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Theodore Tate #3
The Laughterhouse: A Thriller (Christchurch Noir Crime Series) by Paul Cleave
Theodore Tate never forgot his first crime scene—ten-year-old Jessica found dead in “the Laughterhouse,” an old abandoned slaughterhouse with the S painted over. The killer was found and arrested. Justice was served. Or was it?
Fifteen years later, a new killer arrives in Christchurch, and he has a list of people who were involved in Jessica’s murder case, one of whom is the unfortunate Dr. Stanton, a man with three young girls. If Tate is going to help them, he has to find the connection between the killer, the Laughterhouse, and the city’s suddenly growing murder rate. And he needs to figure it out fast, because Stanton and his daughters have been kidnapped, and the doctor is being forced to make an impossible decision: which one of his daughters is to die first.
In The Laughterhouse, the city of Christchurch becomes “a modern equivalent of James Ellroy’s Los Angeles of the 1950s, a discordant symphony of violence and human weakness” (Publishers Weekly). Fast-paced, dark, and intensely clever, this exciting thriller represents a brilliant new chapter in the career of a world-class crime writer.
Fifteen years later, a new killer arrives in Christchurch, and he has a list of people who were involved in Jessica’s murder case, one of whom is the unfortunate Dr. Stanton, a man with three young girls. If Tate is going to help them, he has to find the connection between the killer, the Laughterhouse, and the city’s suddenly growing murder rate. And he needs to figure it out fast, because Stanton and his daughters have been kidnapped, and the doctor is being forced to make an impossible decision: which one of his daughters is to die first.
In The Laughterhouse, the city of Christchurch becomes “a modern equivalent of James Ellroy’s Los Angeles of the 1950s, a discordant symphony of violence and human weakness” (Publishers Weekly). Fast-paced, dark, and intensely clever, this exciting thriller represents a brilliant new chapter in the career of a world-class crime writer.
Paperback
First published August 21, 2012
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798 people want to read
About the author
Paul Cleave
44 books858 followersPaul Cleave is an internationally bestselling author who is currently dividing his time between his home city of Christchurch, New Zealand, where all of his novels are set, and Europe, where none of his novels are set. His work has been translated into fifteen languages. He has won the Ngaio Marsh award for best crime novel in New Zealand, he won the Saint-Maur book festival's crime novel of the year in France, has been shortlisted for the Edgar Award and the Barry Award in the US, and shortlisted for the Ned Kelly award in Australia. When he's not writing, he spends his time swearing on a golf course, swearing on a tennis court, or trying to add to his list of 25 countries where he's thrown his Frisbee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
July 27, 2016
Another Paul Cleave hit!
This one also features Theo Tate and Carl Schroder. These two characters are great. I really sympathize with Theo. His wife is catatonic and his daughter is deceased. He has never given up hope that his wife's condition will improve. Carl was Theo's partner when he was a cop. Carl is married with children, but I only know him through his relationship with Theo.
The other major character is Caleb Cole. He's a father whose young daughter has been murdered and whose wife committed suicide. Caleb has spent the last 15 years in prison because he killed the man who killed his daughter and a cop. After stewing and brewing about everything he's lost, Caleb is on a mission now that he's been released.
Cleave's characters are hard to pigeonhole. None of them are strictly good or strictly evil. They all show some humanity, but they are driven to do bad things. The question is how far do you spread the blame when things go horribly wrong. Theo is satisfied with how he sought justice, but Caleb feels he needs more.
The pace of the story was fine, but then it really took off, upped the tension, and I couldn't stop until the book was done. I think I'll just say it was an emotional ending.
There is one more Theodore Tate book, but next in order of publication and up next for me, is Joe Victim. This is book two in the Cleaner series, following up on Cleave's debut character.
This one also features Theo Tate and Carl Schroder. These two characters are great. I really sympathize with Theo. His wife is catatonic and his daughter is deceased. He has never given up hope that his wife's condition will improve. Carl was Theo's partner when he was a cop. Carl is married with children, but I only know him through his relationship with Theo.
The other major character is Caleb Cole. He's a father whose young daughter has been murdered and whose wife committed suicide. Caleb has spent the last 15 years in prison because he killed the man who killed his daughter and a cop. After stewing and brewing about everything he's lost, Caleb is on a mission now that he's been released.
Cleave's characters are hard to pigeonhole. None of them are strictly good or strictly evil. They all show some humanity, but they are driven to do bad things. The question is how far do you spread the blame when things go horribly wrong. Theo is satisfied with how he sought justice, but Caleb feels he needs more.
The pace of the story was fine, but then it really took off, upped the tension, and I couldn't stop until the book was done. I think I'll just say it was an emotional ending.
There is one more Theodore Tate book, but next in order of publication and up next for me, is Joe Victim. This is book two in the Cleaner series, following up on Cleave's debut character.
May 25, 2016
Another heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, breath-stopping book in Paul Cleave's Theodore Tate series.
Cleave is a master at putting his own slant on controversial topics. His characters are well portrayed, cleverly crafted so that even the most villainous of them have redeeming qualities.
Fifteen years ago Caleb Cole's young daughter Jessica was abducted, raped and killed. She was one of Tate's first cases, one he never forgot. The killer was released and Caleb took his revenge, serving time in jail for his actions.
Now Dr Stanton and his three daughters have been kidnapped and he is being forced to make a decision - which one of them will die first. Bodies are being discovered, boy-racers are causing havoc, Schroder seems to be losing the plot, Bridget is showing signs of recovery, Tate has a head injury causing problems and a chance to be accepted back into the police force.
All together, it sounds a bit like a soap opera. But it's not. It is a fast paced taut thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Please note: You do need to read the series in order to fully understand and appreciate the plot.
Cleave is a master at putting his own slant on controversial topics. His characters are well portrayed, cleverly crafted so that even the most villainous of them have redeeming qualities.
Fifteen years ago Caleb Cole's young daughter Jessica was abducted, raped and killed. She was one of Tate's first cases, one he never forgot. The killer was released and Caleb took his revenge, serving time in jail for his actions.
Now Dr Stanton and his three daughters have been kidnapped and he is being forced to make a decision - which one of them will die first. Bodies are being discovered, boy-racers are causing havoc, Schroder seems to be losing the plot, Bridget is showing signs of recovery, Tate has a head injury causing problems and a chance to be accepted back into the police force.
All together, it sounds a bit like a soap opera. But it's not. It is a fast paced taut thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Please note: You do need to read the series in order to fully understand and appreciate the plot.
December 3, 2018
Admittedly, it took several attempts before finishing this book. I have thoroughly enjoyed several other works by Cleave so I was a bit bummed that I found Laughterhouse to be lackluster compared to the previous novels in the series. It may just be me, but I found the noir element amped up & too much telling for my taste in several situations (also making a point of explaining things/having dialogue that wasn't necessary). Honestly, I really had to trust that I liked his other novels, so that was the only thing that kept pushing me through.
Inevitably, the action does speed up & the rest of the book is a breeze (though only by making it about 45% of the way in), but it took much longer to be hooked than the first 2 Tate books. Also, the stakes didn't feel as high- which I get is an awful thing to say, but Cole wasn't as intimidating of a villain as I'm used to expecting from this author. It's more of about the weight of the consequences of our actions. That's fine, but just not what I would have necessarily expected.
I was also a bit disappointed that several loose ends are left unresolved, not just with Theo, but with the actual characters of the case. (Whatever happened to Tabitha? Or Melanie or her mother?)
Theo is an interesting, flawed, complex MC but I felt that a lot of his character is overlooked here by trying to drag out Cole's intentions. Which goes to say that this didn't need to be nearly as long as it was.
There were a few parts I did like, especially with Theo & Bridget, & of course, the usual emotional heartstrings (insert: Carl).
Overall, not my favorite Cleave read, but I'm looking forward to seeing how the series progresses. It did get me out of my reading slump & I'm glad that I was finally able to finish it, so I feel comfortable giving it 3*.
Inevitably, the action does speed up & the rest of the book is a breeze (though only by making it about 45% of the way in), but it took much longer to be hooked than the first 2 Tate books. Also, the stakes didn't feel as high- which I get is an awful thing to say, but Cole wasn't as intimidating of a villain as I'm used to expecting from this author. It's more of about the weight of the consequences of our actions. That's fine, but just not what I would have necessarily expected.
I was also a bit disappointed that several loose ends are left unresolved, not just with Theo, but with the actual characters of the case. (Whatever happened to Tabitha? Or Melanie or her mother?)
Theo is an interesting, flawed, complex MC but I felt that a lot of his character is overlooked here by trying to drag out Cole's intentions. Which goes to say that this didn't need to be nearly as long as it was.
There were a few parts I did like, especially with Theo & Bridget, & of course, the usual emotional heartstrings (insert: Carl).
Overall, not my favorite Cleave read, but I'm looking forward to seeing how the series progresses. It did get me out of my reading slump & I'm glad that I was finally able to finish it, so I feel comfortable giving it 3*.
October 18, 2017
Ahhhh, Paul Cleave, you bastard! That ending!
Another satisfying entry in the Theodore Tate saga (well, satisfying up until those last few pages). Theodore is a character that I just love, even though I probably shouldn't. This was a fast-paced, suspenseful read that I would have finished in a of couple days if I would have had more time to read this week.
Paul Cleave has a talent of creating complex characters you want to see succeed, even when they're doing terrible things. If you've read any of his books, you'll understand exactly what I mean by that. If you haven't, what the hell are you waiting for? This is good stuff, people! But I do recommend that you start at the beginning of his book list to fully appreciate his characters.
Another satisfying entry in the Theodore Tate saga (well, satisfying up until those last few pages). Theodore is a character that I just love, even though I probably shouldn't. This was a fast-paced, suspenseful read that I would have finished in a of couple days if I would have had more time to read this week.
Paul Cleave has a talent of creating complex characters you want to see succeed, even when they're doing terrible things. If you've read any of his books, you'll understand exactly what I mean by that. If you haven't, what the hell are you waiting for? This is good stuff, people! But I do recommend that you start at the beginning of his book list to fully appreciate his characters.
May 2, 2019
In a story that is far from lighthearted; I enjoyed Cleave's snide humor. My only disconnect was that the same narrator that read Cleave's book Joe Victim also read this one. I did not realize how very much I associated the narrator's voice/delivery with the psychopath Joe- rather than with the current, and totally different, character of Theodore Tate.
September 12, 2022
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
March 25, 2017
Another Paul Cleave hit! Paul Cleave, by far is one of my favorite authors. If you never picked up his book , I suggest starting with PUBLICATION ORDER of his books. They all seem to mix and gel together- bring in the same characters., and then continuing on. I cannot do justice with a good review- others are soo much better than it than me- Especially when it comes to Paul Cleave. I will say this - his books are NOT for the faint of heart!! He comes up with some twisted characters, yet characters that you can only LOVE to HATE. It is amazing how he does that !!!
May 5, 2021
Dies ist ein eiskalter Thriller, der einen doch zum Nachdenken bringt, denn nicht immer ist alles so, wie es scheint, und anfangs war mir nicht klar, weshalb der Täter so agiert hat, wie er es tat. Seine Worte standen oft im Gegensatz zu seinen Handlungen.
Theo Tate, der bereits einen abwechslungsreichen Berufsweg eingeschlagen und auch schon selbst das Recht in die eigene Hand genommen und gebeugt hat, bekommt die Möglichkeit, wieder in den Polizeidienst zurückzukehren. Dies und eine Entwicklung, die mit seiner katatonischen Frau zu tun hat, bringen ihn an seine physischen und psychischen Grenzen.
Die Luft ist knisternd zum Zerreißen gespannt, während wir fast ungläubig den teilweise widersprüchlichen und immer kaltblütigen Ereignissen lauschen, vor Grauen Gänsehaut bekommen und doch voller Faszination weiterhören müssen.
Die Synchronstimme von Nicolas Cage und Vin Diesel = Martin Keßler = lässt uns das Blut in den Adern gefrieren und bringt den tröpfelnden Sarkasmus hervorragend zur Geltung.
Gerade bei den Büchern mit Theo Tate in einer Protagonistenrolle werden Recht und Gerechtigkeit plastisch gegenübergestellt, so dass man ständig das Gefühl hat, sich in einer Grauzone zu bewegen, denn verstehen kann man so Manches schon irgendwie, allerdings ist es nie eine gute Idee, selbst für Gerechtigkeit sorgen zu wollen.
09/10 Punkte
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2021...
Theo Tate, der bereits einen abwechslungsreichen Berufsweg eingeschlagen und auch schon selbst das Recht in die eigene Hand genommen und gebeugt hat, bekommt die Möglichkeit, wieder in den Polizeidienst zurückzukehren. Dies und eine Entwicklung, die mit seiner katatonischen Frau zu tun hat, bringen ihn an seine physischen und psychischen Grenzen.
Die Luft ist knisternd zum Zerreißen gespannt, während wir fast ungläubig den teilweise widersprüchlichen und immer kaltblütigen Ereignissen lauschen, vor Grauen Gänsehaut bekommen und doch voller Faszination weiterhören müssen.
Die Synchronstimme von Nicolas Cage und Vin Diesel = Martin Keßler = lässt uns das Blut in den Adern gefrieren und bringt den tröpfelnden Sarkasmus hervorragend zur Geltung.
Gerade bei den Büchern mit Theo Tate in einer Protagonistenrolle werden Recht und Gerechtigkeit plastisch gegenübergestellt, so dass man ständig das Gefühl hat, sich in einer Grauzone zu bewegen, denn verstehen kann man so Manches schon irgendwie, allerdings ist es nie eine gute Idee, selbst für Gerechtigkeit sorgen zu wollen.
09/10 Punkte
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2021...
July 2, 2024
For full review - The Limit of Books Does Not Exist
Even though I’m only 3 novels in the Theodore Tate series, I want to drop all of the other books on my to-reads and read the rest of the series. I’m really surprised that this series isn’t more well known.
Theodore Tate is a man that you either love or hate. There isn’t an in-between. He has so many inner-demons that he is battling and sometimes those demons get the better of him and he does things that cost him his friends and job. I really like Tate. It’s refreshing to get a main character that is so flawed.
This is not a series to pick up from any book. You really need to start at the beginning to understand the timelines. Plus Tate talks about previous events from the earlier novels.
The mystery isn’t amazing, but boy it is thrilling. From early on, you know who is responsible, but you have no idea what is going to happen. There are some shocking events (especially that ending) that aren’t for the lighthearted.
Such a great series! Can’t wait to read the next novel!
2024 update - so much better reading the books back to back. Tons of character growth. Loved the mystery and how Tate was going to solve the killing spree. Have the final book in the series waiting on my nightstand!
Even though I’m only 3 novels in the Theodore Tate series, I want to drop all of the other books on my to-reads and read the rest of the series. I’m really surprised that this series isn’t more well known.
Theodore Tate is a man that you either love or hate. There isn’t an in-between. He has so many inner-demons that he is battling and sometimes those demons get the better of him and he does things that cost him his friends and job. I really like Tate. It’s refreshing to get a main character that is so flawed.
This is not a series to pick up from any book. You really need to start at the beginning to understand the timelines. Plus Tate talks about previous events from the earlier novels.
The mystery isn’t amazing, but boy it is thrilling. From early on, you know who is responsible, but you have no idea what is going to happen. There are some shocking events (especially that ending) that aren’t for the lighthearted.
Such a great series! Can’t wait to read the next novel!
2024 update - so much better reading the books back to back. Tons of character growth. Loved the mystery and how Tate was going to solve the killing spree. Have the final book in the series waiting on my nightstand!
April 30, 2018
I loved this one. The characters are so so realistic. You get annoyed with the bad guy but understand why he is being like that; the good guys are not completely good, they have shades and deformities.
I was hooked to this one and the ending was unbearable. Some of the scenes are like train wrecks ( in a good way), you see where this is going,the mishap waiting to happen and still can't look away.I may follow this series.
The premise:
Theodore Tate never forgot his first crime scene - ten year-old Jessica Cole found dead in 'the Laughterhouse,' an old abandoned slaughterhouse with the 'S' painted over. The killer was found and arrested. Justice was served. Or was it?
Fifteen years later, a new killer arrives in Christchurch, and he has a list of people who were involved in Jessica's murder case, one of whom is the unfortunate Dr. Stanton, a man with three young girls.
If Tate is going to help them, he has to find the connection between the killer, the Laughterhouse, and the city's suddenly growing murder rate. And he needs to figure it out fast, because Stanton and his daughters have been kidnapped, and the doctor is being forced to make an impossible decision: which one of his daughters is to die first.
While there's no great mystery, you already know it from different point of views how the situation stands and who's the culprit,there's this urgency to know how it's going to play out.
Good read.
I was hooked to this one and the ending was unbearable. Some of the scenes are like train wrecks ( in a good way), you see where this is going,the mishap waiting to happen and still can't look away.I may follow this series.
The premise:
Theodore Tate never forgot his first crime scene - ten year-old Jessica Cole found dead in 'the Laughterhouse,' an old abandoned slaughterhouse with the 'S' painted over. The killer was found and arrested. Justice was served. Or was it?
Fifteen years later, a new killer arrives in Christchurch, and he has a list of people who were involved in Jessica's murder case, one of whom is the unfortunate Dr. Stanton, a man with three young girls.
If Tate is going to help them, he has to find the connection between the killer, the Laughterhouse, and the city's suddenly growing murder rate. And he needs to figure it out fast, because Stanton and his daughters have been kidnapped, and the doctor is being forced to make an impossible decision: which one of his daughters is to die first.
While there's no great mystery, you already know it from different point of views how the situation stands and who's the culprit,there's this urgency to know how it's going to play out.
Good read.
September 7, 2022
From the very start of the book, the perpetrator is revealed. He is on a spree of revenge kills. After being released from prison he is avenging everyone that were “responsible” (in his own head) for what happened to his daughter.
It is a thriller that doesn’t make you question and suspect everyone. Yet it is still gripping and making you want to read further. 3,5⭐️ because the plot is quite average, feels like there are some similar books already.
It is a thriller that doesn’t make you question and suspect everyone. Yet it is still gripping and making you want to read further. 3,5⭐️ because the plot is quite average, feels like there are some similar books already.
August 27, 2012
How far would you go to defend your family, specifically your child? I think most of us believe there really isn’t a limit to that response. I entered this book wanting to identify with the bad guy, but ultimately I couldn’t. The question was altered ever so slightly; How far would you go to revenge your child? And in that I found myself parting ways.
What I did like about this book is a realistic presentation of revenge and how empty it can all be. Revenge cannot fix what has happened, it cannot bring someone back, and it will not provide a sense of satisfaction (or rightness in the world) when you are done. In the end it just reduces you to what you despise, you become your perpetrator. Not that forgiveness is easy, but it will afford a happier life in the long run.
Also the author presents a story that demonstrates that there are consequences for every decision we make. Trying to help one may lead to the hurting of another, whether intentional or not those results exists. When Mr. Smart hired the homeless guy to help out at his house he was trying to be a good guy, yet that led to horrific consequences for his daughter Elizabeth. Does he hold some responsibility for what happened? This book presents a scenario in which one man attempts to provide judgment upon those he believes are responsible through these indirect means for the death of his child. But of course that all goes Charlie Fox before he is done.
So while this book asks some very interesting questions it was a little too sensationalist for my personal tastes. In the tradition of most American crime fiction the killer is a little too clever, a little too violent, and the crime is a little too much. Most of the book is focused on the killing of children in front of the father. While I am sure these situations come up in life, it is a far cry from the realistic police procedural I lean towards. It’s as if regular murder isn’t enough, we need to ratchet it up to Saw or Hostel proportions, which seems a little like cheating to me. A good story doesn’t need these elements to work.
A well written, quickly paced novel. Worth the read, especially if you enjoy the more extreme crime fiction featuring (typically a serial killer, but in this case) a spree killer. Unfortunately it was a little too far out of my preferences. NOTE: I did find it clever that if you drop the S from slaughterhouse you get laughterhouse.
What I did like about this book is a realistic presentation of revenge and how empty it can all be. Revenge cannot fix what has happened, it cannot bring someone back, and it will not provide a sense of satisfaction (or rightness in the world) when you are done. In the end it just reduces you to what you despise, you become your perpetrator. Not that forgiveness is easy, but it will afford a happier life in the long run.
Also the author presents a story that demonstrates that there are consequences for every decision we make. Trying to help one may lead to the hurting of another, whether intentional or not those results exists. When Mr. Smart hired the homeless guy to help out at his house he was trying to be a good guy, yet that led to horrific consequences for his daughter Elizabeth. Does he hold some responsibility for what happened? This book presents a scenario in which one man attempts to provide judgment upon those he believes are responsible through these indirect means for the death of his child. But of course that all goes Charlie Fox before he is done.
So while this book asks some very interesting questions it was a little too sensationalist for my personal tastes. In the tradition of most American crime fiction the killer is a little too clever, a little too violent, and the crime is a little too much. Most of the book is focused on the killing of children in front of the father. While I am sure these situations come up in life, it is a far cry from the realistic police procedural I lean towards. It’s as if regular murder isn’t enough, we need to ratchet it up to Saw or Hostel proportions, which seems a little like cheating to me. A good story doesn’t need these elements to work.
A well written, quickly paced novel. Worth the read, especially if you enjoy the more extreme crime fiction featuring (typically a serial killer, but in this case) a spree killer. Unfortunately it was a little too far out of my preferences. NOTE: I did find it clever that if you drop the S from slaughterhouse you get laughterhouse.
May 9, 2015
Fast moving, suspenseful, yet at times deeply moving, The Laughter House is most certainly going on my list of favorite reads for this year. If he can stop the murders in Christchurch, private detective Theodore Tate may get his job on the police force back. What will he have to sacrifice to solve this case and prevent even more murder?
This book captivated me from the beginning and kept me spellbound throughout. As the point of view shifts between the protagonist, Theodore Tate, and the antagonist, Caleb Cole, the suspense simply keeps on building. The end, though rather twisty and unexpected, is, nevertheless, highly satisfying.
The author truly manages to portray both POV characters' thoughts and feelings so vividly that the reader is right there with them in their respective minds and situations. What makes this book unique is that one cannot help sympathizing with the villain. Yes, the man is murdering people who are innocent in the eyes of the law, but, he is also sparing lives. Lives that he would not have spared if he was truly an evil man.
The protagonist, though not by any means an angel, is trying his best to stop the killer. Yet, even Theodore can see that some good still lives in the heart of Caleb Cole. Both characters have a definite good and bad side.
The constant switch of point of view truly cranks up the suspense. In this story the reader is constantly aware of what both the protagonist as well as the antagonist is doing. Throw in an inept detective who doesn't want to listen to good advice, and the nailbiting begins in earnest.
For a thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat all the way while messing with your sympathies and emotions, I recommend The Laughter House as an absolute must-read. (Ellen Fritz)
This book captivated me from the beginning and kept me spellbound throughout. As the point of view shifts between the protagonist, Theodore Tate, and the antagonist, Caleb Cole, the suspense simply keeps on building. The end, though rather twisty and unexpected, is, nevertheless, highly satisfying.
The author truly manages to portray both POV characters' thoughts and feelings so vividly that the reader is right there with them in their respective minds and situations. What makes this book unique is that one cannot help sympathizing with the villain. Yes, the man is murdering people who are innocent in the eyes of the law, but, he is also sparing lives. Lives that he would not have spared if he was truly an evil man.
The protagonist, though not by any means an angel, is trying his best to stop the killer. Yet, even Theodore can see that some good still lives in the heart of Caleb Cole. Both characters have a definite good and bad side.
The constant switch of point of view truly cranks up the suspense. In this story the reader is constantly aware of what both the protagonist as well as the antagonist is doing. Throw in an inept detective who doesn't want to listen to good advice, and the nailbiting begins in earnest.
For a thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat all the way while messing with your sympathies and emotions, I recommend The Laughter House as an absolute must-read. (Ellen Fritz)
September 17, 2025
8,5/10 Si com a mi, et van enganxar les novel·les fosques de Paul Cleave, "The Laughterhouse" no et defraudarà. És una entrega intensa i brutal de la sèrie del detectiu Theodore Tate.
La trama és tan fosca com esperava: un pare busca venjança per un crim horrible comès contra la seva filla, i la seva ràbia el porta al límit. Cleave no té por d'explorar la línia entre la justícia i la venjança, i ho fa amb un ritme accelerat que no et deixa respirar.
Tate, com sempre, és un protagonista profundament danyat i complex, que arrossega els fantasmes del seu passat mentre intenta aturar una massacre. L'ambient és opressiu, la violència és visceral i la tensió es manté de principi a fi. En essència, un thriller psicològic dur, sense concessions, una sèrie que no és per tothom, però que a mi m'ha atrapat.
La trama és tan fosca com esperava: un pare busca venjança per un crim horrible comès contra la seva filla, i la seva ràbia el porta al límit. Cleave no té por d'explorar la línia entre la justícia i la venjança, i ho fa amb un ritme accelerat que no et deixa respirar.
Tate, com sempre, és un protagonista profundament danyat i complex, que arrossega els fantasmes del seu passat mentre intenta aturar una massacre. L'ambient és opressiu, la violència és visceral i la tensió es manté de principi a fi. En essència, un thriller psicològic dur, sense concessions, una sèrie que no és per tothom, però que a mi m'ha atrapat.
June 29, 2024
I think this might be my favorite in the Tate series.
August 24, 2024
Av de 3 deckare jag läst om Theodore Tate är den här den klart bästa. Sammanhållen berättelse, spännande från sida ett och med en slags bisarr humor som helt klart förhöjer läsupplevelsen.
June 30, 2025
El mejor de Paul y de la saga hasta ahora!
No podía parar de leer.
No podía parar de leer.
August 9, 2012
The Laughterhouse
Paul Cleave
A new author to me, and what a treat it was to find him! Gritty, rough, at times tragic, Cleave looks at the trauma in a life and how it can totally change a person and drive them to horrible deeds.
The protagonist, Theodore Tate, formerly a homicide detective in Christchurch, New Zealand, has spent four months in jail and lost his job. He is trying to keep body and soul together by doing a bit of private detective work, but he rarely has enough money to even have a decent meal. He is grieving for his dead daughter and his comatose wife. He misses his job, which he felt defined him, and is grateful for the friendship, and sometimes inclusion, with one of his police detective buddies, Schroder.
Tate goes to a policeman’s funeral with Schroder and afterwards half the police force has a few drinks to send their dead colleague off. Schroder gets a call that a homicide has been reported and Tate, the only sober one in the bunch, offers to drive him. This puts him on the scene and in the position to evaluate and to do some quiet investigating. Before they are finished with this homicide, another one is called in, and then another one. There is a connection, but what is it?
Meanwhile, we are becoming acquainted with the killer in alternating chapters. The trauma he suffered the last 17 years has put him on a trail of death and he is empty of feelings or empathy. He just wants to punish. Before he kills everyone on his list, he comes to a doctor, who is home with his 3 little girls and now the killer is less certain of how he wants things to end.
A fast moving thriller with a lot of death, this is also a psychological thriller, and all the death is not recent. Tate tries to understand what is driving the killer, because he has had some of the same issues, and he “gets” that it is all about justice. Is it justice for the victim if their killer is allowed an easy out? How do you handle the trauma of being the one that escaped the rapest and he took your friend instead? What damage is done to a small child who understands that she was chosen to be the victim by her own father? And how does a father live with it, knowing he chose one child over another? It is these underlying questions, severe trauma to anyone’s life that Cleave asks the reader to ponder.
The setting was unusual and interesting, but Christchurch tourist office is not likely to be very supportive of Cleave’s books! If you love thrillers written for a more intellectual mind, look for more by Paul Cleave. Barbara Ford
Paul Cleave
A new author to me, and what a treat it was to find him! Gritty, rough, at times tragic, Cleave looks at the trauma in a life and how it can totally change a person and drive them to horrible deeds.
The protagonist, Theodore Tate, formerly a homicide detective in Christchurch, New Zealand, has spent four months in jail and lost his job. He is trying to keep body and soul together by doing a bit of private detective work, but he rarely has enough money to even have a decent meal. He is grieving for his dead daughter and his comatose wife. He misses his job, which he felt defined him, and is grateful for the friendship, and sometimes inclusion, with one of his police detective buddies, Schroder.
Tate goes to a policeman’s funeral with Schroder and afterwards half the police force has a few drinks to send their dead colleague off. Schroder gets a call that a homicide has been reported and Tate, the only sober one in the bunch, offers to drive him. This puts him on the scene and in the position to evaluate and to do some quiet investigating. Before they are finished with this homicide, another one is called in, and then another one. There is a connection, but what is it?
Meanwhile, we are becoming acquainted with the killer in alternating chapters. The trauma he suffered the last 17 years has put him on a trail of death and he is empty of feelings or empathy. He just wants to punish. Before he kills everyone on his list, he comes to a doctor, who is home with his 3 little girls and now the killer is less certain of how he wants things to end.
A fast moving thriller with a lot of death, this is also a psychological thriller, and all the death is not recent. Tate tries to understand what is driving the killer, because he has had some of the same issues, and he “gets” that it is all about justice. Is it justice for the victim if their killer is allowed an easy out? How do you handle the trauma of being the one that escaped the rapest and he took your friend instead? What damage is done to a small child who understands that she was chosen to be the victim by her own father? And how does a father live with it, knowing he chose one child over another? It is these underlying questions, severe trauma to anyone’s life that Cleave asks the reader to ponder.
The setting was unusual and interesting, but Christchurch tourist office is not likely to be very supportive of Cleave’s books! If you love thrillers written for a more intellectual mind, look for more by Paul Cleave. Barbara Ford
June 18, 2013
After reading the synopsis for The Laughterhouse I was immediately drawn in. I have always liked the world of detective work, what I imagine would be a man wearing a long trench coat, smoking a cigarette - hanging limply from his lip - clouding up the air around him (a la Dan Aykroyd circa 1984 Ghostbusters). He would usually be partnered up with another smoke-sucker, who in some cases is there purely for comic relief, and when they go out on call they’re the good cop/bad cop duo engaging in typical cop banter. An instant hard-edged theme sets the mood throwing you into Tate’s world: the world of a broken father and husband who wants to be the best he can be for his family. Tate is a man in confusion, helplessly trying to piece together the past.
Tate is the classic run-down cop who has also done time, so he knows what it’s like to be in jail. When released he becomes a small time private investigator, still working closely with his former partner Carl Shroeder. The relationship between these two was enjoyable, they worked well with each other and acted like they were brothers. This story was just what you would expect from a well written detective novel. There are some parts where the story coasts for a bit, but not for very long. Be ready for some parts where you want to slap Tate upside the head for making some bonehead decisions about his current life on and off the police force.
Cleave’s killer in the book is smart and witty, mixed with pure craziness. He makes it a point to create a mood before he kills, and the end result is not sunshine and lollipops. I cringed with certain parts and couldn’t believe others; Cleave kept me interested. This novel was like Sherlock Holmes meets Bad Boys, just when you think everything is wrapped up, the plot continues to thicken. This was well devised by Cleave and reminded me Warren Ellis’ Gun Machine in the way that two very different sides of the same story are told. Cleave’s use of intense moments throughout the novel brought up memories of watching the SAW movies, the kind of scenes where you want to look away but just can’t.
All in all The Laughterhouse was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to any lover of thriller novels, especially those who love surprise endings because this definitely has one!
Tate is the classic run-down cop who has also done time, so he knows what it’s like to be in jail. When released he becomes a small time private investigator, still working closely with his former partner Carl Shroeder. The relationship between these two was enjoyable, they worked well with each other and acted like they were brothers. This story was just what you would expect from a well written detective novel. There are some parts where the story coasts for a bit, but not for very long. Be ready for some parts where you want to slap Tate upside the head for making some bonehead decisions about his current life on and off the police force.
Cleave’s killer in the book is smart and witty, mixed with pure craziness. He makes it a point to create a mood before he kills, and the end result is not sunshine and lollipops. I cringed with certain parts and couldn’t believe others; Cleave kept me interested. This novel was like Sherlock Holmes meets Bad Boys, just when you think everything is wrapped up, the plot continues to thicken. This was well devised by Cleave and reminded me Warren Ellis’ Gun Machine in the way that two very different sides of the same story are told. Cleave’s use of intense moments throughout the novel brought up memories of watching the SAW movies, the kind of scenes where you want to look away but just can’t.
All in all The Laughterhouse was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to any lover of thriller novels, especially those who love surprise endings because this definitely has one!
September 5, 2017
Paul Cleave writes very gritty, down to earth murder mysteries that are laced with very dark and, in my opinion, very funny humor. As is typical for his stories, this one was set in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The primary characters include a recently released and very badly broken convicted murderer who seeks revenge on a variety of fronts, a recently released and only moderately broken ex-police officer who badly wants to rejoin the force and a yet to be incarcerated member of the police force who is on the way off the rails.
Cleave takes these characters through murders, kidnappings and investigations in a very detailed and yet, fairly well paced manner. As anyone who has carefully planned and executed a series of revenge killings (haven't we all??) knows, something always goes slightly wrong and that typically throws off the whole plan and one must plan on the fly, so to speak.
If you've enjoyed previous Paul Cleave books, you will no doubt enjoy this one, as well. If you have not read any of Cleave's work, you would be well advised to start in the beginning with The Cleaner and, if you enjoy that, go from there. Cleave's books are all part of one very large story, some following the thread of a previous book while others simply use many of the same characters. Reading them in sequence isn't critical (you probably won't die if you choose not to do so) but it will add a bit to your understanding of the stories.
The primary characters include a recently released and very badly broken convicted murderer who seeks revenge on a variety of fronts, a recently released and only moderately broken ex-police officer who badly wants to rejoin the force and a yet to be incarcerated member of the police force who is on the way off the rails.
Cleave takes these characters through murders, kidnappings and investigations in a very detailed and yet, fairly well paced manner. As anyone who has carefully planned and executed a series of revenge killings (haven't we all??) knows, something always goes slightly wrong and that typically throws off the whole plan and one must plan on the fly, so to speak.
If you've enjoyed previous Paul Cleave books, you will no doubt enjoy this one, as well. If you have not read any of Cleave's work, you would be well advised to start in the beginning with The Cleaner and, if you enjoy that, go from there. Cleave's books are all part of one very large story, some following the thread of a previous book while others simply use many of the same characters. Reading them in sequence isn't critical (you probably won't die if you choose not to do so) but it will add a bit to your understanding of the stories.
January 19, 2017
After a couple days reflecting about this book, im now ready to give an opinion. Paul cleave is becoming one my favorite authors, and in my humble opinion, one of the best in the genre. Absolutely loved the book, loved the characters, plot, setting and anything else you could like about a book. Cleave writes in such a style you can feel the angst that these characters are going through. Tate is an awesome character! The killer in this one is so well written that you can really put yourself in his shoes and feel for the guy, you completely understand where he is going. Some very hard scenes in this one to read because it pertains to children, and the one in particular killed me, if i didnt know it was fiction would have been worse, but thats the gift of Cleave's writing, so incredible you can actually feel exactly what he wants you to. Easy five stars, and that isnt giving it the credit it deserves.
August 31, 2012
Paul Cleave is an author who is improving with every book. Having said that his debut The Cleaner was a darn fine novel and a huge hit in Germany.
The Laughterhouse, is an old slaughterhouse where the body of a young girl, Jessica is found, raped and murdered. The killer is a young man recently released from prison for his attack on another young girl. Jessica's father kills him and is sent to jail for 15 years. Upon his release he sets about seeking revenge on all those who helped set his daughters killer free. Theodore Tate is involved in both the past and present case, and it is a race to work out who is doing the killings, and who is next.
I really like Paul Cleaves quirky style, the macabre is mixed with a vein of humour, and try as I do to resist I almost always have compassion for the "bad guy"
The Laughterhouse, is an old slaughterhouse where the body of a young girl, Jessica is found, raped and murdered. The killer is a young man recently released from prison for his attack on another young girl. Jessica's father kills him and is sent to jail for 15 years. Upon his release he sets about seeking revenge on all those who helped set his daughters killer free. Theodore Tate is involved in both the past and present case, and it is a race to work out who is doing the killings, and who is next.
I really like Paul Cleaves quirky style, the macabre is mixed with a vein of humour, and try as I do to resist I almost always have compassion for the "bad guy"
July 14, 2019
Wow! Paul's novels just keep getting better and better. He has managed to write another gripping novel, with the return of our favourite character, Theodore Tate. Again, set in the murderous heart of Christchurch city, where we have scumbags and criminals galore. I'm quite pleased the real Christchurch isn't quite like this...
It'll be nice to see this book released in New Zealand later in the year (hopefully we'll see the temperatures are set in degrees celsius and the spelling won't be Americanized).
The only downside to the entire book was the annoying cliffhanger ending. Damn you Paul! Now I'm going to have to wait to find out!
It'll be nice to see this book released in New Zealand later in the year (hopefully we'll see the temperatures are set in degrees celsius and the spelling won't be Americanized).
The only downside to the entire book was the annoying cliffhanger ending. Damn you Paul! Now I'm going to have to wait to find out!
December 6, 2016
Another really good book from Cleave. Recently released from prison after serving 15 years for killing his daughter's murderer, Caleb Cole sets off after others he felt were also responsible in her death. Tate and Schroeder follow Cole's path trying to figure out where he's going next and what his end game will be. Always interesting, always exciting with Cleave, I love that I really never know where his stories will go next.
August 25, 2016
Glad to read another book featuring Theodore Tate. This book is full of suspense and in the end leaves us craving the next book featuring him. Hope it's not too far out in the future.
September 21, 2017
Although the brutality was way too graphic for my taste, it was a real page-turner.
October 12, 2017
This was a slog.
December 2, 2022
Zum Teil sehr langatmig. Der Titel und das Cover sind völlig irreführend. Cliffhanger-Ende. Bin auch ohne Teil 1 und 2 gut reingekommen
August 10, 2021
Komplett abgefahren und psycho – einer der besten Thriller, die ich seit langem gelesen habe!
Worum geht’s?
Caleb Cole wird aus dem Gefängnis entlassen. Doch es gibt niemanden mehr, der auf ihn wartet. Er hat nur noch sein Leben und eine Mission. Und ein Schlachthaus, in dem alles angefangen hat.
Meine Meinung:
„Das Haus des Todes“ ist der 6. Teil von Paul Cleaves Thriller-Serie um Theodore Tate. Und er ist noch krasser als die Teile davor. Die Spannung steigert sich mit jeder Seite, obwohl man von Anfang an den Täter kennt! Das schaffen nicht viele, doch Paul Cleave ist ein Meister darin, Täter zu erschaffen die einem auf ihre Art sympathisch sind und deren Taten man nachvollziehen kann und dennoch so grauenhafte Szenen zu beschreiben, dass man Gänsehaut bekommt und immer wieder hinter sich sehen muss, ob man wirklich alleine ist…
Theodore Tate, Privatdetektiv und ehemaliger Detective Inspector, bekommt in diesem Teil vorläufig seine Dienstmarke zurück und darf offiziell an den Ermittlungen teilnehmen. Dabei zeigt er, dass er nichts an seinem Spürsinn verloren hat. Auch so ist er – obwohl fast ein Wrack seiner selbst – eine beeindruckende Person. Er hat sich nach seinem Absturz wieder hochgekämpft. Obwohl er seine Tochter verloren hat und seine Frau im Wachkoma ist, gibt er nicht auf. Obwohl er schon quasi in der Gosse war, ist er wieder aufgestanden und kämpft weiter – ein anderer Ermittler, der sehr interessant ist. Und an seiner Seite Carl Schroder, sein ehemaliger Partner bei der Polizei, der ihn nie hat hängen lassen. Und auch der Täter in diesem Buch – Caleb Cole. Irgendwie ist er sympathisch und es gibt mehrere Stellen, an denen ich auch schmunzeln musste über die netten Eigenarten, die er aufweist – das schafft wirklich nur Paul Cleave!
Auch der Fall selbst hat es in sich. Es ist unglaublich spannend und mitreißend und jedes Mal, wenn man glaubt: Jetzt haben sie ihn! Entwischt der Täter wieder und wieder. So oft ist man kurz davor. Man erlebt das Ganze sowohl aus der Sicht der Täter, als auch – in Ich-Form – aus der Sicht von Tate und manchmal auch ganz allgemein. Man hat das Gefühl, mitten drin zu sein, alles hautnah mitzuerleben. Man spürt das Blut, riecht den Angstschweiß, fiebert mit den Protagonisten mit. Und das Ende – der Showdown ist so spannend, dass man es kaum aushält! Nur die Schlussworte – da bleibt einem das Herz kurz stehen. Bridget, Tates Ehefrau, die im Koma liegt – was ist mit ihr? Wird sie wieder wach? Und was ist mit Tate? Ist das das Ende? Diese letzten Seiten sind noch grausamer für die LeserInnen zu verkraften, als die blutigen Szenen dazwischen – wie geht es weiter? Wer überlebt? Man will es unbedingt wissen und muss doch auf den nächsten Band warten!
Fazit:
Mit „Das Haus des Todes“ bringt Paul Cleave Theodore Tate zurück. Es ist noch grausamer, noch blutiger, noch mitreißender und noch schrecklicher, als die Teile davor. Und dennoch gibt es auch hier immer wieder Stellen, die einen auch zum Grinsen bringen. Man hasst den Täter und man mag ihn und versteht ihn auch. Unvergleichlich, wie Paul Cleave es immer wieder schafft, sympathisch-psychopathische Figuren zu erschaffen und die Spannung aufrechtzuerhalten und aufzubauen, auch wenn man fast von Seite 1 an weiß, wer der Täter ist.
5 Punkte für dieses geniale Meisterwerk des Grauens!
Worum geht’s?
Caleb Cole wird aus dem Gefängnis entlassen. Doch es gibt niemanden mehr, der auf ihn wartet. Er hat nur noch sein Leben und eine Mission. Und ein Schlachthaus, in dem alles angefangen hat.
Meine Meinung:
„Das Haus des Todes“ ist der 6. Teil von Paul Cleaves Thriller-Serie um Theodore Tate. Und er ist noch krasser als die Teile davor. Die Spannung steigert sich mit jeder Seite, obwohl man von Anfang an den Täter kennt! Das schaffen nicht viele, doch Paul Cleave ist ein Meister darin, Täter zu erschaffen die einem auf ihre Art sympathisch sind und deren Taten man nachvollziehen kann und dennoch so grauenhafte Szenen zu beschreiben, dass man Gänsehaut bekommt und immer wieder hinter sich sehen muss, ob man wirklich alleine ist…
Theodore Tate, Privatdetektiv und ehemaliger Detective Inspector, bekommt in diesem Teil vorläufig seine Dienstmarke zurück und darf offiziell an den Ermittlungen teilnehmen. Dabei zeigt er, dass er nichts an seinem Spürsinn verloren hat. Auch so ist er – obwohl fast ein Wrack seiner selbst – eine beeindruckende Person. Er hat sich nach seinem Absturz wieder hochgekämpft. Obwohl er seine Tochter verloren hat und seine Frau im Wachkoma ist, gibt er nicht auf. Obwohl er schon quasi in der Gosse war, ist er wieder aufgestanden und kämpft weiter – ein anderer Ermittler, der sehr interessant ist. Und an seiner Seite Carl Schroder, sein ehemaliger Partner bei der Polizei, der ihn nie hat hängen lassen. Und auch der Täter in diesem Buch – Caleb Cole. Irgendwie ist er sympathisch und es gibt mehrere Stellen, an denen ich auch schmunzeln musste über die netten Eigenarten, die er aufweist – das schafft wirklich nur Paul Cleave!
Auch der Fall selbst hat es in sich. Es ist unglaublich spannend und mitreißend und jedes Mal, wenn man glaubt: Jetzt haben sie ihn! Entwischt der Täter wieder und wieder. So oft ist man kurz davor. Man erlebt das Ganze sowohl aus der Sicht der Täter, als auch – in Ich-Form – aus der Sicht von Tate und manchmal auch ganz allgemein. Man hat das Gefühl, mitten drin zu sein, alles hautnah mitzuerleben. Man spürt das Blut, riecht den Angstschweiß, fiebert mit den Protagonisten mit. Und das Ende – der Showdown ist so spannend, dass man es kaum aushält! Nur die Schlussworte – da bleibt einem das Herz kurz stehen. Bridget, Tates Ehefrau, die im Koma liegt – was ist mit ihr? Wird sie wieder wach? Und was ist mit Tate? Ist das das Ende? Diese letzten Seiten sind noch grausamer für die LeserInnen zu verkraften, als die blutigen Szenen dazwischen – wie geht es weiter? Wer überlebt? Man will es unbedingt wissen und muss doch auf den nächsten Band warten!
Fazit:
Mit „Das Haus des Todes“ bringt Paul Cleave Theodore Tate zurück. Es ist noch grausamer, noch blutiger, noch mitreißender und noch schrecklicher, als die Teile davor. Und dennoch gibt es auch hier immer wieder Stellen, die einen auch zum Grinsen bringen. Man hasst den Täter und man mag ihn und versteht ihn auch. Unvergleichlich, wie Paul Cleave es immer wieder schafft, sympathisch-psychopathische Figuren zu erschaffen und die Spannung aufrechtzuerhalten und aufzubauen, auch wenn man fast von Seite 1 an weiß, wer der Täter ist.
5 Punkte für dieses geniale Meisterwerk des Grauens!
March 10, 2021
I judged a book by its cover and that is why I read it 😆 it started a little slow but all of a suddeb it gets kicked into high gear. you have to pay attentionto the character names so you know who is whom throughout the rest of the book. SPOILER FREE, you can keep reading.
Tate is what most would call a crooked cop. A Killer, revengeful and one that abused his badge. He is now a private investigator and offers his "help" to the Christchurch police detectives in locating wanted criminals no one else can find. After all Tate can think like them. One of those detectives is Shroeder. He drinks too much and earned his way to the top hoping for that last bump up the totem pole.
I did not read the 2 books before this one. I didn't realize there were more. However I wasn't confused or lost. The author does a good job of giving enough information so you know what happened when police find Jessica Cole dead. Also you find out right away who the new serial killer is running around town slicing up what appears to be random victims. What you don't know is why he is doing it and how the police can catch him.
Bodies are being left hastily and Shroeder and Tate are always 3 steps behind. That is until the killer makes a mistake. He gives in to his anger and strays from his plan and that gives detectives a way in, or so they think 🤔. When Dr. Stanton, the latest victim, is kidnapped along woth his 3 children the situation becomes desperate. They have to be found, hopefully alive. This is where the book gets interesting. I didn't figure out what the killer was doing right away so so right there is a huge win for me.
Tate is unofficially allowed to work the new cases and he does so eagerly. All he wants is his badge and gun back. He will be tested not once, not twice but at least three times where his past comes into question. Wouls you want want work alongside a cop that murdered someone and admitted it? There is some very descriptive parts about the murders and the awful crimes committed against children but nothing too bad. No worse than a TV crime show. If you are looking for a fast pace mystery crime thrillers this is for you. I'd also read the other books 🙂
Tate is what most would call a crooked cop. A Killer, revengeful and one that abused his badge. He is now a private investigator and offers his "help" to the Christchurch police detectives in locating wanted criminals no one else can find. After all Tate can think like them. One of those detectives is Shroeder. He drinks too much and earned his way to the top hoping for that last bump up the totem pole.
I did not read the 2 books before this one. I didn't realize there were more. However I wasn't confused or lost. The author does a good job of giving enough information so you know what happened when police find Jessica Cole dead. Also you find out right away who the new serial killer is running around town slicing up what appears to be random victims. What you don't know is why he is doing it and how the police can catch him.
Bodies are being left hastily and Shroeder and Tate are always 3 steps behind. That is until the killer makes a mistake. He gives in to his anger and strays from his plan and that gives detectives a way in, or so they think 🤔. When Dr. Stanton, the latest victim, is kidnapped along woth his 3 children the situation becomes desperate. They have to be found, hopefully alive. This is where the book gets interesting. I didn't figure out what the killer was doing right away so so right there is a huge win for me.
Tate is unofficially allowed to work the new cases and he does so eagerly. All he wants is his badge and gun back. He will be tested not once, not twice but at least three times where his past comes into question. Wouls you want want work alongside a cop that murdered someone and admitted it? There is some very descriptive parts about the murders and the awful crimes committed against children but nothing too bad. No worse than a TV crime show. If you are looking for a fast pace mystery crime thrillers this is for you. I'd also read the other books 🙂
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