Yes, it's another Kernick book. This time it's his second book written in 2003 and published by Corgi. The story tells of a man who runs a business of protecting people when they're on their way to collect some illicit goods or maybe a celeb on their way to an event. While this business is purely crime free there is of course the possibility that something could go very wrong. And it does.
Now Max Iversson has to avoid the law along with taking a big risk of kidnapping one of London's most notorious criminals.
What follows is a journey through the underworld chasing murderers, police beaters and kidnappers. And quite a journey it is.
Unlike Kernick's other novels this is written from only two points of view in 1st person format only. Another difference is the chapter naming. Whilst all his other books are numbered chapters, this one goes by number of days before the main event and afterwards. A possibility for this is that the story lasts more than just a couple of days unlike the other novels. However, there is no problem in this concept and it works well.
I only recognise Tina Boyd in this story, the other characters don't ring a bell although crooked cop Dennis Milne was mentioned in small parts However, this doesn't matter as such as we are introduced to the characters again in each different book.
Normally I would have read this in a couple of days but damn internet thing has kept me away from books so it took 5 days instead.
As usual Kernick has written with his foot (along with a pen) pressed down hard to create a gripping thriller giving us an insight into what really goes down in the picturesque city of London.
Overall rating: 4/5
Sunday 25 July 2010
Friday 16 July 2010
Murder.com by Christopher Berry-Dee and Steven Morris
'Shows how death can be only a click away' says The Sunday Times. And the Times speaks the truth. Murder.com gives a list of incidents in which people have used the internet to find people to satisfy their depraved sexual needs, mostly being S&M or the wish to torture/be tortured amongst the classic Russian Bride scams and another involving the palistinean and Isralean feud.
These are the true stories of the nightmares you have on being stalked through the internet.
I'm sure many readers will remember the story of the man who trawled the internet to find someone he could kill and eat or maybe the story of the 11 year old who killed her 12 year old friend in Japan after she (the friend) called the 11 year old something related to a fat joke.
Some of the stories described in this book I thought were only possible in films. However, being an internet user of 11+ years I know my way around and how to be safe although admittedly I have come across some rather worrying sites (tubgirl anyone?).
The accounts are well-documented and worth a read if you want to know what lurks behind sites like Facebook and Google. It is a book that will make you think twice before clicking on a website headed "Fall in love with your Russian wife here!!" so remember: This is the dark side of the web. Be careful where you click.
A good and informative read but nothing to rave about.
Overall rating: 3/5
These are the true stories of the nightmares you have on being stalked through the internet.
I'm sure many readers will remember the story of the man who trawled the internet to find someone he could kill and eat or maybe the story of the 11 year old who killed her 12 year old friend in Japan after she (the friend) called the 11 year old something related to a fat joke.
Some of the stories described in this book I thought were only possible in films. However, being an internet user of 11+ years I know my way around and how to be safe although admittedly I have come across some rather worrying sites (tubgirl anyone?).
The accounts are well-documented and worth a read if you want to know what lurks behind sites like Facebook and Google. It is a book that will make you think twice before clicking on a website headed "Fall in love with your Russian wife here!!" so remember: This is the dark side of the web. Be careful where you click.
A good and informative read but nothing to rave about.
Overall rating: 3/5
Monday 12 July 2010
Slash by Paul Stenning
More than just a story of a man picking up a guitar, forming a band and becoming famous, 'Slash: Surviving Guns n' Roses, Velvet Revolver and Rock's Snakepit' is an insight into the life of the worlds most recognisable guitarst with his fluffy hair, permanent cigarette and black top hat. The book explores everything musical about the man from his first 1-stringed guitar to becoming a rock God.
The reader is told how and why the man learnt guitar, his journey of seeking fellow musicians, gaining fame and a life of excess. At the time of writing just 3 years ago this books was the only biography about Slash and one that seems to include everything about his life with the aforementioned rockstar lifestyle to owning over a hundred snakes and 18 cats. On the outside he may be a man of fame but on the inside he is a family man with a wife and 2 kids.
Beyond the music and family we are given an insight into his love for animals, the troubles he's had in life, the people he's known and his love for pinball.
Although the book is primarily about Slash it does have snippets of info about future band members of Velvet Revolver and Snakepit along with interviews with the band members regarding their music and lifestyle at the peak of G n' R.
Although I was rather informed of this man as it was, this book has given me more information into the life of the world's most recognisable six-stringer. However, there is a number of editing problems or mistakes which tend to cause slight confusion before reading them again. However, aside from that the book is certainly one to read if you are a fan of Saul Hudson.
Overall rating: 3.5/5
The reader is told how and why the man learnt guitar, his journey of seeking fellow musicians, gaining fame and a life of excess. At the time of writing just 3 years ago this books was the only biography about Slash and one that seems to include everything about his life with the aforementioned rockstar lifestyle to owning over a hundred snakes and 18 cats. On the outside he may be a man of fame but on the inside he is a family man with a wife and 2 kids.
Beyond the music and family we are given an insight into his love for animals, the troubles he's had in life, the people he's known and his love for pinball.
Although the book is primarily about Slash it does have snippets of info about future band members of Velvet Revolver and Snakepit along with interviews with the band members regarding their music and lifestyle at the peak of G n' R.
Although I was rather informed of this man as it was, this book has given me more information into the life of the world's most recognisable six-stringer. However, there is a number of editing problems or mistakes which tend to cause slight confusion before reading them again. However, aside from that the book is certainly one to read if you are a fan of Saul Hudson.
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Sunday 11 July 2010
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
"An unforgettable story of the violent, intolerant, eccentric, humorous and prejudiced Deep South seen through the eyes of children. Scout and Jem Finch lose their innocence when their lawyer father defends a negro charged with the rape of a white girl" reads the blurb. However, To Kill a Mockingbird doesn't focus on just this snippet of a story, it focuses on mainy things.
Along with the focus of South American prejudice against black people TKAM also focuses on how people can change through time and events, how they may not be who they seem and what can happen when one does something which a whole town will disagree on. Told through the eyes of a child who is yet to experience a lot in life this book is much more than just your bog-standard novel.
Some may assume from the blurb that the story is rather sinister but they will be proven wrong. Written also from life experience Lee tells it how it is was and still is.
I've had this book sat on my shelf for nine months gathering dust but after reading some rave reviews and others not so rave I decided to see for myself and right before I found out it was 50 years old this month so what better time to be reading it? I didn't know what to expect but I was hoping for a rave, and that I was given.
Unlike many other books I've read Lee has written with consistence and emotion that makes the reader also feel emotion and feel "inside" of the narrator. This is definately one of, if not the, best books I've read and one that I'm likely to pick up again more than once. Of course, the language is a bit tricky at times and some pages can drawl but if you can handle that this book is a recommendation for anyone (minus those who rely on the Sun/Daily Mail for true news).
Overall rating: 5/5
PS - sorry this isn't an amazing review, I'm hungry, tired and can't really think of how to word a review of a book like this.
PPS - If you want to learn to how to kill a mockingbird, this book isn't for you.
Along with the focus of South American prejudice against black people TKAM also focuses on how people can change through time and events, how they may not be who they seem and what can happen when one does something which a whole town will disagree on. Told through the eyes of a child who is yet to experience a lot in life this book is much more than just your bog-standard novel.
Some may assume from the blurb that the story is rather sinister but they will be proven wrong. Written also from life experience Lee tells it how it is was and still is.
I've had this book sat on my shelf for nine months gathering dust but after reading some rave reviews and others not so rave I decided to see for myself and right before I found out it was 50 years old this month so what better time to be reading it? I didn't know what to expect but I was hoping for a rave, and that I was given.
Unlike many other books I've read Lee has written with consistence and emotion that makes the reader also feel emotion and feel "inside" of the narrator. This is definately one of, if not the, best books I've read and one that I'm likely to pick up again more than once. Of course, the language is a bit tricky at times and some pages can drawl but if you can handle that this book is a recommendation for anyone (minus those who rely on the Sun/Daily Mail for true news).
Overall rating: 5/5
PS - sorry this isn't an amazing review, I'm hungry, tired and can't really think of how to word a review of a book like this.
PPS - If you want to learn to how to kill a mockingbird, this book isn't for you.
Thursday 8 July 2010
Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill
A book for those who might be interested in weird stories, goth-rock music or both, Heart Shaped Box is perfect.
The book tells of a Kerry King look-alike who buys a ghost off the internet in the form of an old man's suit. However, this purchase does not come without it's consequences. Upon opening and unfolding the suit, problems begin with a pin prick to the finger. After this one accident Judas Coyne's life goes into a downward spiral with problem after problem occurring with a massive climax.
We have stories of ghosts appearing in dreams, infections forming in said pin-pricked hand, memories and visions of past partners and crazy former in-laws. The story is a constant run of events which keeps the reader peeled and wanting to find out what happens next. Hill's writing is modern and original with concepts I've not read before (and I've read a LOT of horror books) which is something which should be applied to more books of this era/generation. Some might say he writes with his foot on the pedal of a suped up Mustang.
Hill has also done his research into modern and older metal bands with many being referenced throughout the book with the 4 parts taking the names of well-known songs along with the title being that of Nirvana's fame. Bands mentioned include Nine Inch Nails, MCR (yuck!), Good Charlotte and Rage Against the Machine. Joe Hill clearly has taste.
I found there to be no parts in this book that I wanted to skip or think "Meh" to, it was all full-on good reading.
Heart Shaped Box is a well-written and exciting book with many twists and turns and a somewhat trippy climax to a story of ghosts, crazy women, dogs' souls, strange radio broadcasts and weird dreams which would only normally occur when under the influence of LSD. If you're a fan of books that could be equivalent to Dark Side of the Moon this is one for you. If not, I'd still recommend it to anyone - it may even get people reading.
Overall rating: 5/5
The book tells of a Kerry King look-alike who buys a ghost off the internet in the form of an old man's suit. However, this purchase does not come without it's consequences. Upon opening and unfolding the suit, problems begin with a pin prick to the finger. After this one accident Judas Coyne's life goes into a downward spiral with problem after problem occurring with a massive climax.
We have stories of ghosts appearing in dreams, infections forming in said pin-pricked hand, memories and visions of past partners and crazy former in-laws. The story is a constant run of events which keeps the reader peeled and wanting to find out what happens next. Hill's writing is modern and original with concepts I've not read before (and I've read a LOT of horror books) which is something which should be applied to more books of this era/generation. Some might say he writes with his foot on the pedal of a suped up Mustang.
Hill has also done his research into modern and older metal bands with many being referenced throughout the book with the 4 parts taking the names of well-known songs along with the title being that of Nirvana's fame. Bands mentioned include Nine Inch Nails, MCR (yuck!), Good Charlotte and Rage Against the Machine. Joe Hill clearly has taste.
I found there to be no parts in this book that I wanted to skip or think "Meh" to, it was all full-on good reading.
Heart Shaped Box is a well-written and exciting book with many twists and turns and a somewhat trippy climax to a story of ghosts, crazy women, dogs' souls, strange radio broadcasts and weird dreams which would only normally occur when under the influence of LSD. If you're a fan of books that could be equivalent to Dark Side of the Moon this is one for you. If not, I'd still recommend it to anyone - it may even get people reading.
Overall rating: 5/5
Saturday 3 July 2010
Unlocking the Masonic Code by Ian Gittins
As the title may suggest this book gives an insight into the world of the Freemasons. And what a crazy bunch they are. Gittins' book describes the history of the Masons, the origins of the name and the many activities of which they peform or undertake in their meetings.
Since I first heard of the Masons a few years ago I had a feeling that they were pretty crazy and this book confirms this belief. As it gets deeper the book moves from historical times of Masonry up to today's time and although things have changed, they seem to be just as crazy as they were 3000 years ago.
However, having read this book it seems I may never meet a Mason due to their secrecy and the rule that they cannot tell people that they are, indeed, a member of a Masonic group.
The book often refers to writer Dan Brown and how his books tend to be illogical and missing significant points and facts (although it doesn't mention that his books are pretty crap). The book also mentions the Solomon Key which happens to be a title of one of Brown's books.
The book deciphers myth from reality and what really goes on inside the Masonic meetings and how embarrassing it must be for people who wish to become a Mason themself. However, it was an interesting read and although it didn't change all of them, some of my thoughts were corrected.
The book is informative and one for anyone who is interested in the Masonic culture. Not one I'd read again though. It's a bit of a hefty read despite it's shortness and requires an open mind and ability to really get in and the conscience to continuously turn back a page every few parts.
Overall rating: 2.5/5
NB: Please ignore any strange typos, I'm slightly drunk right now (although not drunk enough to become delusional about a book).
Since I first heard of the Masons a few years ago I had a feeling that they were pretty crazy and this book confirms this belief. As it gets deeper the book moves from historical times of Masonry up to today's time and although things have changed, they seem to be just as crazy as they were 3000 years ago.
However, having read this book it seems I may never meet a Mason due to their secrecy and the rule that they cannot tell people that they are, indeed, a member of a Masonic group.
The book often refers to writer Dan Brown and how his books tend to be illogical and missing significant points and facts (although it doesn't mention that his books are pretty crap). The book also mentions the Solomon Key which happens to be a title of one of Brown's books.
The book deciphers myth from reality and what really goes on inside the Masonic meetings and how embarrassing it must be for people who wish to become a Mason themself. However, it was an interesting read and although it didn't change all of them, some of my thoughts were corrected.
The book is informative and one for anyone who is interested in the Masonic culture. Not one I'd read again though. It's a bit of a hefty read despite it's shortness and requires an open mind and ability to really get in and the conscience to continuously turn back a page every few parts.
Overall rating: 2.5/5
NB: Please ignore any strange typos, I'm slightly drunk right now (although not drunk enough to become delusional about a book).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)