Jumped the shark. Swam. Then Jumped Again
The last few weeks the library has gotten many titles from my hold list and this last one of Jeffrey Deaver’s – The Cutting Edge was the one I started and finished. (Yes, I am still on the “cure” so reading a lot). Why do I love thrillers? Well, I do like blood and gore but I truly admire and welcome an author who does so much research for authenticity it creates a shared learning experience…with a mystery and forensics and clever criminal activities!!!!
The Cutting Edge – in which, sadly I think, Deaver truly jumped the shark, was so full of information it was like a textbook. As it so happens I had read two books on the subject he was writing about and had a comfortable understanding of the material. Then I was taught to do something I had never known how to do. Very happy. As I read found three errors (some fact checker missed them), only a nitpicker would even mention these. And so many plotlines and minutiae I am exhausted. However, the thorough research done by the really good writers, to establish a plotline or a character is such is so much more than just the story. I learn something in just about everyone.. Not just murder and mayhem and clues – serious information you might never encounter reading other kinds of fiction. Read The Cutting Edge. Jumped shark or not – you will love it and learn about things you probably never considered and the ending sort of makes sense. Sort of.
During this hiatus, (a result of the “cure” – another eight weeks to go)I read all four of James Thompson’s Helsinki series and one called Darling by another Finn. I thus stayed very chilled out (sorry) and I loved the Thompson’s. Darling was so-so, but much of Scandanoir is still some very fine sleuthing. And LOTS of detail.
I also have read the latest Yrsa (and if you have not discovered her – she is an Icelandic author of acclaim.) Start with her first title 2005) and read all the way to this latest one. This latest I could not put down. It started a new series of detectives. Her Thora series is wonderful. She is prolific too; a bonus and for fans – She has created two new sleuths: Freya and Huldur in a series – two so far
The latest Helsinki/ Ariel Kafka by Hari Nykanen is waiting to be read. I frankly love Jewish detectives in odd locations. and this detective is in Helsinki. (We do wander.) He is what I consider one great creation. And it seems there is a five book series of which I have found three. I will look for the first two and be sure to list them. And if you really want a thriller about Jewish cops and robbers in a strange location; The Yiddish Policeman’s Union by Michael Chabon.(Warning you will laugh a lot – a knowledge of Yiddish is suggested too).
I tried very hard to read Jo Nesbo’s Macbeth. The writers chosen are to reimagine Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits and bring them to us as they grow in the author’s mind. I just could not do it. If anyone has or does. Tell us about it.
I am developing a better format for this blog and hope to use it as a template of sorts for “Books” in the future. More compact and uniformly structured. Soon and will add a poll. (it’s a perk from WordPress.)
And. Save money – buy used or better still use your local library. I have made it a habit and it is (online holds) convenient and free.
See you soon – after I finish two or three books on the bedside table and more of the “cure”.