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sitnstew's review against another edition
4.0
First off, I want to say that City of Saints was NOT was I expected it to be. I went into this book expecting a dark book filled with mystery and Mormon intrigue. Now don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it just didn't fit my prior expectations.
City of Saints is a fictionalized version of a true unsolved murder that occurred in Salt Lake City in the 1930s. Andrew Hunt took a lot of liberty in telling the story so very little is true to fact other than time periods and a few renamed characters. In my opinion this was actually a pretty smart move on his part because he turned this story into a fabulously exciting tale that kept me wanting more. The writing was smart and fun and gave just enough depth to have a degree of realism to the plot. The ending was somewhat disappointing but I think it was probably quite a challenge to find a resolution to the story that both satisfied us as readers and held true to the actually murder that took place.
My only real complaint about City of Saints is that the time period didn't feel authentic. Honestly, the way it was told, the story could have occurred in the 2000s and I wouldn't have know better. There was very little effort made to place the reader in the 30's. I would have loved to feel more authenticity of that time period but really the only thing that makes you realize it's even occurring during that time is the occasional mention of a Model A and a reference to the date.
Overall, the book was better than I expected despite being nothing like I thought it would be. Enjoyable to the very last page!
City of Saints is a fictionalized version of a true unsolved murder that occurred in Salt Lake City in the 1930s. Andrew Hunt took a lot of liberty in telling the story so very little is true to fact other than time periods and a few renamed characters. In my opinion this was actually a pretty smart move on his part because he turned this story into a fabulously exciting tale that kept me wanting more. The writing was smart and fun and gave just enough depth to have a degree of realism to the plot. The ending was somewhat disappointing but I think it was probably quite a challenge to find a resolution to the story that both satisfied us as readers and held true to the actually murder that took place.
My only real complaint about City of Saints is that the time period didn't feel authentic. Honestly, the way it was told, the story could have occurred in the 2000s and I wouldn't have know better. There was very little effort made to place the reader in the 30's. I would have loved to feel more authenticity of that time period but really the only thing that makes you realize it's even occurring during that time is the occasional mention of a Model A and a reference to the date.
Overall, the book was better than I expected despite being nothing like I thought it would be. Enjoyable to the very last page!
eososray's review against another edition
3.0
A real-life unsolved murder case from 1930's Salt Lake City turned into a historical fiction book with a resolution.
This is a good story. I'm sure it could be turned into a wonderful movie where the 1930's period would really come to life though the set and the clothes, it was kind of lacking in the book itself. A bit on the simple side for my tastes but an agreeable read anyway.
This is a good story. I'm sure it could be turned into a wonderful movie where the 1930's period would really come to life though the set and the clothes, it was kind of lacking in the book itself. A bit on the simple side for my tastes but an agreeable read anyway.
cnorbury's review
2.0
An interesting concept and premise (a 1930 murder mystery set in Salt Lake City, based on a real case) combined with a unique character ( a squeaky clean young Mormon deputy sheriff) and high praise and awards attracted me to this book, but the book did not live up to the promise or the praise.
The premise was okay but I didn't get an in-depth feel for the era like I have in the historical novels of Ken Follett or other comparable authors. Art Oveson seemed like a fish out of water dealing with the criminal element in SLC as well as dealing with the foul mouth and crude behavior of his partner, Lund. The clash of cultures (Mormon clean living compared with "normal" lifestyles) was always jarring, especially since the dialogue and much of the narrative was overly proper, polite, and petty (Too much, "How are you?" "Fine, you?" "Not bad. Nice weather, huh?" Etc., Etc., Etc.) Those weren't direct quotes-just illustrating the chitchat nature of much of the dialogue).
The story was also plagued by far too much excruciating but unnecessary detail. 1930s telephones, party lines, and dealing with operators were discussed 3 or 4 too many times. Once was enough.
The plot proceeded at a languid pace, mainly due to the excessive details and drawn out conversations. No character stood out as being memorable--with the stock appearances by the crooked sheriff, loving wife, cute children, evil attorney, wealthy socialites. Mainly because the reader wasn't given enough interesting detail about the characters.
Altogether, a curiously uncomfortable book to read because of the prim and proper MC and stiff, polite narrative laced with occasional outbursts of violence and foul language. It was a mix that didn't work for me.
The premise was okay but I didn't get an in-depth feel for the era like I have in the historical novels of Ken Follett or other comparable authors. Art Oveson seemed like a fish out of water dealing with the criminal element in SLC as well as dealing with the foul mouth and crude behavior of his partner, Lund. The clash of cultures (Mormon clean living compared with "normal" lifestyles) was always jarring, especially since the dialogue and much of the narrative was overly proper, polite, and petty (Too much, "How are you?" "Fine, you?" "Not bad. Nice weather, huh?" Etc., Etc., Etc.) Those weren't direct quotes-just illustrating the chitchat nature of much of the dialogue).
The story was also plagued by far too much excruciating but unnecessary detail. 1930s telephones, party lines, and dealing with operators were discussed 3 or 4 too many times. Once was enough.
The plot proceeded at a languid pace, mainly due to the excessive details and drawn out conversations. No character stood out as being memorable--with the stock appearances by the crooked sheriff, loving wife, cute children, evil attorney, wealthy socialites. Mainly because the reader wasn't given enough interesting detail about the characters.
Altogether, a curiously uncomfortable book to read because of the prim and proper MC and stiff, polite narrative laced with occasional outbursts of violence and foul language. It was a mix that didn't work for me.
michelleful's review against another edition
3.0
I was looking for "Mormon mysteries", and this book, featuring a lawman of that religion in the 1930s, did not really fit the bill. Art Oveson's religion is relevant only to his own behaviour - he doesn't swear, his biggest sin is eating too much ice cream. As a result, he comes across as being a little...milquetoast is the word that comes to mind. Which colours the whole book, really.
Plot-wise, the book was fine. It was based on a historical, still unsolved, mystery in Salt Lake City, which I found interesting. It was just...a little too bland for my liking. Still, I finished it, so points there.
Spoiler
Even his rebellion, when it comes, is extremely mild.Plot-wise, the book was fine. It was based on a historical, still unsolved, mystery in Salt Lake City, which I found interesting. It was just...a little too bland for my liking. Still, I finished it, so points there.
raldrich24's review against another edition
3.0
This was a nice book, with good narration. Not the most exciting murder mystery I have read, or the most shocking, but it was a pleasant story and easy to listen to. I thought the story pulled together well, and the ending wrapped up all the characters nicely.
bethmitcham's review
2.0
The main characters motivations were unclear, especially why he thought he had to do everything by himself. I didn't buy the daddy issues idea.
penny_literaryhoarders's review
4.0
This was a really smart caper! Came to terms by the middle-to-end with the narration too. Full review is pending.
raehink's review
2.0
A mystery set in 1930s Salt Lake City (which was cool) and based on an actual unsolved crime from that same time period (Dorothy Dexter Moormeister). Way too bland.
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