THE BLACK STILETTO by Raymond Benson

The Black Stiletto by Raymond Benson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really liked the concept. I thought that reading from Judy's Diary was an interesting way to go about telling a story going from third person to first person. I liked her journey, and the writing about the period in time was vivid, transporting you to the time when women wore dresses, were expected to get married and have kids, and everyone smoked. Even the music was a great character for the plot. Telling about the changing of the guard from crooners to rock-n-roll.

There never was a real explanation for Judy's hightened senses and abilities, which I think I would have liked to have known. Also the fact that her mother and stepfather were drunks, and not very nice ones, I would have thought that Judy would have avoided that trap. Although, she didn't seem to be a mean one or hurt her son in any way, I just thought it was interesting that she would would start drinking so early in her life and it would be something that her son would have remembered her doing often.

The story flowed well until it go to the end. It was almost like the writer didn't know how to end it and so he just had Roberto find her quickly. I would have liked to have know who Martin's father was, how Judy got to Chicago, as well as if Gina, Martin's Daughter, did inherit Judy's abilities.

Judy's abilities were explained well for the most part. As I don't know karate, I had a little trouble know what she did especially when the author was explaining how she got the upper hand on the guy from the bar in Texas who had her in a bear hug from the back. But, I didn't mind it. I love action movies, comics and anime. This just reminded me of some of those. I almost feel like this would have been great as a comic.

Although I liked the story and if flowed well in the beginning, keeping my attention, I still think it could have been better.


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THE KEEPER OF LOST CAUSES by Jussi Adler-Olsen

The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really great book. Once you get used to the pacing, you fall right in. I'm used to books like this not keeping my attention generally, but in this case I couldn't read fast enough and I'm a fast reader.

The anxiety of what was happening to Merete was palpable. There's always a feeling that Uffe is more able than appears, but you feel for the tragedy they both went through.

Carl was always on the verge of finding something out and my heart raced each time he got the smallest bit of a clue. His life outside work was interesting as well. He's a character. someone you want to like, but understand why he doesn't care much anymore. His wife has left him with his teenaged step-son, though she doesn't want a divorce. I know know if it's a cultural thing or not, but Carl doesn't seem to want to force the issue, although she has a string of lovers and he pays her bills. He has friends, but not many on the police force. He shows them up without even trying, but they all think they are smarter than he is.

Carl's assistant Assad is a great asset, although the wasn't intended to be. He has some secrets that we never completely know in this book and I'm very interested to see where that goes.

All I can say is that I really loved this book. Great read. Can't wait for it to be a movie.


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