An open discussion on what everyone is currently reading. Make recommendations to others, discuss what is new, hot, bestsellers, anything and everything related to books and the authors.
Ellroy's Blood's a Rover. It's just not as thrilling as The Big Nowhere or LA Confidential. There's a mystery in the heart of the novel, but it's nowhere those two - which I think are his best. Interesting, though, that must be said. We'll see how the book moves along. I keep having trouble getting to read it.
Just tried another Denise Mina. Tossed this one also. I'm sorry, but I just can't cope with a world of criminally insane men killing and raping assorted drug-addicted or mentally disturbed women, and being let off a murder charge for lack of evidence so they can go and hunt down the women who accused them in the first place. But if you like a lot of violence and insanity, you'll find it.
I understand what you're saying. The violence level is on the high side. Maybe it's a Celtic thing; have you read Declan Hughes? Anyway, Mina grew up in a Glasgow slum and worked as a social worker before writing. No wonder her world view is on the dark side.
Yes, I think she works with the criminally insane. I fail to understand how people can write about something that's their daily life, but that's just me.
I believe I tried Declan Hughes and could handle that either. I do like Bruen, though.
To obtain preferred treatment:
In Italy, be a doctor (dottore for both MD and PhD)
In Germany, wear a uniform
In Mexico, try to speak Spanish
In England (outside of London), smile
In Scotland, breathing is sufficient
In London, nothing will make a difference