yoteach87's review against another edition
5.0
This is my favorite read since last year's "Underground Airlines." I loved every minute of this book, and was astonished to see that this was the author's first and only written work. I am hoping that IQ sets up the future for a sequel or quite possibly a trilogy, as I would love to enter the world of this book again. 5/5
ellistd's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alliepeduto's review against another edition
3.0
This was a solid 3.5, and honestly I would have just given it the 4 if I hadn’t had so much trouble getting into it. I struggled with the first 3rd; I wasn’t getting the humor or the plot, and I didn’t particularly like IQ. But it was like a switch flipped after that. I actually laughed at a lot of it, and I was extremely invested in the mystery. The dog aspect was terrifying and yet highly entertaining, the side characters were quirky despite having rambling backstories, and IQ ended up being someone I really rooted for. I didn’t love the back and forth between the past and present, but I appreciated the backstory, especially since this is the first in a hopefully long series. I’d give the second one a go for sure!
cdescription77's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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
3.75
readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
After finishing the last page of IQ, I immediately looked to see if Joe Ide is working on a follow-up. No news yet (that I could find anyway), but after an Epilogue like that, if there isn’t a second book coming there’s no justice in the world.
I was blown away by the quality of this one, especially so considering it’s Ide’s debut. His author bio mentions his fascination with Sherlock Holmes stories when he was a kid, and the connections between those classic detective stories and the book he’s chosen to write are clear. Except Ide’s detective, Isaiah Quintabe, grew up in East Long Beach and isn’t really the earflap hat and tobacco pipe type. What he is is deeply principled and a master of inductive reasoning.
I’m not much for series, whether it’s books or TV, but if you want to make me a loyal fan for life, give me a detective character who is this compelling. IQ is quiet, thoughtful, but not shy, not afraid of his tough surroundings. He won’t be bullied or intimidated. He is measured and careful, but he also carries a reserve of rage just under the surface, and very, very occasionally, it boils over. He also has a back story that I can’t WAIT to see further explored in future installments.
When I do get really into a crime series, I’m not showing up because I can’t wait to see what the next case will be. I’m in it because I’m invested in the detective and want to see how their character arc develops, and IQ is the kind of character an author could get a lot of mileage out of. Other favorites include Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole book series, the Longmire TV series on Netflix (I’m almost afraid to read the books because the show is that good, I know, what kind of reader am I?), and an oldie but goodie, Kyra Sedgwick as The Closer. Her giant handbags inspired me to proudly carry my own oversize suitcase-purse to work.
So yes, sign me up for the official IQ fan club. I’m hooked.
With regards to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the advance copy. On sale now!
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
I was blown away by the quality of this one, especially so considering it’s Ide’s debut. His author bio mentions his fascination with Sherlock Holmes stories when he was a kid, and the connections between those classic detective stories and the book he’s chosen to write are clear. Except Ide’s detective, Isaiah Quintabe, grew up in East Long Beach and isn’t really the earflap hat and tobacco pipe type. What he is is deeply principled and a master of inductive reasoning.
I’m not much for series, whether it’s books or TV, but if you want to make me a loyal fan for life, give me a detective character who is this compelling. IQ is quiet, thoughtful, but not shy, not afraid of his tough surroundings. He won’t be bullied or intimidated. He is measured and careful, but he also carries a reserve of rage just under the surface, and very, very occasionally, it boils over. He also has a back story that I can’t WAIT to see further explored in future installments.
When I do get really into a crime series, I’m not showing up because I can’t wait to see what the next case will be. I’m in it because I’m invested in the detective and want to see how their character arc develops, and IQ is the kind of character an author could get a lot of mileage out of. Other favorites include Jo Nesbo’s Harry Hole book series, the Longmire TV series on Netflix (I’m almost afraid to read the books because the show is that good, I know, what kind of reader am I?), and an oldie but goodie, Kyra Sedgwick as The Closer. Her giant handbags inspired me to proudly carry my own oversize suitcase-purse to work.
So yes, sign me up for the official IQ fan club. I’m hooked.
With regards to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for the advance copy. On sale now!
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
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.