Here we get a picture of a particularly divisive department and what can go wrong when promotion and status are too important.
This is a quickly paced, entertaining read. I liked the semi-amateur detective, Joel Williams, who treads very lightly as he works to help the police with their investigation of the death of a graduate student. I describe him as semi-amateur because he is an ex-policeman who now teaches in the university's Department of Criminal Justice.
It is nice to read a detective story where the policemen (and ex-policemen) are likeable and mature and not scarred by their life. There is also a good subplot about a group of students investigating the murder. The cover of the book hints at the crime being related to computer technology. A traditional mystery in a contemporary setting.
All of the books I have read in January (to this point) have been under 300 pages, and some have been under 200 pages. I have enjoyed reading some quick, pithy books vs. the overly long books that have become more prevalent lately. This one is just over 200 pages. A quick read. I read it in a day, and that is always a good sign for me. I highly recommend this book.
From Margot Kinberg's page at Goodreads:
The second in Kinberg's Joel Williams series is B-Very Flat, in which Williams helps to solve the murder of a young violin virtuosa who dies suddenly on the night of an important musical competition.I am looking forward to reading that novel also.
It is nice to read a detective story where the policemen (and ex-policemen) are likeable and mature and not scarred by their life.
ReplyDeleteThank God. I am tired of novels where the police/ detectives etc. are fighting personal demons.
Some of my favorite series with policemen like that are Inspector Barnaby of the Caroline Graham books and D.I. Charlie Priest of the Stuart Pawson books. I have read all of the first series and only a few of the 2nd.
Delete"It is nice to read a detective story where the policemen (and ex-policemen) are likeable and mature and not scarred by their life"
ReplyDeleteIt is rare, too! I think that is why I like Louise Penny's novels so much. Her main protagonist, Chief Inspector Gamache, is a mature and grounded man who is devoted to his wife and treats his subordinates with respect. Makes for an interesting level of engagement for the reader.
That is a series I have read only one of but have several in my TBR pile... some of which I will be reading this year.
DeleteI have a soft spot for academic mysteries as we don't really get them over here in the UK. I enjoyed this book a lot and you've reminded me to get hold of book 2 and read that, especially as I believe that books 3 and 4 have been written.
ReplyDeleteYes, I plan to get to that book later this year.
DeleteTracy, I am looking forward to reading Ms. Kinberg's books soon. She is such a versatile writer and blogger on crime fiction. In this particular book, I like the idea of a subplot where the students try and investigate the murder on their own.
ReplyDeleteHope you can do that soon. I know you will enjoy her books.
DeleteTracy - Thank you so much for the kind words *deep blush*. That means a great deal to me. I'm so glad you enjoyed the novel. Folks, thanks much for your kind words too :-)
ReplyDeleteYou deserve all the praise. Looking forward to reading many more of your books.
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