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iainkelly_writing's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
My favourite of the Archer books I've read so far. A classic private detective noir set in small town California with plenty ot twists and turns, memorable characters and snappy dialogue.
baxtervallens's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
inwit's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
annasa's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bunnieslikediamonds's review against another edition
4.0
My first MacDonald. The book flap tells me he inherited the mantle of Chandler, but I don't really see it. It's a good, straight-forward mystery, but not particularly noir. The detective, Lew Archer, is a decent fellow who doesn't seem to be a drunk, a womanizer, or an arrogant jerk. How odd. Unfortunately, he is not the most compelling of fictional sleuths, but this is after all book 11 in a series, so I imagine he comes across as a fuller character if you read several of them. Fast-paced, well-constructed, good ending. Wouldn't mind reading another one these, should I come across one.
ryanpait's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
3.0
kchernowski's review against another edition
3.0
I always enjoy a good old-fashioned mystery, complete with a cigarette-smoking private detective. It's not going to change anyone's life, but it reminds me of movies I watched with my grandfather.
shoba's review against another edition
3.0
“Looking for someone?” she said.
“Just waiting.”
“For Lefty or for Godot? It makes a difference.”
“For Lefty Godot. The pitcher.”
“The pitcher in the rye?”
“He prefers bourbon.”
“So do I,” she said. “You sound like an anti-intellectual to me, Mr.-“
jimmypat's review
5.0
Ross MacDonald delivers flawless execution in yet another Lew Archer novel. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Helen’s drunken father: some nice emotional depth and pathos. Great unexpected twist ending too- startling and satisfying.