Lesa's Book Critiques: LISA SCOTTOLINE AT COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY
Monday, May 20, 2024
Little Big Crimes: Where's Dookie? by Greg Fallis
Little Big Crimes: Where's Dookie? by Greg Fallis: "Where's Dookie?" by Greg Fallis, in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, May/June 2024. This is the third appearance in this blo...
Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: Black River by Mathew Spencer
Black River
was shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Fiction in 2023,
and it won the 2023 Danger Award for Best Debut Crime Fiction. The Danger
Awards recognize crime fiction books showcasing Australia in the setting, which
Black River certainly does.
When another
dead girl was found wrapped in black plastic at an exclusive boys’ school in
the Sydney suburbs during the Christmas holidays, popular belief was that the
Blue Moon Killer had claimed another victim. Rose Riley, the sergeant assigned
to homicide chief Steve O’Neil as part of the task force trying to identify the
serial killer responsible for two deaths already, was on the scene with the
rest of the forensic team.
Also present
was Adam Bowman, a general assignment reporter for a floundering newspaper,
whose editor knew Bowman had attended the school and expected him to find a way
around the blockades set up by the police to obtain exclusive photographs.
Bowman did not disappoint and his stock with his employer shot up, much to the
disgust of the crime beat reporter who was striking out in his attempts to get
information.
Riley and
Bowman cross paths on the school campus and they both try to take advantage of
the other’s specialized knowledge to further their career goals.
While I
really dislike the current trend of serial killer crime fiction, the serial
killer aspect was secondary to the details of the criminal investigation and to
the journalistic angles. The dual points of view give simultaneous insight into
the police work and into the operations of a traditional newsroom. The choice
of the sergeant instead of the lead detective as protagonist is original, just
as the selection of a second-string reporter instead of the star crime beat
writer is.
As usual, I
had to look up the occasional Australian vernacular or catchphrase. And the multiple
references to the summer weather over Christmas holidays was disorienting. The
Australian landscape is a key part of the book’s context.
Kirkus
(May 1, 2023) liked
this edgy, somber piece of crime fiction with a surprise ending, calling it “An engaging police procedural with a
little something extra.” The second book in the series is scheduled for
publication in August 2024 in Australia and in June 2025 in the U.S.
·
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
(July 1, 2023)
·
Language: English
·
Paperback: 303 pages
·
ISBN-10: 1662510063
·
ISBN-13: 978-1662510069
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3yrEHRZ
Aubrey Nye Hamilton ©2024
Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian who works on
Federal It projects by day and reads mysteries at night.
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Bitter Tea and Mystery: It's Almost Time for 20 Books of Summer 2024
Bitter Tea and Mystery: It's Almost Time for 20 Books of Summer 2024: This is my ninth year of participating in the 20 Books of Summer reading challenge. The event is hosted by Cathy at 746 Books . The even...
Saturday, May 18, 2024
SleuthSayers: From MM to WW
SleuthSayers: From MM to WW: So far this month, the publication gods have been kind to me--at least with magazines. Not long ago at this blog, I mentioned that most o...
Scott's Take: X-Men: Season One by Dennis Hopeless
X-Men: Season One by Dennis
Hopeless, released in March 2012, is part of a series of books under the “Season
One” tagline. These reads are designed to be a modern expansion of the origins
of various heroes. Instead of totally rewriting the origins of the characters,
the goal here is to add to the original origin story.
In this case,
readers begin with the first team of X-Men gathered by Professor X. This story
is told mostly through the perspective of Jean Grey, the first female X-Men, as
she learns to accept her gifts and learns to become part of a team. The team
consists of Angel (rich pretty boy with wings), Iceman (team jokester with ice
powers), Cyclops (closed off team leader who skills is launching concussive
blasts from out of his eyes), and Beast (genius with superhuman physical
abilities). Jean, Cyclops, and Angel have a teen love triangle because that is
what high school age teens do when not doing superhero stuff. The usual teen
love triangle drama ensues as they face off against Magneto, Unus the
Untouchable, and others.
The art is
pretty cool and displays the action well. It also does a good job of
illustrating the character moments well too. There is drama, action, and
character exploration as the team struggles to find themselves as individuals
as well as work together as a team. This is a good story for people who want to
explore the early days of the first X-Men team in the comics.
Overall, I
highly enjoyed this read.
Amazon Associate
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4djltxL
My reading copy
came from the North Oak Cliff Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.
Scott A. Tipple ©2024
Friday, May 17, 2024
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Bad Boy Beat by Clea Simon
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Bad Boy Beat by Clea Simon: Reviewed by Jeanne Emily Kelton is a journalist, currently working for the Boston Standard on three months’ probation before becoming...
Beneath the Stains of Time: The Hit List: Top 10 Best Translations & Reprints from Locked Room International
Beneath the Stains of Time: The Hit List: Top 10 Best Translations & Reprints ...: The last time I compiled a list, " The Hit List: Top 5 Intriguing Pieces of Impossible Crime Fiction That Vanished into Thin Air ,"...
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
MAKE MINE MYSTERY: L'Envoi
MAKE MINE MYSTERY: L'Envoi: by Janis Patterson I wish I could play the violin - I’d play something slow and sad and which plucks the heartstrings. Saying good-bye is al...
SleuthSayers: Saying Uncle
SleuthSayers: Saying Uncle: I am delighted to have a story in the May/June issue of Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine. "Professor Pie is Going to Die"...
Bitter Tea and Mystery: Short Story Wednesday: "Runaway" by Alice Munro
Bitter Tea and Mystery: Short Story Wednesday: "Runaway" by Alice Munro: Last night I spent the evening reading several short stories by Lorrie Moore. But this morning I heard that Alice Munro had died at 92, and ...
Jerry's House of Everything: SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: THE MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS
Jerry's House of Everything: SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: THE MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS: "The Massacre of the Innocents" by Maurice Maeterlinck (first "appeared in 1886 in a small magazine" in Belgium; this ...
Short Story Wednesday Review: Mystery Magazine: April 2024
“Palomino
Coal” by Doug Crandell opens the Mystery Magazine: April 2024 issue.
Dani and her cousin, Kimmy, at the coal mine at Snow Hill awaiting their
grandfather to come out of the mine. Coal mine located in Vigo County, Indiana.
When the shift ends, their grandfather does not come out, and the hunt for him
is on.
He
went to the speakeasy to see a dame in “On The Pad” by R.T. Lawton. The cop was
setup and now he has to go have a meet with a local crime boss. Not only did
Detective Everett Maitland get played by the woman, she has put him in a real
bind. The kind that could easily get him killed.
Larry
Alan Ruse is next with “Dance with the Dolly.” Jennifer Seymour is visiting
with her friend, Matilda Gray, who has a great home in the suburbs outside New
Haven Connecticut. The retired Yale University librarian is quite the mystery
fan. She has an extensive mystery collection as well as textbooks on forensic
science. She has an extensive mystery collection as well as textbooks on
forensic science. That means she knows a thing or three. That will come in
handy as this package is going to be far more complicated than she expected
when she did the gift order for her granddaughter’s birthday.
It
is back to a historical setting in the next tale that focuses on the legendary
lawman, Gus Hachette. In “First Arrest” by Jim Doherty, the backstory on how Gus
Hachette became a lawman, instead of a preacher, is explained. Hachette was
lucky to survive.
It
is just a few years after the depression has ended in “Cover Of The Moon” by
Robert Mitchell and our narrator is a man that rides the rails with no set
place. He’s back in Hogg Bend, Kentucky, because he heard his Pa has died. Lots
of things have changed. Some for the better. Others for considerably worse. One
of those worst deals is the fact that a bully from school back in the day is
now the deputy sheriff. The man is best avoided. Easier said than done.
It
is back to contemporary times in “Flight Control” by Jacob Aaron Reingold.
Elenna is on the plane with her children, Daniil, 14, and Zarya, 7, and headed
back to their home in the Middle East. She is less than thrilled to be going
back to the Sheikdom. She doesn’t have much of a choice as she is on the plane
headed there from Paris. It will fly over her homeland, Balgor, which she has
not been in since the war. Her options are very limited and one man on her
flight seems intent on making things worse.
“In-Laws
And Out-laws by John Floyd is the “You-Solve-It” this month. Retired Valentine
is looking for her daughter, the sheriff. She finds her at a house where
Sheriff Lucy Valentine is annoyed that her barbecue grill has vanished from her
back patio. Good thing mom came to help investigate. The solution appears in
the May issue.
This
issue closes with the solution to the March “You-Solve-It” story, “The Wisdom of
Solomon” by Eric B. Ruark.
The
seven tales presented in the Mystery Magazine: April 2024 issue
are all good ones. Diversity, as always, is the concept with this publication.
It is again present here as the tales involved showcase a wide range of storytelling
styles and themes. Those who like historical tales will find much to enjoy here
as most of the stories presented in the issue fit that designation.
The
result is another solidly good issue.
Amazon
Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4btE5tf
For quite some time now I have been gifted a subscription by the publisher with no expectation at all of a review.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2024
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Mystery Fanfare: Inspired by actual events… Guest post by Gina X. Grant
Mystery Fanfare: Inspired by actual events… Guest post by Gina X. G...: It happened to a friend of a friend… Ripped from the headlines… Inspired by actual events… Back in 2020, my niece excitedly told me, “You’l...
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer: Reviewed by Kristin Evie Sage is looking for a job. Employment isn’t that easy to come by in her fantasy/magical/medieval kingdom of R...
Beneath the Stains of Time: Dr. Morelle Investigates (2009) by Ernest Dudley
Beneath the Stains of Time: Dr. Morelle Investigates (2009) by Ernest Dudley: Vivian Ernest Coltman-Allen, known better under his adopted stage-and penname of " Ernest Dudley ," was an English actor, dramatis...
SleuthSayers: A Thousand Miles from Nowhere
SleuthSayers: A Thousand Miles from Nowhere: Presenting the Edgar Award for Best Short Story. Photo by Aslan Chalom. I returned home after two weeks on the road to find myself hip-deep...
Monday, May 13, 2024
Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: Lethal Resuscitation by Mairi Chong
Mairi Chong
is a former practicing physician from Scotland, who puts both her training and
her knowledge of the Scottish countryside to good use in her series about Dr.
Cathy Moreland, a general practitioner who lives and works in the north of
Scotland.
In the sixth
book of the series Dr. Moreland is attending a certification class for
emergency treatment of unconscious patients. The attendees all have different
reasons for taking the class, some need the continuing education credits, some
want to upgrade their skills, one couple needs the class as a prerequisite to
their being able to take a position on one of the islands off the coast of
Scotland. The three instructors are urgent care specialists of long standing,
one of whom is a close friend of Dr. Moreland’s from medical school.
The lead
instructor is arrogant and overbearing and loses no time in antagonizing
everyone, including the other instructors. His teaching style involves
humiliating students and contradicting his colleagues. At the end of the first
day of the course, everyone is feeling tense and Dr. Moreland retires early
with a migraine. Most of the others settle in for a long night of drinking.
The next day
is supposed to be a practical application of the previous day’s instruction. A
room was to be set up with replica patients. When Dr. Moreland and a few of the
others enter the room in the morning, they find the body of the lead instructor
who has been suffocated with some of the equipment left for use during the workshop.
Since the
hotel has been closed for the sole use of the class, the pool of suspects is
well defined. All of them naturally are required to stay during the
investigation, creating an uncomfortable and anxious atmosphere. Adding to the
strain are anonymous letters that have been left for most of the participants.
The plot here
is more involved than I expected. All of the doctors have an unhappy episode in
their past and therein lies the motivation for the murder, which is not obvious
to the reader. The killer is well hidden in plain sight with some excellent
misdirection. The descriptions of the Scottish coast could be borrowed for the
local tourism agency. Especially for fans of medical mysteries.
·
Publisher: Bloodhound Books (May
31, 2022)
·
Language: English
·
Paperback: 242 pages
·
ISBN-10: 1504076532
·
ISBN-13: 978-1504076531
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3y7L0K7
Aubrey Nye Hamilton ©2024
Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian who works on Federal It projects by day and reads mysteries at night.
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Little Big Crimes: Mine Eyes Dazzle, by M.K. Waller
Little Big Crimes: Mine Eyes Dazzle, by M.K. Waller: "Mine Eyes Dazzle," by M.K. Waller, in Dark of the Day, edited by Kaye George, Down and Out Books, 2024. As you probably know by...
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Wife and Mother and So Missed
Sandi and I on the apartment porch a few years back. She was doing chemo, confident that she would beat cancer, and feeling pretty good at the time. I'd do pretty much anything to have her back here where she belongs.
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Scott's Take: Aquaman: Andromeda by Ram V
Aquaman: Andromeda by Ram V, Illustrator Christian Ward, is part of the Black Label line of the DC Universe. This read is designed for adult readers and is supposed to be a stand-alone book in its own universe. In this tale, Aquaman is more of a periphery character, despite the fact that he is prominently billed. While he is the hero in the book, his role is very limited and he is by no means the central character.
The book is about the crew of an
ocean dwelling vessel that is sent to investigate a sunken alien like structure
under water. Things go wrong and Black Manta is also involved. Aquaman does
hero things and tries to save everyone from themselves.
This is a horror book, but not
very scary in my opinion. The horror is rather tame despite the Black Label
designation. The art is really good and depicts several amazing aquatic scenes.
The characters are interesting if not fully developed because of the short
length of the book. I wish Black Manta and Aquaman played bigger roles in this.
They are depicted as basically being larger than life characters so their
screen time is limited. The screen time they are used in is good, but the focus
is on ordinary people of the crew and not the big-time hero/villain.
While this is a fun book, it is
not really an Aquaman book. While it is supposed to be a horror book, I found
the horror elements rather tame. If one has experience with any Lovecraftian
horror, then the elements here are not very innovative or unique. It’s easy not
to be afraid when you have seen this type of thing before.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3TNzqfM
My hardback reading copy came
from the Lakewood Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.
Scott A. Tipple ©2024
Friday, May 10, 2024
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: A Scarlet Death by Elaine Viets
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: A Scarlet Death by Elaine Viets: Reviewed by Jeanne Angela Richman is a death investigator for Chouteau County, which means she is one of the first called to the scene...
Jerry's House of Everything: FORGOTTEN BOOK: WRITE FOR YOUR LIFE
Jerry's House of Everything: FORGOTTEN BOOK: WRITE FOR YOUR LIFE: Write for Your Life: The Home Seminar for Writers by Lawrence Block (1986) Lawrence Block is a talented writer and editor with (by my coun...
FFB Review: Apprentice in Death: In Death Series by J.D. Robb
It isn’t the first-time acts of terrorism have
killed and injured people in New York city. It has struck again at an ice rink
at Central Park. Three are dead as Apprentice in Death by J.D.
Robb begins. Dozens are injured. There are many witnesses. But, nobody saw
where the pulse steams came from to take down three random people.
That is because the steams were fired from elevation
over a mile away. The shooter, a “Long Distance Serial Killer,” or LDSK in the parlance
of the book, has incredible skills. No doubt the killer has had, highly specialized
training of the kind given to members of the military and law enforcement. Such
a person that would do this, in Dallas’ mind, would not stop after three kills.
She is sure there will be more attacks.
She would be right.
One of the more intense reads of the series, Apprentice
in Death by J.D. Robb, is a good one. The usual flaws are here,
especially in POV head hopping. At the same time, the story itself quickly
pulls you deep into the read. As a result, this reader started the book midafternoon
and ended up reading it long after midnight, so as to finish the read.
It was well worth it.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3v3qzwW
My reading copy through the Libby/Overdrive App and
the Dallas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2024
Thursday, May 09, 2024
Beneath the Stains of Time: 13 to the Gallows (2008) by John Dickson Carr and Val Gielgudand
Beneath the Stains of Time: 13 to the Gallows (2008) by John Dickson Carr and ...: This year marks the 30th anniversary of Douglas G. Green's founding of Crippen & Landru , a small publishing firm specialized in sho...
Wednesday, May 08, 2024
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Nevermore: My Name is Red, Himself: A Novel, The Covenant of Water
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Nevermore: My Name is Red, Himself: A Novel, The ...: Reported by Rita My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk A furor erupts when the Sultan hires a group of artists, under the direction of Master Un...
Jerry's House of Everything: SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: FEUD'S END
Jerry's House of Everything: SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: FEUD'S END: "Feud's End" by E. Hoffmann Price (from Spicy Western Stories , July 1937; reprinted in Skeleton Creek Feud and Others: The ...
Short Story Wednesday Review: Hoods, Hot Rods, and Hellcats Editor Chad Eagleton
Been a really bad three weeks here,
physically and mentally, so I am dipping into the massive archive yet again…
The title of Hoods, Hot Rods, and Hellcats says it all even before you get to the cover tag line of Drive Fast. Kill Young. Love A Pretty Girl. This anthology edited by Chad Eagleton certainly delivers on that premise. The image of the 50's depicted in Happy Days, American Graffiti, and others is quickly shattered by the introduction by Mick Farren. It sets a tone that is held up quite well by the eight authors involved in the book.
Coming up first is Christoper Grant with “1958: Somewhere In Texas” where three young lesbians are on a robbery and killing spree. Shifting in time back and forth across several months it becomes clear how things began and escalated quickly.
“Red Hot” by Thomas Puck follows next with a tale of Bobby, Karen, and the love of fast cars and beautiful woman. Both are equally dangerous and like a lot of other things can end up being expensive in so many ways.
Don Bayliss likes to steal things. It is a passion for him. 17 year old Sharon has ignited another passion in “Forlorn Hope” by Matthew Funk. Having seen combat he is looking for something. He isn't the only one looking.
Brothers Charlie and Butch rob places in “Only The Vultures
Will See Me Hang” by Nik Korpon. Both served and saw combat and get along well
enough most of the time. Then, there are the other times when plans don't go so
well just like what often happened in combat.
A guitar is the supreme goal for John. Growing up in a Christian household he should have known not to steal it. But, he did and then things got rough in “Lola” by Eric Beetner.
Editor Chad Eagleton comes next with his tale “Blue Jeans And A Boy's shirt. “ A fast car, a sawed off shotgun, and a girl walking on a bridge change the future for Lonnie Bonner. Like other stories in the anthology, combat flashbacks play a major role in this tale. Combat that though it happened in the past still fuels the actions of Lonnie now as well as many others in these tales.
“Scarred Angel” by Heath Lowrance comes next with a tale
where a beautiful hellcat is the one driving the action. Unlike most of the
preceding stories where the guys are running things (or at least appear to be)
in this case a woman dubbed “Frankie Scar” is definitely running the show.
Scotty knew she was something when he saw her at “Jimmy Bo's.” Thanks to his
buddies he finally went and said hello. Thanks to her he soon was on a wild
ride he would be lucky to survive.
“Headless Hoggy Style” by David James Keaton is the final and possibly the most disturbing story of the anthology. Jake is never sure what Cherry is thinking. He plans on getting her to talk and Uncle Jake might be able to help. He also has some things to do as does his Uncle in this dark tale.
The book closes with an acknowledgments section detailing
the contributions of those who kept the project alive followed by detailed bios
of the contributor's.
Reviewing a collection or an anthology is tough as one does
not want to give away too much and ruin the stories. This was certainly the
case here with these very complicated tales. They are violence filled short
stories peopled by characters that usually do what they want when they want to
do it. Adult language, adult situations, and more fill the pages of this
anthology that proves the point made in the introduction. There was a very dark
and very violent side to the 50's and Hoods, Hot Rods and Hellcats
gives you a small glimpse of that along with some solidly good stories.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3wftIuh
E-book was provided by the editor in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2014, 2024
Tuesday, May 07, 2024
Mystery Fanfare: AFTER THE FLOOD: British TV series on Britbox
Mystery Fanfare: AFTER THE FLOOD: British TV series on Britbox: After the Flood premieres May 13 on BritBox . Set in a town dealing with the aftermath of a devastating flood, After the Flood follows de...
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen: Reviewed by Jeanne Dedicated New Yorker Rooney Gao is an artist. She uses the pseudonym “Red String Girl” for her art because she wa...
Review: A Lonesome Place for Dying: A Novel by Nolan Chase
A Lonesome Place for Dying: A Novel by Nolan Chase takes the reader to Blaine, Washington, in
this very good police procedural. Veteran Ethan Brand has been through some
things. He came home, got off the drugs, got on the local police force, and is
now 42 years old. He is also now the new chief of police for the town of just
over six thousand. The Canadian Border is just north of town with Bellingham,
and 90 miles away, Seattle, to the south.
It is April and so the tourists have yet to descend in mass.
Things should be somewhat easy on his first day in the new job as he has been
on the force for a number of years now and pretty much knows everybody. It also
helps he grew up there.
There have been some strange things happening at his house.
There is also the stress of being the new boss. Especially when Officer Brenda Lee
Paige was skipped over by the former chief, Frank Keogh, when he recommended to
the council they appoint, Ethan Brand. Frank’s son, Mal Keogh, also still works
in the department and is clearly not ready to recognize Brand as his boss. Frank
has also left him the pollical problem as to what to do Officer Cliff Mooney.
He is trying to smooth things over with Brenda Lee, at least
a little bit, when Officer Ruiz calls in over the radio and requests assistance
out at MO’s Scrapyard on the southeast side of the town. There is a body about
a mile and a quarter from the scrapyard. Officer Ruiz was out at the yard on
the vandalism call. The owner had thought it was kids and that they were still
around on the nearby train tracks. They went looking to see if they could find
the kids, or evidence tied into them, and found the body instead.
The deceased woman appears to be in her late twenties. It
appears she was stabbed twice in her right side. It was raining until just
after midnight and her clothing is dry. There is also no sign of anything
around the body. Brand is left to wonder if she, somehow, came off of the train
as it rolled by on the tracks a few feet away, or some other way.
What follows is a complicated police procedural that
features a lot of world building. Rich and full small town characters including
Brand, and a complicated mystery, are all at work here in A Lonesome
Place for Dying. It takes familiar tropes, such as the veteran wounded
and back home trying to stay sober, and turns them in new ways that reveal
depth and nuance of characters. Those side excursions into backstory don’t slow
the forward motion of the tale. Instead, they enhance the read.
Everything combines incredibly well together to create a
mighty good read. One that hopefully is the start of a series. A Lonesome
Place for Dying: A Novel by Nolan Chase is absolutely strongly
recommended.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3Unsdlx
My reading copy was a digital ARC from the publisher,
Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley and was provided with no expectation of a
review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2024
Monday, May 06, 2024
Little Big Crimes: The Mysterious Woman in the Lifeguard Chair, by Bruce W. Most
Little Big Crimes: The Mysterious Woman in the Lifeguard Chair, by Br...: "The Mysterious Woman in the Lifeguard Chair," by Bruce W. Most, in Mystery Magazine, May 2024. This is the second story by Mo...
Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: Other Plans by Caimh McDonnell
I read Other
Plans (McFori Ink, 2023) by Caimh
McDonnell last year and added it to my favorite books of the year list (https://happinessisabook.com/best-reads-of-2023/).
What with one thing and another, and another and another, I did not get around
to writing about it. Having quelled a few of the alligators gnawing on my
ankles, I had a bit of breathing room last weekend and re-read this fourth book
about former Garda Bunny McGarry’s adventures in the United States. His life in
Ireland is chronicled in the intriguingly named Dublin Trilogy
which consists so far of 7 books, a novella, and several short stories.
McGarry has
come to the United States in search of a former girlfriend. He has determined
that Sister Bernadette of the Sisters of the Saint has information about her
location. Unfortunately Sister Bernadette and Sister Assumpta have been
kidnapped and are being held for ransom. The required payment is Carlos Breida,
a tall neurodivergent young man whose simplicity of manner conceals a brilliant
mind that holds information important to multiple criminal organizations. So
with an admirable single-mindedness, McGarry enlists two of his friends in
breaking Carlos out of a high-security prison and driving him to a delivery
point for exchange with the two sisters.
All of this
activity takes place in earlier books, creating many questions. Like, how did
McGarry learn of all this? Why was
Carlos in prison? Why were the sisters kidnapped? And which saint are they the
sisters of? (Once you know more about the sisters, you will have the same
question.) While normally reading books out of sequence does not pose much of
an issue for me, as I pick up enough of the back story to fill in the important
missing pieces, I cannot recommend that approach for this series. McGarry leads
such an event-filled life that reading the books in order and taking careful
notes seems to be called for.
Anyway, the
book opens with McGarry and his friends taking evasive maneuvers to avoid the
recapture of Carlos by the Ratenda Cartel, who objected fervently to his
removal from the prison. They are in Oregon in a desolate area and make a short
pit stop at a small bar. They quickly learn that the Huntsman’s Lodge is the
headquarters of a white supremacist faction and motorcycle gang, where
strangers are definitely not welcome. Moreover, the heretofore inconsequential
group is about to hit the big time, as they have taken delivery of a large arms
shipment they expect to hand off the day after our hapless crew wanders into
their lair.
Tensions are
high, IQs are at an all-time low, and common sense is conspicuous by its
absence. The resulting mayhem is amazingly violent, screamingly funny, and
colorfully narrated, which pretty much sums up the rest of the book. I found it
just as hilarious on the second read as I did on the first.
McDonnell has
a strikingly original mind. If he had been around in the 1970s, I would assume
that he had experimented liberally with pharmaceuticals but I see that he is
too young for that freewheeling time. Whatever its genesis, his startling creativity
results in inventive characters and unexpected action-filled scenarios that
would film well. He has a razor-keen sense of comedic timing and his writing is
crisp and flowing. I sincerely hope he is hard at work on another installment
of McGarry Stateside, as I am eager to know what happens next.
The most
entertaining book I have read in months. I loved it. Highly recommended.
·
Publisher: McFori Ink (October 13,
2023)
·
Language: English
·
Paperback: 328 pages
·
ISBN-10: 1912897512
·
ISBN-13: 978-1912897513
Amazon
Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3wp7INt
Aubrey Nye
Hamilton ©2024
Aubrey
Hamilton is a former librarian who works on Federal It projects by day and
reads mysteries at night.
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