An interesting trans-genre novel, shelved in science-fiction but equally comprised of romance and mystery. I saw the main plot twist coming from a thiAn interesting trans-genre novel, shelved in science-fiction but equally comprised of romance and mystery. I saw the main plot twist coming from a third of the way in, but that's the case with many a police procedural, and it didn't distract from the story itself.
Shinn's got a deft way of discussing religion within the context of her fiction, and this novel's no exception. Even as a nontheist, I found her world intriguing and well worth the visit....more
When I read Creation in Death last March, I commented on what I tight, clean police procedural it was, in contrast to other recent books in this seriWhen I read Creation in Death last March, I commented on what I tight, clean police procedural it was, in contrast to other recent books in this series. This time, Roberts keeps the series from growing stale by veering in the other direction. Strangers is character driven, and the twisty plot is more an exercise in how-done-it than who. This is one I'll look forward to re-reading....more
Tighter and more streamlined than Eve Dallas's last few adventures, "Creation" reads more like a police procedural than most of the books in this seriTighter and more streamlined than Eve Dallas's last few adventures, "Creation" reads more like a police procedural than most of the books in this series. It's quite a nice change, and a refreshing approach. Our favorite regulars from the police department, as well as several new officers, get a chance for a pithy comment or three. (If you're ever single, Peabody, come by for a drink sometime, 'kay?)...more
Like Swain's other Tony Valentine mysteries, you're not going to be reading this one for the superior prose. Swain's writing is functional at best, anLike Swain's other Tony Valentine mysteries, you're not going to be reading this one for the superior prose. Swain's writing is functional at best, and his incidental characters tend to say incredibly convenient things at incredibly convenient times.
What makes the Valentine novels fun, though, is the great plot pacing, and the abundant clever ruses and cheats that Valentine has to unravel as he goes. Lots of behind-the-scenes tidbits from casino security's point of view, along with plenty of classic con-artist scams presented as miniature how'd-they-do-thats within the larger who-dun-it....more
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