Andrew
A good mix of short stories about sex, violence, and greed from throughout Block's long career. Most are standalone stories, a few take place within his popular Matt Scudder series.
My favorite of the collection was the titular story, "Catch and Release, about a 'retired' serial killer. There were two other stories, "Clean Slate" and "Speaking of Lust" had elements that made me initially think they were related or describing the same events from different perspectives...but on further reflection, I think it was more a case of an author going back to the same well more than once in his career. Who knows how much it was intentional choice?
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My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.
A good mix of short stories about sex, violence, and greed from throughout Block's long career. Most are standalone stories, a few take place within his popular Matt Scudder series.
My favorite of the collection was the titular story, "Catch and Release, about a 'retired' serial killer. There were two other stories, "Clean Slate" and "Speaking of Lust" had elements that made me initially think they were related or describing the same events from different perspectives...but on further reflection, I think it was more a case of an author going back to the same well more than once in his career. Who knows how much it was intentional choice?
_____
My Rating Scale
5 stars - An all-time classic, a book that fundamentally changed or enriched my life. Would recommend to any and all readers.
4 stars - An excellent book that stands out in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the genre or subject matter.
3 stars - A perfectly serviceable book that may be entertaining or informative but does not push the envelope or linger long in the memory. Would recommend to pre-existing fans of the genre or author.
2 stars - A book that falls short in one or more areas of writing style, characterization, making a point, etc. Would only recommend with reservations or would not recommend at all.
1 star - A book that has nothing to say, or says it so poorly it isn't worth reading. Would not recommend and would actively warn away from.
