Rating: Summary: Not my type of book Review: A thriller, not a whodunnit, set in messy Mississippi. Dennis, a show diver, comes to town to dive at the Casino. Robert Taylor, a smooth talking blues fan from Detroit, comes with his own agenda. The characters are very colourful if not highly original, and there's definitely room for a few laughs as the plot unfolds. But, unfortunately, not my type of book.
Rating: Summary: Audio Review - Audio Cd narrator AWFUL Review: I read this book, when it first came out in hardcover and picked it up again from a borrowing library when it was there in paperback and I think this is a great Elmore Leonard story. I decided recently to get the cd version so I could experience the story in my car one more time. The story is great - 5+ stars, however the narrator on the multi cd set leaves something to be desired. He certainly can read well, and had good pacing, except, he does a bunch of imitations! Instead of creating unique characters he does Bernie Mac, Billy Bob Thorton, and more - even though those voices do not fit the characters being talked about. Like the ultimate fantasy castint by the reader. Sure, he does a good Bernie Mac, but c'mon it doesn't lend itself to the character and just because a Casino guy is named Billy - does that mean you have to make him speak in a bad "Sling Blade" parody. A wonderful book audibly ruined.
Rating: Summary: Can't wait for the Film!!! Review: This ultra-cool novel is thoroughly entertaining cover to cover. I can't wait to see the Movie. Characters range from the super cool to the corn-ball and hysterically funny! A must read...would convert anyone to an Elmore fan!
Rating: Summary: This Leonard offering left me Blue. Review: Maybe I've lost my love of everything Elmore, but "Tishomingo Blues" was a bit of a disappointment.There is no doubt - this book is stamped from cover to cover with Mr. Leonard's touch. The story is well researched, the characters are intriguing, and the wit is ever sharp. Unfortunately, these elements didn't make up for an average plot. Sure, the civil war reenactment is a great setting, and Mr. Leonard nails the Deep South atmosphere like a pro. But the story just doesn't pull the reader from page to page like some of his other works. There was simply nothing here that had me wondering what was going to happen next. My lack of enthusiasm for this book may just be a case of burnout. I've come to expect a lot from Mr. Leonard, and this one didn't deliver for me. However, this is a well-written book, with lots of great elements. If you're looking for a quick read of typical Elmore, this will do. If you're looking for Mr. Leonard's best work, dive into "Get Shorty."
Rating: Summary: Pretty standard Elmore Leonard... Review: Elmore Leonard is the king of weird characters and strange plots. This one centers around a high-dive artist and a Civil War reenactment. Aside from the unique setting, this book is your basic Elmore Leonard. The good guys are shady, but likeable, and the bad guys are just plain bad. Leonard's dialogue is always the best part of his writing, and that doesn't change here. It took a while for things to get rolling in this book, and once they did, the end seemed to fall together a little too fast. I was wondering what was going on and what the whole point of story was 200 pages into a 300-some page book. There is, however, enough wrapped up in the plot and the strange setting to keep the reader interested, if for no other reason than to see how all this weirdness runs together. Also, the final female character was lobbed in at the last possible moment in kind of an odd fashion. Like most of Leonard's books, this isn't a literary masterpiece expounding on the meaning of life, but one can always rely on Leonard to be entertaining, and he certainly acheives that here.
Rating: Summary: Don't bother. Review: Elmore Leonard used to be a great writer. This book proves it. You're only as good as your last work. I hope he puts more effort into future endeavors.
Rating: Summary: Movie Script Blues Review: Elmore Leonard's books are usually page turners because I must find out what's going to happen next. This one had me thinking, "Yeah, yeah. I could see that coming." It read like he knew this one would be picked up for a film. It has more "wallpaper" than most of his novels, complete with a big Civil War reenactment complete with costumes. It was amusing at times, but didn't seem to have the hard hitting action and character development of his older novels. But of course, if they do make a movie, I'll go see it, and of course I'll buy the next Elmore Leonard novel. He is still one of the best.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Review: I haven't read an Elmore Leonard book that wasn't worth the price. The guy knows what he's doing. Dysfunctional character development, plot twists, dialogs. He's a master. And I don't read any other crime novels. He's just very idiosyncratic and unique for his genre. He writes characters that you'd expect to see in a Wes Anderson or Cohen Brothers movie.
Rating: Summary: Another Disappointing Leonard Novel Review: Humorous mysteries and fantasies can provide wonderful laugh-aloud reading, and I especially like the ones with a serious undertone (Elizabeth Peters' "Amelia Peabody" adventures, Terry Pratchett's Discworld, and so on). I keep hearing that Elmore Leonard writes them, but he doesn't. This novel hasn't a single saving grace. I often donate my used mysteries to church for resale--but not this one. If you enjoy a cast of entirely conscienceless, immoral characters, a stultifying plot, and an easy-to-spot solution, be my guest. But if you enjoy a good mystery (and there are plenty of good ones out there), you shouldn't bother with this book.
Rating: Summary: Worth it just to learn the word "farb" Review: Leonard is a master and I loved this book. I've been reading him since '67 ("The Big Bounce") and he never disappoints. In this one, the unique, utterly original setting (the Civil War re-enactment) was a match for the masterful dialogue, so that you're dazzled and amazed by both. And it's worth the price, just to learn the word "farb." Now I just have to figure out how to work it into a converation.
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