Jonathan K (Max Outlier) > Recent Status Updates

Where fantasy concerned keeping up with the culture of Yarrowdale and the empire keeps the reader on their toes as does the type of mystery. His use of Din's first person POV is similar to Holmes which is always a good thing!

I rescind my comparison of Mitch Ablom stories to this since it lacks the inspiration and joy. No offense to those that liked it

I'd hoped this would not get soapy and its definitely moving in that direction

As with the first one, becoming familiar with the fantasy world and it's customs makes for interesting reading

Having loved the first book which demonstrated the genius of it's author who mimics Conan Doyle through use fantasy settings and characters, he's taken it to a new level with this one. We need more authors willing to indulge our senses

A lovely story with relatable characters and well crafted dialog

While just getting started it has a slight Mitch Ablom feeling and that's a good thing!

Good stuff! A short 4 star review tomorrow. WKK hasn't lost his mojo but having set the bar high with others this isn't at the same level

I recant the earlier statements about plot B since it paints a very detailed picture the story's purpose. This is another well written episode. A fan of Henry, I wished he plays a bigger role.

Finally we move back to the present. It's unusual how small a role Henry plays in the B plot though I'm grateful for the wisdom he imparts

Looks like I may not be able to finish this since somebody else put a library hold on it. And I'll be honest saying its not one of my favorites either

Truly unusual that an author sets the stage for a story in the present then toggles backward 25 years and remains there for most of it. All we know is that 25 years ago a man confessed to murder. So its logical that the A plot will reveal the truth. Not exactly what I'd call mystery.

While it's reasonably good the pace is sluggish as compared to other mysteries and I find the plot a bit droll. Of course I've been spoiled by reading Daniel Silva so I guess it's not fair to compare them

It's good but the B plot seems to be dragging. It's also a bit odd that I'm nearly at the halfway mark and it's yet to toggle with the A plot 25 years later

As stated previously I find the narrative engaging and well paced and enjoy the 25 year old B plot It will be interesting when he shifts back to the A plot

I'm curious if anyone familiar with the series read early installments when Corks wife Jo was alive. If not it's interesting to read a murder plot that took place 25 years previous when Cork was sheriff and Jo represents the suspect. Classic small town stuff but unique

Having read some mediocre reviews I personally find that it's as good or better than the others. I also like the fact that it's shorter in length :)

Been quite a while since I read a Cork O'Connor book and as expected the pacing is perfect. Since I haven't read them all the 25 year old back story is welcome.

This has improved greatly and evolved from a droll predictable story to an action packed thriller. Imagine a group of criminals offering immigrants big dollars for a kidney, giving them half in cash then flying them out of the country telling them they'll get the balance after the operation, only they don't. I wouldn't be surprised if this is based on facts either

Happy to see a change in the plot but if I'm correct about the outcome this will be my least favorite of three he's written

A comic hero that plays cello using the book title is a stretch but it makes sense given the bandit mask on the cover.

The death knell for mystery is predictability. And the use of it here is disappointing. Curtis gives his $75K cello to the US Marshall to sell and as soon the money hits his bank the music store owner is murdered. You can't get any worse than that. Sorry Brendan but this isn't as good as your others

We've seen the FBI puts a family in the witness protection program plot before and so far this is a carbon copy. And if act three is like the others the bad guys will be caught when they attempt to get rid of the snitch.. Hope the author comes up with a twist

The warm up was good, but now that Curtis is a famous cellist the mystery plot bears familiarity to the previous books. Hopefully the plot will shift to something new

PS.. As I mentioned in a previous update, Nora became friends with the Oscar winning director Mike Nichols who mentored her for years. For those who may not follow directors, Mike directed The Birdcage, the hit that starred Robin Williams and Gene Hackman!

Over 20 pages of Afterword and Acknowledgement, this is a must read for those who enjoy fairytales. Nora was a gift to the world and her circle of friends and actors are limitless as are their love for a dear friend. I'll have what she's having! 5 star review tomorrow

Nora passed in June 2012 and her countless friends held a celebration called, A Gathering for Nora, that cost over $100K with over $20K in catering. Meryl and others felt the announcement of her death was an ambush and couldn't believe it. So sad to lose someone like this

Great trivia. In 2009 prior to the general release of Julie & Julia, Nora, Meryl and Tucci joined the Obamas for a private screening at the White House! We don't hear about things like this very often!

Fortunately for all of us Nora lived until 2012. When she'd finished the mediocre film, Bewitched, with Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell, she ran into Meryl Streep when she was cast in a NY play. It was here that Julie & Julia took foot and for that we are all grateful. In my humble opinion it's the creme de la creme for Nora