At this point in my life, I've swallowed enough crow that it's now a major food group for me. Though I don't expect anyone else to admit they share this flaw - at least not publicly - I doubt that I'm alone on the bell curve in this respect.
My most recent crow meal occurred as I finished The Silent Patient (2019) by Alex Michaelides. After a long reading life turning up my snobbish nose at thrillers and/or mysteries, this adroit psychological whodunit forced me to look squarely at some of the stories I've told myself about books of this type. I'll spare you the excessive self-flagellation. But if you are looking for a gripping page-turner, read this book. I recommend it especially for readers - like yours truly - who have foolishly let a few clunkers from this over-stuffed genre dissuade them from seeking out gems like this.
While still digesting, let me mention two additional thrillers finished not long ago that kicked my ass, setting the stage for today's crow entree. Both The Devotion of Suspect X (Keigo Higashino, 2005) and I Let You Go (Clare Mackintosh, 2014) are worthy of any reader's time, including recovering snobs willing to own up to that. These three wholly immersive novels will captivate any open reader. Since I have not yet been able to perform alchemy anything like these talented authors have, I'm now out of the business of dismissing thrillers. Enough crow, already.
Reflections From The Bell Curve: Off The High Horse
Good morning, Pat. As always, thank you for the reading recommendations. While I am definitely not the reader you are (is that my 'crow eating' confession) I am always looking for suggestions. The problem I have always had, or seem to have, with these types of books is they are always so familiar sounding. Always the same type of story. I know this is not the case, but it seems as if authors recycle ideas, change names, and write their book. Sometimes I can barely get through the first few lines of the inside book jacket summary before saying to myself 'not again', closing it, and putting the book back on the shelf. But as soon as I am done with my current read I may take you up on one of your suggestions.
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Bob
Bob; Three comments in one day from you - I hit the jackpot! Thanks for the faithful support of my blog. I share your feeling about the "..familiar sounding.." plots and ideas in the thriller/mystery genre. That could be one of the reasons I got snobby about them years ago. But in this post I was pointing out how that attitude of mine got a tune up when I finished "The Silent Patient". These kind of books take genuine skill to write and until I create something as compelling as one of the three I mentioned, I'm through bashing, at least for a while, anyway.
DeleteGreat topic, Pat. I remember very fondly my John D. MacDonald "Travis MaGee" mystery series addiction. His stories were very well written and the later novels delved into themes just emerging in the culture in the 1980's namely the environment and domestic terrorism. And of course one of my all time thriller favorites has to be Stieg Larrson's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". The prose is a bit overheated but the story jumps right off page. It's little wonder there's two film versions.
ReplyDeleteHey Steve; Thanks for the comment. Having seen the first "..Dragon Tattoo.." film, I can imagine turning those pages. Maybe I'll go back and read at least one of those to be sure I maintain my posture about not dismissing the whole mystery/thriller genre.
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