I was given a copy of this book not too long ago by a friend who wanted my opinion on it. Honestly I can say it was a well-written thriller. Bertram Gibbs truly understands the origins of the thriller genre in comedy and brings that aspect to life especially in the varied and intriguing characters we meet.
I especially loved all the characters that were unusually unique or inversions of typical stereotypes. The drug-dealer who dresses nicely and listens to classical music being one example of many laugh-out-loud characters who are not just ridiculous but at the same time very believably human. It's that combination of humanity and the ridiculous that Bertram Gibbs truly knows how to blend perfectly well.
It’s a good novel, though at times it can perhaps dwell a little too much in its own melodrama and angst. The novel starts strong and fresh in the beginning, but around the point where the author has to start providing us with a suspect to the crimes the novel quickly starts becoming predictable in terms of plot and action—but never motive. The author keeps any hints at motive as a jealous secret until the big reveal scene.
Some parts felt a tad phoned in in places (especially with the whole “I loved D____ in secret all along” part). The story itself is great, but the ending isn't as finely polished as the beginning is. It's like Mr. Gibbs took more relish in creatively killing off the scumbag lawyers and less so in bringing his killer to justice. Personally I don't blame him if he did feel that way, but it does dampen the novel and lowers my score. The beginning deserves a five, but the ending more a three, so I have averaged my score out to a four.
Overall it's a good read with many memorable characters to say the least. Pick it up if you have a chance.
It's a historical fact that nobody likes lawyers apparently. |
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