readwithmeemz's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book as an ARC, and although it is not my usual sort of book, I was intrigued by the description - and rightly so. It was great to read a book that touched (a little bit) on issues like colonialism, violence against sex workers, addictions, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous and Aboriginal women. I liked that a lot of the characters were self-deprecating (almost anti-heroes, at the risk of using that cliche). I wasn't expecting to like the protagonist, Dave Wakeland, as much as I did - I thought he would be predictable and dry, but he kept surprising me, and I really love him as a character.
The writing style was a bit hard to follow at times - the author would start by describing something that happened without really leading into it, which was a little confusing and frustrating, because I found that I had to re-read paragraphs (multiple times, on occasion) in order to see if I missed something, only to have it clarified in the next paragraph.
I can see this becoming a movie series eventually, and I can see myself watching (and enjoying) it. I really enjoyed the book overall, and am looking forward to reading more books from Wiebe's Dave Wakeland series.
The writing style was a bit hard to follow at times - the author would start by describing something that happened without really leading into it, which was a little confusing and frustrating, because I found that I had to re-read paragraphs (multiple times, on occasion) in order to see if I missed something, only to have it clarified in the next paragraph.
I can see this becoming a movie series eventually, and I can see myself watching (and enjoying) it. I really enjoyed the book overall, and am looking forward to reading more books from Wiebe's Dave Wakeland series.
chukg's review against another edition
5.0
These are basically modern day noir but specifically set in a very recognizeable Vancouver (including a stop at a perfectly well detailed SFU, the university I work at) which made them a little bit more enjoyable to me. The protagonist is an example of a very familiar type but he has some background to him too, if you like books where the PI gets beat up a bunch but is ultimately somewhat triumphant, you will like these.
cail_judy's review against another edition
5.0
I finished the last chunk of this book in downtown Los Angeles. It suits a full stomach and a cold beer, elbows on the bar. Sam writes with a gritty aplomb that draws you in, and like a good tour-guide should, shows you locals-only spots. It was cool and unusual (to me) to experience reading a book where I'm intimately familiar with the city and settings.
The narrative is strong and it's hard to put down. It does what the best crime fiction should: keeps you guessing, about who committed the crime and how long can Wakeland stay alive. A bold Vancouver novel that should be read far beyond this fair city.
The narrative is strong and it's hard to put down. It does what the best crime fiction should: keeps you guessing, about who committed the crime and how long can Wakeland stay alive. A bold Vancouver novel that should be read far beyond this fair city.
robert_bose's review against another edition
5.0
Another excellent dark gritty detective tale from Sam Wiebe. Loved the Vancouver setting and great cast of characters. Highly recommended!
secanno's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Addiction, Drug abuse, and Misogyny
Moderate: Animal death, Excrement, Death of parent, Cancer, and Trafficking
rainyrianne's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rainierbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Dave Wakeland's first case makes curious about the next ones. The main character is a 29 yo private eye looking for a young sex worker named Chelsea Loam who disappeared 11 years ago. Loam is half indigenous and the author Sam Wiebe tells us in the acknowledgements about the many missing women from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside who probably inspired this novel.
It is a novel in the best American private investigator tradition where the city of Vancouver plays the lead role. We accompany Dave Wakeland to many places all around Vancouver and Wiebe succeeds in delivering a beautiful, yet dark portrait of the city. I also like the many references to music in the novel.
It is a novel in the best American private investigator tradition where the city of Vancouver plays the lead role. We accompany Dave Wakeland to many places all around Vancouver and Wiebe succeeds in delivering a beautiful, yet dark portrait of the city. I also like the many references to music in the novel.
leighsnerdlife's review against another edition
5.0
The story is dark, and very gritty. The language Wiebe used is blunt, but compelling. It was refreshing to read something with non-flowery verbiage and short sentences - it helped set the tone of the book.
The central character, Dave Wakeland, is a PI. He’s tough but compassionate - and a little damaged. He definitely ticks off some major detective stereotypes, but Wiebe makes it feel fresh and different.
It’s a powerful story that drives home the idea that every person deserves compassion. It hit me hard. And I loved it.
The central character, Dave Wakeland, is a PI. He’s tough but compassionate - and a little damaged. He definitely ticks off some major detective stereotypes, but Wiebe makes it feel fresh and different.
It’s a powerful story that drives home the idea that every person deserves compassion. It hit me hard. And I loved it.
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