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bettinab's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I love legal thrillers and enjoyed this debut by former FBI director Comey. The writing is a little clumsy here and there and you can sense this is a debut, with the author still coming into his own - but there's definitely a lot of potential. Occasionally, there's attention to some details that weirdly but briefly distracted me from the story, but overall this is fast-paced, smooth legal/procedural thriller with likable protagonists that I hope to read about again in the future. I also really enjoyed the FBI trivia.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
summernajjar's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
jamelchior's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
roelia's review
4.0
3.5 rating
James Comey, a former FBI director, uses his decades of experience in federal law enforcement to craft a fast-paced legal thriller in his debut crime fiction novel, Central Park West.
The protagonist of the book is federal prosecutor Nora Carleton, who becomes involved in a plot involving the killing of a former governor of New York while attempting to convict a wealthy mobster.
Along with examining the moral quandaries and personal struggles that the protagonists encounter, the book provides an insider's perspective on the inner workings of the legal system, the politics of power, and the perils of corruption.
The book has realistic dialog, real-life courtroom sequences, and unexpected turns. It is well-written. The reader will be captivated by the captivating and thrilling plot till the very end. Often, male authors struggle to effectively capture female protagonists and characters, but Comey did very well.
Along with his critique of the current political environment and the decline in public trust, Comey's own principles and beliefs—such as his devotion to truth, integrity, and the rule of law—are also reflected in the volume.
Is this possibly the first book in a new crime/legal series? I sure hope so!
For lovers of crime fiction, particularly those who are curious about the inner workings of the FBI and the mafia, this book is a must-read. It also serves as a topical and pertinent reflection on the status of American society and democracy.
• Fast-paced
• Courtroom/procedural drama
• Knowledgeable narrative
• Original and unpredictable plot
• Suspenseful
With thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
James Comey, a former FBI director, uses his decades of experience in federal law enforcement to craft a fast-paced legal thriller in his debut crime fiction novel, Central Park West.
The protagonist of the book is federal prosecutor Nora Carleton, who becomes involved in a plot involving the killing of a former governor of New York while attempting to convict a wealthy mobster.
Along with examining the moral quandaries and personal struggles that the protagonists encounter, the book provides an insider's perspective on the inner workings of the legal system, the politics of power, and the perils of corruption.
The book has realistic dialog, real-life courtroom sequences, and unexpected turns. It is well-written. The reader will be captivated by the captivating and thrilling plot till the very end. Often, male authors struggle to effectively capture female protagonists and characters, but Comey did very well.
Along with his critique of the current political environment and the decline in public trust, Comey's own principles and beliefs—such as his devotion to truth, integrity, and the rule of law—are also reflected in the volume.
Is this possibly the first book in a new crime/legal series? I sure hope so!
For lovers of crime fiction, particularly those who are curious about the inner workings of the FBI and the mafia, this book is a must-read. It also serves as a topical and pertinent reflection on the status of American society and democracy.
• Fast-paced
• Courtroom/procedural drama
• Knowledgeable narrative
• Original and unpredictable plot
• Suspenseful
With thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
longhornrach's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
momma794's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
liber_invia's review
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
in_and_out_of_the_stash's review
1.0
I have just started this and cannot believe what was written on page 8.
Does it count as DNF if I read the beginning and the end and not the middle?
Everything bad about this book has already been said but I feel it does a disservice to ghost writers to suggest it was written by one.
Also, I wouldn't say this book would never have been published if it hadn't been written by an infamous American but it is certainly a reminder not to read books by known non-literary names.
Spoiler
"The only time they ever fought was when he said they should fool around more often. When she was in law school, they almost broke up after he said she was "frigid". She got drunk that night on Thanksgiving break - too drunk to think clearly - and they had sex." She was drunk - and the ex-head of the FBI thinks this is OK?Does it count as DNF if I read the beginning and the end and not the middle?
Everything bad about this book has already been said but I feel it does a disservice to ghost writers to suggest it was written by one.
Also, I wouldn't say this book would never have been published if it hadn't been written by an infamous American but it is certainly a reminder not to read books by known non-literary names.
calialirunner's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Honestly, it was better than it had any right to be. Maybe the audiobook elevated it, but although the plot wasn't that crazy, the characters were really fun to follow, and I appreciated a lot of the subtle humor.