Crime Novel of The Year?
|
Cold in Hand is an absolute belter of a novel from John Harvey. Returning to his much-loved character Charlie Resnick, Cold in Hand reminds you just why the original series of Resnick novels was so good. Put simply - you care about Resnick as a character, and boy does he go through the wringer in this story.
John Harvey is a hugely talented writer, but he's produced something above even his usually high standards here. Everything about the book works: superb storytelling, great characters, crackling dialogue, unexpected shocks, twists and turns - you really can't ask for more in a book. And at the heart of it all: the city of Nottingham - modern, fast-paced, violent, out of control - but still the place Resnick calls home.
As a long-standing fan of John Harvey's work, I've been a little disappointed by some of his recent previous efforts, which seemed to lack something despite being well-crafted. But Cold in Hand shows just what's he capable of - it's a cracking return to form.
|
|
|
An old friend returns
|
I was disappointed when Resnick disappeared from this authors main characters, but can understand that sometimes a writer has to develop other characters. I found that the Frank Elder books were not as good as I hoped and was therefore glad to see the resurrection of Resnick and to see the old familiar crew there. The book was as good as I hoped for, and did not disappoint.
You can feel the weariness in Resnick as he gets older, and copes with the greatest loss in his life. I wonder if the introduction of Shields and Ramsden, who really take over the second part of the book, and who are developed strongly set the path that author is going to take in the future. I for one think that there is great scope for these two characters in other books and hope that I am right.
Dont miss it - a great read,
|
|
One of John Harvey's best to date
|
|
I am quite a newcomer to this author's books featuring Resnick - I have only read 3 so far but I thought this book was excellent and I shall now buy the rest. It is quite sad in places though - hopefully we won't have seen the last of Resnick. I was quite disappointed with Gone to Ground and prefer the Resnick series or the Elder books. Plenty of detail and the author obviously knows Nottingham very well. Thank you for this book.
|
|
|
Cold in Hand
|
Reading a Resnick novel is like being amongst old friends.
"Cold in Hand" may be the last chance we have to be with Charlie Resnick as he moves nearer to retirement.
The plot, as always, moves well with a surprise or two. John Harvey really does deserve his reputation as a great British Crime Writer.
If you haven't read his books, then you must start now.
|
|
|
Cold in Hand - John Harvey
|
The first half of the book moves at a pace which leaves the reader feeling comfortable and confident that all will be put right by the reliable DI Resnick, brought back to the frontline and the competent, DI Lynn Kellogg, who has quickly achieved promotions. Lynn who has learnt a lot from Resnick when she was a young DC on his team and is now his partner personally.
However, this is snatched away by a totally unexpected event. The pace speeds up in the second part of the novel with the introduction of 2 officers from the Met.
Throughout the novel is the theme of the changes that are taking place in society. There is a reference that stuck in my mind when Harvey states the Sunday church bells were ringing summoning people to ... Homebase, B&Q! More seriously, Mike Ramsden is a voice that Harvey uses to explore changes to Britain in the way of gun crime, gangs, people trafficking and the constant changes that the Police service have to deal with in ensuring political correctness/observance of human rights.
Harvey is excellent at conveying human traits and the description of Resnick's emotions in Part 2 are powerful and heart-rendering.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada