I never heard of this author. Happened to pick up the book from the local library's rack of free books. The author is a good writer. As some other reviewers (Amazon) noted, there were a lot of characters and it was hard to remember who was who. It would have helped if the author had an alphabetical index/brief bio of the characters so readers could reference as needed.
As some other reviewers (Amazon) noted, the story was rather convoluted. Ann Cole, one of the central characters, is portrayed as this very strong, disciplined woman. Yet, at her friend's funeral, Ann confronted an individual and accused him of murdering the friend--this in front of a number of people who had attended the funeral. Later, when a sting operation was completed, Ann went alone (and without telling anyone) to the suspect's home. Both of these actions didn't fit with Ann's personality. The author turned Ann into a victim who needed rescuing--it would have been refreshing had Ann been the rescuer of some guy in the story.
As some other reviewers (Amazon) noted, the story was rather convoluted. Ann Cole, one of the central characters, is portrayed as this very strong, disciplined woman. Yet, at her friend's funeral, Ann confronted an individual and accused him of murdering the friend--this in front of a number of people who had attended the funeral. Later, when a sting operation was completed, Ann went alone (and without telling anyone) to the suspect's home. Both of these actions didn't fit with Ann's personality. The author turned Ann into a victim who needed rescuing--it would have been refreshing had Ann been the rescuer of some guy in the story.
I enjoyed the story, and the relationship between the main characters. It was fun to read about and recognize neighborhoods in New York City; I suppose the corruption was not too far-fetched.
The protagonist was predictably blocked by obstacles and ostracized by her employer while determined to get to the truth. And I found myself caught up in the story line in spite of the author's use of time-worn plot devices.
I wonder how this writing compares to other works by Rozan.
The protagonist was predictably blocked by obstacles and ostracized by her employer while determined to get to the truth. And I found myself caught up in the story line in spite of the author's use of time-worn plot devices.
I wonder how this writing compares to other works by Rozan.
All about corruption and kick backs in Harlem New York. Book has meeting after meeting with the mayor, council members, cops, building inspectors, etc. and whose ass is on the line when accidents happen and people die. Add to this bundle of happiness, a religious fervor (a preacher and some do-gooder) and I called it quits at page 50. I just couldn't take the political maneuverings and the b.s. Found this book boring as hell.
After being somewhat disappointed by her last novel, Absent Friends, I was much more captivated by In This Rain. Again the short chapters give the novel a jumpy and unconnected feel, but at least the authors concentrates on three characters who are easier to understand and to follow.
This is tale of a New York City building inspector who is wrongly imprisoned for taking bribes. He is trying to get on with his new life, but is dragged back into the inspection of three mysterious accidents in a low income housing building site by his former partner. The mayor has promised a large and prestigious building site in Harlem to a growing developer if they can successful complete the current project. But there is antagonism to this fait accompli from the local black community leaders. Several gang members have also been killed. The investigation is headed by Ann Montgomery. She hates the developer who many years ago seduced her mother. The investigation leads from the accidents all the way to the murder of Ann's best friend. The action is quite exciting, but I found the villainous developer to be a hackneyed version of most arrogant businessmen. Still the rest of the characters are appealing and believable and the conclusion is slightly twisted, but still foretold.
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/kd9
This is tale of a New York City building inspector who is wrongly imprisoned for taking bribes. He is trying to get on with his new life, but is dragged back into the inspection of three mysterious accidents in a low income housing building site by his former partner. The mayor has promised a large and prestigious building site in Harlem to a growing developer if they can successful complete the current project. But there is antagonism to this fait accompli from the local black community leaders. Several gang members have also been killed. The investigation is headed by Ann Montgomery. She hates the developer who many years ago seduced her mother. The investigation leads from the accidents all the way to the murder of Ann's best friend. The action is quite exciting, but I found the villainous developer to be a hackneyed version of most arrogant businessmen. Still the rest of the characters are appealing and believable and the conclusion is slightly twisted, but still foretold.
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/kd9
