Paul Patterson read and liked Nicola's review of The Last Dickens: A Novel:

"Reason for Reading: I'm always interested in Victorian historical fiction plus I've read two other books this year that concerned Charles Dickens: 'Drood' by Dan Simmons and 'Wanting' by Richard Flanagan. Therefore I thought why not add a third to th...more Reason for Reading: I'm always interested in Victorian historical fiction plus I've read two other books this year that concerned Charles Dickens: 'Drood' by Dan Simmons and 'Wanting' by Richard Flanagan. Therefore I thought why not add a third to the mix especially since this concentrated on Dickens last novel as did 'Drood'.

Comments: Dickens has just died leaving his last book "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" only half-finished. But one of the partners of his American publishing house James Osgood is certain he may be able to find clues to Dickens' intentions for the story's ending if he travels to England which leads him into a much deeper, darker and dangerous mystery than he had counted on. The book also flashes back a few years to a plot line that follows Dickens' final book tour of America and the trials and tribulations that accompanied him on that last trip. And finally, the book follows a third less frequent plot line of Frank Dickens, Charles' son, who is an officer stationed in India. The time period being consistent with the recent death of his father.

This is a much researched and historically accurate tale as far as Dickens and his family and acquaintances go. Many small real life incidents of his life are included which adds authenticity to the period. I found the characters and the setting to be spot on with regards to Victorian attitudes and ambiance. While the book is populated fiercely with a motley crew of characters, two do stand out as the main characters and I found both James and Rebecca to be both truly believable and completely compelling. Rebecca never stepped out of her place as a woman of her times but as a divorced woman working as a bookkeeper she took no nonsense from anyone as regards her sex. I loved her stinging, yet witty remarks, that kept her completely within her confines as a Victorian woman.

The plot follows many clues and red herrings sending James and (sometimes) Rebecca all over London's shadier sides and to the East End and finally to the dregs of opium dens and thieves quarters. While certainly an interesting read that did keep me reading, I found the pacing slow. It was a book I could put down and not be in a hurry to pick up again. Not because I wasn't liking it but just that it didn't have that certain intensity to it. The ending does increase in pace and there is a typical high energy rush in the final chapters as the mystery is solved, which is all rather cleverly done on the author's part.

One thing I did find fascinating was the description of the the cut-throat world of American publishing at the time. The underhanded dealings, the nefarious goings on, the blatant disregard for international copyright, and in particular the way in which the Harper Brothers were portrayed. If the beginnings of Harper & Bros. and the characters of the brothers themselves have been portrayed realistically here an historical fiction on their family would be an amazing read.

This book would be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys a good literary mystery but I also think it will satisfy all the people who did not like 'Drood' by Dan Simmons very much because of the supernatural elements. Now I loved that other book, but for those of you who didn't, I think you'll love 'The Last Dickens' more than I did.(less) "

Paul Patterson read and liked Ben's review of Drood:

"If ever there was a book that's impossible to review (at least without major spoilers) it's this one. So instead of reviewing it, let me say a few things to anyone who might be thinking of reading it.

First off, don't approach this like a ...more If ever there was a book that's impossible to review (at least without major spoilers) it's this one. So instead of reviewing it, let me say a few things to anyone who might be thinking of reading it.

First off, don't approach this like a horror novel. It's not in the sense that Carrion Comfort, Summer of Night or even The Terror were horror novels. There are elements of horror in it but if you are expecting an intense fright fest you'll probably be disappointed. This is a novel about obsession, reality, insanity, jealousy and the thin line between love and hate.

Second, this isn't a novel about Charles Dickens. Sure, he's in it plenty but this is really about Wilkie Collins, a contemporary of Dickens' and lesser known novelist.

Finally, don't believe other reviews that try and give a simple explanation for what happens in the story. There are a ton of different ways to look at the novel. There is no simple explanation or easy answer.

I loved the book. I'm not at all surprised that reviews on this one have been more mixed. It's nothing like Simmons other stuff (no big surprise there if you've read even a few of his novels) but it is brilliant, just maybe not in the way you'd expect. (less) "

Paul Patterson read and liked TBML's review of The Return of the Dancing Master:

"Having read several of Mankell's Kurt Wallander books, I thought I would try a mystery by him not in that series. My evaluation: fully as great and satisfying as the Wallander books!

THE RETURN OF THE DANCING MASTER contains an added bonu...more Having read several of Mankell's Kurt Wallander books, I thought I would try a mystery by him not in that series. My evaluation: fully as great and satisfying as the Wallander books!

THE RETURN OF THE DANCING MASTER contains an added bonus. One of the most unforgetably named detectives in all of crime fiction: Inspector Giuseppe Larsson! I tip my hat to Mankell for creating such a marvelous moniker! Larsson joins such exalted company as Margery Allingham's Magersfontein Lugg, Colin Dexter's Endeavor Morse, Arthur Upfield's Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, and Arturo Perez Reverte's Bartolo Cagafuego.

Briefly, here's a plot synopsis. Stefan Lindman is a Swedish detective who has just (the book is set in 1999) discovered he has tongue cancer. At the same time, he sees a newspaper article about a retired former colleague found gruesomely slaughtered in his remote cabin in a forest.
Lindman goes north to find out what happened to his old mentor of sorts.
He discovers a vast number of facts and even more questions about Herbert Molin, the former detective who was butchered, himself, his father, Swedish society in general, his girlfriend and the meaning of life. Some are terrifying, some are uplifting, but they all change his life forever.

All of Mankell's books I have read so far (this is the 4th one)are intensely cinematic and complexly layered at the same time. I don't know if there is a connection, but he is married to Swedish film director Eva Bergman, daughter of the legendary Ingmar Bergman.--Mark
Click here to find this book in our library.(less) "