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angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
1.0
Guess there was a reason I had not previously heard of this book or author before stumbling upon it. I'm more than halfway through and I've lost the thread of the story and have no interest in picking it back up. Could not finish.
staticmemories's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sumna_sova's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
mementomoriiv's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
bestbeefarm's review
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cerise_floryn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The highest I've ever rated a book thus far, and for good reason!
I first went into this book with the presumption of it being your average detectives novel. Though, from one moment to the next, the storyline grew into something more. I found myself more enticed to listen to the aduiobook than I was to spend my time viewing other media.
The main character, Unwin, at first appeared rather bland. But as the story continues, you come to learn how this creature of habit, that is thrown around in a puddle of mystery and murders, is unbeknownst to himself, is has the very mind he needs to survive.
As the book goes on, there are so many twists and turns that I had to keep a list of findings and discoveries in my mind to keep on track. Each character unique and with their own storyline. The author created such an expansive world with characters that were as vital as the plot itself. As the book came to an end, I found myself attached to this world that was created as it felt so real with how intricate it was.
100% recommend this book! You won't be disappointed. Though, if you're anything like me and struggle with keeping tracking of names, you may want to write them down as each person introduced is vital to the story in some way.
I first went into this book with the presumption of it being your average detectives novel. Though, from one moment to the next, the storyline grew into something more. I found myself more enticed to listen to the aduiobook than I was to spend my time viewing other media.
The main character, Unwin, at first appeared rather bland. But as the story continues, you come to learn how this creature of habit, that is thrown around in a puddle of mystery and murders, is unbeknownst to himself, is has the very mind he needs to survive.
As the book goes on, there are so many twists and turns that I had to keep a list of findings and discoveries in my mind to keep on track. Each character unique and with their own storyline. The author created such an expansive world with characters that were as vital as the plot itself. As the book came to an end, I found myself attached to this world that was created as it felt so real with how intricate it was.
100% recommend this book! You won't be disappointed. Though, if you're anything like me and struggle with keeping tracking of names, you may want to write them down as each person introduced is vital to the story in some way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Death
Minor: Alcohol
eastofthesunwestofthemoon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.5
debs4jc's review against another edition
4.0
This inventive mystery takes the old fashioned private eye story and recreates it with elements of fantasy. At the center is Charles Unwin, a clerk for 'the agency' who suddenly finds himself promoted to a detective. The detective that he once clerked for has gone missing and as Unwin encounters a series of bizarre occurances he becomes determined to track down the missing detective--for he may be the only one who can explain what's going one and help solve the case. [return]I sometimes had a hard time following all the twists and turns of Unwin's journey through a bizarre landscape of sleepwalkers. The fact that so many completely unexpected things kept happening kept my interest though, and there was enough of a thread of coherency for me to follow the plot. The narrator of the audiobook captured the feel of the story well, transporting the reader back to the heyday of detective stories--the 1940's--with a masterful reading of slang and appropriate voices. Fans of noir and traditional private eye stories
el_viral's review against another edition
4.0
This gets four stars from me, though in truth it's 3.5. I enjoyed the book very much - it's a quick read, easy to get into, with a decent storyline. If the book blurb hadn't claimed so much (that is would blow your mind) perhaps my four stars would be less grudging. Mind not blown, no gigantic, unexpected twists. Just a nice, easy, escapist read.
bennought's review against another edition
5.0
This book took me completely by surprise. It is beautifully written, with an interesting and not-wholly predictable plot and engaging characters with real depth. Berry has taken many of the classic noir tropes and reinterpreted them through the Sci Fi, dystopian lens of the universe he creates; which is both refreshing and masterfully done. On top of that, the book is absolutely hilarious, often with a dry, subtle humor that complements the action and world perfectly. Highly recommended, and I can't wait to read what Berry writes next.