Rating: Summary: A Terrific Read Review: Michael Connelly is an author I put at the top of my favorites in mystery/noir. He doesn't diasappoint this time out even though this isn't a story with Harry Bosch. Seeing this story through the eyes of the criminal was interesting and fun. Cassie Black, Vegas, and a void moon, all add up to thrills and chills. Great fun.
Rating: Summary: Disapponting for a fan Review: The first book that I read by Michael Connelly was "The Poet" and shortly after that I read "Bloodwork." I was then hooked and hunted down many of his other works. Each had excellent story lines and well developed characters. Unfortunaely, for me, "Void Moon" did not meet the standards I have come to expect from Michael Connelly. While his main character, Cassie Black, is considered the protaganist by many, she was, I believe, the least objectionable of a slimy bunch of characters. I suppose one could argue that this is reflective of life in the crime world, but when one hopes for a resolution that exemplifies good over bad in a novel, "Void Moon" does not fit the bill. The plot line was bland and I had a good idea of how the story was going to resolve itself about half way through the novel. If you are new to Michael Connelly, I would strongly urge to begin with one of his other novels. "Void Moon" is likely to disappoint you and you may end up missing out on some previously excellent work.
Rating: Summary: Not Noir Review: Connelley's earlier books--The Poet and the first 3 Harry Bosch novels--were fabulous noir, worthy of Raymond Chandler. Lately the author seems to be catering more to the masses and producing pretty standard thrillers, and that's not what I look for in his work. He's lost a lot of subtlety--I didn't like his "explaining" his symbolism to me, like the scene with Cassie and the pool vacuum. But maybe that's what you need to be a bigger hit. The only other criticism I have is that, like many male authors, Connelly's not that strong with female protagonists. Cassie started out as the main character, but it was Karch who became far more interesting and vividly drawn. Michael Connelly, get back to the good stuff! I can read Grisham if I'm looking for the kind of writing Void Moon presents.
Rating: Summary: Another good one from Connelly Review: A fun, easy read. The characters are interesting and the focus on consumer grade spy technology was a unique element in a mass-market book. This one would make a pretty good movie, too...
Rating: Summary: The action hurtles along at breakneck speed Review: Who cares if the protagonist is a thief! This a work of fiction. Get over it. I read to be entertained and this book did just that. The pace was unrelenting. Cassie Black is back in the life of ripping off high rollers in Vegas one time so she can get the money she needs to go on the run after she kidnaps the daughter she delivered in prison from the girl's adoptive parents. OK, it's not really that dumb, but in one sentence, what do you expect? Cassie's problem is that her mark was a bagman for a payoff to get the license approved to get the casino sold to some undesirable buyers. The casino puts PI Jack Karch on the trail of the money and he leaves a trail of bodies in the wake as he pursues Cassie.
Rating: Summary: Reviewed by Bookreporter dot com Review: Michael Connelly reminds me of one of those high-wire performers at the circus. It's impressive enough to be able to walk across a thin wire for 100 yards or so at nosebleed height. Just to make sure the audience is awake, however, the guy waits until he's a few feet away from his platform, does a double backflip and then walks across the rest of the wire on his hands. Where does Michael Connelly fit in with this comparison? Well, he has written a number of novels involving a private investigator named Harry Bosch, exponentially increasing his audience along the way. He could undoubtedly build a very comfortable career writing nothing but Harry Bosch novels. Only, every so often, he gives us a novel featuring a whole new group of characters and takes his readers to other places. He's not marking time here, either, because Connelly is good enough that just about anything he chooses to present is worth a look --- a long look --- whether Harry Bosch is in the mix or not. This brings us to VOID MOON. Harry Bosch is nowhere to be found. No matter; there is a sympathetic protagonist in Carrie Black, who has recently completed a five year stint as a guest of the state of Nevada following a heist that in just a few moments went terribly, irrevocably wrong. Carrie is selling Porsches by day and nursing a secret at night, and it is that secret that leads her to risk throwing her new life away by seeking one last, major heist. Her target is a high-rolling casino gambler. She succeeds. In fact, she succeeds all too well. Max, her deceased lover and partner in crime, had always said that it was possible to steal too much. Carrie quickly discovers the terrible truth of that canard when she finds that what she has stolen does not belong to the mark, but to his bosses. She soon find herself pursued by two rival organized crime groups who want the money --- and her. Leading the pursuit is Jack Karch, an amoral sociopath who was responsible for Max's death. Carrie Black is not the main protagonist of this novel, however. VOID MOON is a book about Las Vegas, which has gone from mob campground to family resort without anything really changing. This is a book about the people who repose in shadow and make the glitter and the magic work, and who are never seen by the vacationers, honeymooners and conventioneers, nor by the few winners and the many, many losers who come to relax, to enjoy, to win --- and who are usually disappointed on at least one count. Connelly knows this world and shares it with his readers, weaving the city into a tale of greed, remorse, double-crosses, tough choices and bittersweet endings. With VOID MOON, Connelly strikes a balancing act. His Harry Bosch fans will be anything but disappointed; while those who have never read him will busily begin correcting the oversight. Incidentally, VOID MOON will undoubtedly increase sales of door jams among business travelers and vacationers. Read it. You will see why. --- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub for Bookreporter dot com
Rating: Summary: A fast paced book with female protagonist Review: I enjoyed having a female protagonist to relate to. The plot is simple, straight-forward. The character of Cassie is sympathetic, likeable. There are interesting twists and turns along the way. It is a fast-paced read, enjoyable for both men and women. Connelly is a good writer who can keep a reader involved.
Rating: Summary: Helen Hunt: Here's one for you to film! Review: Helen Hunt asked Robert B Parker to write a character for her. She should look at Connelly's new book. It's totally different from any of his previous novels, very exciting. Reminds me of Richard Stark's Parker novels (root for the bad guy). Hope we get more of this type of book from Mr Connelly
Rating: Summary: Read this Bad Boy. Review: This is an awesome book. I do have a feeling it's a screenplay turned into a novel though (something like a John Grisham novel). I read this book in two sittings and I have not found a book that has made me do that in years. I wish Angels Flight and Blood Work were as good.
Rating: Summary: Void Moon Review: I've read several of Connelly's other books and liked them all. I thought Void Moon was a nice change of pace with a female protagonist, but retained the taut pacing, viable plot, and page turning qualities of his other novels. I enjoyed it even more than Angel's Flight.
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