Review by Vkaur -- Tinman by Karen Black
Posted: 14 Mar 2021, 16:16
[Following is a volunteer review of "Tinman" by Karen Black.]
Gregory McGregor (Greg), a geotechnical engineer, turns detective in this thriller, TINMAN by Karen Black, following an attempted bombing on his life, and after helplessly witnessing the murder of his friend of ten years, Charley Farnsworth. Prior to his death, Charley had contacted Greg about a nine-digit secret that he couldn't disclose over the telephone. He was the project manager and "brains" of TINMAN, a major engineering company involved in various constructions, such as dams, tunnels, and highways. Greg teams up with Charley's fiery house-sitter, Corky Gonzales, to solve the mysteries: who is responsible for the killings? What was the nine-digit secret that Charley was alluding to? From environmental activism, to a possible inside job by TINMAN itself, and drug cartels, Greg is set to unravel the mysteries that continuously attempt to threaten Corky's life and his own.
Black's TINMAN is characterised by its pervading sense of immiment danger, which drives the suspense throughout the novel. Its threatening presence indicates the possibility of a far-reaching network that is set to eliminate Greg and Corky wherever they go. Narrated in the first-person perspective of Greg, the reader is immediately plunged into the thoughts and fears of his predicament, and his developing relationship with Corky, his co-investigator. The novel is mingled with romance, humour, fleshed-out dialogues, and mystery-solving, that brings a hearty appeal to the story. The other characters are fantastic and the dialogues equally as engaging, each contributing in interesting ways to the investigation, including leaving traces of artistic clues.
Greg's first person narrative has its appeal in significant ways. Firstly, his engineering expertise and knowledge of the industry is complemented by Corky's layperson's understanding of the field (or lack thereof). Everything is comprehensibly clarified, enabling the reader to follow and understand the events directly. Secondly, the subsequent conversations that follow between Greg and Corky highlight their contrasting characters, notably Corky's prejudice against TINMAN and Greg's frustrated responses. This leads to a very interesting contemporary debate of our times: the environmental damage caused by man-made constructions. In this case, it involves the Susitna project, the construction of a hydroelectric dam that has been opposed by environmental activists for several years. Corky's character thus challenges and complements Greg's first-person narrative, leading Greg to draw upon critical reflections and display a heightened level of self-awareness. Such sequences feature authentically and are cleverly executed as intervening points from the action sequences.
While the thriller is understandably riddled with possible multiple suspects, the narrative can appear convoluted at times. This seemed particularly evident during the dense discussions between Greg and the other characters about the suspects and their organisational activities. Such a point of criticism, however, is in itself, minor, for such complex matters are to be expected in the investigation that Greg is involved in. Moreover, sufficient references to them are made throughout the novel, bringing a sense of satisfaction as if one were "piecing the puzzles together". Therefore, it does not warrant significant attention, though it may be important for readers that are looking for a lighter read.
This is a thriller novel compact with intriguing mystery developments and in-depth character storylines, brought together in an organic sequence of events. Any complexities of the engineering field are explained in dialogues, enhancing accessibility and enjoyment of the novel. I deem it to be professionally edited, and with minor criticism only, it is deserving of 4 out of 4 stars.
Readers that enjoy mysteries mingled with drama and some romance are likely to find this novel very interesting. It features some sexual content, mild profanities and some violence, making this less suitable for younger readers.
******
Tinman
View: on Bookshelves
Gregory McGregor (Greg), a geotechnical engineer, turns detective in this thriller, TINMAN by Karen Black, following an attempted bombing on his life, and after helplessly witnessing the murder of his friend of ten years, Charley Farnsworth. Prior to his death, Charley had contacted Greg about a nine-digit secret that he couldn't disclose over the telephone. He was the project manager and "brains" of TINMAN, a major engineering company involved in various constructions, such as dams, tunnels, and highways. Greg teams up with Charley's fiery house-sitter, Corky Gonzales, to solve the mysteries: who is responsible for the killings? What was the nine-digit secret that Charley was alluding to? From environmental activism, to a possible inside job by TINMAN itself, and drug cartels, Greg is set to unravel the mysteries that continuously attempt to threaten Corky's life and his own.
Black's TINMAN is characterised by its pervading sense of immiment danger, which drives the suspense throughout the novel. Its threatening presence indicates the possibility of a far-reaching network that is set to eliminate Greg and Corky wherever they go. Narrated in the first-person perspective of Greg, the reader is immediately plunged into the thoughts and fears of his predicament, and his developing relationship with Corky, his co-investigator. The novel is mingled with romance, humour, fleshed-out dialogues, and mystery-solving, that brings a hearty appeal to the story. The other characters are fantastic and the dialogues equally as engaging, each contributing in interesting ways to the investigation, including leaving traces of artistic clues.
Greg's first person narrative has its appeal in significant ways. Firstly, his engineering expertise and knowledge of the industry is complemented by Corky's layperson's understanding of the field (or lack thereof). Everything is comprehensibly clarified, enabling the reader to follow and understand the events directly. Secondly, the subsequent conversations that follow between Greg and Corky highlight their contrasting characters, notably Corky's prejudice against TINMAN and Greg's frustrated responses. This leads to a very interesting contemporary debate of our times: the environmental damage caused by man-made constructions. In this case, it involves the Susitna project, the construction of a hydroelectric dam that has been opposed by environmental activists for several years. Corky's character thus challenges and complements Greg's first-person narrative, leading Greg to draw upon critical reflections and display a heightened level of self-awareness. Such sequences feature authentically and are cleverly executed as intervening points from the action sequences.
While the thriller is understandably riddled with possible multiple suspects, the narrative can appear convoluted at times. This seemed particularly evident during the dense discussions between Greg and the other characters about the suspects and their organisational activities. Such a point of criticism, however, is in itself, minor, for such complex matters are to be expected in the investigation that Greg is involved in. Moreover, sufficient references to them are made throughout the novel, bringing a sense of satisfaction as if one were "piecing the puzzles together". Therefore, it does not warrant significant attention, though it may be important for readers that are looking for a lighter read.
This is a thriller novel compact with intriguing mystery developments and in-depth character storylines, brought together in an organic sequence of events. Any complexities of the engineering field are explained in dialogues, enhancing accessibility and enjoyment of the novel. I deem it to be professionally edited, and with minor criticism only, it is deserving of 4 out of 4 stars.
Readers that enjoy mysteries mingled with drama and some romance are likely to find this novel very interesting. It features some sexual content, mild profanities and some violence, making this less suitable for younger readers.
******
Tinman
View: on Bookshelves
