toeffy's review against another edition
2.0
Not at all like the first book
After liking Sweet Silver Blues so much, I'd decided to use the series as a palate cleanser between heavier books and as light entertainment for the tougher times in life. Alas, if the series continues in the vein of the second book, I'll have to pass on it.
There was just too much going on. Names were dropped at every corner, hints here and there, Garrett's thought process mainly took place behind the scenes and his jumps to conclusions were not always comprehensible.
Also, as already mentioned, there were too many people, too many plot threads for such a short book and I had stopped caring about any of the characters about a third in. Inclusion of such heavy duty themes like torture, grooming, and incest didn't make it any better.
I am most certainly biased, because I went in expecting something light and linear like the first book in the series had been. Nevertheless, since my reviews are just as subjective and biased as I am, I feel justified in giving a low rating at least as a warning to people who go in with similar expectations.
2/5
After liking Sweet Silver Blues so much, I'd decided to use the series as a palate cleanser between heavier books and as light entertainment for the tougher times in life. Alas, if the series continues in the vein of the second book, I'll have to pass on it.
There was just too much going on. Names were dropped at every corner, hints here and there, Garrett's thought process mainly took place behind the scenes and his jumps to conclusions were not always comprehensible.
Also, as already mentioned, there were too many people, too many plot threads for such a short book and I had stopped caring about any of the characters about a third in. Inclusion of such heavy duty themes like torture, grooming, and incest didn't make it any better.
I am most certainly biased, because I went in expecting something light and linear like the first book in the series had been. Nevertheless, since my reviews are just as subjective and biased as I am, I feel justified in giving a low rating at least as a warning to people who go in with similar expectations.
2/5
readgreed's review against another edition
5.0
I like Glen Cook's preposterous upending of a fair damsel leading a hackneyed detective astray, set in the TunFaire city where no one wants to know your name, where the elite rule by magic.
Adding to Garrett's woes is the jealous maybe redhead fiancee while his elderly housekeeper is also trying to matchmake him with various nieces. Add in a mix of ogres, the city's underbelly bosses and some murder, this explosive mixture ends up forcing the PI to also deal with the local police force.
There's just too much going on her to include every plot element - the zany fun somehow makes sense and just sit back and enjoy the reading pleasure!
Adding to Garrett's woes is the jealous maybe redhead fiancee while his elderly housekeeper is also trying to matchmake him with various nieces. Add in a mix of ogres, the city's underbelly bosses and some murder, this explosive mixture ends up forcing the PI to also deal with the local police force.
There's just too much going on her to include every plot element - the zany fun somehow makes sense and just sit back and enjoy the reading pleasure!
nghia's review against another edition
3.0
I have a (almost entirely unsatisfied) sweet tooth for alt-noir detective stuff like this. That is, I like it in theory but the reality never lives up to what I crave. The Garrett Files aren't as good as Raymond Chandler. I realize that's about as cutting a criticism as saying a play isn't as good as Shakespeare.
There is nothing terribly bad about Bitter Gold Hearts. The weaknesses are the same weaknesses that all detective series have: the same sidekicks get recycled every book, for instance. The author cheats with the first person point of view in order to have a "surprise" for the reader. (i.e. "And then the witch gave me three spells and told me how to activate them" without telling the reader what the spells are)
These aren't great literature. They aren't pretending to be, though. They are acceptable entertainment for a few hours. I'll probably read the other books in the series over time but I don't exactly have a craving to read them RIGHT NOW.
There is nothing terribly bad about Bitter Gold Hearts. The weaknesses are the same weaknesses that all detective series have: the same sidekicks get recycled every book, for instance. The author cheats with the first person point of view in order to have a "surprise" for the reader. (i.e. "And then the witch gave me three spells and told me how to activate them" without telling the reader what the spells are)
These aren't great literature. They aren't pretending to be, though. They are acceptable entertainment for a few hours. I'll probably read the other books in the series over time but I don't exactly have a craving to read them RIGHT NOW.
wmhenrymorris's review against another edition
I'm starting to buy that the sexism is intentional.
lottpoet's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-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? Yes
4.0
gigglewigglesquiggle's review against another edition
3.0
Characters: 4
Plot: 3
Setting/world building: 4
Atmosphere: 3
——
3,5
Plot: 3
Atmosphere: 3
——
3,5
starfallz's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting. Much different tone than the first book.
jrenee's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-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
alesia_charles's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not sure why I like this one better than the first one ... I think maybe the plot held together better for me, and it was more mystery-like than the first one.
On another note, partway through I started wondering if the Dead Man is some kind of homage to Nero Wolf. That was a little distracting.
On another note, partway through I started wondering if the Dead Man is some kind of homage to Nero Wolf. That was a little distracting.