Review by amaarchowdhury -- Pancake Money by Finn Bell

[amaarchowdhury]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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Opening with the harrowing murder of a priest, the gritty tone for Finn Bell’s crime thriller novel, Pancake Money, is set early on. Written in an urban city in New Zealand, several priests are found to have been ritually murdered. This leads to a conspiracy involving the Catholic Church to be uncovered. Bobby Ress, the narrator, is a young detective who believes in doing right. Together with Pollo, his experienced but troubled partner, they confront the brutal and unforgiving murders in their city. The author effortlessly develops a deeply grotesque atmosphere by exploring religious violence and the disturbed human nature, which is reflected in the quickly deteriorating psyche of the main character.

As the two detectives investigate the ritualistic serial killer, they become intrigued by the psychological motivations behind the murders. Ress spends much of his time discussing the human behaviour with his partner and his professor of Forensic Psychology, as the theme becomes more and more prevalent as the story progresses, the reader can’t help but begin to question the grittier sides of human behaviour. The ideas of human morality echo throughout the novel from the conduct of Ress’ behaviour as a detective to his family life. Bell avoids the typical trope of the rage filled, alcoholic detective who neglects his family for work; instead Ress is conflicted by philosophical thought and the need to protect his family and city.

The setting of Dunedin provides a healthy mix between the organised crime of the inner city and the rural countryside. Contextually the city is an intriguing place, with a rich native culture and history that plays a part in the subplots of the story. He cleanly embeds the colonisation on the Maori people to create a tense environment.

I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship between Ress and Pollo that is developed brilliantly throughout. From the beginning we see how the troubled Pollo confides in his partner, revealing emotional memories to him. Working together in their cases, they really have each other’s back. Their relationship can be described as no less than brotherly and the chemistry between the two provides intriguing and entirely believable dialogue that really grounds the novel in reality.

Whilst there are many thought provoking dialogue parts, there is also a dose of action intense scenes. This keeps you on edge throughout the novel, as it seems there is almost no moment of total safety for the detectives. The gunfights seem dangerous and realistic, and the chase scenes are entirely believable.

Pancake Money is Finn Bell’s second novel in a selection of four that have been published. I have not yet had the chance to read the others yet, and so I was going into this novel not knowing what to expect. His exploration of psychology, religion and culture integrated into a brutal murder story left me almost astounded, the main plot had me enthralled and I really felt interested in the characters lives. There was not a part of the novel which I felt was unnecessary or felt forced, each piece fit together to create a well flowing story.

I award this book 4 out of 4 stars and deservedly so, with a thrilling plot, believable characters and an exploration of many ideas. The philosophy of human nature has resonated with me profoundly, and I am left wanting more. I will definitely be exploring more of Bell’s work. He writes the grotesque aftermath of the murders with no holds barred. Some readers may turn their heads at the shocking murders, while others seem to be transfixed by the events that transpire. This book is certainly inappropriate for young readers, however I thoroughly recommend it to a mature audience.

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Pancake Money
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