Review by FictionLover -- Pancake Money by Finn Bell

[FictionLover]

[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 Bill Finn is one of the finest mysteries I have read in a while. A police procedural set in New Zealand, the title might have an odd sound, but the story is right on the money.

The mystery begins with the horrific deaths of two Catholic priests. They are both murdered in very gruesome ways. As it turns out, the methods of killing happen to be types of torture historically used by the Catholic Church.

Detectives Bobby Ress and Pollo are on the case, and the dynamic between the two is part solid police work and part world-weary philosophy. The author allows you into the detective’s minds and psyches in ways that are above and beyond typical mystery cops. You really get a feel for the characters, their thoughts and ideals, their sense of belonging in the world, and their affection for one another.

As the mystery plays out, and they follow the clues, we see life from Detective Ress’s point of view. We discover his love for his wife, his concern for his young daughter, and his sense that the only life he could have is as a cop. With Pollo at his back, Ress lead us through the few meager clues they have found. Using a well-known psychologist as a profiler, they discuss the role that pain plays in the human psyche. This idea that pain is the only real motivator of human behavior, is intertwined with the theory that any kind of punishment which causes pain can become a form of abuse.

As Detective Ress says, “Too much pain can change people. In ways you don’t know. Can’t foresee.”

It is the unpredictability of people who have suffered great emotional and physical pain which propels Ress into dangerous situations and ultimately forces him to re-evaluate everything he thought about law and order.

Pancake Money turns the ideas of tribalism, community, crime, and recidivism upside down, as the duo interview men who are part of a generational Maori criminal gang, and priests who have been put into ‘rehab’ by the Catholic Church. The concept of a closed tribal culture which allows its members to feel safe inside the gang structure contrasts with the concept of a closed religious organization which considers crime and sin separate problems with seemingly non-existent punishments.

The author gives us plenty of New Zealand flavor while leaving us feeling like we are in the hands of a master craftsman of the genre. I put this book in the same league as Michael Connolly’s Harry Bosch novels. There is a gritty, realistic feel without being overly dependent on gore or graphic violence. The description of the murders is gruesome, but unlike in some mysteries, the sordid details are not rehashed during the investigation. Pancake Money is at its best when it showcases Detective Ress’ struggle with how crime and punishment affect him, his family, his partner, and the community at large.

I rate Pancake Money 4 out of 4 stars. The book was professionally edited, and I only noticed a few minor grammatical errors, such as a missing period. I highly recommend this novel.

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Pancake Money
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Like FictionLover's review? Post a comment saying so!

[SweetMelissaV2131]

I am so glad I found your review! This is a well-written description of this book and it has peaked my interest!! I certainly would not have thought by the title of the book that this story was about what you have described! I will put this on my "want to read" list!! Thanks so much!

[FictionLover]

I am so glad I found your review! This is a well-written description of this book and it has peaked my interest!! I certainly would not have thought by the title of the book that this story was about what you have described! I will put this on my "want to read" list!! Thanks so much!

You're welcome. This is the best mystery I have read in months.

[Julie Green]

I love a good crime thriller and I would definitely go for this one based on your review. Grittiness over gore any day for me!

[Fu Zaila]

Wow, your review has rekindled my interest in the mystery genre. Sounds like a good book. Thank you for your review

[SweetMelissaV2131]

I am so glad I found your review! This is a well-written description of this book and it has peaked my interest!! I certainly would not have thought by the title of the book that this story was about what you have described! I will put this on my "want to read" list!! Thanks so much!

You're welcome. This is the best mystery I have read in months.

Oh this is wonderful to know!! I LOVE mysteries also!!

[FictionLover]

Wow, your review has rekindled my interest in the mystery genre. Sounds like a good book. Thank you for your review

Thanks for the comment.

You are welcome. I am a big mystery lover and have been reading them since I was a kid. So many good authors out there, and I think this man deserves to have his name known.

[FictionLover]

I love a good crime thriller and I would definitely go for this one based on your review. Grittiness over gore any day for me!

Thanks!

I agree, I love cozies too, because after years of reading all kinds of mysteries, I got tired of gore. But a good police procedural can't be beat!

[Bianka Walter]

The characters seem so well developed in this story. From your review, it comes across like you know them personally. That's always a winner for me.
I really enjoyed your review! Thanks so much

[FictionLover]

The characters seem so well developed in this story. From your review, it comes across like you know them personally. That's always a winner for me.
I really enjoyed your review! Thanks so much

Thank you. I really love 'plot drive' books, like crime, cozy mysteries and thrillers, but they fall flat without good characters.

In my opinion, a lot of the books I'm reviewing here lack well-developed characters. This was a welcome change!

[Helen_Combe]

That sounds like a fascinating and well-written book. I shall add it to my ’to read’ list.

[FictionLover]

That sounds like a fascinating and well-written book. I shall add it to my ’to read’ list.

Great. Let me know what you think!