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181st out of 339 books
—
496 voters
Complication
by
Isaac Adamson (Goodreads Author)
A serial killer with a penchant for severed hands. A watch that runs backward and forward � at the same time. An Eastern European gangster known only as Rumplestiltskin. The Nazi invasion of Prague, Soviet-era Czech secret police, 16th century alchemy and black magic � mild-mannered American Lee Holloway never thought any of these would intrude upon his ordinary life.
But t...more
But t...more
Paperback, 272 pages
Published
April 16th 2012
by Soft Skull Press
(first published April 1st 2012)
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Complication was a book I only picked up because it was set in Prague and having been to that magical city, I had to get my hands on it. And what a book! Such a ride that kept you guessing from start to finish.
It starts with Lee Holloway Jr, an american who finds a mysterious letter amoung his dead fathers things. The writer claims to have known about the death of his brother, Paul, who died under mysterious circumstances in Prague.
Lee takes a plane and finds himself right in the middle of a cu...more
It starts with Lee Holloway Jr, an american who finds a mysterious letter amoung his dead fathers things. The writer claims to have known about the death of his brother, Paul, who died under mysterious circumstances in Prague.
Lee takes a plane and finds himself right in the middle of a cu...more
Isaac Adamson starts his latest book off with a refresher course in the definition of the word "complication', which also happens to be the title of the book. It is also a guidepost for the reader, for in this novel, set mostly in Prague, in various points of time, every single definition comes into play.
The main story line has Lee Holloway, a rather unassuming fellow, who, when cleaning out the detritus of his father's estate, finds a letter which indicates that the disappearance of Lee's young...more
The main story line has Lee Holloway, a rather unassuming fellow, who, when cleaning out the detritus of his father's estate, finds a letter which indicates that the disappearance of Lee's young...more
2 likes · like · see review
I think it goes without saying that Complication is, well complicated. Still, it wasn't overly so that it was immpossible to follow. It had a smoothe start and I found myself drawn in by the main character. Lee Holloway seemed like your average guy who followed a trail left by his deceased brother and ends up way in over his head. Still he has a determination about him that makes him intruiging. While investigating the true circumstances of his brother's death, he tends to make decisions that se...more
I picked this out at my local library and it had to be fate. Complication centers around Lee Holloway Jr. who is flies to Prague after finding a letter in his deceased father's desk concerning the disappearance of his brother Paul. Entwined with real history, I was unable to put it down. Biblical serial killers, flashbacks to momentous times in history, using letters and reports, and a watch. This book has it all. The author lives in the same city and I would love to have coffee with him.
Just finished reading this and still reeling from all the twists and turns that kept me guessing right to the very end. Lee, an American investigating the mysterious death of his brother, wanders through Prague meeting people who all seem to be hiding something. Adamson does a nice job of building tension and setting the scene, so the reader feels just as lost as Lee and uncertain about who to trust or believe. The Complication is an thrilling trip down the rabbit hole, that may need to be revis...more
Wasn't sure if I'd be able to finish this book. It was so complicated, confusing. I would not go out of my way to read another by this author. Lee Holloway found a letter when going through his dad's desk after his death. It was from a woman in the Czech Republic who said she had information about how his brother, Paul had died 5 years earlier.
This was a compulsively readable story that takes you down some interesting rabbit trails. The plot has many threads, but this is the type of book that will take a couple of readings to pick up on some of the more subtle clues. The end result was a book that has an ending that hits you between the eyes and you wonder what just happened.
Great story for those enjoying a good mystery.
Reader received a complimentary copy from Good Reads First Reads.
Great story for those enjoying a good mystery.
Reader received a complimentary copy from Good Reads First Reads.
Isaac Adamson is about to blow your mind with this one. This is the kind of book you finish and then have to start again, just to go over all those moments where hints might have been dropped without your even knowing it. Compulsively readable, even when you feel like you're not entirely sure what's happening.
i am easily charmed by eastern european names. but beyond that, this was a well-written, original tale with just enough intrigue and potential for the supernatural that i devoured it in a matter of days. i've never read isaac adamson before, but i'll certainly be picking him up in the future. a reintroduction to the world of mystery and detectives? probably yes.
A fascinating bit of work, but just too convoluted for 5 stars. To get that rating, one must really fall in love with the characters, and too much jumping around in time or space prevents the reader from close identification, even though it was fairly well done in this case. Lovely descriptions of Prague. The surprise ending just didn't do it for me!
Another well-written novel from Isaac Adamson but if you're expecting Billy Chaka, don't. Complication is a whole new direction. Somewhat darker and with more edge-of-your-seat tension, this book takes you on a frenetic roller coaster ride through Prague (and time via backstory interspersions) with quite the twist as it winds down. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to Mr. Adamson's next novel, wherever it takes me.
Didn't like the backstories...didn't really want to get into them. I don't like unreliable narrators! I feel betrayed!!! The storyline wasn't compelling enough to support this. :(
A psychological thriller set in present-day Prague is blended with tales of a Communist era interrogation, a Jewish antique dealer planning his escape from Prague on the eve of the Nazi invasion, a serial killer, a gangster known as Rumpelstiltskin, the alchemists Edward Kelley, and a legendary watch purported to grant eternal life. Lee Holloway travels to Prague to learn the truth behind his brother’s mysterious death there five years earlier, and soon his own life is in danger. Fascinating, qu...more
This novel is touching, scary, gritty, suspenseful, complex, mysterious. It is beautifully written and thoroughly enjoyable to read.
it was ok - big twist at the end but there are so many gaps in the story that bugged me..
Mar 31, 2012
Martin Moleski
marked it as to-read
Recommended by the hobbit. I haven't read any Adamson books.
I really tried to get into this book but I just didn't care about the main characters. The mystery did not seem that mysterious... I dunno the book just was not for me.
Complication was a great read with a nice twist at the end. I recommend it!
Excellent book which takes place in Prague. It has elements of the occult, history, archaelogy, suspense, and mystery. It keeps you guessing right up until the end.
Drama, suspense, action, intrigue, horror, and thrills! This book has it all. Unique characters appear in a plot that turns forward and backward in a medieval setting revealing clues to a mystery that engages and challenges the reader. Can you figure out the surprise ending? Read it and find out.
This is a really fantastic book, written by a dude in full command of his craft. Highly recommended.
May 22, 2013
Andrei
marked it as to-read
May 16, 2013
Natalie
marked it as to-read
May 11, 2013
Suanne Laqueur
is currently reading it
May 17, 2013
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Isaac Adamson is the author of COMPLICATION, nominee for the 2013 Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original.
He also wrote TOKYO SUCKERPUNCH, DREAMING PACHINKO, and other Billy Chaka mysteries.
Isaac lives in Portland with his wife and children.
You can follow him on Twitter at @isaacadamson or find him on Facebook.
More about Isaac Adamson...
He also wrote TOKYO SUCKERPUNCH, DREAMING PACHINKO, and other Billy Chaka mysteries.
Isaac lives in Portland with his wife and children.
You can follow him on Twitter at @isaacadamson or find him on Facebook.
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Mar 05, 2012 06:54am