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hemloc's review
2.0
Four reasons to read Good Bait:
1) I enjoyed the depth of characterisation and the lack of black-and-white in how the players think and behave. Even characters who only show up for a scene feel like fully formed people.
2) The social commentary is slipped in very neatly and is well-informed, and it was almost enough to make like like this book. It makes it feel real and important.
3) There's a nice rhythm to Harvey's writing that's easy to relax into right from the first paragraph.
4) The plot is unpredictable and incites enough curiosity that I kept reading even when I wanted to quit.
Two drawbacks to Good Bait:
1) There's too much going on, too many names, too many clues, and too many cases, and I couldn't keep up.
2) Though the characters are well-written, they're too aloof to like or care about.
1) I enjoyed the depth of characterisation and the lack of black-and-white in how the players think and behave. Even characters who only show up for a scene feel like fully formed people.
2) The social commentary is slipped in very neatly and is well-informed, and it was almost enough to make like like this book. It makes it feel real and important.
3) There's a nice rhythm to Harvey's writing that's easy to relax into right from the first paragraph.
4) The plot is unpredictable and incites enough curiosity that I kept reading even when I wanted to quit.
Two drawbacks to Good Bait:
1) There's too much going on, too many names, too many clues, and too many cases, and I couldn't keep up.
2) Though the characters are well-written, they're too aloof to like or care about.
angrygreycatreads's review against another edition
4.0
Good Bait is, I believe, my first John Harvey crime novel. This was on my TBR and I don’t really remember adding it or why but when I saw it at the library I picked it up. DCI Karen Shields is running a team investigating the death of a Moldovian boy and she is not even sure if she can find it on the map. At the same time, DI Cordon is about to get enmeshed in a missing person case in Cornwall at the request of the mother of his former dog walker. The story lines and detectives contrast really or stand in relief of one another rather than interconnect. Very well plotted and paced mystery story lines here.
The novel has a big cast of rich characters and explores a large web of gang warfare, organized crime, with prostitution and trafficking featured prominently. There are literary and musical references, hence the title Good Bait, a well known Jazz number. A book written rich in detail. I really enjoyed this one.
The novel has a big cast of rich characters and explores a large web of gang warfare, organized crime, with prostitution and trafficking featured prominently. There are literary and musical references, hence the title Good Bait, a well known Jazz number. A book written rich in detail. I really enjoyed this one.
kiwiwolf's review
5.0
A typical Jophn Harvey book, it sticks to your fingers and you can't put it down. A great read...don't miss it.
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