I wanted to try a le Carre book to see his style and see if I would like his larger works. This was short and very good. I enjoyed it very much and wiI wanted to try a le Carre book to see his style and see if I would like his larger works. This was short and very good. I enjoyed it very much and will probably read more by him. ...more
Matthew Shardlake is brilliant of mind, but deformed of body. This makes him a humble, but effective investigator. At the beginning of the reformationMatthew Shardlake is brilliant of mind, but deformed of body. This makes him a humble, but effective investigator. At the beginning of the reformation, Shardlake is sent to a monastery to investigate the murder of a previous emissary of the king, sent to dissolve it and return the funds to the crown.
The mystery reminded me of Umberto Eco's "Name of the Rose" in many ways, but was not as prosy. It also takes place 300-400 years later. Overall, a good read. I will probably pick up other books by Sansom when I run across them....more
This book is considered by some to be the first "detective" novel. Charles Dickens told his friend, Wilkie Collins, that he had launched a new genre. This book is considered by some to be the first "detective" novel. Charles Dickens told his friend, Wilkie Collins, that he had launched a new genre. ...more
Dickens is at the height of his power here. Almost every paragraph is exceptional. It amazes me how he can vocalize each character in their own peculiDickens is at the height of his power here. Almost every paragraph is exceptional. It amazes me how he can vocalize each character in their own peculiar ways. You always know who is speaking or thinking. Unfortunately, the book is unfinished, Dickens died at about the halfway point in the story.
Some people do not approve of his characters, especially the young women, who are often portrayed as very beautiful, delicate and unable to care for themselves. The heroes are strong and handsome and of strong character, his villains are villainous. While there may be too many orphans in his book, he was a product of his time and nobody knew better than he what people wanted to read.
In all the books of his I have read, each individual is really one personality trait personified. Through it, he exposes our own character flaws as we sympathize with their thoughts and actions. His turns of phrase are especially enjoyable. I could post some examples, but instead encourage you to read, or re-read Dickens....more
Ostensibly written by Charles Dicken's fellow author and good friend, Wilkie Collins, this is a dark biography of the last few years of Dickens life. Ostensibly written by Charles Dicken's fellow author and good friend, Wilkie Collins, this is a dark biography of the last few years of Dickens life. Written in Victorian style, it is a story full of jealousy, intrigue, mysticism and murder. The best thing is the introduction to Wilke Collins' works, which I intend to read, starting with Moonstone....more
**spoiler alert** The City and the City is a great example of China Mieville's burgeoning imagination. While I can juggle a couple thread of ideas at **spoiler alert** The City and the City is a great example of China Mieville's burgeoning imagination. While I can juggle a couple thread of ideas at any one time, the skill it took to keep track of what is going on in this book is incredible. Anything I tell you about the book will spoil something, so it is all hidden.
The basic plot line is a murder mystery that takes place in Beszl, but which may, or may not have occurred in Beszl, but in Ul Qoma, the other city. Unlike Minneapolis-St.Paul, these cities are situated grosstopically (one of the great new words in the book) meaning, in a sense you can only get when reading, they are juxtaposed. It is your mindset that determines which city you are in when in the crosshatched sections. Seems easy, but going from city to city is not something you can't do willy-nilly and is closely monitored by Breach.
So, Tyador Borlu has his hands full trying to figure out who the victim was, where she was killed and finally, why; all without bringing down the wrath of Breach on himself. Oh, and there may or may not be another city involved too. ...more
This collection of fast paced stories is eminently readable and thoroughly enjoyable. Hammett's dialogue is always unique, though often imitated it isThis collection of fast paced stories is eminently readable and thoroughly enjoyable. Hammett's dialogue is always unique, though often imitated it is never usually duplicated with success. My favorite story was "The Man Who Killed Dan Odoms." My least favorite was the one about the boxer, the title of which escapes me. Although I am certain the sweat and the blood could be tasted and smelled, I could not get into it.
Any Hammett fan, mystery fan, or lover of great tales should read this collection....more
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