The fact that Harry Bosch was about to meet Michael Haller was heavily advertised, leaving the author's many fans anticipating another great book from one of the best crime writers currently at the top of his game.
This book hits the spot. I thought 'The Lincoln Lawyer' brought an exciting and intriguing new character in the form of the lawyer, Mickey Haller to the front line. Connelly repeats this and the added bonus of pulling Harry Bosch into the equation is masterful.
We thus get the best of both worlds for crime/thriller fans with an excellent courtroom drama from Haller together with the dogged detective work from Bosch leading us to an ending which is both surprising and satisfying.
Barrister and amateur jockey Geoffrey Mason, known as `Perry Mason' by his racing friends. He had once successfully defended a violent young man, Julian Trent. Trent, found guilty nonetheless and swearing revenge against Mason, is now being released on appeal.
Mason receives a call from fellow jockey, Steve Mitchell. Steve has been arrested for the murder of another jockey, the hatred between the two of known was well known. Mason first receives a warning and then a beating, instructing him to lose the trial and ensure Mitchell is convicted. Mason realizes his only option is to stand up to Trent, but a at the risk of his life and those he loves.
I have often been critical of Iggulden's work - especially this recent series. However, that criticism has been stopped dead in its tracks. This is a stunning book, and perhaps one of the best I've ever read.
Iggulden has finally worked out what he is so good at - describing battles in a breathless and uncompromising fashion. Most of this book is a series of tremedous battles/sieges - and when he does come out of this, he keeps the less interesting interludes brief and concise. One teeny observation which does annoy me - his total fixation with one word - "wince". Surely he can find a substitute for it!
As I have said before, Iggulden will never be a writer of great sophistication, nor will he be a conveyor of intricate plotting ... Read More:
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Really enjoyed this book - very funny, rambling writing on a range of topics. Manages to be lighthearted and very entertaining, with some moments that are surprisingly poignant. Really hope this book isn't overlooked due to recent "scandal" as it's a great read.
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....this super book is a COMPILATION of over 130 of his most popular dishes 'evoking the pleasure and flavour associated with the coast', coupled with his own travel stories - all written in the familiar, relaxed Stein way.
BBC Books/2008
'Rick Stein's passion for fresh, well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer.'
From the acknowledgements:-
Amongst others, Rick pays tribute to his new commissioning editor, 'who saw the sense of a book of recipes as a record of all the parts of the world that have influenced me in my cooking......'
....this super book is a COMPILATION of over 130 of his most popular dishes 'evoking the pleasure and flavour associated with the coast', coupled with his own travel stories - all written in the familiar, relaxed Stein way.
BBC Books/2008
'Rick Stein's passion for fresh, well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer.'
From the acknowledgements:-
Amongst others, Rick pays tribute to his new commissioning editor, 'who saw the sense of a book of recipes as a record of all the parts of the world that have influenced me in my cooking......'
I was never the biggest Tony Curtis fan, but this is a fun and interesting read for fans of the Hollywood golden age. Curtis was a smooth character back in the day and a big time movie star. His life intersects with many of the biggest and brightest stars of the time including lovers such as Marilyn Monroe. A lot of the book does come off as "look at me, look who I knew and who I slept with," (Which I must admit was a guilty pleasure to read about) but the is more than that. It is also an interesting look into Hollywood during its golden age after world war two and prior to television taking over pop culture. The reader is taken behind the scenes of some of his great films "Houdini [1953] (REGION 1) (NTSC)", Some Like It Hot [1959] (with Marilyn ... Read More:
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I was never the biggest Tony Curtis fan, but this is a fun and interesting read for fans of the Hollywood golden age. Curtis was a smooth character back in the day and a big time movie star. His life intersects with many of the biggest and brightest stars of the time including lovers such as Marilyn Monroe. A lot of the book does come off as "look at me, look who I knew and who I slept with," (Which I must admit was a guilty pleasure to read about) but the is more than that. It is also an interesting look into Hollywood during its golden age after world war two and prior to television taking over pop culture. The reader is taken behind the scenes of some of his great films "Houdini [1953] (REGION 1) (NTSC)", Some Like It Hot [1959] (with Marilyn ... Read More:
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A good effort - from my limited experience of Bond books, I can't really tell this apart from one. The plot is interesting and perilous and goes places bond never went before (e.g. the Soviet Union and Persia). It also has all most of the ingredients in the right proportions (girls, guns & glamour), which make for a good action adventure, without lapsing into cliche.
A word on the narrator. Jeremy Northam isn't as good as Rufus Sewell is on the other Bond audio books, but is clear and slightly edgy which make for a well spoken and not dull voice, even if it is not overly brimming with character at times...
My one criticism is that the text is a little crude at various points, which I know the Bond books can be, but this one seemed unnecessarily ... Read More:
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I wish I had this book when I was a boy it brings back so many memories of things I tried to do (and nearly aways failed). Catapult making,go-cart making,first aid and girls all things that I sadly lacked the necessary skills in, not for the lack of trying I hasten to add.This book would have tipped the odds in my favour, I think.From codes to coin tricks I would have ascended to the rank of supercool with the knowledge in this book.
So parents out there I implore you to buy this book for your children and give them a fair chance in this unfair world and if not for that reason you could always read it yourselves !!!
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