Lay Dying' by William Faulkner. And as I write this, McCarthy reminds me of Faulkner. Why? Both authors dedicate their writings towards themes of The Nature of Evil, haunting imagery, and how both authors play with language, pronunciation, and dialogue. The authors' stories are bleak, but their message melts in your brain like acid drops on your hand. I'm sure you've heard it written more profoundly by literary experts. You'll understand by the end as you read about Chigurh and the world these authors describe in their books.
Who is the protagonist of this book? Several think it is Llewelyn Moss. Others might say it's Sheriff Bell. But for me, the protagonist/ antagonist is Anton Chigurh. By reading this book, I experienced cold-blooded murder from the eyes of a psychopath. I experienced fate by a coin toss, and it terrified me.
The story is about drug money. But winning the lottery came to mind, and what I would do with the money I won. Would I continue to work? Would I run away with the money I won? Llewelyn Moss is a blue-collar worker---a welder who lives in a trailer and hunts for sport. One day he stumbles on a crime scene; and finds the money. He decides to take it as his own. What follows is a police investigation, murder after murder, and selfishness described by Cormac McCarthy's haunting voice and worldly vision.
I finished it! This is one of the top 300 books I have read. Terrific and bloody shocking!
I was young when I heard about Sean Penn's Mystic River (notI finished it! This is one of the top 300 books I have read. Terrific and bloody shocking!
I was young when I heard about Sean Penn's Mystic River (not the book), and this was back when I used to think I was Wolverine (minus the mutton chops). Twenty years later, just three days ago, while browsing the web, I learned that Clint Eastwood directed the adaptation. And I remark that to this day, I still need to watch the movie I identify with Penn's famous gut-wrenching scream, and I'll watch it this weekend. (2023 is by far the busiest year of my life)
But imagine this, I go to a bookstore one winter and discover this book, and I say, "What? Dennis Lehane wrote this?". I'm not too fond of Lehane's other book: Shutter Island---my introduction to his work. I once overheard my dad say that Mystic River was one of his favourite movies. And next, it's stacked on my bookshelf, forgotten, in my never-ending "to be read stack."
Lately, I have had a change of taste. Neo-noir, fiction, anything but the genres I have read since I was thirteen. These are the books I'm looking out for. Mysteries, especially.
And so I pick this book (in 2023), and I am immediately mesmerized by Lehane's prose and characters. Some I'd love to hate; others I pity and grow close to, but by the 30th page, I bond with these three complicated men, who start as mere children. I swear to you the book's crafted by a master writer whose gift is to leave you speechless and heartbroken. I am heartbroken. In the first part, Mystic River feels like an entrenched sequence of childhood drama and macho memories, but it quickly gets complicated with conflict, and there are many disputes. There is a tension that inflates with every page, and then that car... A part of me wants to tell you it'll be all right, but to experience it in your head whilst reading this book; despair will creep out. It will crush you. And like the other boys, 'it could've been you in that car.' And as you hear their regrets, you impress that guilt in your heart.
I couldn't identify any flaws; Mystic River by Dennis Lehane was the only item I looked forward to. You immediately know what perspective you're dealing with in the first sentence of each chapter. And you pray that the perpetrator is not who you think it is.
As evidence piled up and the perpetrator remained a mystery, I reread parts of the book to have a semblance of what was happening. The answers were all there, hidden in plain sight. A finger snap later, and my mouth is agape with shock. F*ck! I wasn't prepared for that
I can go on gushing about this book... which I will do in the coming days---to you all, and I'll bore my dad, but still, you all need to buy a copy and read it as soon as possible. This is a classic which I hope will be remembered for a long time. I envy you all to experience this journey for the first time again. But I will reread this book.
I'd be lying if I told you I read the book first. This legal thriller was written years before I even existed. And the first time I eveA legal classic
I'd be lying if I told you I read the book first. This legal thriller was written years before I even existed. And the first time I ever heard of it was at my parent's house, Easter this year (April 9th, 2023). Dad was watching it on TV—quite an emotional closing speech, if I might dare say so.
I asked my dad what it was all about. The setting, the topic of rape, racism, and the complexities of human nature were all factors Dad, and I took an interest in. So, when I found time, I decided to read the book, knowing how it ended; I wouldn't say I liked doing that.
For the subject matter, this book was both funny and engaging. John Grisham promises us a great young and brash character like Jake Brigance and delivers on the promise. Was this John Grisham's debut novel? If so, the man can write. It also has that sprinkle of revenge, rivalry, flirtation, and religion. Oh, we must not forget the KKK! I love reading about revenge and rivalry, so I was captivated earlier.
The rape is described in unflinching detail. It is done with purpose so that we root for Tonya's father.
I preferred the book over the movie. The movie summarizes the book better than I did in this review. But I must argue that the character complexities and the detail of the case did it for me better in the 700-pages than in the movie. But I still preferred the movie's closing speech and ending.
Was it too long?
I wouldn't say so. The characters make the most of this journey enjoyable. I have no complaints about the novel length. The writing was remarkable and accessible, and the technicalities of the courtroom were explained in great detail. The courtroom drama of Carl Lee Hailey's trial is featured in the last 300 pages so it might be too long for some readers. It's also the build-up to it that makes this book an engaging novel.
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