afox98's review against another edition
3.0
I seem to be in the minority on this one, but I didn't love it. I really liked the character of Isaiah (Quintabe, thus the nickname IQ) and his ability to use keen observation skills to solve neighborhood cases in east LA. When he's reunited with his old roommate Dodson, he's pulled into a case involving a sadistic hit man, a rapper way off his game, and some overbred monster dogs.
nglofile's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars.
I didn't love the plot of this intro, but I am impressed with the invention of a Sherlock-inspired protagonist minus the privilege. Isaiah Quintabe's world of South Central L.A. is an intriguing backdrop for an investigator with a gift for observation and inductive reasoning but who also carries the rough experiences of his neighborhood and his past. He is a character shown to take care of those in need - partly as penance - but who also needs to accept more lucrative cases in order to support the others. The fact that one involves a hitman using a dog as the weapon offers just the spark of unusual to make IQ grudgingly accept.
At some point I'll revisit the series, as I suspect I'd have a stronger appreciation of the main character's style and abilities outside of what is a flashback-heavy origin story. It's interesting to learn how this man becomes the formidable figure he is reputed to be, but this installment has less illustration of his intellectual prowess than I'd expect - though what is here is thoroughly enjoyable.
audiobook note: Sullivan Jones is a solid narrator able to juggle multiple characters effectively, though his laconic pacing isn't entirely to my taste. Two comments of caution if experiencing via audio: 1) the web of flashbacks and current events isn't easy to discern without visual cues and 2) the liberal use of cursing, including repeated use of the n-word is even more intense when listening.
I didn't love the plot of this intro, but I am impressed with the invention of a Sherlock-inspired protagonist minus the privilege. Isaiah Quintabe's world of South Central L.A. is an intriguing backdrop for an investigator with a gift for observation and inductive reasoning but who also carries the rough experiences of his neighborhood and his past. He is a character shown to take care of those in need - partly as penance - but who also needs to accept more lucrative cases in order to support the others. The fact that one involves a hitman using a dog as the weapon offers just the spark of unusual to make IQ grudgingly accept.
At some point I'll revisit the series, as I suspect I'd have a stronger appreciation of the main character's style and abilities outside of what is a flashback-heavy origin story. It's interesting to learn how this man becomes the formidable figure he is reputed to be, but this installment has less illustration of his intellectual prowess than I'd expect - though what is here is thoroughly enjoyable.
audiobook note: Sullivan Jones is a solid narrator able to juggle multiple characters effectively, though his laconic pacing isn't entirely to my taste. Two comments of caution if experiencing via audio: 1) the web of flashbacks and current events isn't easy to discern without visual cues and 2) the liberal use of cursing, including repeated use of the n-word is even more intense when listening.
gcanton's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
cdeane61's review against another edition
4.0
Kinda like an Encyclopedia Brown for adults, complete with drugs, armed robbery, vicious dogs and sociopathic hit men.
Add some gang related violence and a bit of rap music, and the action is non-stop.
Good set up for a series, with a bit of "origin story" done in flashbacks.
May be worth pursuing the next installment.
Add some gang related violence and a bit of rap music, and the action is non-stop.
Good set up for a series, with a bit of "origin story" done in flashbacks.
May be worth pursuing the next installment.
steve_sanders's review against another edition
3.0
In Isiah and Dodson, Ide crafts a lively and original variation of the Holmes/Watson archetype. The duo explore corners of Los Angeles, that most well-trod turf of the detective novel, that are seldom seen in the genre. In doing so, Ide demonstrates an ability to traverse the socioeconomic spectrum that is reminiscent of Richard Price and David Simon. As an origin story of an ongoing series, IQ shows a lot of promise.
The problem is that as a novel unto itself it offers an unsatisfying mystery that’s predictable to any reader with experience in the genre (I identified the hitman’s employer less than halfway through the book). In addition, Ide deploys less-than-fair means to keep his secrets by arbitrarily withholding crucial information (not identifying who a certain character is talking to in a critical phone conversation, for instance).
That said, Ide demonstrates considerable skill at character and world building, enough so that I imagine I’ll give the series another chance.
The problem is that as a novel unto itself it offers an unsatisfying mystery that’s predictable to any reader with experience in the genre (I identified the hitman’s employer less than halfway through the book). In addition, Ide deploys less-than-fair means to keep his secrets by arbitrarily withholding crucial information (not identifying who a certain character is talking to in a critical phone conversation, for instance).
That said, Ide demonstrates considerable skill at character and world building, enough so that I imagine I’ll give the series another chance.
abookolive's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
eshatto's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
crystal_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I found this book to be low quality writing. I won't be reading any more books by this author.
cmitchell's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75