Diane Hamilton

While I applaud Henry’s creative situation in the novel, I am extremely disappointed in it. Setting, characters, and plot are flat. I’m literally forcing myself to read it and just skipped 3 pages and missed nothing. This scenario had such great potential…. Yet again the reading public’s gushing over such poorly written romance is frustrating.

Niall Williams is not for the average reader. His last 2 novels are to be read quietly and slowly so the reader can appreciate every detail, innuendo and witticism. In these lovely works, the HOW they are written surpasses the what of the plot. So… partake of the bleak sweetness of these treasures and pat yourself on the back for understanding and appreciation Williams’ style and purpose. (Also, the NPR review is excellent and delightful to read.) Both novels are elevated beyond fiction to literature.

I have enjoyed Louise Penny’s novels, savoring each read. While some of the most recent ones have been less captivating, The Grey Wolf was extremely disappointing. Penny’s best novels capture the charming nostalgia of Three Pines, while challenging the reader to piece together the clues as revealed by her cast of richly portrayed characters. The Grey Wolf, however, almost entirely abandons this formula. Myriad characters that are not developed, needless repetition, and circuitous plot lines were frustratingly tedious. I forced myself to finish it, only skimming the last pages. I really didn’t care if the water was polluted by the end, and to consider that her next novel will pick up where this one has left off, is disheartening. Penny’s sacrificing the hallmarks of her distinctive style plummets her from memorable to mediocre. Here’s hoping she will find her way back to capturing the essence of what, at one time, made her one of my favorite mystery authors.