Very reminiscent of JK Rowling's Cormoran Strike series ( )

Very reminiscent of JK Rowling's Cormoran Strike series ( )

Although originally published as by Reed Stephens, these are actually the wordsmith Stephen Donaldson's books where he can try out a different voice, in a different genre. The feel is much closer to some of his short story writing. A lot less convoluted, and despite being noir PI tales invovling drugs and child prostitutes (a la Chander) actually less dark than his Sci-Fi or Fantasy tales.

The tale is nothing to do with a man who killed his brother. That is merely a brief description of the 'hero' Mick Axbrewder, and the incident is described within the first chapter. The consequences however are ongoing throughout the story. Mick retreated into the bottle, as many such PIs seem to do. Fortunately for him he has a partner, Ginny, younger, cleverer (or at least differently clever - less intuative more deductive which is a nice twist on the standard gender models), licensed and female who is prepared to pull him out of his worst drunks. Especially when she needs someone with more bodymass to do some investigating. There is little or no romance between them (properly noir style) - but Mick does seem to genuinally appreciate her repeated attempts at salvaging his life.

The latest salvage occurs when Ginny learns that Mick's niece (daught of the brother he shot) has 'gone missing'. And it soon transpires that she isn't alone. Over the last couple of years nine other young girls have dissappeared from school, and not been seen again, until their bodies were found months afterwards. Mick and Ginny know they have a race against time and gangsters to try and save his niece.

Well written. It is nothing like as wordy or complicated as his other work - which alos means it isn't as rich or deep or so fully immersive. Somehow I don't get the feeling that he was actually aiming for a Noir style detective even though that is very much how it comes across. The alcholic cravings are particularly noteworthy - far moe detailed than just wanting (or having) a drink! Ginny is a bit of an odd character, she's very important for the plot, Mick's sanity, and the overall cohesiveness of the writing, but she is barely detailed at all. A brief paragraph of description, and a few short snappy lines. She doesn't come across as convincingly feminine for some reason.

Should be read by anyone who nejoys the crime genre. ( )

P.I. Mick Brew Axbrewder agonizes over his alcoholism, etc.

There's an over used cliché that seems to adorn the covers of half the thrillers on the bookshelves today: "I turned the pages so fast I left burn marks on the paper." Or something similar. I'm not going to say anything like that but if I did I wouldn't be just supplying an off pat testimonial just for the publicists - I'd actually mean it. Ok so the plot isn't great; its got holes aplenty and skates too close to the absurd a few too many times but that doesn't matter. Donaldson/Stephens has a knack of creating characters who really shouldn't hold the sympathy of the reader. Somehow you end up loving them anyway. ( )