Wednesday, 3 April 2013

The Final Detail by Harlan Coben.

Clu Haid is dead and Esperanza Diaz, Myron's business partner is arrested. Did she kill him? Myron Bolitar makes it his business to find out. This novel follows on from One False Move and is the 6th book in the Myron Bolitar series. This book has the usual quality of writing from Harlan Coben and this is more than a basic crime thriller. The Final Detail is focused on people's lives rather than the crime, it's scene and the following investigations. This adds so much colour and depth to this story. It is amazing just how powerful Harlan's writing is that you believe that you know the characters and have spent time with them!

There is a nice lively banter between the characters and this novel has a good and very involved plot. It keeps you guessing about the killer and peoples motives. It is thought provoking about the morality of peoples lives and addresses many social issues. Harlan explores physical attractions between people and how their sexuality may affect their judgement. He also includes some nice comments and dialogue about how America has changed with local character and small businesses being replaced by national chains, so that everywhere looks the same.

The Final Detail was written in 1998 and has 344 pages. It has a great contemporary feel, with anecdotes and references to popular culture and landmark events. There is a lovely humour going on...

He risked another step. If only he had something to placate her with. Like a half gallon of Haagen-Dazs. Or a sacrificial goat.

Why, Myron wondered, do servants of the rich and famous act snootier than their masters? Was it simple resentment? Was it because they were locked down upon all day and thus needed on occasion to be the one doing the looking down? Or - more simply - were people attracted to such jobs insecure asswipes?

Both men wore turtlenecks so high and loose they looked like something awaiting circumcision.

...The Final Detail has a good ending with no loose ends. It is a good book and I will vote it 4 stars on Goodreads.

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