Welshrogue

A professional ghost writer is called in to replace another from his profession who had mysteriously died. The subject, the former Prime Minister of Britain, but with a tight deadline and accustations appearing in the papers, will the book ever be finished?

For a book that was published in 2007, the style is more from the 60′s than the 00′s. I don’t mean this in a derogatory way, rather the manner of the text puts me in mind of books published forty years ago. Its comfortable to read, and while it perhaps a style not seen often, is more than welcome. The plot is a nice and twisty one with the final twist becoming obvious to me about a page before the reveal. It’s characters are all interesting and believable without becoming over the top. The Ghost is a book that can be enjoyed at either an accelerated pace, as I did, or as a slow and lazy read although I defy anyone to keep a slow pace as the book winds its way toward its climax.

This is the third book from Robert Harris that I have read and the third that I have really enjoyed. I am sure to be re-reading this book in the future!

In Hollywood, cop who take care of community complaints rather than crime are called CRO (Community Relations Office) officers. Several Hollywood Crows become involved in more than just peacekeeping when a divorcing couple decide to up the ante in their divorce. Following on from Hollywood Station, several of the cops are back patrolling the streets of the glamorous and not so glamorous Hollywood as crime, big and small, occurs minute by minute. Each character, from Flotsam and Jetsam to Officer Bix are all well crafted and likable, and perhaps more importantly, believable. The story is filled with little details and comments, that lend more realism to the story without making it a blow by blow account of life on the thin blue line. The plot is surrounded by funny asides and sad occurrences, but each adding something to the story without confusing issues. Hollywood Crows is a great cop book. http://www.josephwambaugh.net/

Following on from Seven Deadly Wonders, the world is in a countdown to Armageddon as Jack West Jr and his motley crue of soldiers, scientists and one little girl must battle not only a secret military organization but also a mysterious group looking to see the world end. The Six Sacred Stones, as well as its prequel, Seven Deadly Wonders, is a mix of the fantastical and adventure. One part James Rollins, one part Indiana Jones, one part Lord Of The Rings, the series centres around a powerful ex-solder, Jack West Jr, and a young girl who has unbelievable talents. Together, they are surrounded by a team dedicated to the protection of them. Like most ensemble pieces, each character has traits that make them stand out of the others, and yet, to a man, the team with West all are unique and yet are blend very well as a team. The fables and ancient mysteries wrap around the adventure and often give the reader a respite between the action. As history is tweaked and turned to fit the story and the plot, the reader is taken on a journey that keeps the interest going when the action is slow. The action itself, is sometimes more Hollywood Action Movie than it is realistic but if you want realistic action, you read Andy McNab, not Matthew Reilly. A good sequel to Seven Deadly Wonders and filled with enough information that you don’t need to have read the prequel first to enjoy the story. Looking forward to the next book of adventures of Jack West Jr.