Review by DorcasToo -- Pancake Money by Finn Bell
-
DorcasToo
- Posts: 766
- Joined: 02 Feb 2018, 16:01
- Currently Reading: Call Me Pomeroy
- Bookshelf Size: 207
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dorcastoo.html
- Latest Review: Tidal Pools by Robert Marier
Review by DorcasToo -- Pancake Money by Finn Bell
[Following is a volunteer review of "Pancake Money" by Finn Bell.]
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Pancake money is a crime and psychological thriller set in Dunedin, New Zealand. This title is one aspect that intrigued me the most. When Pollo was a young boy, his mom used to giving them pancake money when their father was drunk. So it came down to what one did with the money.
Three Catholic priests are mysteriously murdered in cold blood. The murders are gruesome and ugly. The similarities in the killings show the killer is the same person. Pollo and Bobby are two cops working on the case. Pollo is in his late forties, and the latter is twenty-eight. Both are family men, where, Bobby has one kid, Pollo has two. After the second murder, a task force is formed to tackle the menace. But the two keep on investigating in the background. These two set out to find the connection between the murders. Four priests are the founders of a rehabilitation center to treat priests with sexual tendencies. Father Mucci, Bern, Black, and Corcoran came up with the institution. Three of the priests are already dead, the remaining one a target. However, a doubt lingers in their minds will it be too late and another innocent human killed.
When John Maihi's son commits suicide, the story takes a different direction. A serial killer is out for blood and what no one knows is the motive. Whether for money, power or sex it remains a mystery. Without a motive, you can't pin the killer and with no killer, you can't solve a murder case. Using this, the author takes us through the adventures of a mystery thriller.
Pancake money is well researched and factual. It goes into detail on the Maori and Manga Kahu ethnic groups in New Zealand. Some strong facts are also seen in the story. Symbolism is used in character names and places. The plot is smooth and steady. There are no filler chapters or gaps either in the storyline. Making it flow seamlessly and keeps the reader glued. It tackles colonialism and its effects on the locals. This book is a combination of several genres blended into a masterpiece. The themes include murder, mental illness, colonialism, racism, sexual abuse, police work and many more.
Finally, I love the suspense the author used. Finn keeps you guessing who's the villain and who's not until the end. Also, the mystery surrounding every event keeps you on hold. The book is a story of one week, yet, it carries so much information. I give it 4 out of 4 stars. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for lovers of crime and psychology thrillers. It also has some bit of religious influences that may offend some. Generally, it's a beautiful work of art.
******
Pancake Money
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like DorcasToo's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Pancake money is a crime and psychological thriller set in Dunedin, New Zealand. This title is one aspect that intrigued me the most. When Pollo was a young boy, his mom used to giving them pancake money when their father was drunk. So it came down to what one did with the money.
Three Catholic priests are mysteriously murdered in cold blood. The murders are gruesome and ugly. The similarities in the killings show the killer is the same person. Pollo and Bobby are two cops working on the case. Pollo is in his late forties, and the latter is twenty-eight. Both are family men, where, Bobby has one kid, Pollo has two. After the second murder, a task force is formed to tackle the menace. But the two keep on investigating in the background. These two set out to find the connection between the murders. Four priests are the founders of a rehabilitation center to treat priests with sexual tendencies. Father Mucci, Bern, Black, and Corcoran came up with the institution. Three of the priests are already dead, the remaining one a target. However, a doubt lingers in their minds will it be too late and another innocent human killed.
When John Maihi's son commits suicide, the story takes a different direction. A serial killer is out for blood and what no one knows is the motive. Whether for money, power or sex it remains a mystery. Without a motive, you can't pin the killer and with no killer, you can't solve a murder case. Using this, the author takes us through the adventures of a mystery thriller.
Pancake money is well researched and factual. It goes into detail on the Maori and Manga Kahu ethnic groups in New Zealand. Some strong facts are also seen in the story. Symbolism is used in character names and places. The plot is smooth and steady. There are no filler chapters or gaps either in the storyline. Making it flow seamlessly and keeps the reader glued. It tackles colonialism and its effects on the locals. This book is a combination of several genres blended into a masterpiece. The themes include murder, mental illness, colonialism, racism, sexual abuse, police work and many more.
Finally, I love the suspense the author used. Finn keeps you guessing who's the villain and who's not until the end. Also, the mystery surrounding every event keeps you on hold. The book is a story of one week, yet, it carries so much information. I give it 4 out of 4 stars. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for lovers of crime and psychology thrillers. It also has some bit of religious influences that may offend some. Generally, it's a beautiful work of art.
******
Pancake Money
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like DorcasToo's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Tidal Pools by Robert Marier
