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Sunday, November 25, 2018

Righteous by Joe Ide

In this hotly anticipated follow-up to the smash hit IQ, a New York Times Critics' Best of the Year and winner of the Anthony, Macavity, and Shamus Awards, Isaiah uncovers a secret behind the death of his brother, Marcus.

I haven't read the first in this series, but IQ or Isaiah Quintabe is still trying to find out who killed his brother eight years ago. One plot line continues his investigation into his brother's death;  the other has Isaiah and Dodson on a trip to Las Vegas to rescue a couple whose gambling addiction has put them in big trouble.  They owe money to a loan shark, and in order to pay him, they have hacked the accounts of a Chinese triad.  Frying pan.  Fire. 

What I liked:  The characters. There are many interesting characters including Dodson, Deronda, and TK; I.Q. is the center that holds the diverse group together.  I enjoyed the  allusions to Sherlock Holmes and there is plenty of wit and humor and amusing banter amid the danger and darker elements of the story.  

 Joe Ide is a Japanese-American who grew up in the neighborhood he describes.  From an interview with Ide:

"Growing up, Mr. Ide lived in two worlds: At home, his stern grandfather collected samurai swords and spoke no English; outside he had mostly black friends. He was never completely at ease in either place, but the experience taught him how to decipher people and how to blend in."  (Raised in South Central, Joe Ide Expands the Territory of L.A. Noir)

The interview gives an intriguing view of a man who grew up in contrasting cultures.

I need to read IQ, the first in the series, but Righteous (book 2) was offered through NetGalley, and after reading Kay's review, I decided to dive in.  

NetGalley/Mulholland Books
Detective Fiction.  2017.  Print length:  336 pages.

12 comments:

  1. Yes, you probably would like to read IQ as well, Jenclair. It tells more about how Isaiah evolved into IQ and also some more backstory about Dodson and Deronda. I thought this was unique take on the Sherlock theme. I'm planning on reading #3, which is out now. Think it's called Wrecked.

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    1. I do plan to read IQ. Although I did enjoy Righteous, I am curious about the background. I have Wrecked downloaded, but will have to purchase IQ. :)

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  2. Humor and a nod to Sherlock Holmes AND great characters? I'm in. :)

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    1. It is a wild mix of characters, humor, and darker elements!

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  3. I'm not familiar with this author but I'm definitely curious after reading your and Kay's reviews.

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    1. I wouldn't have chosen this from NetGalley if I had not read Kay's review. Glad I did. :)

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  4. Do you think it's okay to start with this book in the series? ADid yu feel like you missed anything?It's just another that has fallen way too much lower on my TBR ahhhhh!

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    1. It isn't necessary to understand the plot, but I wish I'd started with the first one for background on the characters. :)

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  5. This does sound intriguing. I like the fact that the author is local to L.A. too. My library has both books available as well which makes me happy!

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    1. I haven't been to the library yet, but I'm hoping IQ is there. :)

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  6. I seemed to have missed the boat on IQ when it was released also, but based on your review of this follow-up I'll have to try and rectify that. Thanks!

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    1. I missed that boat as well, and I still haven't read IQ, the first in the series that introduces the characters. On my list, though. :)

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