Second book I've read by McKinty. Kids in school are asked to analyze books for plot, characters, setting, theme.
Here goes: Our "hero" is one of the best characters in the mystery/thriller genre that I've come across. Good depth, consistency (including human inconsistency), strong voice. Terrific. Most of the minor characters are also wonderfully drawn.
Setting: McKinty is great here also. This is rough-edged Denver--easy for me to visualize as I certainly know rough-edged Seattle.
Theme: Again, this isn't just brain candy to pass time. Lots of interesting ideas pursued in interesting ways.
Which leaves the plot. It's fine, but just that. The "villain" is very predictable. Our main character is oddly dense when it comes to figuring out how he gave himself away.
So, again--I will definitely read more of McKinty. He's great with everything but the denouement of the plot. I can live with that a lot more easily than a predictable mystery with stick-figure characters and boring ideas.
Here goes: Our "hero" is one of the best characters in the mystery/thriller genre that I've come across. Good depth, consistency (including human inconsistency), strong voice. Terrific. Most of the minor characters are also wonderfully drawn.
Setting: McKinty is great here also. This is rough-edged Denver--easy for me to visualize as I certainly know rough-edged Seattle.
Theme: Again, this isn't just brain candy to pass time. Lots of interesting ideas pursued in interesting ways.
Which leaves the plot. It's fine, but just that. The "villain" is very predictable. Our main character is oddly dense when it comes to figuring out how he gave himself away.
So, again--I will definitely read more of McKinty. He's great with everything but the denouement of the plot. I can live with that a lot more easily than a predictable mystery with stick-figure characters and boring ideas.
Comments
Post a Comment