Capsule book reviews in 255 characters or fewer. Ish. A reading diary (1st Jan 2019 onwards) by Eamonn Griffin.
Bruce Wayne and The Bat struggle over whose identity is dominant. A smart, quick chamber piece that both covers a great deal of Bat-history and delivers in immediate story terms. Packaged together with other Batman work from Cooke, including the stand-alone Catwoman adventure Selina’s Big Score.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
Hap and Leonard fall foul of Hap’s ex and a scheme to retrieve the proceeds from a heist. Brisk, clean graphic novel adaptation of the first in the long-running series of Joe Lansdale novels. Captures the spirit of the books and characters well.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
The lives of a New York hitman, a disgraced detective, and a gang member eager to make a name for himself intersect in quake-torn LA. Smart, fast and darkly funny thriller with some interesting backstory diversions and the sense of a movie-in-waiting. A strong debut from a veteran screenwriter.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
Lawyer Mickey Haller returns to defence work when he inherits a caseload from a murdered colleague. Smart, slick and well-paced LA legal procedural with supporting roles for Connelly series characters Harry Bosch and Jack McEvoy. Well up to this author’s usual impeccable standard.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
Desperate to earn, Selina Kyle takes on a risky big heist opportunity. Pacy graphic novel in Cooke’s typically confident noir-inflected style, operating also as a precursor to his Richard Stark/Parker adaptations. Explosive and with an emotional heart, this is lots of fun.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A struggle with mental health issues leads to Alix’s institutionalisation; she’s locked in with her demon. A fascinating case study of illness and the inadequacies of mental health provision, taking the metaphor of the black dog and running wild with it. Barking has a lot to say, being told in expressionistic sketches that mirror Alix’s situation. Maybe harrowing for some, but recommended.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
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