transmission no language, just sound

11Jul/060

bad egg?

The Big Over Easy

Jasper Fforde

This book is a story of the Nursery
Crime Division of Reading police. DC Jack Spratt has to unravel the mysterious murder of Humpty Dumpty.
Yes, this is another one of Jasper Fforder's comic novels. This is the first not to feature Tuesday Next, and focusses exclusively on the novel's murder mystery rather than playing some of the meta games of his other novels. As always his jokes depend a hell of a lot on the reader's knowledge of the books that he's referencing or parodying.
The book is a slight, enjoyable read, that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a cheap, mildly funny summer read.

Rating: C

8Mar/06Off

johnny?

Black And Blue

Ian Rankin

Black And BlueThis book is Ian Rankin's masterpiece. Using the device of a Bible John copycat, Rankin examines Scotland through the lens of it's
reaction to the original murders. Rebus is, as always, a fascinating puzzle of a character. Rebus is someone who must know the truth, must find out the answers and no cost is too high for him to pay - because only the truth heals.
This was the first book of Rankin's I ever read and by god did it set a high standard. I don't I've ever read a crime novel that was more interesting, more insightful, more revealing.
This book is recommended to everyone. You will not read a better crime novel or a better book about Scotland pre-devolution than this.

Rating: A+

22Feb/05Off

brief update (5)

The Sacred Art Of Stealing

Christopher Brookmyre

Another rather enjoyable thriller, this time mostly set in Glasgow.
Angelique de Xavia, the scots-asian police officer introduced in "A big boy did it and ran away", is pulled out of a match at ibrox to get
involved in an unusual bank heist in the centre of Glasgow. The plot deals with the implications of the robbery and the attraction between the lead robber and de Xavia.
It starts off remarkably well, then tails off. Worth a read though.

Rating: B

22Feb/05Off

brief update (3)

A Big Boy Did It And Ran Away

Christopher Brookmyre

An essentially silly and massively enjoyable thriller.
It tells the story of Ray, a new father and a new teacher, and what happens when he sees an old university friend at an airport when the friend is meant to be very dead.
Littering the story with all sorts of references to pop culture makes this a very enjoyable read if rather unbelievable.
If you like big dumb action packed thrillers with a very Scottish voice, you'll like this creation.

Rating: B