Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

Scarecrow Audio Book

Scarecrow Audio Book

The Scarecrow
by Michael Connelly
read by Peter Giles

Everyone’s a critic, right?

When I first started this blog I reviewed audio books whenever I had the chance. Now that I have my studio open I haven’t had time. I still listen to the books each and every morning on my drive to work. I just haven’t been writing about what I have listened to.

One of the reasons is that I haven’t found anything all that great. Being a Michael Connelly fan I was excited when I heard he had a new book out called, the Scarecrow. I immediately put in a request for both the print and audio versions, respectively.

At the library it sometimes takes months to get a book, but usually you end up getting the audio book within a few weeks at most. The Scarecrow was no exception.

I had no idea what the scarecrow was about and I never read the jacket to find out. When I plugged in the first CD I was secretly hoping it was a Harry Bosch novel. When I heard the voice of the narrator I knew that it was not.

I recognized the voice, but wasn’t sure who it was. I was sure who it wasn’t and that is the reader who has read the last few Harry Bosch novels. I waited until about the second or third CD before I finally had a look. The reader was Peter Giles, who you might know better from one of the more recent Batman movies where he played Two Face.

Peter does a respectable job. I enjoyed his voices and he was a good choice for reading a character such as Jack McEvoy, who Connelly fans might remember from an earlier novel called, the Poet.

McEvoy is a writer from the LA Times and while he is on the hunt for the serial killer, the Scarecrow, we are also introduced to what many writers at newspapers are facing these days; downsizing. I like the way Connelly threads this into the plot. I know two journalists who have recently faced this grim reality, and it’s no surprise that one was laid off and the other is still barely hanging on.

The other part of this story is pretty much standard fair, which is not to say I didn’t enjoy it. But it seems like more and more of these stories are becoming too predictable. I knew what was coming long before it happened.

In a Harry Bosch novel Connelly can get away with this and I wouldn’t think twice. But that’s because of the main character. Bosch is Harry and he’s got depth and grit. McEvoy is a newspaper writer that has the balls of a cop, but seems to be dulled by years of continuously writing everyone else’s story and forgetting to live out his own.

What it comes down to is that I enjoyed this story more than many of the recent books I have listened to, but that isn’t saying all that much. I’ve been going through a dry spell for two or three months and am yet to come across a story that really moves me for quite some time. So for the time being I guess I’ll have to keep looking… or wait until the next Harry Bosch book comes out later this year.

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The Charlie Hood Novels—T. Jefferson Parker

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

L.A. Outlaws

L.A. Outlaws


The first Charlie Hood novel is, LA Outlaws; the second, the Renegades.

I have read quite a few of Parker’s novels, so he’s no stranger to me. It had been awhile since I checked up on any recent releases so I had a look and discovered I had missed two; both Charlie Hood novels.

I like T. Jefferson Parker, but as a successful writer I expect him to hire adequate proof readers with noted expertise. Since he obviously hasn’t, or he’s just too prima donna to find readers that have balls enough to tell him the truth, I am going to rip him a new asshole.

As far as I know, having a recurring character is something new for T. Jefferson Parker. Charlie Hood returned from Iraq in 2005 and then joined the Los Angeles Sheriff Department. Charlie has some very slight defects, but he’s an honest cop and there really isn’t anything special about him. He’s boring and predictable.

When you’re reading the book and you imagine what he is probably going to do next, you can pretty much assume that is exactly what he’s going to do. I don’t have any issue with this for the most part. Especially not in Outlaws, because there are two antagonists in this book that are interesting enough to where I can forgive Parker’s boring deputy.

I mean, come on, can’t he have some other dark secret that makes him a little twisted or capable of potentially screwing up like the rest of us? Where’s the fun? I like Charlie, but I want this guy to surprise me sometime.

When he’s revisited by an acquaintance from Iraq I think, okay, here it comes. But as it turns out it’s the acquaintance that’s got problems and predictably, Charlie’s all about fixing him up and sending him on his way. This guy is like a boy scout or something, except you can be certain he didn’t even participate in the circle jerk at the scoutorama.

While Outlaws has its edgy side, Renegades is like its long lost eunuch brother. There aren’t even any truly diabolically screwed up thieves or murderers in it. It’s like watching a watered down version of the Sopranos made for Nick at Night. It’s a real let down.

A note: as a writer, I don’t like to play the critical critique. In fact, if I don’t like something, I usually put the book down and forget it. In the rare instances I do happen to finish something and don’t feel compelled to say anything good about it I just drop it. In this case though, I have read several books by T. Jefferson Parker and have always enjoyed them. But with this new Charlie Hood series, he has plunged into the realm of a sinking wangbone! Being a fan of his I believe it is only my duty to let him know that he has let me down. With all due respect Mr. T. Jefferson get it together bro. This was so unlike you ya big doink!

In Outlaws it was bad enough when the super evil bad guy was still driving a car that was used during the conveyance of the murders of “two” cops in cold blood, even though it has been mentioned all over the evening news. I mean, I understand that his car is his soul, no matter if his soul is a lame 1979 Lincoln Continental, but he just killed two cops using this car and everyone and their sister, brother, mother and father is on the look out for it.

Fortunately, they’re in L.A. where everyone is too busy checking out the neighbor’s new implants to notice the big black 1979 Lincoln with front end damage driving by.

Add to the fact that this guy is obviously well above average intellect on the evil mastermind scale index. That he could be that smart and that stupid at the same time bothered me for the rest of the book. Just like in Spinal Tap the ridiculous factor went beyond eleven here. I could get into other lame details of similar scope here, but what’s the point.

In Renegades I was truly flabbergasted when I read the Author’s Note at the end. Parker gives a glowing thanks for all of his experts. Including one Dave Bridgman for guns. Meanwhile, in this book Parker talks about a Desert Eagle Revolver.

The Renegades

The Renegades


A Desert Eagle Revolver… my God that was the icing on the cake. The Desert Eagle is a large caliber clip fed semiautomatic handgun, which gained notoriety during the Desert Storm conflict. This gun is NOT a revolver. This to me is akin to blasphemy in a cop novel. I am just astounded at how stupid this was. If you don’t know what you’re talking about then just don’t mention it.

For the record, I listened to the audio version of LA Outlaws between nightly readings of the Renegades. I do not recommend doing this. Renegades gives away a lot of the most interesting details of Outlaws, which is without a doubt the better book.

When I first started listening to LA Outlaws I was immediately disconcerted when I realized they had enlisted a female reader for the female characters and a male reader for the male parts. I usually dislike this immensely. It’s confusing and pointless. But it works very well in this book. The woman, Susan Erickson, is a great reader and has a perfect smart-alecky personality for the main female character and I liked her a lot. She has one of those voices where this male listener was wondering if she was as hot as she sounds. And no, I never googled her to find out. The man does a respectable job as well. I forget his name though.

Even though I was very upset about the evil doer driving his obviously too hot to handle Lincoln, I would recommend this audiobook for cheap and easy listening. It was fun and kind of sexy.

If you can get by the flubs, these are both mindless cop detective-type books, entertaining and easy to read. If you can’t and you want to read or listen to something much better by T. Jefferson Parker, try California Girl. That book is well written and thought out and translates to a super cool audiobook.

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Small Vices – Spenser Novel #24

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

Small Vices by Robert B. Parker

Small Vices by Robert B. Parker


Audiobook Review
Small Vices – A Spenser Novel
By Robert B. Parker
Read by Burt Reynolds
Unabridged Fiction
Spenser book #24

I confess that when I saw this book was read by Burt Reynolds I wanted to laugh. I have listened to numerous books from the Spencer series read by Joe Mantegna and being a big fan of his I didn’t think anyone else could come close, in particular not Burt Reynolds.

I had actually listened to Moby Dick read by Burt Reynolds a while back. Not being a fan of the Melville classic, I was impressed. Reynolds’ ability with accents gave me a new appreciation for the book.

But still . . . I had my doubts on what he could do with Spenser.

It took me awhile to accept Reynolds’ narration. First I had to discard what I was used to getting from Mantegna. But once I had, I was actually very pleased. Reynolds does an excellent job. It’s different, but it works.

Besides that there’s the story. This is the book that includes the first appearance of the gray man. The gray man will reappear years later for those of you who are unaware. I won’t go too deep into the details here, but in this book he almost kills Spenser.

What this creates is a scenario which helps to explain the basis for the strength in Spenser and Hawk’s relationship. Hard to believe it, but I can only describe many moments as touching. If there was any question in Spenser’s resolve this book will certainly dispel it.

Reynolds’ reading as Hawk is the low point in the book. He doesn’t do African American well. We end up with a kind of growling impression of a street thug that detracts from Hawk’s intelligence and charm.

Susan also shows her true affection for Spenser here. There is also mentioning of them having met in 1974 and her of desire to have a child. This occasionally comes up, but is seemingly forgotten just as quickly in the books that follow.

This, in my opinion, is one of the better Spenser books. It’s much deeper and provides a clearer insight to the relationships between the characters of the Spenser novels. I highly recommend it as an introduction to these books. And if you like Burt Reynolds all the better.

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Spenser Books #5 & #7

Monday, February 23rd, 2009
the Spenser Series Continued

Spenser Covers Vary

As previously stated I’ve been tracking down and reading old Spenser novels. I recently found two early books in, the Judas Goat (#5 originally published in 1978) and Early Autumn (#7 originally published in 1981).

What we have here are two entirely different looks at Spenser. On one hand we have the witty and sarcastic—you have one chance and then I kill you—Spencer we have all come to love. And on the other, the rarely, if ever seen, I’m going to do this telling as few jokes as possible and believe it or not, I’m not going to kill anyone while I’m at it.

#5 the Judas Goat

#5 the Judas Goat

In the Judas Goat, Spenser is hired by a wealthy paraplegic man. During an indiscriminate terrorist attack in London, the client has lost not only the use of his legs; he’s lost his entire family. He wants vengeance. Through justice or by death, he has no preference. Spenser is just the man for the job.

Hawk is a much rougher character in these early novels and is yet to develop the polish he will aspire to in later books. Whereas Spenser changes little over the years, Hawk evolves in many ways. At the time of these books Hawk also has an annoying habit of calling Spenser babe. Perhaps it is the friendship he develops with Susan Silverman that eventually civilizes him.

#7 Early Autumn

#7 Early Autumn

In Early Autumn, Spenser is pulled into a child custody battle involving a 15 year old boy named Paul Giacomin. Paul is a somewhat pathetic teenager, but instinctively, Spenser knows there’s more to it. Spenser quickly establishes that the parents are unfit and that they are likely up to no good.

This book is definitely a change of pace from Spenser’s usual arsenal of motifs. Spenser shows a different kind of heart. Even his concern for his relationship with Susan Silverman is put on the backburner, while he looks after Paul, which as far as I know is a first.

While some people call this one of the better books in the Spenser series, for me, while it does hold a certain merit, it’s not necessarily what I come to Spenser for. I like Spenser because he is a funny, witty smartass that walks the penumbra between right and wrong. In this book he abandons his usual Jokes are the essence of my luster for the sake of a teenage boy he seems to relate to.


Spenser takes up the mantle to show Paul the ropes and to teach him to have self confidence and to become autonomous, in a reflection of Spenser’s own self. Another departure is that this is probably the only book I have read where Spenser does no killing. Hawk kills one villain near the very end during one of his only brief appearances, but there is very little violence acted upon in these pages.

Both of these books are quick reads and if you’re thinking of checking Spenser out for the first time, either of these are a great place to have a first look.

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Back Story – Spenser Novel #30

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Back Story by Robert B. Parker

Back Story by Robert B. Parker


Audiobook Review
Back Story – A Spenser Novel
By Robert B. Parker
Read by Joe Mantegna
Unabridged Fiction

If you read my review of Robert B. Parker’s book, Resolution, you may recall my mentioning his popular detective series, featuring the man known as Spenser. And yes, it’s just Spenser. As far as I know it’s never specified if it’s his first or last name, but he is often referred to as Mr. Spenser by an assortmnet of clients and by the police, so perhaps therein lies a clue!

If you’re not familiar with Spenser I suggest you get acquainted. He’s smart, witty and surrounds himself with a cadre of some of the most interesting characters you’ll ever meet. He’s also loyal, charming and a take no bullshit kind of a guy.

WARNING: If you’re offended by gratuitous violence or by crooks meeting their violent ends, Spenser may not be for you. You can count on Spenser and his partners killing at least a few criminals in every book.

My first introduction to Spenser was pretty much by chance. With the exception of maybe Michael Connolly I don’t usually read too many detective-type novels. But a few years ago when I was spending two hours a day commuting I started checking out audiobooks at the library and I happened upon one from the Spenser series.

Turns out I liked it.

I’m not sure which one it was. But the book I picked up just happened to be read by Joe Mantegna. Joe was made to perform the Spenser series. He has all the aptitude to read not only as Spenser, but also as the rest of the cast who make these novels so compelling. His voices are distinctive and he breathes life into them as if they are personal friends.

Along the way I have discovered that earlier Spenser books were read by the likes of Burt Reynolds and William Windom. Neither of those readers compare to Joe. But if you stay tuned to my blog I may get around to listening to some of those books as well.

On the other hand, I feel it is important that I mention that these books are great reads on their own. I have read at least as many as I have listened to. They’re easy reads and don’t require much thinking. And there are rarely any surprises. If your sitting there wondering just how many of these books there can possibly be, it’s around 35, with at least two more expected releases for 2009.

Robert B. Parker

Robert B. Parker

I know. You’re probably also wondering how Mr. Parker can continue to write stories that stand on their own and maintain any consistent level of appeal year after year. Amazingly enough, without letting us or Spenser down, Parker does exactly that coming up with plots that are just as intriguing as any of those that came before. But as I stated, suprises are rare. These books are formulamatic. With Spenser you know what you’re getting and it’s always entertaining.

I don’t know how long Parker can continue to do it. But that isn’t because I expect him to run out of ideas. It’s just that according to library records he was born in 1932. So, I wonder if we can expect him to write for more than twenty more years. Which means there is likely only going to be about 30 or 40 more Spenser books.

Okay. Now that we have that established.

Note: I had no idea that the television series from back in the 1980s, Spenser for Hire, starring Robert Ulrich, was based on the Spenser series. At the time that series was on I wasn’t watching much TV, so I have no idea how Ulrich’s portrayal of Spenser went.

More recently I have been tracking down some of the earliest Spenser books and I have learned quite a few things about him I hadn’t previously known. The early books feature things that I am glad Parker phased out, but for the most part those books are just as great as any of the newer ones and to be honest, much more revealing.

Many of the early books are less than two hundred pages–the kind of books you can put away at one or two sittings. I suggest reading a few of those just to get in touch with Spenser and then move onto the later years. Of course if you’re a commuter or you have tons of time to listen while you keep yourself busy with other things, then find any of the books that Joe reads and start listening.

The book I am going to discuss here is called, Back Story. Back Story is the 30th book in the series and was released back in 2002 (this audio version in 2003).

You know you’re in for a good story when Spenser takes on a 28 year old murder case all for a half box of Krispy Kreme Donuts. Yes, as you will learn Spenser often works for very little money. But as far as I know this is the only time he has worked for donuts. Being a former cop though, it only figures he would have a taste for donuts.

Half a Dozen'll do!

Half a Dozen'll do!

The case here involves a 1970’s bank robbery gone wrong. One of those radical revolutionary groups, like the ones who kidnapped Patty Hearst, are responsible and Spenser’s client’s 34 year old daughter has finally decided she wants answers. Of course the answers she gets may or may not be the answers she was hoping for.

I should mention that the client is a close friend of Paul Giamcomin, a character introduced years before in one of the more revealing Spenser novels, Early Autumn. Paul beomes a sort of foster son of Spenser, in that earlier book and I recommend reading that book before listening to this one in order to establish some of the history between them.

Obviously, a woman that waits 28 years to start seeking answers must have some of her own issues and conveniently enough, Spenser’s longtime girlfriend, the noted psychologist Susan Silverman, is there to help him analyze.

When things get rough and the local gang of thugs show up to hinder Spenser’s investigation he calls in Hawk for backup. Hawk is sort of like calling in a one man wrecking crew. The only other man on this planet that may be able to give Hawk a run for his money when it comes to fighting and killing is Spenser.

This is where Joe Mantegna is at his best. His portrayal of Hawk and of Hawk’s interaction with Spenser is on par with an award winning one man trunk show that might run on Broadway. He’s got so many voices that are so spot on it’s no wonder that this series has so many fans.

In case I haven’t made it entirely clear, these books are often humorous. This one is no exception. Possibly the most amusing part of this book involves the recent loss of Spenser’s dog. The manner in which Spenser and Susan contend with this situation is a perfect example of their unique personalities. And it will certainly make you laugh.

The laughter is what brings me back to the Spenser series. It’s good intelligent fun. I think we can all use more humor in our lives, especially in this day and age. Lippity Lop.

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The Monster of Florence—audiobook

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

The Monster of Florence

The Monster of Florence


The Monster of Florence—
By Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi
Read by Dennis Boutsikaris
Unabridged Audio Book

The Monster of Florence is Italy’s equivalent to the Zodiac Killer, though arguably, the Monster was even more lethal with a confirmed fourteen victims. Italy’s most treacherous serial killer had a penchant for haunting lover’s lanes around Florence, during the 1970s and 1980s and striking couples while in the act of making love in parked cars.

According to FBI behavioral profiling the killer was most likely an impotent man who had all kinds of hang ups and harbored a deep resentment towards women. Having read Robert Gray’s book on the Zodiac I found the parallels between these two murderers astonishing and had to wonder how the two were running amok at the same time on different sides of the globes, without any comparisons ever begin made.

One gets the feeling that while the Monster had an added advantage, in the fact that the Italian Police were obviously bumbling fools (crime scenes were rarely secured and often visited by dozens of reporters and other curious and morbid citizens before any investigation began) that, just as the Zodiac was assumed to be a some kind of insane genius, the monster probably was too.

This was my first encounter with Douglas Preston’s writing and I was not disappointed. His command of the English language and his ability with tension and pacing captured my attention from the first chapter and held it throughout. There is no surprise that he’s a best selling fiction writer, which was the reason he had originally moved to Italy to begin with. Evidently, he was going there to start work on a new novel that was to be set in or around Florence.

Note the Throngs of onlookers contaminating the crime scene

Note the Throngs of onlookers contaminating the crime scene


While beginning research for that novel, he met with the noted journalist Mario Spezi. Mr Spezi beguiled Preston with a tale so grim, Preston soon found himself obsessed with the story. He shelved the idea of a novel and, working with Spezi, started first on an article and later on the resulting book.

Along the way the two were both accused of being involved in the case and Spezi is later arrested. The manner in which the Italian Police handled this investigation was revolting enough up to that point, but after Spezi’s arrest I was truly flabbergasted. What would seem obvious to any one with a grain of intellect was obviously beyond them.

What is truly even more alarming is that, even after being charged for falsifying facts in order to maintain the investigation, some of these police were allowed to keep their jobs and even more incredibly, these are same police that are at least partially responsible for the investigation and charges currently levied against the American student Amanda Knox.

I can only describe these supposed Italian officials as kooks and imbeciles. One is reminded of those ridiculous ethnic jokes that were rampant in the 1970s. One has to wonder if the intelligent Italians choose the mafia while the idiots join the polizia.

One of the main reasons this audiobook works so well, is the fantastic performance of Dennis Boutsikaris. With the exception of his imitations of an English accent, his voice acting is near flawless.

I really enjoyed this reading and highly recommend it to anyone interested in true crime.

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Resolution—audiobook

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Resolution by Robert B. Parker

Resolution by Robert B. Parker


Audiobook Review
Resolution by Robert B. Parker
Read by Titus Welliver
Unabridged Fiction

Generally speaking, I like mystery and suspense. But when it comes to popular fiction I usually draw the line. It just doesn’t work for me. One exception to this genre is Spenser. Spenser has big character and loads of wit and that is why Robert Parker’s number one gumshoe works so well for me.

What can I say; I am a big fan of the Spenser series—both on paper and audio. I’ve also read and listened to a couple of his Sunny Randall books and they’re okay, but Sunny is clearly not in Spenser’s league. If not for my love of Spenser, I probably wouldn’t have read the Randall books.

On the other hand Robert Parker has begun writing a western series. I rarely read westerns. I do like some historical fiction from that era, but when it comes to western stories I’m more inclined to reach for something nonfiction, such as the recent Blood and Thunder book by Hampton Sides, which explores the life of Kit Carson and the great southwest, or the Billy the Kid biography, the Endless Ride, by Michael Wallis.

Actually, I listened to both of those audiobooks recently and will probably add reviews sometime in the future. Between those and the aforementioned Buffalo Bill book I’ve gotten myself going on this western kick.

That’s when I happened upon Robert Parker’s recent release, Resolution. I looked at it a moment and thought, what the heck. Let’s give it a go.

I hadn’t listened to or read Parker’s previous western, Appaloosa. Thus being the case, this was my first introduction to his characters Everett Hitch and Virgil Cole. Comparisons are inevitable, but these two are not Spenser and Hawk.

For one, Hitch tells the story from his point of view, and although he is a very respectable gunfighter in his own right, he seems to play second fiddle to Virgil Cole. By writing the book in this manner, Virgil retains his mysteriousness.

Then again, maybe it’s only Hitch’s modest manner. Though his thoughts and comments reflect Virgil being the best he has ever seen, one gets the feeling that, in reality, Hitch is probably at least as much of a badass as Virgil. Perhaps more of this relationship is revealed in the prior book.

As I was just researching details about Parker’s westerns I discovered that Resolution is the second book in a three part series. The third book is due out later in 2009. In this lies the key. Did I like this story enough to want to read the prior book and will I want to read the one that follows?

With Resolution I was expecting (or hoping for) a more epic plot. There wasn’t one. It deals with a situation that probably took place often in the old west. A greedy saloon owner wants to take over the entire town and in doing so becomes the enemy. The local sodbusters want to prevent this, but lack the experience to do so effectively. There are plot twists, but you can see where it is going.

Of course now that I know this is a three part series I am wondering how a seemingly simple story line could fit into something larger. Or perhaps, since Appaloosa was already made into a movie, he is working toward supplying fodder for a movie series. After all, this is popular fiction and seems to be tailor made for the movies.

I enjoyed listening to Resolution, but I was not bewitched. Titus Welliver—who played Silas on the HBO Deadwood series—does a fine job of reading. He has a great voice for reading this genre and he portrays the characters well. In fact, I may even listen to Appaloosa in the future because of this—if I ever find the time.

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The Little Book — book

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

The Little Book by Selden Edwards

The Little Book by Selden Edwards


The Little Book
By Selden Edwards

When I first picked up Selden Edward’s debut novel, the Little Book, something about it felt magical. The cover features a sepia toned black and white photograph of a man in motion on an old city street. The sky above is splashed with a just hint of psychedelic color, as if someone spilled watercolor paint on it and then quickly wiped it off.

The first thing I thought of was Led Zeppelin’s album, ‘In Through the Out Door’. When I was a little kid I remember my brother Curt showing me the album shortly after he purchased it. He removed the inner sleeve, which featured black and white images on both sides. When Curt ran a damp sponge over it, the color magically appeared.

So I started reading the summary inside the on the jacket and ironically enough, the protagonist, a man named Wheeler, is some kind of rock idol living in San Francisco during 1988. I was not only born in San Francisco, but I was living there in 1988.

All of these ‘colorful’ details made me feel certain I had finally found the book I have been hoping to come across since about the time I finished reading the Time Traveler’s Wife.

One thing that is certain is that this is an unusual book. When I first started reading it I was excited. The story is about an aging rock star by the name of Wheeler Burden, who time travels back to 1897 Vienna—another coincidence that I found intriguing.

The story jumps around between his life growing up and his displaced middle-aged self in Vienna. The first few chapters I was captivated. Then Wheeler—being in Vienna and all, I should have seen this coming—meets up with Sigmund Freud.

Every time Wheeler met up with Freud I cringed. I’m not sure if it was Mr. Edward’s intention while writing this book, but it seems like he is trying to show his knowledge of Freud and of Freud’s theories and the history of them. Personally, I just don’t care. I studied Psychology and personally, I leaned more toward Jung’s theories myself.

In any case, I’m just not into reading a novel that attempts to use Freud and his theories as a plot device. Maybe I’m shallow, but I found that part of the book dull.

With the exception of Freud, I found the historical references to be the high point of the novel. I have a feeling that the author’s fascination with late nineteenth century Vienna is what drove him to write this book. I can imagine him spending countless hours dreaming of himself wandering the Ringstrasse.

I will say this about the book. This is a well written and unique story. And as disconnected as some parts of it seem in the beginning it all comes together and makes perfect sense in the end. You start seeing the threads come together as the pace of the story chugs along. And in the end it all falls into place.

The liner notes state that the author had been writing this book for 30 years. I find that extraordinary. Truly.

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