Bad Things Happen was an interesting “who done it” story. I listened to this audiobook, and I think that experience may be different than reading the book.
The plot seemed to develop slowly, although it kept my interest, and like I said, I was only listening to about 30 to 45 minutes per day, so that is a much slower pace than I would read a book.
The main character, David Loogan, becomes an editor for Gray Streets Magazine (which publishes crime drama stories) and Tom Kristoll is his boss. They develop a friendship, as David develops a romantic involvement with Kristoll’s wife. After Kristoll is pushed out the Gray Streets’ office window, David Loogan becomes obsessed with finding Kristoll’s killer. Several more people will meet their demise before it’s all over, and David will also become a suspect.
There are a lot of characters in this story, and many of them have reason to be suspects for the various deaths. But every character is defined; there is no confusion as so often happens in a book with many characters. The plot develops and the reader has no idea where it is going (which I love!) Every time Loogan, or the beautiful detective, Elizabeth Waishkey begin to have a handle on these crimes, something else happens to throw them a curve.
I wouldn’t call this a suspense. I never felt the heart-pounding, danger-filled drama, but I enjoyed listening to how it all inevitably unfolds. The tie-up is nice, and although the very last scene was unnecessary, it didn’t change my opinion of the book as a whole.
I think I would recommend reading this instead of listening. The narrator was OK, but not exceptional. I know this is a difficult job, especially when there are a lot of characters, but I became annoyed with his voice at times.
If you like an intricately woven plot in a crime novel, Harry Dolan has written an excellent debut novel. I’ll be looking forward to his following publications.
Published by Berkley Trade, 2010
Audio book obtained from the library
352 pages
Rating: 3/5
I came back to read your review. I loved it. I agree with the not being on the edge of my seat feel but that was something that kept me engaged more, it was a different great feeling.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read his new one now, Very Bad Men