2. It is supposed to be a series featuring LAPD Detective Margaret Nolan and murder suspect Sam Easton, but as it turns out, Nolan plays a pretty minor role. Sam and Melody Traeger take over the novel.
3. I knew the villain on his first appearance. That's fine if the author intends for you to, but I think it was supposed to come as a surprise.
Deep into the Dark kept my interest because of Sam and Melody, but the plot was not believable. Either plot, I guess, because there was a secondary plot thread.
The eccentric and endearing characters that helped make Monkeewrench such a fun series are absent in Deep into the Dark, which is more of a straight forward crime novel.
If I had not been hoping for some of the fresh and funny aspects of Monkeewrench, I would have liked it better, but the author (whose mother and partner for the Monkeewrench series has died) is entitled to take a new path with a different vibe.
Read in August. Blog review scheduled for Dec. 30, 2020
NetGalley/St. Martin's Press.
Crime. Jan. 12, 2021. Print length: 352 pages.
I'm sad (and a little ashamed) to say that I have yet to read any of the Monkeewrench series. They've been on my TBR list for forever. And they look so good. I don't know why I haven't managed to read any of them yet. Maybe this next year. Sorry this one didn't have the same kind of vibe as those, and that the plot wasn't believable. Maybe the next one will be better.
ReplyDeleteThe first books and the eccentric characters are great! Although I was a disappointed in this new series, I can understand the author's choice to begin with a new set of characters.
DeleteThat's too bad. I have the Monkeewrench books on my TBR list, and even though I haven't read one of them yet, I kind of hate to hear that the series is essentially over because of the death of one of the authors. That does have to make it tough on the remaining writer. I can imagine that the pressure to keep the series up, mixed with the personal grief being experienced, is a really tough thing to go through.
ReplyDeleteIt is tough when a writing partner dies, and even more so when your partner was your mother. I can understand the need for a new direction. I'll miss the Monkeewrench gang.
DeleteI loved the early books in the Monkeewrench series, but the most recent installments were disappointing. I didn't know that Traci had written a new series, but I think I'll skip this one.
ReplyDeleteThe first books were the best, and I can understand that some series run their course and become more difficult to continue. It was one of my favorite series for a long time.
DeleteI loved the Monkeewrench series and have read many of the books more than once. Have been curious about this one and I'll try it, but will keep your thoughts in mind. Must be tough for Traci since the loss of her Mom.
ReplyDeleteI'm tempted to reread the early books. They were such a combination of odd characters and suspense! It may be that as long as you aren't expecting similar characters, you'll like the book better than I did.
DeleteI wonder if it's just part of her developing her new writing style now that she's writing on her own. Not sure if this is one for me but will definitely keep watch to see what else she comes up with.
ReplyDeleteA new and solo style must be difficult for the author, and I will certainly give the next book a try. Not an easy switch to make from writing as a pair to writing alone.
DeleteI really liked the Monkeewrench series in the beginning, but lost interest after reading The Sixth Idea, I think it was. I don't know if I will pick up this one.
ReplyDeleteThe beginning introduced a different kind of crime/mystery. Monkeewrench was an innovative idea and may have been difficult to continue, but I loved the first books. The Sixth Idea was my least favorite--it was off, somehow.
DeleteWell, we were wondering if the daughter were going to take it in a new direction and now we know. Too bad it isn't your cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame her for wanting a new direction, and I hope I'll like the next book better. It didn't help that I was an entrenched Monkeewrench fan.
DeleteWell, that's a bummer. I'll have to look into the Monkeewrench series. I've somehow missed it.
ReplyDeleteComputer geek/police procedural with a fantastic cast of characters! I think you'd like it, but start with the first book. :)
DeleteI don't think I've read a P.J. Tracy book before. Probably this year I'll do so. Happy New Year, Jenclair!
ReplyDeleteYou should at least try the first one, Melody. It is a fun series! Happy New Year to you, too!
DeleteOh no, I’m sorry this new direction didn’t work out for you — hopefully with the next one, it may be something more familiar/ appeal to you more??
ReplyDelete