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yesteres's review against another edition
3.0
Very subjective score here: I would have enjoyed this much more had I read any of the Chandler books in the past few years, as the characters from previous stories left me struggling to remember Marlowe's relationships to a few people that I could remember precisely ????? about. Nailed the atmosphere, snappy dialog, but could have used more despair.
jumbleread's review against another edition
4.0
This wasn't exactly my wheelhouse. But many, many people like this book and the author, so I would say read it to know.
kfrench1008's review against another edition
4.0
Very enjoyable, but not extremely original. Still, a fun read and a great tribute to Chandler.
nonna7's review against another edition
4.0
I've been reading all of Benjamin Black's mystery novels for several years ago. Benjamin Black, by the way, is a pseudonym for John Banville, Man Booker Award Winner and writer of very literary novels. Perhaps they don't pay the bills. One of the reviews I read said that Banville had made less than flattering remarks about the mystery genre. Perhaps he's been a quiet reader despite that? His Quirke novels, featuring a 1950's pathologist with a disquieting past and a decided anti-clerical streak, are not easy reads by any means. You definitely have to pay attention. This one, written in the Chandler style, was not in that vein. I admit to not having read Chandler, something I will definitely have to fix. I guess the only discordant moment in the book is when Marlowe refers to cigarettes as "cancer sticks." (A NYT reviewer noted the same.) This is mid 1950's USA when everyone smoked and it was cool. Still, all in all, it was a fun read. Black/Banville notes in the afterward that Chandler wrote down several titles for later books. Marlowe is asked to look into the disappearance of one Nico Peterson, an oily con man. The requester is an absolutely stunning woman - the black-eyed blonde, and yes, Marlowe is once again led by a bodily part that is NOT his brain! I enjoyed this book although I do hope he gets back to Quirke soon.
lzhang221's review against another edition
4.0
I've never read noir before and I'm pretty much a fish out of the water here, but I enjoyed it.
sdramsey's review against another edition
4.0
It's always a risk to read (or write, come to think of it) a new chapter in the life of a well-known and loved character, but Benjamin Black hits all the right notes in this new Philip Marlowe novel. Black channels Chandler with care, grace and a soft touch, which I found very satisfying. I found that in the audiobook version, while it was very well done, the narrator's voice didn't really say "Marlowe" to me. In all other respects, though, the book is a fine echo of a classic Marlowe novel.
rlnj's review against another edition
3.0
This is a fun little mystery, a great summer time read. Essentially, a "black-eyed blonde" walks into the office of a private investigator (our main character), and from there all sorts of twists and turns ensue. Great for anyone who loves a mystery, 1950s LA, or simple tales without too much to make you think.
jakewritesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Benjamin Black is a decent writer. I keep meaning to get back to the Quirke series. This isn’t a bad book on its merits. But it’s not a good Marlowe book. It has him, as well as plenty of references to other Marlowe works but it lacks the lyrical fury of Chandler. Call him “Pete Manilow” instead and you’d have a generic 50s private eye tale set in some random city (Black’s LA isn’t a convincing one). It’s an entertaining tale but if you’re a curious Marlowe fan, I’d recommend keep looking.
katrinalenhernandez's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A decent story like the others, but I really disliked that he repeatedly referenced not having married Linda Loring when the 4th book started by Chandler was all about his failed marriage to Linda Loring.
pizzamcpin3ppl3's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5