Better and better
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For some inexplicable reason, Simon Kernick seems to have been hiding his light under a bushel. This is the third novel of his I've read in the last few weeks but all have been around quite a while. Strange because they are all very good indeed.
This one is written in the first person singular but from two different characters, both of whom will eventually meet up with serious consequences. DS Gallan is our usual policeman, unlucky in love, in love with his job, countering senior but stuffy officers as he chases down a series of murders. Max Iversson is the man he's looking for. Max is ex just about everything with a serious desire to have-a-go at some heavyweight criminals. Murder follows him around and, although he manages to avoid too many serious injuries, the final twist in this excellent thriller, although not unexpected, does mean that both main characters may well re-appear elsewhere. As I have 'The Crime Trade' yet to read, we shall see.
It's good to see a consistent crime/thriller writer take on the Americans at their own game and come out ahead in many ways. If you haven't read Simon Kernick yet, please do - and you could start with this one.
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Bring back Iversson
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Another winner. I have only just discovered author Simon Kernick's work after picking up RELENTLESS the other month in paperback, and after demolishing that in record time, I just came on Amazon and ordered 3 copies of his other books. This book will not disapoint, told in a unique and brave dual first person narrative, you get to be in the head of ex-soldier and Met. Copper - I really liked the Iversson character, as he sort of reminded me of Andy McNabs "Nick". It is great to discover a new writer and have his back catalog to go at. Just as you are getting sick of American crime novels along comes a homegrown talent that really knows how to spin a gritty British crime caper.
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The title says it all.
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The title of this book says it all. I've not read Kernick before, but this book grabbed me a page one and didn't let go until I finished it at 3 a.m. Kernick tells the story from the first person POV of Meron, alternating to the third person of others, but he makes it work. The story is definitely plot driven, but there was enough character development that I felt an affinity for both Meron and the lead officer, DI Mike Bolt. I wasn't crazy about the ending--life is open-ended, books I want the characters' stories tied up--but it didn't destroy the book for me and I don't know whether this is the author's usual style. That fact might make me a bit cautious about reading another by Kernick, but I'd probably give it a try. All-in-all, it was a great escape/airplane book.
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Interesting crime caper
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I use the word 'interesting' in the title of this review deliberately, because Simon Kernick employs an unusual tehnique in this novel, telling the story in the first person but alternating the viewpoint between the two principal characters.
That said, the book is an enjoyable ride through a murky world, where almost-straight criminals confront slightly-bent coppers, with hard-core crime bosses trying to orchestrate matters from the wings. Plenty of action from almost the first page, and a classic 'who's the real villain?' conundrum at the end.
My only criticism is that Mr. Kernick has a tendency to tell rather than show - in several places in the book the current narrator describes what has been happening at some length, when it would have been a better read dramatically to let the reader witness the events through the eyes of the narrator.
Other than that, a good read.
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Well-written, enjoyable East End crime caper
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I definately recommend this book if you're a fan of the "Lock Stock" type of plot. The author takes us through the story with style and panache, and the book is well-written and concise. All in all, a refreshing change from the pretentious prattle of Iain Rankin or other seemingly more established authors. Well worth a read.
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