In the Yin Yang symbol, the dark teardrop shape has a little white circle, while the white shape contains a corresponding dark circle. This is said to symbolize the fact that nothing is purely good or purely evil, but contains at least a little of both.
Andrew Grant explores this theme in âFalse Friendâ, his second novel featuring Birmingham, Alabama detective Cooper Devereaux. There's an arsonist on the loose, burning down empty schools. There's a murderer on the loose, killing ⦠well, they're not sure WHO he or she is killing, because they've only found skeletons â skeletons missing their skulls. And, to further complicate things, there's a blackmailer on the loose, targeting Devereaux himself.
Mr. Grant's characters seem to subscribe to the theory that âevery silver lining has its cloudâ. The reader begins to feel the stereotypical âtrust no oneâ attitude that is typical of the characters of a noir novel or movie. One begins to suspect that even a red herring may be hiding something.
I don't think I've ever read a mystery novel where the mood was so overpowering as to render the plot â meaning the mystery itself â secondary.
I will happily read another book by this author. BUT not for awhile, I want something a bit more upbeat. Like â1984â.
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars where 1/2 stars are not permitted.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in a random draw. No obligations were requested nor bestowed, although a reasonably prompt HONEST review was hinted at.
Andrew Grant explores this theme in âFalse Friendâ, his second novel featuring Birmingham, Alabama detective Cooper Devereaux. There's an arsonist on the loose, burning down empty schools. There's a murderer on the loose, killing ⦠well, they're not sure WHO he or she is killing, because they've only found skeletons â skeletons missing their skulls. And, to further complicate things, there's a blackmailer on the loose, targeting Devereaux himself.
Mr. Grant's characters seem to subscribe to the theory that âevery silver lining has its cloudâ. The reader begins to feel the stereotypical âtrust no oneâ attitude that is typical of the characters of a noir novel or movie. One begins to suspect that even a red herring may be hiding something.
I don't think I've ever read a mystery novel where the mood was so overpowering as to render the plot â meaning the mystery itself â secondary.
I will happily read another book by this author. BUT not for awhile, I want something a bit more upbeat. Like â1984â.
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars where 1/2 stars are not permitted.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in a random draw. No obligations were requested nor bestowed, although a reasonably prompt HONEST review was hinted at.
