Review by ttursack7 -- Pancake Money by Finn Bell
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ttursack7
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Review by ttursack7 -- 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 an extraordinary read by a great writer. In the book Detective Bobby Ress and his partner Pollo Patu investigate a series of murders in Dunedin, New Zealand. The relationship between the detectives is believable, as is the rapport between them with Pollo acting as a kind of mentor to Ress despite his impulsive behavior. Ann Bowlby is a Forensic Psychologist and Lecturer who provides information regarding the motivation of the murderer. Many of the themes that are brought up during the discussions between Ress and Bowlby provide material for the reader to engage in deeper thought and/or conversation. The book also delves into Bobby and Pollo’s relationships with their respective wives and Bobby’s daughter Eva, whose struggles motivate much of Ress’ actions. Bell uses New Zealand and Maori culture and history to create an intriguing backdrop to a suspenseful plot. The book provides a look at the effects of colonization and the Maori culture as there are several Maori gangs/gang members that play an important role in the book. The gangs are shown to be distrustful and uncooperative with the police while also being loyal to their family and their culture.
The events in the book span the course of six days, with each chapter telling the events of that day. The author writes from Ress’ point of view using simple prose that is realistic for the characters. The reader is taken on the journey with Ress and Pollo as they work to solve the murders and interact with their friends, suspects and loved ones. This allows the reader the opportunity to get to know the characters and the environment in which they live and police. The result is a book that is very balanced when it comes to character development. The book is fast paced, and smart. Bell does not spell everything out, instead he provides clues to the motivations and attitudes of the characters throughout the book. I find this to be refreshing as so many authors tend to provide too much information when it comes to thrillers and crime novels.
I generally like everything about the book: the setting, characters, interactions. I really like how organically the characters were introduced and how everything flowed. The first person we meet is Pollo and the reader is given the explanation of what “pancake money” is. The introduction to Bobby is very low key and natural, as we meet him in the middle of a conversation with Pollo. I really like the pacing of the book and how the narrative and point of view switches, as was often done in the middle of a scene and without warning, which kept the story exciting.
The only downside I had with the book was that I figured out the plot line and the culprit within the first chapter. The ride that Bell took me on while proving my suspicions was thrilling and suspenseful. This is because even though, I was positive I had it figured out, there was always the very real possibility that I was wrong. I was unable to fully cosign myself to being right until the very end. The book brought the reader into the thought processes of the detectives as they worked to solve the case, which in my opinion added to the realism and charm of the story.
Despite knowing the “what” and “who”. I was still intrigued by the “how” and “why” The characters are likable and interesting making you want to know more about them. Bell can pull you into the story with an interesting premise and characters that one cares about. It is a book where the clues are subtle and it’s up to the reader to catch them.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because after reading it, I want to read another book by Finn Bell. The book made me want to understand more about the people and culture of New Zealand and about crime and criminology. The book is one that made me think about the lack of adequate support for those who have suffered from abuse and/or mental issues.
******
Pancake Money
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4 out of 4 stars
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Pancake Money by Finn Bell is an extraordinary read by a great writer. In the book Detective Bobby Ress and his partner Pollo Patu investigate a series of murders in Dunedin, New Zealand. The relationship between the detectives is believable, as is the rapport between them with Pollo acting as a kind of mentor to Ress despite his impulsive behavior. Ann Bowlby is a Forensic Psychologist and Lecturer who provides information regarding the motivation of the murderer. Many of the themes that are brought up during the discussions between Ress and Bowlby provide material for the reader to engage in deeper thought and/or conversation. The book also delves into Bobby and Pollo’s relationships with their respective wives and Bobby’s daughter Eva, whose struggles motivate much of Ress’ actions. Bell uses New Zealand and Maori culture and history to create an intriguing backdrop to a suspenseful plot. The book provides a look at the effects of colonization and the Maori culture as there are several Maori gangs/gang members that play an important role in the book. The gangs are shown to be distrustful and uncooperative with the police while also being loyal to their family and their culture.
The events in the book span the course of six days, with each chapter telling the events of that day. The author writes from Ress’ point of view using simple prose that is realistic for the characters. The reader is taken on the journey with Ress and Pollo as they work to solve the murders and interact with their friends, suspects and loved ones. This allows the reader the opportunity to get to know the characters and the environment in which they live and police. The result is a book that is very balanced when it comes to character development. The book is fast paced, and smart. Bell does not spell everything out, instead he provides clues to the motivations and attitudes of the characters throughout the book. I find this to be refreshing as so many authors tend to provide too much information when it comes to thrillers and crime novels.
I generally like everything about the book: the setting, characters, interactions. I really like how organically the characters were introduced and how everything flowed. The first person we meet is Pollo and the reader is given the explanation of what “pancake money” is. The introduction to Bobby is very low key and natural, as we meet him in the middle of a conversation with Pollo. I really like the pacing of the book and how the narrative and point of view switches, as was often done in the middle of a scene and without warning, which kept the story exciting.
The only downside I had with the book was that I figured out the plot line and the culprit within the first chapter. The ride that Bell took me on while proving my suspicions was thrilling and suspenseful. This is because even though, I was positive I had it figured out, there was always the very real possibility that I was wrong. I was unable to fully cosign myself to being right until the very end. The book brought the reader into the thought processes of the detectives as they worked to solve the case, which in my opinion added to the realism and charm of the story.
Despite knowing the “what” and “who”. I was still intrigued by the “how” and “why” The characters are likable and interesting making you want to know more about them. Bell can pull you into the story with an interesting premise and characters that one cares about. It is a book where the clues are subtle and it’s up to the reader to catch them.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because after reading it, I want to read another book by Finn Bell. The book made me want to understand more about the people and culture of New Zealand and about crime and criminology. The book is one that made me think about the lack of adequate support for those who have suffered from abuse and/or mental issues.
******
Pancake Money
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like ttursack7's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Raven's Peak by Lincoln Cole
