How far would you go to be published???
Lucky me... I stumbled up on this book in one of my "free download for Kindle" accounts - what a blessing! This book hooked me quick and kept me intrigued. Totally believable, albeit a bit gruesome (ugh!), I just fell right in and took my time crawling back out. I loved the mystery of the crime story, loved that the main character is a bit of a buffoon - a sloppy, overweight, lazy numskull who is just counting down the days until he retires off the beat. What I wasn't expecting, but really loved, was the way things began to work out for him. Circumstances beyond his control put him in dire straits - and he accepted it and was bearing the weight. But then, out of blue - and also out of his control, things start to turn around.
An added bonus was the insight into the publishing world & the tormented life of would-be writers. That was the icing on the cake.
I think good writing gives you something to take with you after the story ends and this book did exactly that. I'm considering it a teaching tool for me as I attempt to hone my skill. I'm really impressed with how Matthews coordinated his plot lines, drafted his scenes and developed his characters - I want to do that!
So! We had an intriguing mystery, great writing, well-thought out plot, believable characters, interesting sidebars going, good dialogue, descriptive scenery... what more could I ask for?
Dennis Lehane, you still have my undying devotion! John Sandford, Lucas Davenport still has my heart! But we might need to make some room for Thomas K. Matthews & his Lou Drake.
Just sayin'.
