cnorbury's review against another edition
2.0
An interesting concept and premise (a 1930 murder mystery set in Salt Lake City, based on a real case) combined with a unique character ( a squeaky clean young Mormon deputy sheriff) and high praise and awards attracted me to this book, but the book did not live up to the promise or the praise.
The premise was okay but I didn't get an in-depth feel for the era like I have in the historical novels of Ken Follett or other comparable authors. Art Oveson seemed like a fish out of water dealing with the criminal element in SLC as well as dealing with the foul mouth and crude behavior of his partner, Lund. The clash of cultures (Mormon clean living compared with "normal" lifestyles) was always jarring, especially since the dialogue and much of the narrative was overly proper, polite, and petty (Too much, "How are you?" "Fine, you?" "Not bad. Nice weather, huh?" Etc., Etc., Etc.) Those weren't direct quotes-just illustrating the chitchat nature of much of the dialogue).
The story was also plagued by far too much excruciating but unnecessary detail. 1930s telephones, party lines, and dealing with operators were discussed 3 or 4 too many times. Once was enough.
The plot proceeded at a languid pace, mainly due to the excessive details and drawn out conversations. No character stood out as being memorable--with the stock appearances by the crooked sheriff, loving wife, cute children, evil attorney, wealthy socialites. Mainly because the reader wasn't given enough interesting detail about the characters.
Altogether, a curiously uncomfortable book to read because of the prim and proper MC and stiff, polite narrative laced with occasional outbursts of violence and foul language. It was a mix that didn't work for me.
The premise was okay but I didn't get an in-depth feel for the era like I have in the historical novels of Ken Follett or other comparable authors. Art Oveson seemed like a fish out of water dealing with the criminal element in SLC as well as dealing with the foul mouth and crude behavior of his partner, Lund. The clash of cultures (Mormon clean living compared with "normal" lifestyles) was always jarring, especially since the dialogue and much of the narrative was overly proper, polite, and petty (Too much, "How are you?" "Fine, you?" "Not bad. Nice weather, huh?" Etc., Etc., Etc.) Those weren't direct quotes-just illustrating the chitchat nature of much of the dialogue).
The story was also plagued by far too much excruciating but unnecessary detail. 1930s telephones, party lines, and dealing with operators were discussed 3 or 4 too many times. Once was enough.
The plot proceeded at a languid pace, mainly due to the excessive details and drawn out conversations. No character stood out as being memorable--with the stock appearances by the crooked sheriff, loving wife, cute children, evil attorney, wealthy socialites. Mainly because the reader wasn't given enough interesting detail about the characters.
Altogether, a curiously uncomfortable book to read because of the prim and proper MC and stiff, polite narrative laced with occasional outbursts of violence and foul language. It was a mix that didn't work for me.
michelleful's review
3.0
I was looking for "Mormon mysteries", and this book, featuring a lawman of that religion in the 1930s, did not really fit the bill. Art Oveson's religion is relevant only to his own behaviour - he doesn't swear, his biggest sin is eating too much ice cream. As a result, he comes across as being a little...milquetoast is the word that comes to mind. Which colours the whole book, really.
Plot-wise, the book was fine. It was based on a historical, still unsolved, mystery in Salt Lake City, which I found interesting. It was just...a little too bland for my liking. Still, I finished it, so points there.
Spoiler
Even his rebellion, when it comes, is extremely mild.Plot-wise, the book was fine. It was based on a historical, still unsolved, mystery in Salt Lake City, which I found interesting. It was just...a little too bland for my liking. Still, I finished it, so points there.
raldrich24's review
3.0
This was a nice book, with good narration. Not the most exciting murder mystery I have read, or the most shocking, but it was a pleasant story and easy to listen to. I thought the story pulled together well, and the ending wrapped up all the characters nicely.
bethmitcham's review against another edition
2.0
The main characters motivations were unclear, especially why he thought he had to do everything by himself. I didn't buy the daddy issues idea.
penny_literaryhoarders's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really smart caper! Came to terms by the middle-to-end with the narration too. Full review is pending.
raehink's review against another edition
2.0
A mystery set in 1930s Salt Lake City (which was cool) and based on an actual unsolved crime from that same time period (Dorothy Dexter Moormeister). Way too bland.
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