Rating: 
Summary: MALEVOLENT MEPHISTO
Review: I used to think that James Patterson's Alex Cross series had the most vile villains in today's serial killer thrillers. That was until I started reading Michael Slade's DeClerq series. Slade's bad guys are rotten to the core, and vicious, unrelenting, and completely psychopathic. In "Burnt Bones," we are treated to the devilish Mephisto, a man so bent on finding an ancient "hoard" (a silver medallion) that he will go to any lengths to find out where it is. He buries one man alive to find out; he drops another one into the ocean to find out; and he even manages to capture one of our staunchest heroes, Nick Craven, and torture him for what he wants. Aided by one of the vilest women in recent fiction, Donella, Mephisto lures the Mounted Police, a local cop (Jenna Bond), and the FBI into his web of terror. Addditionally aided by three druids (who are really a rock band) who viciously rape and murder women, Mephisto seems poised for success. If that weren't enough, he's even managed to get his hands on a super virus that could wipe out the world. Yipes, where's Superman when you need him? Once again, Slade inundates us with extensive history about Romans, Druids, Celtics, etc. A tremendous amount of research and one has to give Slade credit for the time he must spend in digging up these historical anecdotes. I noticed that with this book, Slade is now only one author's pen-name, instead of two. No evident change in style is noticed, so Slade must still be a potent writer on his own. This one doesn't have as many twists and turns as other Slade books, but the two Wicker Man deaths are surprising in who is getting cooked! And, of course, the ending leaves us wide open for future encounters of the worst kind with the evil Mephisto. I'm doing "The Hangman" next, so I'll find out if Mephisto waltzes through this one; although remember, there were several books between the two Headhunter cases. Please, Michael, don't make us wait too long to find out what happens to Mephisto!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Ohhhh what could have been
Review: I was disappointed in this newest book by Michael Slade but admit I finished it anyway. Mephisto was a good character and the story line was fine but the overwhelming amount of history mixed with too little substance left me wanting a re-read of headhunter or any of the other truly fun Slade novels. I kept at it, waiting for it to get up to speed but.....and the ending left me feeling I had wasted time which is a true reading fans worst nightmare. Check out other Slade novels first then read Burnt Bones if you must.
Rating: 
Summary: Sorely Disappointment
Review: I've enjoyed Michael Slade's other books, but I was sorely disappointed with Burnt Bones. He's always provided historical background in his other books but, this time, he went overboard. There was so much historical background that the murder mystery part of his book slunk into the background. I found myself skipping sections just to get back to what was happening in the present. I felt the mystery itself was an afterthought he threw in between the history lessons. And, the only character he really developed was the villain. His other characters weren't fleshed out enough to drum up much sympathy and I really missed following the case with Le Clerq. Much, much too wordy.
Rating: 
Summary: Burnt Bones... A leaner, more detailed Slade
Review: If you are a fan of Michael Slade and his expertise in procedurals and the macabre, you will enjoy 'Burnt Bones'. Much more streamlined in characters, Slade's latest outing focuses on Robert DeClerq and is almost void of the Special X jargon, claustrophobia, and cadre of Constables and Forensic Technicians who have developed, fleshed out and grown over the years. 'Burnt Bones' is a much straighter line story steeped with Druidic history that gives many insights into the mind of a spectacularly evil villain named Mephisto. Plus a femme fatale who could give Linda Fiorentino; in her most wicked B-movie best, a run for her money. 'Burnt Bones' has the feel of a transitional story, as well. With DeClerq still in charge, but moving to the background and his charge, Katt donning the scarlet serge and moving up the ranks. That remains to be seen. Though not as gripping, grisly, and obliquely humorous as 'Ghoul' or 'Headhunter' Slade's best in this reader's humble opinion. 'Burnt Bones' will keep you up late at night turning pages.
Rating:
Summary: ...but where's the story?
Review: If you want a LOT of scaffolding ("Of course you know, doctor...") then this is for you. He takes a great premise and blows it completely with a lot of background that is quite obviously what he REALLY wants to write about, characters so cardboard John Grisham would be envious, and clockwork schoolboy sex fantasies. I hope he's a better lawyer than he is a writer. What I want to know is, where the hell are the editors who let this stuff get through?
Rating:
Summary: A Far Cry From Good
Review: Judging by the description written on the back of the book, I assumed that Michael Slade's Burnt Bones would be a great read. I was right at first until he started getting into a whole bunch of history mumbo-jumbo. It seems as if he wrote this book, not for the story, but so he could brag about how well he knows his history.Slade some how finds every way possible to fit in little tidbits of useless historic information. Through dialogue and just plain old writting, he ruins what could have become an excellent plot for an excellent story. Next time I look for a Michael Slade Novel, if there is a next time I look for one of his books, I will be sure to skimm through the majority of the pages - but is it even worth all my time?
Rating:
Summary: A Far Cry From Good
Review: Judging by the description written on the back of the book, I assumed that Michael Slade's Burnt Bones would be a great read. I was right at first until he started getting into a whole bunch of history mumbo-jumbo. It seems as if he wrote this book, not for the story, but so he could brag about how well he knows his history. Slade some how finds every way possible to fit in little tidbits of useless historic information. Through dialogue and just plain old writting, he ruins what could have become an excellent plot for an excellent story. Next time I look for a Michael Slade Novel, if there is a next time I look for one of his books, I will be sure to skimm through the majority of the pages - but is it even worth all my time?
Rating:
Summary: Too much history, not enough story
Review: Michael Slade seems to have gotten so caught up in showing off his knowledge of history and the research he does for a book that he has forgotten to tell a story. This book was so dull that I skimmed it to the end just to say I finished it. Too bad, because most of his other books are very good.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as it could be
Review: Now that "Michael Slade" is one author instead of the original three the spell binding, spine tingling, terrorific euphoria is gone. Burnt Bones was very flat, very unemotional and not as gripping as in the previous works. If you have not read any of the previous Michael Slade books and enjoyed this book, please read them. They will blow your mind away!
Rating:
Summary: More great stuff from Michael Slad
Review: This book is great. The whole list of Michael Slade novels mark a singular departure from the formulaic constructs of police proceedurals and thrillers. Slade provides a depth of information and background in this and all his novels well beyond anything else in the genre. Not only would I reccomend Burnt Bones but all the Slade novels. "Delicate Flowers" need not apply. This is really intense stuff.
|
