Helpful Score: 4
This is the 2nd book in the Monkeewrench series. The city cops & the Monkeewrench gang are back, the rural cops aren't. Just like the last one, the cops (in this case, the city cops) take front and center. This is probably needed, since otherwise the book would become focused on everything the computer could do, and not on what is going on. Other than Grace McBride the Monkeewrench folks are barely involved, and her only as to how she interacts with Leo.
This was a strong second book in a series. I enjoyed it a great deal, and look forward to the third. It took a bit to adjust to the two main characters for this book having been in a more supportive role last time, but it works. I'm now quite curious about the third! The plot was tightly woven, the ending with that hint of chill and page turning (when it seemed to be over it couldn't be--just a bit too much book left, and then the ending actually came).
This had a bit less humor than Monkeewrench, probably because certain characters were much more minor--thankfully Gino was still around! It was well written, drew me in, not too gorey, and a good thriller--for those of us who don't need gore! Goose-bump inducing and tense, no nightmares.
This was a strong second book in a series. I enjoyed it a great deal, and look forward to the third. It took a bit to adjust to the two main characters for this book having been in a more supportive role last time, but it works. I'm now quite curious about the third! The plot was tightly woven, the ending with that hint of chill and page turning (when it seemed to be over it couldn't be--just a bit too much book left, and then the ending actually came).
This had a bit less humor than Monkeewrench, probably because certain characters were much more minor--thankfully Gino was still around! It was well written, drew me in, not too gorey, and a good thriller--for those of us who don't need gore! Goose-bump inducing and tense, no nightmares.
Helpful Score: 3
Excellent sequel to Monkeewrench! Someone is killing senior citizens in Minneapolis, and Detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth are puzzled - is this a serial killer? The only link between the victims appears to be that they were all Nazi concentration camp survivors. Magozzi enlists the help of the computer geniuses of the Monkeewrench team, who have created a new software to aid in investigations that sifts through the data and finds links between cases.
While I was disappointed that the Monkeewrench team was featured only marginally in this book, I found the lead characters much more engaging than in the first novel, particularly that of Gino, who previously came across as a bit annoying. I enjoyed the byplay between the detectives, as well as the development in the relationship between Leo and Grace McBride, CEO of Monkeewrench. But it was the compelling story and the handling of the complex issues of revenge that captivated me, particularly as I felt disturbed by my own tendency to commiserate with certain characters' desire for vengeance; yet as the story opened up discussions on the issues of morality and justice and the different detectives' points of view, I felt it did a wonderful job of portraying both sides of the issue without detracting from (on the contrary, enhancing) the thrill and suspense of the book. This series has most definitely become a favorite.
While I was disappointed that the Monkeewrench team was featured only marginally in this book, I found the lead characters much more engaging than in the first novel, particularly that of Gino, who previously came across as a bit annoying. I enjoyed the byplay between the detectives, as well as the development in the relationship between Leo and Grace McBride, CEO of Monkeewrench. But it was the compelling story and the handling of the complex issues of revenge that captivated me, particularly as I felt disturbed by my own tendency to commiserate with certain characters' desire for vengeance; yet as the story opened up discussions on the issues of morality and justice and the different detectives' points of view, I felt it did a wonderful job of portraying both sides of the issue without detracting from (on the contrary, enhancing) the thrill and suspense of the book. This series has most definitely become a favorite.
Helpful Score: 1
Live Bait was pretty good, but it was not as good as Monkeewrench. Detectives are trying to figure out who is killing the elderly in the same neighborhood. I have to say that I was surprised by some of the twists and turns. It was an entertaining read and I came to care about the characters in the book.
Helpful Score: 1
MONKEEWRENCH LITE
Most of the main characters from the 5-star Monkeewrench all make appearances, but they're not as cleverly delineated this time. It's almost as though they gave it their all last time and are just going through the motions this outing. Worth the read, but start with Monkeewrench. It's the better of the two.
Most of the main characters from the 5-star Monkeewrench all make appearances, but they're not as cleverly delineated this time. It's almost as though they gave it their all last time and are just going through the motions this outing. Worth the read, but start with Monkeewrench. It's the better of the two.
Helpful Score: 1
MONKEEWRENCH LITE
Most of the main characters from the 5-star Monkeewrench all make appearances, but they're not as cleverly delineated this time. It's almost as though they gave it their all last time and are just going through the motions this outing. Worth the read, but start with Monkeewrench. It's the better of the two.
Most of the main characters from the 5-star Monkeewrench all make appearances, but they're not as cleverly delineated this time. It's almost as though they gave it their all last time and are just going through the motions this outing. Worth the read, but start with Monkeewrench. It's the better of the two.
