A+A

Good to the last twist

Revisado: 02-02-25

Very artfully constructed plot, and a carefully crafted and timed backstory that gives complete credibility to the heroine’s choices. The depiction of egos and backstabbing in the VC and tech worlds is both fun and appalling. The plugs for this book were right on the (Dead) Money. I’m glad I jumped on it quickly, and had the patience and trust in the author to let the story unwind and build organically.

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Perfect match of book and narrator

Revisado: 08-07-24

Obligatory disclaimer: As in every collection, some pieces are better than others.

With that out of the way, i can affirm that Rich’s work ranges from amusing to hilarious. And John Mulaney is the perfect narrator for Rich’s wry, sardonic humor. I can only hope Mulaney agrees to narrate all Rich’s future books.

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Masterful and moving

Revisado: 06-27-23

Masterful construction and writing. So many wonderful elements: human relations, culture, politics, science, history, medicine. And the ending was heart-wrenchingly perfect.

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Stumbles at the finish line

Revisado: 04-23-23

Action-packed and very entertaining until the ending stumbles. Long dream or hallucinatory sequences are always self-indulgent and boring, begging for an editor to advise, “Murder your darlings.”

Then (trying to avoid a spoiler here) we have someone behave completely out of character, ignoring his stated intentions, his obvious motivation for monetary compensation, and his reputation with his underlings.

This turn was so preposterous that my first reaction was to wonder if it was actually a final hallucination.

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So tedious

Revisado: 04-08-23

DNF at about 45%.

A group of seemingly well-intentioned, polite, salt-of-the-earth folks mourn the disappearance of a woman and the death of a man. All the men call each other “mate.” Conflict is at a minimum, tedium at a maximum. Our nice-guy hero, Aaron Falk, noses about to solve the twin mysteries, shows his facility with spreadsheets, and bemoans the fact that he can’t maintain a relationship with a woman because both he and the women he’s attracted to are consumed with their work.

Listening to this novel was like showing up to a social event at noon, discovering that no one there has anything of interest to say, and being told by the hostess that entertainment will arrive in 10 or 11 hours. Thanks for inviting me, but I have to go.

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NOT the “German edition”

Revisado: 02-18-23

This audiobook is narrated in English. I’ve contacted Audible on three separate occasions about this fact, but they refuse to make the correction.

This is not essential Zweig, but is a short, illuminating look at how Dickens’ work perfectly suited the bourgeois English culture of the time, and how his humor redeemed any flaws.

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Predictably wonderful

Revisado: 02-11-23

The usual delightful Bunny, a supporting cast of artfully drawn personalities, and an expertly designed and paced plot. Great humor and heart.

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Preposterous plot

Revisado: 12-14-22

I usually likes Deaver's clever plot twists, but this short story makes no sense. Without giving any spoilers, a highly intelligent man forgoes the obvious opportunity to extricate himself safely from a dangerous situation, and chooses to attempt escape through a combination of sophisticated psychology and an extremely risky physical stunt.

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Another Thomas Perry winner

Revisado: 10-31-22

Whip-smart, sardonic dialogue and a propulsive plot that requires the protagonists to think their way to the finish line. Perry is the master of the pursuit thriller.

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Underwhelming

Revisado: 09-06-22

Pardon the alliteration, but Mandel resorts to the tired trope of time travel. It took craft to structure the novel, but the story lacks focus, and truncates any feelings the reader begins to develop for the characters.

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