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annecater

Here's my review of RJ Ellory's latest book:

A Simple Act of Violence is very different to RJ Ellory’s last novel A Quiet Belief In Angels in that it is more of a crime thriller.

But, yet again, nothing is quite as it seems. What apparently begins as a serial killer investigation in Washington soon emerges as something far more complicated.

Detective Robert Miller, the lead investigating officer gradually becomes more baffled by the case and Ellory’s writing leaves the reader frantically turning the pages to find out just how is the ‘Ribbon Killer’.

Although the plot is very complex and incorporates the history of illegal drug trafficking and corruption within Intelligence agencies in the USA, this does not deter from the fast-moving and thrilling story line.

Ellory has not held back at all, the reader learns of massive undercover operations that have taken place during the many wars and conflicts that the USA have been part of, going back to the Nicaraguan conflict in the 1980s.

The lead character, Robert Miller is something of an enigma, he has a past that includes scandal and maybe cover up. Miller does not come across as your usual thriller detective – he has many weaknesses, and at times appears somewhat gullible and naïve.

The novel is interspersed with narrative from an unnamed character, the reader is kept guessing throughout the main of the story as to who this character really is. This narrative adds to the tension of the story, filling in some missing gaps for the reader, if not for Miller.

This is certainly no ordinary crime thriller, and Roger Ellory is certainly no ordinary author. I sat up until 1.30am to finish the novel.

Although 600 pages in length, the story is set over only ten full days, interspersed with recollections from the past and a smattering of American political history.

I cant recommend this highly enough and am so pleased to hear that RJ Ellory has secured a further book deal and that there is more of his work to look forward to.

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Currently reading: The Tent The Bucket and Me by Emma Kennedy and Granny The Pag by Nina Bawden

1001 Challenge Books read in 2009 - 3
1001 Challenge Books read in 2008 - 8
1001 Challenge Books read in 2007 - 13

heathera · Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:26 pm Post subject:

Great review Anne, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of this book when it comes out in October.
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Currently Reading:

The Moonlit Cage - Linda Holeman

1001 Book Challenge:
2009 - 4
2008 - 14
Books Available for Swapping on RISI

Tigerlily · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 11:55 am Post subject:

I really enjoyed this and was hooked from the start. I really liked the characters, especially John Robey, he was such an enigma and I loved reading his narrative. He's a great character. The political aspect I found interesting, and I'm not surprised by any of it. About half way through I felt the police investigation was going too slowly, but as soon as I thought this, the pace picked up and I was being taken in all sorts of exciting directions, if that makes sense. It's a great curl-up-on-the-sofa-and-get- engrossed-in book. I just had to know what was going on from start to finish. I found the ending touching for two reasons and I actually felt sad the characters were leaving me.

I'd be happy to read more about Det. Robert Miller and his sidekick Al Roth. I want to know how Robert and Marilyn get on too.

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Reading: Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter Hoeg
Reading Challenge 2009: 8
2008: 4
2007: 10

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