Pierre C Arseneault

Review: Poplar Falls by Pierre C. Arseneault.

This is an Early Reviewers book that leads to an investigation from Detective’s Franklin Dodge and Roxanne Tilley for the uncanny murder of Charlie Baker of Poplar Falls. They also had an open case of the “Panty Bandit” which they were ready to call this one a cold case. The author also weaves into the story a group of older women called the “Naughty Knitters”, who do nothing but gossip and they will surprise the reader near the end with a naughty secret that they keep to themselves.

The story was somewhat ridiculous in areas involving Charlie Baker and the “Naughty Knitters”. He was new to the small town, a bachelor with many women visitors who were curious to the rumor that Charlie’s manhood was very large. So, why was Charlie Baker murdered? As I read about all these women I think they were there to see the size but mostly for the intimacy afterwards that they so greatly needed.… (mehr)

I often give books a lot of leeway in the beginning, recognizing that it often takes time to lock into a authors voice. With that in mind, I read Popular Falls for as long as I could before completely giving up. The book is sophomoric both in writing style and in content. Everything is seen through the lens of a sexual nature. At first, I wrote my lack of tolerance for the simple writing off as a symptom of having just finished Burke and Pelleconas novels, alas it never got any better. I wish I could find something redeeming to say about this book but I just can't. So it's off to Don Winslow I go.… (mehr)

The book description started as somewhat of a different murder mystery - with some possible new twists, a lighter heart than some of the things I am used to reading and I thought it may be fun. After just a little bit into it however (one chapter?) - the overall feel of the book as childish rather than creative became evident - and didn't let up. The plot is interesting enough, but the development of the story uses unnecessary description, immature side stories/characters, and very little surprise twists that couldn't be predicted. I hate to be negative, but this book was hard to finish and needs more work before I would recommend.… (mehr)