Thursday, June 04, 2009

The Midnight Room -- Ed Gorman

You could call this a serial killer novel, but since it was written by Ed Gorman, you can bet it's not like any other serial killer novel.  Even though many of the usual conventions of such books are present, they're all just a little bit askew so that you see them from an angle different from what you might be expecting.  

There's a big cast of characters, and one of the many good things about the book is that they're all individuals, they're all interesting, and they all have an important part to play.  I'm not saying they're all attractive, but you'll care about what happens to them, anyway.  [WARNING: This one tilts toward the noir end of the spectrum.  END OF WARNING]

Another good thing is that you're never quite sure where the book is headed.  Just when you think you do, Gorman throws you a curve. 

The book is expertly paced, too.  When I picked it up, I thought it would take a good while to read it.  I was wrong.  It moves like a bullet right from the first page.  I read it in two sittings.  The book's not out yet, but when it hits the stands, grab a copy.  You won't regret it.

1 comment:

Dave Zeltserman said...

terrific read, although a bleak, tough book. Could've been a Gold Medal.