• Rated 1 stars

“SPOILERS -
Why write a mystery if you cannot deliver on the ending? If you want to read a story about a man that screws up an investigation, his career, and enjoy reading about killers getting away with their crimes then this one is for you. If you expect a well-constructed mystery, skip it.

So disappointing. It had a lot of promise but it never delivered. I get the whole "realistic ending" aspect to the story but in this case it just seemed like an easy out. Just a cheap, artsy-fartsy way to get out of the hard work of making all of the pieces resolve into ending that is worthy of the length and complexity of the promises made early on in the novel.

I won't even go too deep into the stereotypical characters except to say that they were straight out a "made-for-tv" movie for Cable. Can't even claim to be network quality.

The manipulative, genius killer who at first appears as the least-likely killer. The best friend female partner making her way in a male dominated profession. Yeah, you know what's going to happen but too bad she's such a doormat along the way and that she's such a willing participant. The gruff boss demanding results, and finally the moody & flawed central character tortured by his past. A past that we read about for a really long time for absolutely NO REASON.

I wish I got more out of this book but I finished it thinking that I wasted way too much time on it and that I was ripped-off.”

Becky wrote this review Saturday, October 18 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“Not my favorite book by this author. A couple of gems of truth, though. We are all capable of goodness & evil and it's the choices we make that determine our character. Also, that it is couwardly to make choices that avoid conflict at all costs. That its better to choose to stand up for ourselves & fight for what is right and risk our comfort zone than to roll over & become a victim.”

Becky wrote this review Monday, August 11 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Very funny but rather darker than his previous works. If you are a fan of Sedaris already you will enjoy it. If you are new to Sedaris, start with Me Talk Pretty One Day and work your way to this one.”

Becky wrote this review Wednesday, August 6 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Such a funny book. I had read Holidays on Ice & didn't care a lot for it so this was a wonderful surprise. I especially liked, Youth in Asia & all of his references to his broken-French language. Absolutely hilarious!”

Becky wrote this review Monday, July 14 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“What a wonderful story. I wasn't expecting much when I started this one and only chose it as a fluke (loved the title) but I have to say that it was hilarious. Very funny, very clever and a joy to read.”

Becky wrote this review Thursday, July 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 2 stars

“I'm afraid this isn't a very interesting book, despite its promising subject matter. Chris came across as a spoiled, head-in-the-clouds kid who simply didn't have what it takes to deal with reality. ”

Becky wrote this review Friday, June 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Five out of five for a clever plot - genius in fact. I wanted to take away a star for the ending, though. Kind of a cheap trick - don't you think?”

Becky wrote this review Thursday, June 12 2008. ( reply | permalink )

2 of 2 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“As close to a perfect story as I've ever read. Absolutely beautiful in every way. The author has a poetic tone that pulls you into the story and keeps you reading despite the sometimes painfully sad story. Love that death is the narrator and I love that the story is so strong that it survives and thrives despite the narrator's releasing of information regarding the fates of the characters early on in the book. It's simply perfect in every way.”

Becky wrote this review Wednesday, June 4 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I really loved reading this book but the ending left me wanting for better. I'm not sure I understand why her boyfriend had to play such a mysterious role? Faking of her death was a bit common for such an exceptional book, too. I felt it was going to happen almost from the beginning.

I really LOVE the way the author writes, though. Very poetic, beautiful and trancendent.”

Becky wrote this review Friday, May 30 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Interesting theory regarding the reputation of King Richard III and the death of his nephews in the Tower of London. Goes to show you that the winners write history and that "public knowledge" isn't always a guarantee of the truth.”

Becky wrote this review Monday, May 5 2008. ( reply | permalink )