Author: Steven

Louise Welsh’s “To the Dogs” takes a familiar premise – a high-flying professional with a dark past forced to confront it when his family is threatened – and gives it a Scottish noir twist. Jim Brennan, vice principal of a prestigious university, seems to have it all: a successful career, a beautiful family, and a carefully curated public image. But beneath the surface lurks a secret – a youth steeped in crime and violence.

When Jim’s son, Elliot, is arrested on drug charges, those ghosts come crashing back. Blackmailed by figures from his past, Jim is forced to make a Faustian bargain: protect his family by doing their dirty work, or risk losing everything he’s built.

The plot itself is ok, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. However, “To the Dogs” doesn’t break new ground and some of the plot points are predictable. Additionally, the pacing can drag at times, particularly in the middle sections.

Overall, “To the Dogs” is a solid, if unspectacular, thriller.

Conn Iggulden’s “Nero” plunges into the tempestuous world of pre-Nero Rome, with Agrippina’s fierce ambition for her son’s throne taking center stage. Vivid historical detail brings the era to life, while complex characters navigate a web of political intrigue and family betrayals. The fast-paced plot keeps the pages turning, though graphic violence may deter some readers.

However, historical accuracy takes a backseat to gripping drama, with liberties taken on figures and events. Nero himself remains somewhat overshadowed by his mother’s machinations. Ultimately, “Nero” delivers a fast moving read, but one best enjoyed with a critical eye towards historical fidelity.

“Red River Seven” by A J Ryan disappoints as a dystopian pandemic novel. The characters, with their collective amnesia, fail to evoke empathy, and the underdeveloped mystery surrounding their origin adds little intrigue. The lack of a coherent and satisfying resolution renders the novel ultimately pointless, leaving readers unsatisfied and wondering why they invested time in this mindless exercise in brutality.

Ellroy Unleashed: A Review of “The Enchanters”

Strap yourself in, thrill-seekers, because James Ellroy’s “The Enchanters” is a whirlwind tour of depravity and disillusionment that will leave you breathless. Set in the sun-bleached, sin-soaked Los Angeles of the 1960s, this novel isn’t just a mystery, it’s a full-blown sensory assault.

Ellroy’s trademark staccato prose crackles with electricity, propelling you through a maze of Hollywood sleaze, political intrigue, and personal demons. Our guide is Freddy Otash, a man who exists somewhere between ex-cop, shamus, and walking encyclopedia of vice. Freddy’s world is one of backroom deals, double-crosses, and enough drugs to fuel a rocket launch. It’s a world Ellroy paints with unflinching honesty and grim humor, leaving you both horrified and strangely, exhilaratingly alive.

The central mystery: the death of Marilyn Monroe. But “The Enchanters” is far from a simple whodunit. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of ambition, betrayal, and the dark underbelly of American power. The Kennedys loom large, shrouded in a fog of charisma and menace. Ellroy doesn’t shy away from the ugly truths, stripping away the Hollywood veneer to reveal the rotten core beneath.

This isn’t a novel for the faint of heart. Ellroy throws violence, sex, and addiction at you with the force of a jackhammer. But beneath the grime and grime, there’s a raw beauty to his writing, a poetry of the damned that sings of lost innocence and the desperate grasp for redemption. Freddy Otash, for all his flaws, is a strangely compelling antihero, a man teetering on the edge of self-destruction who manages to evoke a grudging respect, even a flicker of empathy.

“The Enchanters” is a novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s a roller coaster ride through the darkest corners of the human psyche, a testament to Ellroy’s unmatched ability to expose the underbelly of history and make it sing. So, if you’re looking for a gritty, unflinching read that will challenge your sensibilities and leave you breathless, dive into “The Enchanters”. Just remember, this isn’t Disneyland. This is Ellroy’s L.A., and the only enchantment you’ll find is the intoxicating power of darkness itself.

“My Father’s House” by Joseph O’Connor is an extraordinary and gripping novel that takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the tumultuous times of World War II. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Rome, the story unfolds with a perfect blend of historical accuracy and thrilling fiction.

At the center of this riveting tale is the courageous Irish priest, Hugh O’Flaherty, whose unwavering commitment to humanity and defiance against the tyranny of the SS officers make him a true hero. O’Connor masterfully weaves together the intricate threads of O’Flaherty’s life, creating a character that is deeply relatable.

The novel’s pacing is relentless, drawing readers into the high-stakes world of espionage and resistance. As the Gestapo’s net tightens around O’Flaherty and his team, the tension builds to an unbearable crescendo. The narrative is rich in suspense, leaving me on the edge of my seat.

“My Father’s House” sheds light on the often-overlooked acts of heroism during World War II, offering a poignant tribute to those who risked everything to save lives.

This is a must-read for anyone seeking a gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil.

“Moscow X” by David McCloskey is a pacy thriller that kept me absorbed from beginning to end. With its well crafted plot twists, the narrative unfolds full of intrigue and interesting characters. This book is a rollercoaster of suspense, excitement and mystery. If you’re a fan of gripping mysteries with unexpected turns, “Moscow X” is a must-read – an excellent adventure that is both thrilling and unputdownable.

“Scarlet Town” by Leonora Nattrass is a gem that weaves together historical richness, political intrigue, and a gripping murder mystery set against the backdrop of Cornwall in 1796.

Scarlet Town is set in Helston, a rotten borough, shedding light on the political machinations of the time. At the heart of the plot is a compelling murder mystery that adds an extra layer of suspense and intrigue. The death of one of the two electors serves as the catalyst for a series of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well developed, each with their own motives and secrets, making the quest for the truth fulll of surprises.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply a lover of well-crafted fiction, this novel is sure to leave you eagerly anticipating Nattrass’ future literary endeavors.