Review by becsimpson -- Pancake Money by Finn Bell
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becsimpson
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Review by becsimpson -- Pancake Money by Finn Bell
[Following is a volunteer review of "Pancake Money" by Finn Bell.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Pancake Money by Finn Bell is a crime thriller that drops you straight in at the deep end from the start, beginning with a short opening paragraph of a murder taking place, told in the first person. This intriguing and haunting account automatically makes you slightly suspicious of the central character as the main chapter opens up, as this is also told in the first person. Except this guy is a cop, Bobby. Will he go rogue and turn into a killer later on? Was that murder really from his perspective or someone else’s? The disturbing thought stays with you as you continue to dive straight into the action although is easily forgotten later on as the story unfolds.
We meet Bobby’s friend and older, more experienced partner he’s been teamed with to learn on the job, Pollo, and we follow the two of them as they deal with the horrific and gruesome murder of a priest who looks as though he’s been tortured to death. What possible motive could anyone have for harming this elderly, retired and gentle priest whom everyone had nothing but good words for?
The story is told in an incredibly fast paced style, with short, straight to the point sentences that keep the story moving along quickly. Descriptions of locations and people are kept to a minimum and are carefully placed so as not to drag the action. It’s very easy to read and one of those that is difficult to put down once you start.
The novel is well edited and has clearly been thoroughly and professionally proofread. There are some slightly odd choices of starred scene markers, which usually indicate the passage of time within a chapter but in this case, just pick up conversations where they’ve left off. Other than that, there’s not much to be said for the editing and construction. The narrative itself is excellent and addictive; the story is intriguing, exciting, and keeps you interested right to the end. Pancake Money is a real page-turner as you try to figure out who is behind these (what turns out to be more than one) gruesome killings and why.
The book really goes in depth into criminal psychology at times but keeps it on a simple and easy to understand level, so that anyone is able to grasp and comprehend its meaning. The psychology sections themselves are quite long and wordy but incredibly interesting.
Realistic and gritty, the book also doesn’t glamourise the world of the police and homicide squad, offering up the grim reality that most killers get away with it for various reasons and that it isn’t like on the TV. The writer has done plenty of research to keep this grounds in reality, either that or having a background in police business themselves.
Set in New Zealand and with some fascinating and memorable characters, this book will certainly expand your mind and teach you a few new things as well as keep you entertained, and the storyline will stay with you long after you’ve finished. I rate Pancake Money a whopping 4 out of 4 stars, due to its excellent story, well written style and minimal amount of textual errors.
******
Pancake Money
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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4 out of 4 stars
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Pancake Money by Finn Bell is a crime thriller that drops you straight in at the deep end from the start, beginning with a short opening paragraph of a murder taking place, told in the first person. This intriguing and haunting account automatically makes you slightly suspicious of the central character as the main chapter opens up, as this is also told in the first person. Except this guy is a cop, Bobby. Will he go rogue and turn into a killer later on? Was that murder really from his perspective or someone else’s? The disturbing thought stays with you as you continue to dive straight into the action although is easily forgotten later on as the story unfolds.
We meet Bobby’s friend and older, more experienced partner he’s been teamed with to learn on the job, Pollo, and we follow the two of them as they deal with the horrific and gruesome murder of a priest who looks as though he’s been tortured to death. What possible motive could anyone have for harming this elderly, retired and gentle priest whom everyone had nothing but good words for?
The story is told in an incredibly fast paced style, with short, straight to the point sentences that keep the story moving along quickly. Descriptions of locations and people are kept to a minimum and are carefully placed so as not to drag the action. It’s very easy to read and one of those that is difficult to put down once you start.
The novel is well edited and has clearly been thoroughly and professionally proofread. There are some slightly odd choices of starred scene markers, which usually indicate the passage of time within a chapter but in this case, just pick up conversations where they’ve left off. Other than that, there’s not much to be said for the editing and construction. The narrative itself is excellent and addictive; the story is intriguing, exciting, and keeps you interested right to the end. Pancake Money is a real page-turner as you try to figure out who is behind these (what turns out to be more than one) gruesome killings and why.
The book really goes in depth into criminal psychology at times but keeps it on a simple and easy to understand level, so that anyone is able to grasp and comprehend its meaning. The psychology sections themselves are quite long and wordy but incredibly interesting.
Realistic and gritty, the book also doesn’t glamourise the world of the police and homicide squad, offering up the grim reality that most killers get away with it for various reasons and that it isn’t like on the TV. The writer has done plenty of research to keep this grounds in reality, either that or having a background in police business themselves.
Set in New Zealand and with some fascinating and memorable characters, this book will certainly expand your mind and teach you a few new things as well as keep you entertained, and the storyline will stay with you long after you’ve finished. I rate Pancake Money a whopping 4 out of 4 stars, due to its excellent story, well written style and minimal amount of textual errors.
******
Pancake Money
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like becsimpson's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: The Wall by Some Guy
