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Dixon Grace #1
Dixon Grace: 1.9.7 Hamburg
Dixon's European sojourn goes awry when she's arrested for corporate espionage. She's just an innocent Australian teacher working abroad. Or is she? For Dixon, it's a matter of wrong place, wrong time. The investigating officers are convinced she's stolen the navigation and guidance technology from the plane manufacturer Flussair, and that she's behind the murder of a top-ranking executive. All the evidence points to her, but she insists it's all a misunderstanding. She breaks out of custody in order to prove her innocence. But there are sinister elements at every turn, including a rising Indian corporation called Nayakall, a people-smuggling prostitution ring in Hamburg, a language school up to no good and a boyfriend with a dark secret. Who can Dixon trust? Will she get out of Hamburg alive?
378 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
1100 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Camouro
1 book27 followersAn Australian author, Alexa's book 'Dixon Grace: 1.9.7 Hamburg' is the first in a planned trilogy of books featuring the Dixon Grace character.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 2, 2014
A modern day industrial espionage tale, 1.9.7 HAMBURG, the debut novel from Alex Camouro is a very brave undertaking. Moving backwards and forwards in time in chapter jumps, it tells the story of much of Dixon Grace's past life as well as present circumstances. As befits the situation she finds herself in Germany, everything about Grace is complicated - her name, her ethnic background, her family, her current situation, the investigation she's involved in, her love life. Everything.
Part of the braveness of this novel is what seems to be the intentional use of complication. There's very little in this book that's straightforward. Fortunately it did work as quite a strong hook, as the complication, even when it contributes to a bit of confusion on the part of the reader, manages to hold the reader's attention - provided the reader is comfortable with being confused.
The downside, however, of the frequent confusion is that there are points when the pace lags - either because of all that darting backwards and forwards, or genuinely because nothing actually seems to be happening. The ability to stick with those parts of the narrative might have a lot to do with a reader's connection with Dixon Grace.
The viewpoint of the entire novel is that of Dixon Grace's. There are other characters moving in and out of the storyline, and whilst many of these are a standout (Grace's grandmother for example), they are ultimately less well formed and out of focus. And therein lies another problem - if you don't like Dixon Grace then just about everything else here is going to jar. Even if you struggle a bit with her, then the confusion is likely to be annoying. If the confusion is driving you bats, then Grace is going to be profoundly irritating. It's very much an all or nothing type of book.
Which gets you back to the braveness of the undertaking. One of the strengths and weaknesses of 1.9.7 HAMBURG is difference. This isn't a crime / solution style of novel. It's not straight-forward and it's not built around likeable or even easily understandable characters. It's not about resolution either. Whilst for this reader, despite a somewhat ambivalent attitude to Grace, and some profound confusion at points, that lack of resolution and the non-straightforward nature of the entire novel worked. It might not have made for comfort reading, and there were times when I was obsessed with desire for something, anything to happen. But never once did I feel like throwing in the towel on it. Which in itself was rather intriguing.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
Part of the braveness of this novel is what seems to be the intentional use of complication. There's very little in this book that's straightforward. Fortunately it did work as quite a strong hook, as the complication, even when it contributes to a bit of confusion on the part of the reader, manages to hold the reader's attention - provided the reader is comfortable with being confused.
The downside, however, of the frequent confusion is that there are points when the pace lags - either because of all that darting backwards and forwards, or genuinely because nothing actually seems to be happening. The ability to stick with those parts of the narrative might have a lot to do with a reader's connection with Dixon Grace.
The viewpoint of the entire novel is that of Dixon Grace's. There are other characters moving in and out of the storyline, and whilst many of these are a standout (Grace's grandmother for example), they are ultimately less well formed and out of focus. And therein lies another problem - if you don't like Dixon Grace then just about everything else here is going to jar. Even if you struggle a bit with her, then the confusion is likely to be annoying. If the confusion is driving you bats, then Grace is going to be profoundly irritating. It's very much an all or nothing type of book.
Which gets you back to the braveness of the undertaking. One of the strengths and weaknesses of 1.9.7 HAMBURG is difference. This isn't a crime / solution style of novel. It's not straight-forward and it's not built around likeable or even easily understandable characters. It's not about resolution either. Whilst for this reader, despite a somewhat ambivalent attitude to Grace, and some profound confusion at points, that lack of resolution and the non-straightforward nature of the entire novel worked. It might not have made for comfort reading, and there were times when I was obsessed with desire for something, anything to happen. But never once did I feel like throwing in the towel on it. Which in itself was rather intriguing.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
August 14, 2016
Won from Good Reads First Reads
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I thought it was very well written although a little confusing at times. The confusion was only caused by the jumping around in the book between different places, times & storylines. I found myself having to check the heading of some chapters to refresh myself on where it was taking place & during what time period.
The story itself was a very good story. I enjoyed the characters, especially Dixon & Korner.
The premise is that of English teacher Dixon Grace is accused of corporate espionage while in Germany teaching English. Then she is further questioned of a murder. Is she just in the wrong place at the wrong time or is she really involved.
I must say I absolutely loved the dialogue between Korner & Schultze. I thought it was brilliant. Loved the book. Would definitely recommend it!!!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I thought it was very well written although a little confusing at times. The confusion was only caused by the jumping around in the book between different places, times & storylines. I found myself having to check the heading of some chapters to refresh myself on where it was taking place & during what time period.
The story itself was a very good story. I enjoyed the characters, especially Dixon & Korner.
The premise is that of English teacher Dixon Grace is accused of corporate espionage while in Germany teaching English. Then she is further questioned of a murder. Is she just in the wrong place at the wrong time or is she really involved.
I must say I absolutely loved the dialogue between Korner & Schultze. I thought it was brilliant. Loved the book. Would definitely recommend it!!!
December 14, 2013
I received this as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers programme.
I mostly enjoyed this book, but have to say that the constant shifts both in perspective and timeline was a bit much for me.
It was great getting the view of so many characters whose motivations were thus fairly well explained, and all of whom were well rounded. On the other hand, the shifting between dates left me a little confused as to what happened when, as I found it difficult to keep track. Still I guess this was intentional?
My favourite character was probably Sara- I'm intrigued and would like to know more about her. Sadly, I'm not sure I'm quite as enthralled by Dixon, who struck me as the least believable character in the book.
Still I'd definitely give the next instalment a go.
I mostly enjoyed this book, but have to say that the constant shifts both in perspective and timeline was a bit much for me.
It was great getting the view of so many characters whose motivations were thus fairly well explained, and all of whom were well rounded. On the other hand, the shifting between dates left me a little confused as to what happened when, as I found it difficult to keep track. Still I guess this was intentional?
My favourite character was probably Sara- I'm intrigued and would like to know more about her. Sadly, I'm not sure I'm quite as enthralled by Dixon, who struck me as the least believable character in the book.
Still I'd definitely give the next instalment a go.
July 27, 2016
Dixon Grace is in a police interrogation room courtesy of a Hamburg, Germany SWAT team, but why? This classic Robert Lundlum like beginning...an everyday man thrust into a desperate, unreal situation....sends the reader as Dixon on a path of discovery. Who is Dixon Grace? An Australian ex-pat teaching English in Germany or is there more to this man? Through flashbacks, (thank heavens they are dated), the reader careens through Dixon's life and is constantly surprised by the events that eventually lead Dixon to the interrogation room. Author Camouro populates the book with interesting characters coupled with action that will keep you involved until the last page. Another lucky day for me as a winner of a free copy of this book courtesy of the goodreads giveaway program!
June 27, 2016
**I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway**
I'm not usually a fan of the whole espionage thriller-type novels, but 1.9.7 HAMBURG was surprisingly enjoyable. Dixon was a pretty badass main character, but not excessively so, and easy to empathize with. The writing was great, easy to follow, and I often found myself reading many many chapters at once. Even with the jumping between people and places, I was rarely lost.
Really my only issue was that some parts felt redundant. There was a lot of small talk, a lot of repetetive scenes, etc. The ending also was a bit of a letdown; I was expecting a bigger twist. Still, I enjoyed the author's style and will absolutely return to the series to see what Dixon gets up to next!
I'm not usually a fan of the whole espionage thriller-type novels, but 1.9.7 HAMBURG was surprisingly enjoyable. Dixon was a pretty badass main character, but not excessively so, and easy to empathize with. The writing was great, easy to follow, and I often found myself reading many many chapters at once. Even with the jumping between people and places, I was rarely lost.
Really my only issue was that some parts felt redundant. There was a lot of small talk, a lot of repetetive scenes, etc. The ending also was a bit of a letdown; I was expecting a bigger twist. Still, I enjoyed the author's style and will absolutely return to the series to see what Dixon gets up to next!
November 4, 2016
I enjoyed this novel, I thought it was a decent thriller with a strong female lead. I thought the expat view provided an interesting view of the societies the story was based in, I enjoyed the contrasting environments and societies of Germany, India and Australia. This seemed to reflect the changes and growing pains the world and the economies are going through at the moment. The corruption aspect is especially relevant to current sporting events. I am not entirely sure I liked the conclusion it seemed slightly disjointed, a bit ambiguous for this type of novel with some questions left unresolved. Overall, definitely worth a try if you like thriller and spy type novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2016
Started out like an easy story, but soon became so involved that at first I wasn't sure which plot was the main plot. In the end the plots were all interwoven and I wouldn't be surprised if I had the main plot wrong. This was a great book. The characters were multi directional and I even looked up how to play cricket, but that turned out to be just a minor thread. A great book, easy to read and really exciting. I was pulling for the heroine the whole time, but always thinking that maybe there was more going on than was being said. I am sorry it ended and I hope there is a sequel. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes intrigue. I received this book from Goodreads for free.
May 18, 2016
Well written and suspenseful story.
It seems like Dixon Grace has been used to cover a big corporation crime. She will try to prove that she has nothing to do with what she's being accused, but it's not so easy when you seem like the most suspect person.
The story is great and the author has been able to make something original with a story that seemed, at first, like a 'déjà vu'.
You will be captured and dragged by the perseverance and personality of Dixon.
I received this book through Goodreads giveaways.
It seems like Dixon Grace has been used to cover a big corporation crime. She will try to prove that she has nothing to do with what she's being accused, but it's not so easy when you seem like the most suspect person.
The story is great and the author has been able to make something original with a story that seemed, at first, like a 'déjà vu'.
You will be captured and dragged by the perseverance and personality of Dixon.
I received this book through Goodreads giveaways.
August 11, 2016
Received a copy of Dixon Grace 1.9.7 Hamburg by Alexa Camouro through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. While it was a little confusing at times, I thought it was a good story. My confusion was with each chapter jumping to a different location, date or character. I had to keep looking back at the beginning of the chapter to see where I was in the storyline.
I would recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book. While it was a little confusing at times, I thought it was a good story. My confusion was with each chapter jumping to a different location, date or character. I had to keep looking back at the beginning of the chapter to see where I was in the storyline.
I would recommend this book.
June 1, 2014
Camouro created a character that was witty and engaging from the first encounter. I wasn't sure what to expect at first, because the storyline seemed to meander a bit, but that was part of its charm.
December 24, 2015
I was one of the lucky winners who won this book in the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
I must admit that I was a little confused at times, and am not a great fan whereby stories jump from past to present. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read.
I must admit that I was a little confused at times, and am not a great fan whereby stories jump from past to present. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read.
October 6, 2014
I liked this book.I would recommend this book to my reading friends.
January 4, 2018
If the author's intent was to portray a disgusting human being, then she succeeded by giving us Dixon Grace. Dixon has this holier-than-thou attitude towards her boyfriend even though she's the one sleeping around with his boss and her recruiter. She also loves her boyfriend's apartment more than her boyfriend. I also didn't like how she kept telling one of the investigators that his English was really bad: was she being ignorant? racist? disagreeable (by design)?
The book is also repetitive. How many times does Devan need to say India is the future and the West is going in the wrong direction? He says it two or three times to Nathan, two or three times to Sara, two or three times to Dinesh, two or three times to reporters. Repetitive.
The book does make good use of the non-linear timeline device. It gives the story intricacy and suspense.
This is another Goodreads Giveaway win for me. The book came gift-wrapped (very nice gesture; thank you) all the way from Germany.
The book is also repetitive. How many times does Devan need to say India is the future and the West is going in the wrong direction? He says it two or three times to Nathan, two or three times to Sara, two or three times to Dinesh, two or three times to reporters. Repetitive.
The book does make good use of the non-linear timeline device. It gives the story intricacy and suspense.
This is another Goodreads Giveaway win for me. The book came gift-wrapped (very nice gesture; thank you) all the way from Germany.
June 8, 2019
I received this in a goodreads contest. It was a hard book to read and follow because of the jumping between time too much. Very confusing at times. Other than that it was a good story.
January 9, 2014
I liked the basic story line of this book, but found it hard to read and get into. I think this is mainly because it changed narrator, time, and location with each chapter. It made it hard to just sit down and read. I also found it hard to put all the stories together and see the relevance of different chapters. I'm hoping that it will all come together throughout the series. I felt like the book missed a climactic ending, and it didn't really answer a lot of the questions raised in the book or in the readers minds. I'm looking forward to reading the next book, but I do hope that it will flow a bit easier.
April 8, 2015
The story lines and settings could have transitioned smoother. I could have done without the date hopping. All in all a good story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews