Comment

Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of Daniel Boone Regional Library.
Mar 13, 2018KlayDyer rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
A bit of a mixed bag, this Jack Taylor novel. On the credit side, it is replete with Bruen's deft handling of the usual suspects: stylistic experimentation, pop culture references, an abundance of Jameson, and an assortment of engaging secondary and tertiary characters in support of some familiar faces. And there is a new puppy in the mix, which always draws out some of Taylor's more endearing qualities. On the debit side of the ledger, this novel has just too much crazy. The Grammarian as source of random violence is just, well, too random. Sociopaths and psychopaths have always proven worthy of attention (see, for instance, Hannibal Lecter) given their intelligence, cunning, and motivational complexities (not to mention their creative ways of expressing their violent impulses). But the Grammarian... more pathetic than compelling, more drooling fool than prince of darkness. And there is just too much Emily in this book. As an occasional disruptive presence in Jack's life and in Galway's underculture, she is usually a welcome addition to a Bruen novel. But the key to a good monster is to never see too much, never learn too much, and never ever let them near the precipice of cliche. All of which happen in this novel, and all of which make her far less interesting as catalyst and far less welcome as a house guest.