I don’t think you can beat a Connelly for the characters and detailed police procedural descriptions. Lucky to pick up 2 books at the local Charity shI don’t think you can beat a Connelly for the characters and detailed police procedural descriptions. Lucky to pick up 2 books at the local Charity shop. This one and the one that follows in hardback. A discerning reader must have moved into the area.
Ballard is similar to Bosch. A loner, dog lover and entirely focussed on doing a great job. In the last book I read she was living on the beach. Surfing, walking her dog and working the midnight shift. In this story her dog has passed and she is living in a condo. But still working nights.
Two stories in this book. One about a pair of rapists - ‘The Midnight Men� and the other about the murder of an ex gang member. Set in Covid times so Ballard wearing her mask and dragging Harry off to get his jab.
Thankful that I still have more Connelly’s to read...more
Another great Grisham read. Fast with twists. Two sons are summoned by their father a retired judge to discuss his Will. The eldest son Ray Atlee arriAnother great Grisham read. Fast with twists. Two sons are summoned by their father a retired judge to discuss his Will. The eldest son Ray Atlee arrives early to find his father dead and over 3 million dollars secreted in cardboard boxes.
Then we follow Ray as he attempts to find out where the money came from and trying to keep his younger brother (a drug addict) in the dark about the money.
Didn’t see the twist coming. Enjoyed the story....more
After a couple of Beevor’s - Stalingrad and The Spanish Civil War. Time for another non-fiction read. This one covering the period just before the 6 JAfter a couple of Beevor’s - Stalingrad and The Spanish Civil War. Time for another non-fiction read. This one covering the period just before the 6 June 1944 D-Day invasion upto the 25th August and the liberation of Paris.
Whilst not having the visceral violence of ‘Saving Private Ryan� or ‘Band of Brothers.� James Holland portrays the horror of this campaign through eye witness statements from both the Allied and German sides. 700 pages of narrative, maps and photos. Particularly liked the postscript that followed up on many of the fighting characters.
Some interesting observations on Bradbury, Churchill, Eisenhower and Patton as well as the German commanders. My favourite being the portrait of Montgomery as a tetchy, on the spectrum spikey individual. Lovely story of him with de Gaulle:
‘On arrival, de Gaulle spoke to Montgomery at length in French. It was a good job Monty couldn’t understand, because de Gaulle was explaining how, now he was in France, he was in charge. Eventually, when he abruptly stopped talking , his ADC stepped forward and said, ‘The General thanks you for your gallant liberation of France.�
The authors writing style makes 700 pages flash by. Comments like:
‘Dietrich was a good Nazi and brave soldier, but not the sharpest tool in the shed.�
‘The roasting of human flesh and the combustion of ammunition and the defecation of a million voracious flies created an aura of such sense-assaulting horror that we recoiled.�
make the real life story flow. Wonderful stories of heroism, ineptitude and sacrifice on both sides. Inside the back cover it mentions the Author has a 3 part documentary on Prime - Normandy �44 that I will dig out....more
I read the last Wallender - ‘The Troubled Man� a few years ago. Deeply powerful read as it left him ageing into further cognitive decline. My only sa I read the last Wallender - ‘The Troubled Man� a few years ago. Deeply powerful read as it left him ageing into further cognitive decline. My only saving grace being there were still Wallenders I had not yet read and more books by Mankell before he passed away.
This book was another powerful read. Nazi’s, murders, a policeman like Wallender - Lindman. Lindman is 37 but has just received his cancer of the tongue diagnosis. On sick leave he sets out to investigate an old colleague’s murder in a remote cottage in Sweden.
As usual Mankell writes a book you don’t want to put down. Great story line and dialogue as always. Lindman with his troubles would have made a worthy successor to Wallender....more
People who read this book now, 10 years after publication, have either seen the film or damn well need to. It has been one of my favourites and probabPeople who read this book now, 10 years after publication, have either seen the film or damn well need to. It has been one of my favourites and probably watched circa 10 times.
‘The explosive true story of how six men fought a terror attack and repelled enemy forces.�
This is a narrative account of the attack on 11 September 2012 of the US compound in Benghazi, Libya and the death of Christopher Stevens the American Ambassador to Libya. The introduction gives a good overview of the history of Libya. But states at the outset that the author won’t focus on the political fallout from the incident ie the Hilary Clinton connection.
The story builds at pace. But the film is I think even better in that the visceral violence, comic incidents and surreal sights ( sheep) and overall sadness are even more richly painted.
The security operators (contractors) are ex military mainly navy SEALS and know their business. Whilst those they are protecting do not see their real value until it is too late. Not much is made of Bob the CIA staffer in the book. But his poor decision making and cowardice are richly portrayed by Bob Costabile of ‘Billions� fame in the film. Leave you with a nice quote:
‘They are not combat CO’s, they’re intel collectors. They’re f’ing glorified desk jockeys, that’s what they are. They’re smart people, but smart doesn’t outsmart a bullet. They don’t want us here, until something bad happens.� ( Kris “Tanto� Paronto on the CIA staffers they protected).
After seeing Sarah Snook play all the characters in her recent one woman show I had to read the book. To be fair I started then read others in betweenAfter seeing Sarah Snook play all the characters in her recent one woman show I had to read the book. To be fair I started then read others in between. Not being able to sleep after arriving in Madeira for the start of a holiday, I finished the book on a free download on my phone.
I think the story is well known. I enjoyed reading it. Dorian’s friend Lord Harry Wooton reminded me of Aleister Crowley and his ‘do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law� philosophy.
Wonderful writing and can even remember some of the bits Snook read.
“How sad it is!" murmured Dorian Gray with his eyes still fixed upon his own portrait. "How sad it is! I shall grow old, and horrible, and dreadful. But this picture will remain always young. It will never be older than this particular day of June.... If it were only the other way! If it were I who was to be always young, and the picture that was to grow old! For that--for that--I would give everything! Yes, there is nothing in the whole world I would not give! I would give my soul for that!�
“When I find that I am growing old, I shall kill myself.�
“They say that when good Americans die they go to Paris," chuckled Sir Thomas, who had a large wardrobe of Humour's cast-off clothes. "Really! And where do bad Americans go to when they die?" inquired the duchess. "They go to America," murmured Lord Henry.� ...more
What is the value of being a criminal investigator in a state run by criminals?�
I recently read the second book in this series by Simon Scarrow. An auWhat is the value of being a criminal investigator in a state run by criminals?�
I recently read the second book in this series by Simon Scarrow. An author I only knew from his Roman stories of the legionaries Macro and Cato.
Now having read the first in the series I am looking forward to a third. The Kripo police officer Horst Schenke is an interesting character. He comes from an old family and deliberately dropped the Von from his surname. He was a famous racing car driver who damaged his leg in an accident. So not fit for the army he joins the police. Also he is dating the niece of Admiral Canaris of the Abwehr. He also has a strong moral compass and rejects the third reich.
Strong story about the hunt for a serial killer. A nice twist at the end and a rollicking good read....more
After reading ‘Ash,� the last of the authors series of stories about the parapsychologist David Ash some time ago. I now finish ‘Haunted,� the first iAfter reading ‘Ash,� the last of the authors series of stories about the parapsychologist David Ash some time ago. I now finish ‘Haunted,� the first in the series published in 1988. This book found in a book drop outside a local scout camp. Able to read quickly as woke in the early hours.
This was not as good as ‘Ash� nor indeed some of his other works. But it paints the picture of a sceptical man wanting to debunk ghosts. But finding in this case that they appear to exist. Struggling with memories of the death of his sister when young. And struggling with the need to drink vodka at every opportunity.
A clever story. Not really scarey but still entertaining. At the end of ‘Ash� I could comment that sadly there would be no sequel ( the author died). But with this book ending I can at least look for the second in the series....more
Have been staying in the espionage genre for the last few books. With the Tattooist of Auschwitz as an interlude. This book reminded me strongly of a Have been staying in the espionage genre for the last few books. With the Tattooist of Auschwitz as an interlude. This book reminded me strongly of a le Carre. Strong and seedy characters. Great storyline of Nazi’s, KGB, MI6 and the Red Army Faction. Covering time from 1940’s to 1970’s. An end of WW2 action by the Nazi’s to infiltrate young English speaking SS members into Britain to bring about a fourth reich.
Lots of characters and code names and aliases. I found myself initially dipping to and fro into the main character glossary at the start of the book. Lovely writing style and snippets:
‘He became a Marxist, which is not an uncommon occurrence with the English middle class - one of our English agents told me it’s what happens to them between losing their virginity and getting a mortgage.�
Starts slowly and then takes off quickly. The last part keeps you on your toes.
I note this is the fourth in the series. But it looks like the characters Edgar and Viktor appear in book three. So I need to hunt that out.
Lale makes a vow to himself: I will live to leave this place. I will walk out a free man. If there is a hell, I will see these murderers burn in it.
AnLale makes a vow to himself: I will live to leave this place. I will walk out a free man. If there is a hell, I will see these murderers burn in it.
Another book my daughter said I must read. Not one I would have chosen. Especially as I had watched the film � Schindlers List� in 5 minute stop/start segments. But it was a quick read. Simple sentences after my last le Carre novel.
And it was in fact a heart warming story of love between Lale Sokolov who became the tattooist at Auschwitz-Birkenau and Gita Furman. That it was a true story makes it even more powerful.
Although sad and graphic in its depiction of life in the camps. I actually found dust smotes affecting my eyes reading the later recount of his memories of his parents by their son - Gary.
I had planned not to watch the current film out about the Camp Commandant - Rudolph Hoess. But I think I now will. I also note there are another two books in this series by the Author. ...more
‘So we shot people…A lot of people. Some were good men and shouldn’t have been shot. Others were lazy bastards and should have been shot ten times. So‘So we shot people…A lot of people. Some were good men and shouldn’t have been shot. Others were lazy bastards and should have been shot ten times. So how many people has God killed? For what? How many does He Kill unjustly every day, without reason, or explanation, or compassion? And we were only men. And we had a reason.� (Page 264)
Tim Cranmer a ‘Smiley� type character. Retired, divorced and cuckolded by his mistress -Emma - for an old school friend and double agent he once ran - Larry Pettifer. Coming into money through an Aunts legacy and now running his uncles unsuccessful winery. The money will trigger the police and secret service into incriminating him in his double agents apparent embezzlement of £37 million from the Russians. With a shady bunch known as the ‘Forest� shedding blood in the UK to recover.
Classic le Carre. The story ambles around England until emerging at the end in the Russian Caucus. It’s moralistic and profoundly sad in the seedy way le Carre paints a story. And the interrogation scene with the two British detectives is sublime.
I really enjoyed it. I reflected on the ending thinking was it a weak one and decided it wasn’t. The final part of the story was Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness� and the search for Kurtz (Larry Pettifer).
Luckily I have many more of the Authors works to devour. Whilst the ‘Smiley� series were my favourites his later works are still crackers.
Ps proof error page 143 in my 2015 Penguin Classic edition - page 3 and page 13 reference to bank book mixed up....more
This was my third book by this Author, and would you believe it the second book in the Thomas Kell series. Unusual for me to read in any sense of ordeThis was my third book by this Author, and would you believe it the second book in the Thomas Kell series. Unusual for me to read in any sense of order.
Tom Kell has been put out to grass following a US rendition which displeases his bosses. This is a fast paced story moving between the UK, Turkey, Greece and the Ukraine. Tom is sent to Turkey to investigate the death of the Section Chief in an air accident. A mole in the CIA is located and Tom finds love…albeit not for long. Ps Tom also enjoys a pint of Adnams Ghost Ship...more
I think I was expecting more and was disappointed. This was my first book by the Author. But I had seen the tv adaptation of ‘The Burning Girls� and eI think I was expecting more and was disappointed. This was my first book by the Author. But I had seen the tv adaptation of ‘The Burning Girls� and enjoyed it.
Three interconnected scenarios in a post apocalyptic world. Different characters appearing in each chapter. Ok I enjoyed the snow and ice locations as I am a sucker for them.
But I couldn’t really connect with the characters and it took me longer to finish than I expected. I will try more of her books later....more
Started watching TV series. It is brilliant. Oldman is sublime in character. Checking this book on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ I noticed review missing. Luckily saved oStarted watching TV series. It is brilliant. Oldman is sublime in character. Checking this book on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ I noticed review missing. Luckily saved on email.
After reading the first of the books ‘Slow Horses� about a group of spies put out to grass. I was lucky to find this book. Two short novellas that feature some of the characters from the first.
The two short stories are linked. The first ( The List) has one of the seediest and saddest spies ever - John Bachelor - acting as a ‘milk man� ie looking after retired assets. The death of one of his elderly assets results in a remarkable chain of events - I can’t say more.
In ‘The Drop� Bachelor has now been moved to part time and looking for places to stay each night. This is a follow on to the first story.
The characters and writing are a delight. Just a couple of the observations I liked:
‘She laughed what sounded like a smoker’s laugh. Last time he’d heard anything quite like it, he (had) been sanding off the edge of a door.�
Lamb craned his head forward, caught the rim of his glass in his teeth, and easing his head back again, allowed the contents of the glass to pour into his mouth. He swallowed, then set the glass back on his chest. ‘When Daniel Craig can do that,� he said, ‘tell him to give me a ring.�
John le Carre with delicious humour. A great author and read....more
My 8th Rebus. But this happens to be the first in the series. I hadn’t realised his army and SAS background. But he is divorced here with a young 12 yMy 8th Rebus. But this happens to be the first in the series. I hadn’t realised his army and SAS background. But he is divorced here with a young 12 year old daughter.
My last reads have seen him many years older, retired and with COPD. This has him in his ‘prime.� If heavy drinking, smoking and PTSD can be considered one’s prime.
Fast paced story of a serial killer unknowingly connected to Rebus. Very enjoyable....more
On New Years Eve he (Roman) proposed a toast - ‘To 1966 The Year One�- that puzzled Rosemary, although everyone else seemed to understand and approve On New Years Eve he (Roman) proposed a toast - ‘To 1966 The Year One�- that puzzled Rosemary, although everyone else seemed to understand and approve of it.
‘The baby kicked like a demon.�
I thought I had read the book a long time ago. Perhaps I had. But I remembered the film vividly.
A very quick read. Rosemary’s story from taking an apartment with her husband Guy at the Bramford. An old New York building with a chequered history of murder and suicide over the years. Her husband’s success as an actor after his rival suddenly goes blind. To her pregnancy and birth of a …son.
Rosemary is given a book called ‘All Of Them Witches.� The name of a US band I enjoy listening to. From this her imagination ( is it) runs wild.
A superb book. Only read Levin’s ‘The Boys from Brazil� before. Need to read more. ...more
‘We live in a world of shit and occasionally, just occasionally, we get a chance to do the right thing.�
My 8th Stephen Leather and 3rd of his Dan ‘Spi‘We live in a world of shit and occasionally, just occasionally, we get a chance to do the right thing.�
My 8th Stephen Leather and 3rd of his Dan ‘Spider� Shepherd series. After finishing the meaty tome ‘The Historian� it is good to change the reading pace, style and genre.
Whilst the writing is a tad formulaic it still packs a punch. Even the contrived ending worked for me. Dan Shepherd lives by a set of ethical principles in a job and world where they don’t really exist.
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