Wulf C. Krueger
“[b:The Grand Sophy 261689 The Grand Sophy Georgette Heyer https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1414731822l/261689.SY75.jpg 3234291]” by [a:Georgette Heyer 18067 Georgette Heyer https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1336748892p2/18067.jpg] delivered exactly what I expected: a sparkling, if somewhat dated, Regency romance. At times, it felt stuffy and blustery, especially in the dialogue, where I found myself struggling with the verbosity of certain characters.»Really, Horace, I must say that I think that most unjust of you, for how could he help it? It is so mortifying for him! And, what is more, excessively unfortunate, because I don't doubt that had he been able to attach Cecilia... But no one can deny that nothing could be more ill-timed than Charlbury's mumps!« This type of rambling speech made the beginning of the book feel quite slow for me. The social dynamics and constant talk of marriages seemed quaint and twee—typical of early 20th-century historical fiction, yet it grated on me initially. However, as the story progressed and Sophy's vivacious nature took centre stage, the novel became utterly irresistible. From orchestrating romantic entanglements to causing delightful mayhem, Sophy is a force of nature.Though it's tempting to dismiss such stories as too formulaic or predictable, Heyer demonstrates masterful pacing. Her truly witty writing, far better than many imitators in the Regency romance genre, propelled the latter half of the book to become a page-turner of the highest degree. While old-fashioned in certain areas, “Sophy” holds up far better than many of her contemporaries.Four out of five stars.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
My expectations were naturally high as I ventured back alongside [a:Michael Connelly's 12470 Michael Connelly https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1539114448p2/12470.jpg] Harry Bosch as he re-joins the force in “[b:The Closers 32505 The Closers (Harry Bosch, #11; Harry Bosch Universe, #15) Michael Connelly https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388262627l/32505.SY75.jpg 590167]”. This novel does bring a different tempo, quite unlike the whirlwind of suspense we often associate with Bosch's live-wire cases. Instead, he delves into a cold case, bringing a slower, perhaps more methodical, feel to this venture. Initially, my excitement ebbed slightly as the urgency I'm familiar with in Bosch novels was subdued due to the nature of a cold case. However, as Bosch's intricate world unfurled, the story's pace began to pick up, rendering my initial reservations (mostly) moot. Detours from urgency can indeed provide new spaces for character exploration and narrative depth. This novel proved that slow-burning embers could have the potential to ignite an inferno.The inclusion, perhaps reintroduction, of Irvin Irving added a nuanced blend to the storyline. Though I found Irving's character portrayal to be somewhat dissonant with previous depictions, it provided a refreshing dimension. It's these unexpected character arcs that might polarise views but undeniably stir the plot's dynamic.Also, Kizmin “Kiz” Rider's return from administrative duties to being Harry's partner on “sixth floor” made for a welcome addition. Sadly, she remains somewhat bland and underused but at least she's back.Lastly, the narrative's gradual acceleration led to a climax that, while not as adrenaline-pumped as some of Connelly's others, was satisfyingly appropriate given the plot's trajectory.Connelly proves with “The Closers” that revisiting cold cases need not be a cold affair; rather, it can kindle new respect for nuances in crime-solving that fresher cases rarely provide the space to explore. While the novel initially felt like a quiet murmur compared to the thunderous exploits of Bosch, it evolved nicely into a rhythmic soliloquy, deserving a solid four-star rating.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
“[b:Starter Villain 61885029 Starter Villain John Scalzi https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1683564155l/61885029.SY75.jpg 97563902]” by [a:John Scalzi 4763 John Scalzi https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1724435824p2/4763.jpg] is a light, fast-paced read filled with Scalzi's characteristic wit and humour. I approached the book expecting an entertaining romp, but unfortunately, while it had moments of genuine charm, it often felt too shallow and predictable to leave a lasting impact. It's a story that adheres closely to a wish-fulfilment fantasy setup — a relatively ordinary protagonist finds himself embroiled in a world of supervillains, talking cats, and evil corporations. However, the execution falls a bit flat.Scalzi's success with the Old Man's War series and Redshirts lies in his ability to blend humour with substance, and in comparison, Starter Villain seems to lack the depth and complexity of his earlier works. The novel is full of zany situations, but it all feels rather surface-level, with little emotional heft or character development. Even with its quick pacing, the stakes never felt particularly high, and I found myself detached from the outcome.That said, Scalzi's humour shines through, and there are definitely laugh-out-loud moments. A particularly amusing element is the talking cats, who inject a level of absurdity that I imagine would appeal to fans of Scalzi's quirkier side. Moreover, the dialogue crackles with the same snappy back-and-forth that readers have come to expect from the author.Ultimately, Starter Villain is one of those books that's easy to pick up and put down. It's fun in the moment, but for readers who crave something with more complexity or deeper world-building, it might not be the offering that best represents Scalzi's talents.Three out of five stars.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
I actually read this a while ago - at the end of August. Deeply entrenched in executing my father's last will (which I still am), foregoing Goodreads and pretty much anything for weeks, my life felt like being “on-hold” (which it still does to some extent). I needed something light and fun and, well, it was pretty good...As with her previous works, [a:Abby Jimenez 18446724 Abby Jimenez https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1651706989p2/18446724.jpg] masterfully balances humour with heart, crafting a story that can make you laugh one moment and tug at your emotions the next. While it shares the same warmth and wit as [b:The Friend Zone 41945163 The Friend Zone (The Friend Zone, #1) Abby Jimenez https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1553782196l/41945163.SY75.jpg 65437442], I would argue that [b:Life's Too Short 54377375 Life's Too Short (The Friend Zone, #3) Abby Jimenez https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1593802541l/54377375.SY75.jpg 81319946] delves deeper into the complexities of living with uncertainty and the importance of embracing life's unpredictability.One of the moments that particularly stood out to me was when a character compared a small, toothless dog to “an angry potato with legs.” The humour in this scene was delightful:»He bit her when she picked him up.He didn't have any teeth. It didn't hurt, but it was the thought that counts. I was worried it would put her off, but she couldn't stop laughing. She said he was like an angry potato with legs.«Jimenez shines when portraying raw vulnerability. In a dialogue between two characters struggling with existential weight, one declares:»“I don't pretend to be happy. I just refuse to be sad.”«This line perfectly summarises the novel's poignant theme, making readers reflect on resilience and the conscious choice to cherish life's fleeting moments. Though Life's Too Short is packed with humour, it's the deeper emotional exploration that sets it apart and makes it not just a fun read, but a memorable one.Four stars out of five.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix Tumblr
Having read multiple entries from [a:Michael Connelly's 12470 Michael Connelly https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1539114448p2/12470.jpg] Harry Bosch series, I approached “The Narrows” with high expectations, and for the most part, it didn't disappoint. As one of the later books in the series, the tone is darker, more introspective, and delves into an older Bosch trying to adjust to life after the LAPD, all while being drawn into a chilling case involving a serial killer.The plot kicks off with Bosch investigating the death of a friend's husband, which also links FBI agent Rachel Walling to the resurgence of a notorious killer. Connelly's deft plotting shines through, as the story unspools with a quiet, steady tension that kept me flipping pages. There's a masterful blend of investigation and emotional weight, particularly as we see Bosch juggle the demands of the case with his tangled personal life, especially his fractured relationship with his daughter.What elevates The Narrows beyond a simple police procedural is its subtle exploration of Bosch's internal struggles. As a character, Bosch here feels weighed down by his years of service. The walls are closing in on him in many ways, and at times, the book takes on a meditative tone as Bosch confronts his past choices and his identity outside the badge.“The Narrows” is slow, methodical. While the story has its share of action, it's not relentless, instead giving space for character reflection—and that's where the novel truly shines.Though predictable at moments, the book offers a layered story with tension, driven by Bosch's relentless pursuit of justice.Four stars out of five.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
[a:Curtis Sittenfeld 6429 Curtis Sittenfeld https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1675721083p2/6429.jpg]'s “[b:Romantic Comedy 62628727 Romantic Comedy Curtis Sittenfeld https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1679496983l/62628727.SY75.jpg 97012660]” failed to deliver what I'd hoped, taking far too long to engage, and bombarding the reader with tedious background details about television production. The novel's focus on the behind-the-scenes mechanics of a sketch show often felt like unnecessary padding, leaving the narrative sluggish at times.»The sets would be built at a warehouse in Brooklyn then transported back to 66, ideally on Friday, to be painted.«Exciting, right? That's the kind of procedural minutiae that dominates much of the early parts of the novel. While some readers might appreciate this level of intricate detail, I personally found it detracted from both the pacing and the emotional depth I was looking for. When Sittenfeld could have been focusing on the actual romantic and comedic elements, she instead seemed determined to dive into the trivial goings-on of a writers' room.I found this a frustrating aspect. With so much filler, the characters almost got lost in their own plot. Sally, the protagonist, doesn't seem very compelling for much of the book. She waffles between sudden feelings of insecurity—strangely more akin to someone in their early twenties than a seasoned professional in their mid-thirties. Perhaps that's part of her appeal for some, but I found this immaturity slightly irksome.»Noah grinning, Noah using my name, Noah's ability to be warm and normal, while my insides churned—it was all somewhat devastating.«Despite all this, the latter half of “Romantic Comedy” picks up significantly. Once we leave behind all the procedural fluff, there's a decent story at the core that's worth exploring. A solid—but not spectacular—showing from Sittenfeld.Three stars out of five.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
[a:Matthew Reilly's 83714 Matthew Reilly https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1309746050p2/83714.jpg] “[b:Seven Deadly Wonders 144791 Seven Deadly Wonders (Jack West Jr, #1) Matthew Reilly https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388589227l/144791.SY75.jpg 1271370]” is akin to reading a 90s action B-movie. Unfortunately, the novel fails to deliver a compelling narrative, with both the plot and characters lacking believability. While Reilly attempts to blend high-octane action with historical mysteries, the result is a muddled execution that leaves much to be desired.From the outset, the characters come off as one-dimensional and unconvincing. They are supposedly a diverse group from various backgrounds, but this diversity is sadly superficial. This oversight detracts significantly from the novel, creating a sense of sameness that undermines the story's potential. For instance, Big Ears dangling precariously over a ledge is a moment ripe with tension but falls flat due to clichéd dialogue and character interactions:»Big Ears was dangling over the edge of Level 1 directly above her, helpless. ‘I can't get to her!'‘And I can!' another voice called.West.He never missed a step.Running full tilt, he just leapt off the edge of Level 1 and sailed in a high curving arc through the air toward the croc-lake below.«The plot is convoluted with numerous loose ends and implausible scenarios. The novel struggles to maintain a coherent storyline, often feeling episodic rather than a unified narrative. This lack of cohesion disrupts the reading experience and makes it difficult to remain invested in the characters' exploits. The plot includes a vividly gruesome yet ridiculous depiction of a Caesarean delivery performed during a volcanic eruption.»A gruesome yet urgent image: flanked by the encroaching lava and the steadily lowering ceiling, the two men perform a Caesarean delivery on the dead woman's body using West's Leatherman knife.«Reilly's attempts at infusing the story with historical conspiracies come across as overly extravagant and eye-roll-inducing. The portrayal of the Cult of Amun-Ra, linked to various historical and modern figures, borders on the absurd. This inclusion feels less like a testament to thorough research and more like desperate embellishment.»This Cult of Amun-Ra has endured to the present day, under many guises. For instance, the Knights of St John of Malta, and some sections of the Catholic Church.‘The Freemasons, too, have long attached great significance to the Great Pyramid—and are often accused of being a thinly-veiled reincarnation of the Cult of Amun-Ra. Indeed, one very famous Freemason, Napoleon Bonaparte, was initiated into the order's highest ranks inside the King's Chamber of the Great Pyramid.«Ultimately, “Seven Deadly Wonders” reads like a cheap piece of bubble gum – initially somewhat fresh but quickly becoming bland and boring. The novel fails to deliver on its intriguing premise, leaving readers with a disappointing aftertaste. With its numerous flaws and lacklustre execution, this novel does not live up to the standards set by other works in the genre. If you're seeking a quality action-adventure read, you might want to look elsewhere. If you want an in-depth, detailed review, read https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1678820144 which absolutely nails it.One star out of five.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
I've long wanted to read some of the more “classic” mysteries in the hopes of finding another Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, or Miss Marple. I was also inspired by 1986's mystery-adventure “Killed Until Dead” in which Wimsey and other classic sleuths investigate. Unfortunately, [a:Dorothy L. Sayers' 8734 Dorothy L. Sayers https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1519840173p2/8734.jpg] “[b:Strong Poison 246225 Strong Poison (Lord Peter Wimsey, #6) Dorothy L. Sayers https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486963427l/246225.SY75.jpg 1121561]” failed to impress, feeling distinctly dated. Published in 1930, it suffers from the mannerisms, the tone, and the zeitgeist of the previous decade which detracted from my overall enjoyment. Right from the outset, the narrative was bogged down by a significant information dump delivered through the judge's summarising of the case to the jury. This served as an intro, and while I appreciate thorough background, it dragged on unnecessarily for the first 12% of the novel, making for a tedious start. Lord Peter Wimsey, the supposed star of the show, comes across as unsympathetic and rather superficial. His character, along with that of Harriet Vane, left me feeling disconnected and uninvested. The novel seemed to revel in his eccentricity without endearing him to the reader. Unlike Holmes, Poirot, or Marple, whose quirks add depth and charm, Wimsey's characteristics felt forced and less appealing.The secondary characters did not fare much better in my estimation. Harriet Vane, the accused at the heart of the narrative, and various other figures blended into the background without making a significant impact.Moreover, the characterisation is often shallow and relies on outdated stereotypes.»“Female intuition,” said Eiluned, bluntly. “She doesn't like the way he does his hair.”«To make matters worse, I correctly guessed the culprit and motive early on, leaving me underwhelmed for much of the remainder of the novel.Despite its shortcomings, I must admit that “Strong Poison” is not a complete failure. The writing is good enough, and Sayers' use of language is undeniably evocative. Fans of classic mysteries may find more to appreciate, but for me, it failed to live up to its potential.Three stars out of five from me; I have read far worse, but I expected much better.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
I really enjoy [a:Lisa Regan's 6443334 Lisa Regan https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1589563239p2/6443334.jpg] Josie Quinn novels. Regan almost always succeeds in crafting intricate plots and compelling characters. After the previous instalment's short departure from Josie's usual haunts, I wondered where “[b:Her Dying Secret 209518760 Her Dying Secret (Detective Josie Quinn, #20) Lisa Regan https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1715633758l/209518760.SY75.jpg 215715964]” would take us. Thankfully, it is firmly set in the familiar world of Josie Quinn and her friends and colleagues in Denton. As for her friends, most of them are absent: Misty and her son, Harris, are mentioned a few times but play no role. The same is true for her parents and her twin sister, which is slightly sad but doesn't detract much from the novel's overall appeal. Regan's prose continues to channel an atmosphere thick with suspense and emotional tension. This is especially the case since the story opens with a car accident, the body of a murdered woman in the car, and a child in danger.A recurring issue in Regan's works, however, is the narrative ending way before the book's actual last page. This time, it's at 88%, and the remainder of the book are advertisements and excerpts. One can't help but feel a bit short-changed, which leads to the subtraction of one star.All in all, if you like Josie Quinn, you'll certainly get your “fix” out of this one. It can also be read standalone but it's certainly not the best starting point for this series.Four out of five stars.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
[a:Jean-Luc Bannalec 5763576 Jean-Luc Bannalec https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] hat sich mit seinen Romanen um den eigenwilligen Kommissar Dupin eine treue Anhängerschaft erarbeitet. Der neueste Band, “[b:Bretonische Sehnsucht 199430207 Bretonische Sehnsucht Jean-Luc Bannalec https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1704883144l/199430207.SY75.jpg 203878083]”, setzt diese Tradition fort, doch leider nicht in der gewohnten Qualität. Als langjähriger Leser der Romane des Autors und Fan der bretonischen Atmosphäre, war meine Vorfreude groß. (Allerdings war ich von meiner Frau schon etwas “vorgewarnt” worden.) Dennoch muss ich gestehen, dass dieses Werk weit hinter meinen Erwartungen zurückblieb.Zu Beginn möchte ich die deutlich gesteigerte Esoterik in diesem Roman ansprechen, die die Sicht auf den Fall und mein Lesevergnügen ungemein trübte. Bannalec hat in seinen früheren Werken stets ein Gefühl für das Lokalkolorit bewiesen, doch diesmal treibt er es zu weit ins Mystische. »Sie haben Seelen, die Leuchttürme. Seelen, Persönlichkeiten und Gefühle. Wie wir Menschen.«Auch die Charaktere bleiben deutlich hinter dem zurück, was ich von Bannalec gewohnt bin: Die Insel-”Druidin”, die abergläubisch bis ins Mark ist und Dupin permanent vor Meerjungfrauen, Nixen und allen möglichen Monstern warnt; die Sängerinnengruppe “Sirenen”, die eine große Rolle zu spielen scheint, aber vollkommen blass und schemenhaft bleibt; ein geradezu absurd unglaubwürdiger Nebenstrang (Osmine...) - es kommt hier einfach kein Lesevergnügen auf.Selbst Kommissar Dupin, dessen Grantigkeit und unorthodoxes Denken ich schätze, scheint sich hier in esoterische und bedeutungsschwangere Gedankengänge zu verlieren. »Eine Insel der Metamorphosen, dachte Dupin. Vielzähliger und vielartiger Metamorphosen. Wer sich hier nicht alles verwandelte! Woraus die Frage resultierte: Wer sah in Wahrheit eigentlich wie aus?«Verglichen mit Bannalecs früheren Werken vermisse ich die Ausgewogenheit zwischen Spannung und Atmosphäre. Die Geschichte verliert sich zuweilen in unnötigen Ausschweifungen und hinterlässt dabei wichtige Plotpunkte vernachlässigt oder oberflächlich behandelt. Ein weiteres Ärgernis sind kleine Nachlässigkeiten im Text, die nicht dem Niveau eines stilistisch so versierten Autors entsprechen:»Die Verabredungen war bereits getroffen.«Ein simpler Tippfehler wie dieser mag unerheblich erscheinen, doch trägt er zum Gesamteindruck bei, dass hier nicht die nötige Sorgfalt aufgewandt wurde.All dies wäre noch verzeihlicher, wenn der Kriminalfall selbst mitreißend und glaubwürdig präsentiert worden wäre. Doch auch hier hapert es an der Ausführung, insbesondere was die Nebenhandlung um Meerjungfrauen betrifft. Bannalecs Versuch, das Lokale mit dem Mystischen zu verweben, wirkt hier besonders bemüht und hinterlässt den Leser kopfschüttelnd:»Meerjungfrauen dagegen sind gewöhnliche Frauen, die das Pech hatten, von einem bösen Geist verdammt zu werden. Unschuldig. Eine fatale Metamorphose.«Dieser Versuch eines tieferen, vielleicht poetischen Untertons wirkt in der Realität plump und unglaubwürdig.Doch selbst damit nicht genug: War Riwal schon in früheren Büchern gern mal etwas geschwätzig, wirkt er hier häufig überaus und langanhaltend belehrend:»»Als der allgemeine Wohlstand und Fortschritt in der Nachkriegszeit erheblich wuchsen und die Insel das erste Mal einen regelmäßigen Fährbetrieb erhielt, dachte man, die Landwirtschaft wäre nun überflüssig – ein fataler Fehler, wie sich herausstellte. Bis dahin hatten die Ouessantins sehr intensiv Landwirtschaft betrieben, seit Menschengedenken, genauer gesagt die Frauen, wie Sie ja wissen.«Riwal holte Luft. Dupin machte sich auf einen längeren Vortrag gefasst.«Ein bisschen Schwung und Handlungstempo hätte der Geschichte sicherlich gut getan. So erinnert “Bretonische Sehnsucht” eher an einen langen Spaziergang durch wunderschöne, aber zu oft gesehene Landschaften ohne nennenswerte Höhepunkte.Die im Übermaß vorhandenen esoterischen Einschläge sowie die vernachlässigten Plotpunkte bringen dieses Buch um den Charme und die Spannung der früheren Werke des Autors.Da reicht es leider nur für einen von fünf Sternen.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
“[b:The Perfect Couple 34840184 The Perfect Couple (Nantucket, #3) Elin Hilderbrand https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1520361784l/34840184.SY75.jpg 56071748]” by [a:Elin Hilderbrand 88301 Elin Hilderbrand https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1365687944p2/88301.jpg] had all the makings of a gripping narrative—a murder mystery combined with romance, set against the picturesque backdrop of Nantucket. The story follows the wedding of Benji and Celeste, a supposedly perfect couple, but things take a darker turn when the maid of honour is found dead on the morning of the wedding. As the “mystery” unfolds, it's clear that Hilderbrand is more interested in exploring the petty dramas and secrets of the wealthy elite than crafting a compelling whodunit. The revelations, when they come, are bog-standard and boring, lacking any real tension or surprises.The romance was basically nonexistent as Celeste and her love interest simply fall in love at first glance. Yes, it happens, but as a story element, it's just lazy.Another problem were the characters themselves: Benji, for instance, emerged as an exceedingly annoying and shallow character. His emotional turmoil following the death on his wedding day only served to accentuate his self-centredness.»Benji is experiencing a host of very confusing emotions. He is upset, shocked, and horrified just like everyone else. And yet also mixed in there are anger and resentment. It's his wedding day! His parents have gone to enormous effort and expense to make this wedding unforgettable and now it's all for naught.«His response to Celeste the murder of Celeste's supposedly-best friend was selfish and shallow, and his treatment of Celeste was appalling.»She was lucky to be here, lucky she had a friend like you, she didn't deserve you, wasn't worthy of you, Celeste. And furthermore, she probably did this to herself! You told me once that she stockpiled pills and considered suicide, so what's to say that's not what this is? She orchestrated this to ruin our big day!«What a champ, right?His fiancée and soon-to-be wife, Celeste, is, to him, like an exotic creature Benji feels compelled to possess. And they first met at the zoo. »Celeste is like a rare butterfly that Benji was somehow able to capture. That comparison is, no doubt, inappropriate on many different levels, but that's how he thinks of her in his private mind where no one can judge him, that she's like an exotic bird or butterfly.«The portrayal of other characters, too, left much to be desired. Tag, the playboy, and Greer, the snobby housewife, were reductionist caricatures that failed to elicit any emotional engagement.Celeste herself is a calculating, opportunistic person who is more concerned with money and security than actual emotions.Merritt, her friend, is little more than a sounding board for Celeste's problems, and even that relationship feels strained and inauthentic.Celeste's inner monologue often revolved around whether a particular luxury item or location would be enough to replace love, and her dialogue was peppered with infantile statements about her own insecurities.»How will it work? Celeste asked Benji. M-M-Money, I m-m-mean. Once we're m-m-married? I'll put your name on my accounts, Benji said. We'll get you an ATM card, a checkbook. Once I turn thirty-five, I'll have access to the trust from my Garrison grandparents, so there will be that money as well. Celeste has wondered since then how much money is in the Garrison trust. A million dollars? Five million? Twenty million? What is the amount that takes the place of love? What about m-my salary? Celeste had asked. Keep it for yourself, Benji said.«One might argue that these character flaws are intentional and serve the broader purpose of Hilderbrand's social commentary. However, even if this were her intent, the execution falls woefully short of crafting a compelling and nuanced narrative. The incessant, somewhat trite observations and paper-thin plot developments were monotonous, testing my patience with each page.As if to punctuate the already dire state of the narrative, the denouement lacked any semblance of satisfaction, providing neither closure nor contemplation. The novel just falls over and silently dies.I'm left feeling like I've wasted precious reading time on a narrative that fails to engage on any level. Reading this novel felt like an exercise in endurance rather than enjoyment.One star out of five.Update Oct. 2024: Surprisingly, the Netflix mini series is a whole damn lot more entertaining. Avoid the book, do watch the series!Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
“[b:City of Stairs 20174424 City of Stairs (The Divine Cities, #1) Robert Jackson Bennett https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394545220l/20174424.SY75.jpg 28030792]” came highly recommended by many friends and I was so looking forward to a murder mystery, an espionage story, a post-war drama, a piece of fantasy, and alternative history. Yes, maybe the sheer breadth of this should have forewarned me but what can I say...The story was... mediocre: A lot of divinity-this, divinity-that, people who want to bring back the “golden days”, profiteers, evil brothers, evil aunts, and other relatives. In short: lots of bullshit.Also, the characters: Shara, the granddaughter of the Kaj, the saviour of his people, and the killer of gods, faultless master spy, genius, is our heroine and she's... boring. Absolutely, breathtakingly boring. She keeps being lucky and only in the end do we see her dealing with her evil scheming aunty. In between, she mostly lurches from one disaster to the next.Part of her luck is called Sigrud. An almost excessively inventive name for what amounts to a Viking. Huge, strong, pragmatic, silent, world-wise, a perfect companion and bodyguard who fights his way into and out of hell. Also: Steampunk. I hate steampunk; steampunk's illogical and impractical approach to technology is so annoying: They have cars but the term “battle-axe” is still present. They have “common firearms” but shoot bolts from crossbows. They have gunpowder and combustion, they work many kinds of metal and into huge projects to boot but they use traditional sailing ships.As so often, steampunk here, too, feels more like a superficial exercise in aesthetics than a thoughtful exploration of science fiction or social commentary. And yet there's a lot of heavy-handed kitchen philosophy to be found in this. Worst of all, though: This novel is so boring! Nobody is relatable and I didn't give a rat's ass about anybody. Despite featuring quite a few characters, most of them essentially “sound” and “feel” alike. For example, Shara and Mulaghesh sound exactly the same from what they say and do.The writing is nothing special either: There are absolutely no highlights but no crimes against language either. In its mediocrity, it feels very fitting.Since the ending was at least somewhat amusing, this garners it two stars instead of the one I originally intended. Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
[a:Saša Stanišić 877513 Saša Stanišić https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1640075911p2/877513.jpg] macht es mir nie leicht: Sein “[b:Herkunft 44429051 Herkunft Saša Stanišić https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552569522l/44429051.SY75.jpg 68990636]” hat mich erst wenig gereizt und am Ende “gepackt”, wie es nur seltene Ausnahmeerscheinungen schaffen. Nun sitze ich an meinem Schreibtisch unmittelbar nach Abschluss der Lektüre seines neuesten Werkes mit dem leicht sperrigen (und doch vollkommen passenden!) Titel “[b:Möchte die Witwe angesprochen werden, platziert sie auf dem Grab die Gießkanne mit dem Ausguss nach vorne 201467483 Möchte die Witwe angesprochen werden, platziert sie auf dem Grab die Gießkanne mit dem Ausguss nach vorne Saša Stanišić https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1716809581l/201467483.SY75.jpg 206354310]” geht es mir ähnlich...»Was das genau soll, wird nicht klar.«Genau so ging es mir als Leser an jener Stelle auch. Und wie schon bei “Herkunft” habe ich die Gelegenheit genutzt, die Skepsis, die Verwirrung und die Irritation bewusst zu verdrängen und mich auf die Geschichten einzulassen, die Stanišić hier einmal mehr meisterhaft erzählt. Lose verbunden durch den roten Faden der Grundidee - Leben probehalber “anzuprobieren” und sich für deren Annahme oder Ablehnung zu entscheiden - erzählt Stanišić von wirklichen und “anprobierten” Leben. Umfassend, empathisch und meist mit einem Augenzwinkern...»Wir vier zum Beispiel. Ausländer in Deutschland. Ja, auch du, Nico, deine Mutter ist DDR, das zählt.«Gerade die frühen Helgoland-Sequenzen waren für mich zunächst weitgehend undurchdringlich und nur mäßig verständlich. Mit den späteren Erzählungen werden aber Mosaiksteinchen hinzugefügt, so dass sich letztlich auch hier ein klareres Bild einstellt.Bei aller Fantasie und aller literarischer Verspieltheit ist Stanišić doch klar und unzweideutig positioniert...»Er war diesmal in Uniform gekleidet, Mo, ganz in Schwarz. Auch die Mütze war schwarz, und darauf, sowie auf der Brusttasche, steckte dieser Hakenkreuzadler. Hundertpro verboten, heute aber wieder mehr im Gebrauch.Wo dieser Tage solch eine Uniform zu finden ist, da ist normalerweise auch entweder ein thüringischer Politiker auf einer von einem CDU-Mann gesponserten Feier im kleinen Kreise, eine kontroverse Ausstellung oder ein Theaterstück. Mo konnte zwar vieles sein, aber ein Nazi war er nicht, noch war er Museum oder Schauspieler, wobei Schauspieler noch am meisten.Mo breitete die Arme aus!Ich umarmte Mo.«Unglaublich sympathisch und für mich der Höhepunkt des Buches: Die Geschichte um titelgebende Witwe Gisel, deren Hermann schon vor Jahren verstorben ist, der aber immer noch höchst präsent ist...»Mit Hermann war nicht alles leicht gewesen, aber das meiste. Und darauf kommt es im gemeinsamen Leben an, dass man es miteinander meistens leicht hat.Mit Hermann war immer jemand da: Hermann.Mit Hermann brauchte sie nicht zaudern. Oder Hermann zauderte mit, das war auch schön.«(Mit Dir, C., auch!)Nun ist dies aber keine bittersüße Liebesschnulze aus der schlechten alten Zeit, und obschon sie sich dabei manchmal selbst überrascht, ist Gisel alles andere als ein trauerndes Mauerblümchen, das durch den nächsten Mann “errettet” werden muss...»In Büchern ging es meistens um Liebe: Kam eine Frau vor, kam auch die Liebe vor. Gisel mochte solche Bücher nicht. Sie mochte Bücher, in denen eine Frau vorkam, und ein Flugzeug stürzte ab, und die Frau war die einzige Überlebende und schlug sich, bewaffnet mit einer Zahnbürste, fortan durch die Wildnis. Sie zähmte einen Bären, der ihr treuer Begleiter wurde.«Gerade zum Thema Helgoland lässt Stanišić Heinrich Heine direkt und indirekt zu Wort kommen. Ganz im Gegensatz zum selbstgefälligen Bildungsprotz [a:Umberto Eco 1730 Umberto Eco https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1588941738p2/1730.jpg], der damit seine intellektuelle Dominanz demonstrieren wollte, gelingt es Stanišić mit geradezu spielerischer Leichtigkeit durch Anknüpfen an Erfahrungen und Emotionen eine “tragfähige” (glaubwürdige) Brücke durch die Zeiten zu schlagen und so ist es nur folgerichtig, dass im Rahmen der “Anproben” möglicher Leben auch ein gewisser “Harry Heine” mit dabei ist.Überhaupt gehören die Geschichten um die “Anproben” zu den weiteren Höhepunkten des Buches. Ein paar Allgemeinplätze und geradezu naturgesetzliche Selbstverständlichkeiten...»Früher mit Kinobesuchen, lang ist der letzte her, eine deutsche Komödie, wie hieß die noch, war nicht komisch.«... muß man schon über sich ergehen lassen, und Höhepunkte wie der “multikulturelle Faustdialog” (Herkunft: [b:Herkunft 44429051 Herkunft Saša Stanišić https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552569522l/44429051.SY75.jpg 68990636]) fehlen hier, aber die erzählerische und sprachliche Souveränität des Saša Stanišić suchen auch in diesem Buch in der deutschsprachigen Literatur des 21. Jahrhunderts ihresgleichen.»Dann mach es, mach dieses Einloggen. Ich will, dass du dieses Leben hast und kein anderes.«Fatih seufzt. »Mama, wir hatten und haben dieses Leben. Wir hätten unzählige andere haben können, weil wir unzählige andere Entscheidungen hätten treffen können, aber wir haben – zum Glück – solche getroffen, die dich zu meiner Mutter gemacht haben, und mich zu diesem heute ein bisschen gestressten Typen, der wieder Überstunden schieben wird, um den Fehler im System zu finden. Und der aber darüber total froh ist, weil er wahnsinnig gern Fehler sucht. Das kann nicht verschwinden, wir haben die Vergangenheit hinter uns und auch in uns, Mama.««Für diese neuerliche Bereicherung der deutschen Literatur durch den auch noch ungeheuerlich sympathisch wirkenden Saša Stanišić habe ich nur noch eines übrig: Fünf von fünf Sternen (und zwei feuchte Augen wegen des Schlusses).»Gräßlicher als der Patriotismus mit all seinen Geschwüren sind nicht einmal Zahnschmerzen.«Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
Ich erinnere mich noch genau, wie ich Gaston zum ersten Mal durch meinen Bruder kennenlernte, der eine beachtliche Sammlung der Comicbände besaß. Diese szenischen und oft anarchischen Abenteuer waren eine willkommene Abwechslung zu den eher konventionellen Geschichten, die meine Eltern bevorzugten. Als ich also “[b:Der ganze Gaston 25447961 Der ganze Gaston André Franquin https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677811802l/25447961.SY75.jpg 45212750]” von [a:André Franquin 261269 André Franquin https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1266299031p2/261269.jpg] in die Hände bekam, fühlte es sich an wie eine Reise zurück in diese Zeit.Gaston, diese chaotische, liebenswerte Figur, hat nichts an seinem Charme und geradezu unglaublichem Unterhaltungswert eingebüßt. Er bleibt der unorganisierte Erfinder und “Schlaffi” mit dem Herz am rechten Fleck, der ständig im Zentrum von Turbulenzen steht (die er zudem zumeist selbst verursacht hat). In vielen Momenten treibt Gaston seine Kolleg_innen, allen voran anfangs den völlig überforderten Redakteur Fantasio, später dann den beförderten Demel, in den Wahnsinn.Auch wenn Gastons Abenteuer oftmals in unvorhersehbaren Katastrophen münden, prägt ihn eine bemerkenswerte Kreativität und Innovationsfreude. Wie könnte ich die legendären „Eierkuchen à la Zeppelin” vergessen? Gastons Unschuld und sein Drang zu helfen, auch wenn er oft mehr Schaden als Gutes anrichtet, machen ihn so menschlich und liebenswürdig. Dies umso mehr, als seine Erfindungen nie bösartig (manchmal allerdings überaus schelmisch!) sind, sondern immer ein Zeichen seines unbeirrbaren Optimismus und seines Glaubens daran, die Welt zu verbessern.André Franquin verfolgt mit Gaston einen überaus menschlichen Ansatz mit viel anarchischem Humor, aber auch einer breiten Palette an Ideen - bis hin zu seinen auf den jeweiligen Strip abgestimmten Signaturen.“Gaston” war der Comic, den Franquin auch noch fortsetzte, als er den Comic “Spirou” aus Gründen seiner Depression abgeben musste. Gaston war für Franquin so wichtig, dass er verfügte, Gaston dürfe nach seinem Tod nicht fortgeführt werden. (Leider hat seine Tochter dies im Rahmen eines Vergleichs mit dem Verlag Dupuis aufgehoben.) Der Inbegriff der chaotischen (und trotzdem gewissermaßen systematischen) Kreativität, der Faulheit und Bequemlichkeit, seiner Erfindungsgabe und nicht zuletzt unerschütterlicher Tierliebe Gastons ist jedoch jenes zumindest für mich legendäre (und höchst erstrebenswerte!) Bild, das zudem gleichzeitig die Einstellung seiner Kolleg_innen zu Gaston beinahe perfekt widerspiegelt...Die vorliegende Sammlung umfasst nunmehr endlich alle jemals erschienenen Gaston-Strips in fünf Bänden auf 1200 denkwürdigen Seiten, die ich über die letzten Tage nach vielen Jahren “Abstinenz” im Sinne des Erwerbs höherer Weisheit rezipiert habe... ;-)Einzig weniger interessant in dieser Ausgabe fand ich die in jedem Band am Ende anzutreffenden Abschnitte “Auf den Spuren von Gaston”. Sie enthalten viel Text zur Entstehungsgeschichte, der bestimmt reizvoll und großartig ist, für mich aber nur den Fluss der rasanten Geschichten unterbricht. Doch die ebenfalls darin enthaltenen historischen Skizzen und Illustrationen sind ein wunderschöner Zusatz, der das Werk abrundet.Insgesamt ist “Der ganze Gaston” eine wunderbare Zeitkapsel voll (anarchischem) Humor und Wärme. Der zeit- und verschleißlose Charme Franquins einmaligen Werks hat die Jahrzehnte (erfunden bereits 1957!) tadellos überstanden und auf den rassistischen Charakter einer einzigen spezifischen Darstellung wird explizit hingewiesen und dieser eingeordnet. Außerdem war André Franquin auch als Comic-Zeichner immer engagiert - mit Greenpeace gegen den Walfang (Band 5, Seite 88) oder mit Amnesty International für die Menschenrechte (Band 5, Seite 151) und viele mehr.Wie also könnte ich diesem grandiosen Meisterwerk weniger als fünf von fünf Sternen verleihen? Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
Ich muss gestehen, dass “[b:Der geheimnisvolle Stern 15764351 Der geheimnisvolle Stern (Tim und Struppi, #10) Hergé https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1342946442l/15764351.SX50.jpg 173095]” für mich einer der langweiligeren Bände in [a:Hergés 2802356 Hergé https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1595847562p2/2802356.jpg] Tim-und-Struppi-Reihe ist. Die Geschichte beginnt mit Tims Entdeckung eines neuen, bedrohlichen Sterns, der scheinbar die Zerstörung der Erde bedeutet. Diese Katastrophe bleibt jedoch aus, und das drohende Unheil reduziert sich auf ein großes Bruchstück, das ins Polarmeer stürzt. Hergé versucht, mit einem Wettrennen zwischen einer von einer Bank finanzierten Expedition und Tim, der für die Europäische Forschungsgemeinschaft antritt, die Spannung aufrechtzuerhalten. Leider bleibt die Handlung relativ flach und repetitiv. Der Lichtblick des Bandes ist jedoch der erste Auftritt des grundsätzlich (hier allerdings weniger) unterhaltsamen Kapitän Haddocks, der in zukünftigen Abenteuern eine wichtige Rolle spielen wird.Auch für diesen Band ist es wichtig, die historischen Hintergründe zu kennen: Das Album erschien 1942 nach bereits zweijähriger Besetzung Belgiens durch Nazi-Deutschland. Hergé blieb davon nicht unbeeinflusst: Im Original heißt der dort amerikanische Bankier “Blumenstein” und ist unverkennbar antisemitisch dargestellt. In späteren Ausgaben wurde daraus “Bohlwinkel” aus dem fiktiven “Sao Rico” - die Darstellung blieb unverändert...Alles in allem: Ein unterdurchschnittlicher Band, der aber zumindest mit einigen netten Ideen (z. B. explodierende Riesenpilze) aufwarten kann. Sollte der Verlag jemals eine Neuauflage in Betracht ziehen, würde ich mir ein erklärendes Vorwort wünschen, um jüngeren Lesern die nötige historische Einbettung zu geben.Drei von fünf Sternen - trotz besonderer Sympathien mit Struppi...Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
“[b:Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone 60879779 Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (Ernest Cunningham, #1) Benjamin Stevenson https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663127884l/60879779.SY75.jpg 94183542]” by [a:Benjamin Stevenson 18206333 Benjamin Stevenson https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is a novel that, much like an overwrought comedian who never quite finds his audience, fails to strike the right chord with me. It promises a thrilling blend of mystery and dark humour but ultimately falls flat in both realms.From the outset, Stevenson's attempts to break the fourth wall are incessant and intrusive. The protagonist, Ernest, a novelist writing his own story, constantly reminds us of his authorial presence. This technique, rather than being clever or engaging, becomes a regular source of annoyance. For instance, at one point, he states:»I'll hold it here to mention that I know some authors are incapable of having a woman throw up without it being a clue to a pregnancy. These same authors seem to think nausea is the only indication of childbearing, not to mention their belief that vomit shoots out the woman's mouth within hours of plot-convenient fertilization. By some authors, I mean male ones. Far be it from me to tell you which clues to pay close attention to, but Sofia's not pregnant, okay? She's allowed to throw up of her own volition.«The author tries too hard to be funny, and the humour rarely lands. Ernest's self-aware commentary and sardonic wit are overplayed and fail to elicit the intended amusement.The book's primary claim to fame is its meta-narrative approach — a novelist writing his tale while being a character within it — but this ends up being a double-edged sword. While it might appeal to those who enjoy a postmodern twist, it did not work for me at all. The narrative remains disappointingly flat, with frequent self-reflections that add little to the story's depth or allure. Ernest's humour, rather than endearing, feels forced and sleazy, like a jaded comedian overstaying his welcome at the microphone.»I have to be aware that you're aware I'm writing this all down, is what I'm trying to say.«Stevenson's style largely fails to capture the spirit of the classic “Golden Age of Mystery” stories he so evidently seeks to emulate. The mystery itself drags aimlessly, with the plot unravelling at a snail's pace. One of the most telling examples of this tedious pacing can be found in the way crucial revelations are handled: The “big reveal” scene in the library of all places significantly lacks the flair of great detectives like Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes. Instead, it feels anticlimactic, leaving me yearning for the sharp wit and keen intellect of those classic sleuths.The second half of the book does pick up somewhat in terms of plot movement, but by then, the damage has been done. The long-winded setup means that what should be thrilling climactic moments feel disjointed and lacklustre. Even the most intriguing parts of the mystery fail to compensate for the overall tedium.Ultimately, I found the novel's attempt to blend humour and mystery underwhelming. The story lacks the urgency and tension that make a great mystery compelling, and the humour comes across as lacklustre rather than engaging. As much as this novel tried to wrap itself in the veneer of old-world charm and intellectual wit, it ultimately felt lazy and unconvincing. I'll be returning to more engaging and less self-indulgent reads. Two out of five stars. Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
A funny story, literally, was promised but what I actually got was a(nother) luke-warm novel by the [a:Emily Henry 13905555 Emily Henry https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1573928938p2/13905555.jpg] of “[b:Beach Read 52867387 Beach Read Emily Henry https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589881197l/52867387.SX50.jpg 67832247]” or “[b:Book Lovers 58690308 Book Lovers Emily Henry https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638867089l/58690308.SY75.jpg 92341790]” which were similarly uninspired.After having read “[b:Happy Place 61718053 Happy Place Emily Henry https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660145160l/61718053.SY75.jpg 97321939]” and “[b:People We Meet on Vacation 54985743 People We Meet on Vacation Emily Henry https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618913179l/54985743.SX50.jpg 67832306]” before, I approached this one with a sense of anticipation, although perhaps with a slight hint of trepidation, given the mixed experiences I've had with her writing.“[b:Funny Story's 194802722 Funny Story Emily Henry https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1691777485l/194802722.SY75.jpg 196167481]” plot is not without its merits; there are moments of genuine wit and insight that had me smiling in recognition. However, I found the overall experience to be somewhat lacking in substance.The characters are a mixed bag: They're not unlikable, by any means, but they lack the depth and complexity that would make them truly compelling. Their interactions are often predictable, and their motivations often feel muddled and unclear. This is particularly true of the main character (whose name I've already forgotten), whose internal struggles and conflicting emotions are a central focus of the story.The plot itself is engaging enough, although it does suffer from some pacing issues. There are moments when the story drags, and others where it feels rushed and overwhelmed. This inconsistency made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the narrative.Henry's writing style is, as always, pleasant and easy to read. Her prose is clear and concise, and she has a knack for creating vivid, evocative images. However, her writing often feels surface-level, lacking subtlety and nuance.In comparison to Henry's previous works, “Funny Story” falls somewhere in the middle. It's not as strong as “People We Meet on Vacation”, which I found to be a compelling exploration of home, love and friendship, but it's not as disappointing as “Beach Read”, which felt like a missed opportunity. It's a solid, if unremarkable, addition to her oeuvre.In conclusion, “Funny Story” is a decent read, but not more. It's a shame, actually, as there are moments of genuine brilliance in this novel, moments that hint at the potential that Henry has as a writer. It's a perfectly fine way to pass the time, but it's not a book that will linger in your memory long after you've turned the final page.Three out of five stars.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
After the delight that “[b:Angels Flight 32502 Angels Flight (Harry Bosch, #6; Harry Bosch Universe, #8) Michael Connelly https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1440615586l/32502.SY75.jpg 2449470]” was, I was eager to delve into [a:Michael Connelly's 12470 Michael Connelly https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1539114448p2/12470.jpg] “[b:City of Bones 84777 City of Bones (Harry Bosch, #8; Harry Bosch Universe, #11) Michael Connelly https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1441057369l/84777.SY75.jpg 1128039]”, the eighth instalment in the Harry Bosch series. Although it did not quite live up to the intensely riveting and thrilling standards set by some of its predecessors, it still proved to be a very enjoyable read.»The point is, this doctor says it was just a kid, Harry. So could you humor us and go check out this humerus?”«From the onset, Connelly's writing style was as engaging as ever; as a result, the story was well-paced, providing a steady flow of intrigue and suspense that kept me turning the pages. However, I did find certain sections to be a bit lagging, lacking the heart-pounding intensity that I've come to expect from a Bosch novel.»Bosch almost laughed.“The department doesn't care about it. The department cares about the image, not the truth. And when the truth endangers the image, then fuck the truth.”“Well, I care, Harry. And so do you.”Bosch looked down at the card and nodded and put it in his pocket.“Okay, I'll call you.”«Harry remains a compelling character. Connelly continues to explore Bosch's complex personality, delving into his psychological makeup and personal life, which adds depth to the narrative. Bosch's unyielding determination and relentless pursuit of justice are admirable, making him a true master of his craft. However, I found his character development in this book to be somewhat stagnant compared to earlier instalments.»Don't go existential on me, Harry. The important thing is that it means something to you. And if it means something to you, then it is important to do what you can.«The supporting characters were well-developed and added colour to the story. Connelly does a fantastic job of creating multi-dimensional characters that feel real and authentic. However, some of the secondary characters felt underutilised, and I would have liked to see them play a more significant role in the plot, e. g. Julia whose storyline felt unfinished... »“By the way, I'm Julia Brasher. I'm new in the division.”- “Harry Bosch.”“I know. I've heard of you.”- “I deny everything.”«Ultimately, if you're a fan of the Harry Bosch series, this book is definitely worth a read. If you're new to Bosch, consider “[b:Angels Flight 32502 Angels Flight (Harry Bosch, #6; Harry Bosch Universe, #8) Michael Connelly https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1440615586l/32502.SY75.jpg 2449470]” instead.Four stars out of five.»“Somebody once told me that life was the pursuit of one thing. Redemption. The search for redemption.”“For what?”“For everything. Anything. We all want to be forgiven.”Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
Let's get this review started with the best aspect of this novella: It's short! And that's a mercy because it tries to put a romance story into a post-apocalyptic world - and neither of these ideas actually works.The entire story felt forced, probably due to the length of this novella: the story never had a chance to develop and I feel very strongly that romance and apocalypse don't really fit well together. Especially not when the author, who “has been writing romance novels since she was twelve years old”, never progressed beyond that age writing-wise: Our heroine, Faith, shows her maturity by gratuitous use of the word “fuck”. All over the place.I don't mind vulgarity, but if it's just introduced for its real or perceived “shock value”, it quickly becomes annoying. Especially if, as is the case here, the writing is on an extremely “plain” level. Simple sentences, driving the mediocre story forward without any linguistic or semantic appeal - there are no redeeming qualities to the writing.Jackson, Faith's love interest, is a stereotypical grumpy, brooding young man without any other discernible character traits. He's basically just around to have sex with Faith. The resulting sex scenes are supposed to be steamy, but feel rather mechanical and sterile. There's lust but no passion. Nevertheless, after some sex and one kiss, they're in a relationship. Just like that. Oops.The apocalyptic parts are also rather bland. We're just being told about the death of billions and how devastated Earth now is but there's nothing to show for it. I know teenagers who have absorbed lots of “Walking Dead”, who, as a result, can evoke images of a devastated world more convincingly.When I started writing this review, I was going to award three stars. Two paragraphs earlier, I was down to two stars, and now this turd actually gets the one star out of five it deserves. Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
While I'm writing this, it's the 4th of May 2024. It still feels weird to live in a world without Paul Auster in it. When I went to bed on the 30th of April, he was still there. On the morning of the 1st of May, when I opened the New York Times app on my phone, a black-and-white picture of Paul Auster gave it away. I had known he was fighting cancer but I thought he had time... Time for more novels - after all, his novels have been present in my life for decades, most of my life. Auster's novels were never easy to read but they were worth the effort. Why am I prefacing a review of “[b:Angels Flight 32502 Angels Flight (Harry Bosch, #6; Harry Bosch Universe, #8) Michael Connelly https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1440615586l/32502.SY75.jpg 2449470]” with that? First and foremost, I'm writing these reviews for myself. They add to my enjoyment of the novel discussed and they also serve as a reminder of them, and who I was when I read them. Of course, I'm also writing them for you, dear reader, and I love it when you like them (so, hit that button right now, what are you waiting for?) but that's a bonus.When looking for my next read, I first reached for a novel by Auster but I quickly realised, in my state of mind, I couldn't enjoy it. So I decided to continue my Harry Bosch binge-reading and that turned out to be an excellent idea because it put me into a reading frenzy!This time, Harry is called in to investigate the murder of a hotshot civil rights lawyer who was suing the LAPD for extreme police brutality against his client. Harry quickly discovers that the lawyer was right and his client completely innocent. Harry's own colleagues, though, among them his former partner and old friend, Frankie Sheehan, as well as his nemesis, John Chastain of the Internal Affairs Division (IAD), feature prominently among the cast of this absolute page turner.»[Bosch] “What? What am I doing?”[Chastain] “You're thinning us out. That way you have better control.”He waited for Bosch to reply but only got silence.“But eventually, if we're going to do this thing right, you are going to have to trust us.”After a pause, Bosch said, “I know that.”«Teamed up with Chastain and his entourage at first, later joined by Roy Lindell of the FBI (and the previous novel), Bosch is the same old “hard-boiled” detective he always was, but - also as always - with a spin. Bosch is still willing to learn and to adapt. He's alienated by computers at best but in contrast to many of his colleagues, he's not only willing to learn but he's not shy to ask for help:»Rider came around the desk and looked down at the printout.“It's a web page.”“Right. So how do we get to it and take a look?”“Let me get in there.”«(Kizmin Rider is a female colleague of Harry's.)Sadly, as good as the novel is in almost every aspect, the author's fledgling grasp of the then-emerging web technology is embarrassingly rendered. What Connelly writes about web pages, cookies, and other stuff is probably the worst technobabble I've ever read. Highly annoying if one knows better but good enough for everyone else.As usual, Connelly's other writing is smooth and wonderfully readable. The story itself is very engaging and represents a clear step-up from the previous novel, easily becoming one of the most suspenseful Bosch novels so far.Unfortunately, the ending came unexpectedly quickly: The story was fully wrapped-up but the way it ends is satisfying in its consequences, but it feels rushed with chances to redeem a major character lost, and a few threads not loose, but at least not neatly tied up as in every other Bosch novel so far. Nevertheless, I read till I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and - very uncharacteristically for me - I started reading again almost immediately after waking up without even checking in on my computer.A clear winner that garners 4.5 stars out of five from me, rounded up to five.P.S.: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6eG0lyAgR-/Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
»“Still the same old Bosch. Your way or the highway.”«In this instalment, Bosch is back from his involuntary leave and investigates a case of the eponymous “trunk music” - a murdered man in the trunk of his own car. Bosch himself is pretty much as he always was but around him, things changed: His lieutenant, Pounds, is on another kind of involuntary and permanent “leave” and was replaced by Grace Billets.Bosch: »I'd heard that you didn't have any actual time on a homicide table while you were coming up,” he said to her.Billets: “That's true. My only job as an actual detective was working sexual crimes in Valley Bureau.”Bosch: “Well, for what it's worth, I would have assigned things just the way you just did.”Billets: “But did it annoy you that I did it instead of you?”Bosch thought a moment.Bosch: “I'll get over it.”«I liked this exchange - which is indicative of their entire relationship in this book - because, yes, he's still “same old Bosch”: Direct, confrontational, but honest, and willing to move beyond his prejudice.Billets recognises the old-fashioned cop and is equally direct, sparing him no challenges. She also stands up for him repeatedly. I very quickly took to Billets and greatly enjoyed her character. »“It's Bosch.”“Well, the Michelangelo of murder, the Rodin of homicide.”«Alas, not everything is as good as usual: There's a major twist after more than two thirds of the novel that the reader long sees coming. I was impatient with Bosch and colleagues to realise it and that somewhat marred my enjoyment.Nevertheless, the writing is still very good and there are some very suspenseful parts of the narration. I also enjoyed the reappearance of Eleanor Wish and “that one stop” in Vegas...3.5 stars out of five, rounded up to 4 stars.Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam