Review by Alleycat393 -- Pancake Money by Finn Bell

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Pancake Money" by Finn Bell.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Pancake Money by Finn Bell is a crime fiction novel about the gruesome murder of local priests and the race to catch the killers. Someone’s killing these do-gooders and Bobby and Pollo don’t know how. It’s up to them to work it out before it’s too late. The book would appeal to an adult audience with an interest in the genre.

Bobby and Pollo are police officers and partners who get along very well. It’s obvious from the start that they know each other well, have each other’s backs and make a good team. Their families are also close. However, the peace is shattered when they discover the body of the first priest and realise what a violent death he had. They also find themselves in a spot of trouble with a suspect fleeing the scene. And what do the killings have to do with Tegere Sevare?

The book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster including some gruesome and gory detail about the murder scenes. It is un-put-downable though. The author tells a fantastic story and paints some vivid pictures for the reader. The author also deals with sexual abuse in the Church, which is a sensitive issue. On the one hand, you empathise with the victims but are the priests who are helping to rehabilitate the perpetrators really deserving of the deaths they are subject to? The book leaves you torn between your empathy and your moral compass. Be prepared to get attached to the author’s well developed and very likeable characters.

We also learn a bit about Em and Eva, Bobby’s wife and child and Angie, Pollo’s wife. Your attachment to the characters will make you want to learn more about Eva’s battles and progress and how the two families are coping with the fact that the two men are police officers and in constant danger. The author touches a bit on the effect that a police officer’s career has on his family and relationships.

I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was a really interesting and fast-paced read, which I struggled to put down. I would definitely read more from this author and thought they did a brilliant job of their character development. The beginning was a bit odd as it takes a while to work out what is happening but it draws you in and you want to know more. The forensic psychology classes are fascinating and developed my own interest in the subject. There are a few minor errors such as ‘a women’ and ‘since Sunday to now’ but those are very forgivable given the quality of the writing and story.

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Pancake Money
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[chelhack]

It is very easy to get attached to the characters in this book. They are so much like family. I also believe that the author did a great job of shedding light on the sexual misconduct that happens within the church but I also like how he throws in the family life of the detectives. That shows insight into what it is really like to be a cop as well as the individuals of being married or a child of a police officer.