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Gli aghi d'oro
Alla fine del XIX secolo, convivono due mondi opposti. Da un lato, l’opulenza e lo splendore. Dall’altro, i peggiori vizi dell’uomo: alcol, denaro e sesso. È su questo confine, nel cuore del famigerato Triangolo Nero, che una ricca famiglia cerca di affermarsi pretendendo di liberare la città dalla corruzione. Gli Stallworth, guidati con pugno di ferro dal loro patriarca, l’influente e implacabile giudice James Stallworth, coadiuvato dal figlio Edward, predicatore dai sermoni incendiari, e dal genero Duncan Phair, giovane avvocato dalla carriera promettente, hanno un piano impeccabile: estirpare il male annientando una famiglia di corrotti e criminali: gli Shanks.
Con Gli aghi d’oro, Neri Pozza prosegue l’operazione Biblioteca McDowell, che prevede la pubblicazione dei capolavori dell’autore di culto.
«Gli aghi d’oro è uno di quei romanzi che devi solo divorare, uno di quei romanzi impossibili da lasciare andare che, una volta digeriti, ti lasciano il sapore delle potenti tematiche intrecciate a una storia impeccabile»
Mariana Enrìquez
Con Gli aghi d’oro, Neri Pozza prosegue l’operazione Biblioteca McDowell, che prevede la pubblicazione dei capolavori dell’autore di culto.
«Gli aghi d’oro è uno di quei romanzi che devi solo divorare, uno di quei romanzi impossibili da lasciare andare che, una volta digeriti, ti lasciano il sapore delle potenti tematiche intrecciate a una storia impeccabile»
Mariana Enrìquez
553 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
463 people are currently reading
7373 people want to read
About the author
Michael McDowell
73 books2,094 followersMichael McDowell is a prolific horror writer who has distinguished himself with a varied body of work within the genre. He was born in Enterprise, Alabama, in 1950 and died of AIDS-related illness in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1999.
His first horror novel, The Amulet, relates the tragedies that befall various individuals who come in possession of a supernatural pendant in a small town.
In McDowell's second novel, Cold Moon Over Babylon, a murdered woman's corpse is dispatched into a river, but her spirit roams the land, and in the evening hours it seeks revenge on her killer even as he plots the demise of her surviving relatives.
Don D'Ammassa, writing in the St. James Guide to Horror, Ghost & Gothic Writers, noted that McDowell's ability to maintain a sense of mundane normalcy against supernatural activity provides the novel with "a fine balance between reality and unreality," and he called Cold Moon Over Babylon "one of the best ghost stories ever written at novel length."
A similarly disturbing tension between dull reality and the supernatural is produced in The Elementals, wherein a host of visitors come to stay at a secluded house occupied by embodiments of elemental forces.
McDowell's Katie, meanwhile, concerns a clairvoyant serial killer whose powers of perception enable her to evade her trackers. The attractive but deranged heroine of this novel manages to conduct her murderous activities despite the awareness of her parents, who are content to derive financial gain from their daughter's crimes.
Madness is central to McDowell's Toplin, which details the vile imaginings of a man who suffers from mental illness but nonetheless determines to conduct himself within society. D'Ammassa praised Toplin as "perhaps the best novel ever written from the point of view of a schizophrenic."
Among McDowell's other writings is the six-part serial novel Blackwater, a chronicle of a southern family drawn to the supernatural. In addition, McDowell has also supplied the screenplays for various films, including director Tim Burton's horror comedy Beetlejuice and his animated production The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Stephen King called McDowell one of the "finest writers of paperback originals in America today." Tabitha King was asked to complete McDowell's unfinished novel Candles Burning, which was published in 2006 to good reviews. Concerning his career, McDowell never tried to be something he wasn't. "I am a commercial writer and I'm proud of that", he said in the book Faces of Fear in 1985. "I am writing things to be put in the bookstore next month. I think it is a mistake to try to write for the ages."
His first horror novel, The Amulet, relates the tragedies that befall various individuals who come in possession of a supernatural pendant in a small town.
In McDowell's second novel, Cold Moon Over Babylon, a murdered woman's corpse is dispatched into a river, but her spirit roams the land, and in the evening hours it seeks revenge on her killer even as he plots the demise of her surviving relatives.
Don D'Ammassa, writing in the St. James Guide to Horror, Ghost & Gothic Writers, noted that McDowell's ability to maintain a sense of mundane normalcy against supernatural activity provides the novel with "a fine balance between reality and unreality," and he called Cold Moon Over Babylon "one of the best ghost stories ever written at novel length."
A similarly disturbing tension between dull reality and the supernatural is produced in The Elementals, wherein a host of visitors come to stay at a secluded house occupied by embodiments of elemental forces.
McDowell's Katie, meanwhile, concerns a clairvoyant serial killer whose powers of perception enable her to evade her trackers. The attractive but deranged heroine of this novel manages to conduct her murderous activities despite the awareness of her parents, who are content to derive financial gain from their daughter's crimes.
Madness is central to McDowell's Toplin, which details the vile imaginings of a man who suffers from mental illness but nonetheless determines to conduct himself within society. D'Ammassa praised Toplin as "perhaps the best novel ever written from the point of view of a schizophrenic."
Among McDowell's other writings is the six-part serial novel Blackwater, a chronicle of a southern family drawn to the supernatural. In addition, McDowell has also supplied the screenplays for various films, including director Tim Burton's horror comedy Beetlejuice and his animated production The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Stephen King called McDowell one of the "finest writers of paperback originals in America today." Tabitha King was asked to complete McDowell's unfinished novel Candles Burning, which was published in 2006 to good reviews. Concerning his career, McDowell never tried to be something he wasn't. "I am a commercial writer and I'm proud of that", he said in the book Faces of Fear in 1985. "I am writing things to be put in the bookstore next month. I think it is a mistake to try to write for the ages."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 832 reviews
November 13, 2021
4.5 stars!
This book was SO MUCH fun! Set in the early 1880's in the city of New York in a district called The Black Triangle,(where crime runs rampant and poverty reigns), McDowell brings the city and this district vividly to life. Abortions, prostitution and gambling are just a few of the dark deeds that are common here.
Black Lena Shanks and family run their all female criminal empire here without interference from police or anyone else. That is until the The Tribune decides to run a series of articles about the Triangle in a supposed effort to clean up the district. (Said effort being mostly a publicity stunt designed to better the Stallworth family's standing in the community.)
At the heart of it, this is a tale of revenge. Black Lena Shanks runs her small empire in the Triangle until Judge Stallworth sentences 3 members of her "family" to death. From that point on, Black Lena is set on seeking revenge. When the Stallworth family members each receive an engraved invitation to their own funeral, the diabolical plans of Black Lena are slowly unveiled and woe to anyone that gets in her way.
Mr. McDowell's descriptions of the poverty and living conditions in the Black Triangle were harsh and unflinching. There's nothing supernatural going on in this book, as there is in so many other McDowell stories. The horrors here are all too human. I thought I would miss that supernatural element, but I didn't. In fact, I think this book shines as yet another example of McDowell's understanding of human nature. His observations are always spot on-sometimes cutting, sometimes humorous, but always witty and true. I found these observations even more entertaining than the supernatural stuff that McDowell did so well.
I have come to adore this author over the last year or so. It's easy to see why he was so popular among horror lovers in his day and I think it's easy for new fans like me to fall in love with his work now. His style, his descriptions, his observations-those are the things that make McDowell one of the greatest horror writers of his time. Maybe even of ALL time. I'm happy to debate the subject with you.
This revenge novel was excellent and I give it my highest recommendation!
This book was SO MUCH fun! Set in the early 1880's in the city of New York in a district called The Black Triangle,(where crime runs rampant and poverty reigns), McDowell brings the city and this district vividly to life. Abortions, prostitution and gambling are just a few of the dark deeds that are common here.
Black Lena Shanks and family run their all female criminal empire here without interference from police or anyone else. That is until the The Tribune decides to run a series of articles about the Triangle in a supposed effort to clean up the district. (Said effort being mostly a publicity stunt designed to better the Stallworth family's standing in the community.)
At the heart of it, this is a tale of revenge. Black Lena Shanks runs her small empire in the Triangle until Judge Stallworth sentences 3 members of her "family" to death. From that point on, Black Lena is set on seeking revenge. When the Stallworth family members each receive an engraved invitation to their own funeral, the diabolical plans of Black Lena are slowly unveiled and woe to anyone that gets in her way.
Mr. McDowell's descriptions of the poverty and living conditions in the Black Triangle were harsh and unflinching. There's nothing supernatural going on in this book, as there is in so many other McDowell stories. The horrors here are all too human. I thought I would miss that supernatural element, but I didn't. In fact, I think this book shines as yet another example of McDowell's understanding of human nature. His observations are always spot on-sometimes cutting, sometimes humorous, but always witty and true. I found these observations even more entertaining than the supernatural stuff that McDowell did so well.
I have come to adore this author over the last year or so. It's easy to see why he was so popular among horror lovers in his day and I think it's easy for new fans like me to fall in love with his work now. His style, his descriptions, his observations-those are the things that make McDowell one of the greatest horror writers of his time. Maybe even of ALL time. I'm happy to debate the subject with you.
This revenge novel was excellent and I give it my highest recommendation!
July 18, 2021
'Agujas doradas' es sorprendente. ¿Se puede escribir mejor? Aunque es muy distinto a Los Elementales (no hay nada sobrenatural), Michael McDowell muestra igual genialidad: en los diálogos, en las descripciones (muy gótico), en la arquitecura del argumento. ¡Qué gran imaginación! McDowell nos cuenta el enfrentamiento entre 2 familias de clases opuestas, con personajes entrañables y despreciables a la vez: uno los ama porque los conoce muy bien, casi que después de leer el libro nos preguntamos si no son reales, de nuestro barrio, de nuestra vida. Todo el argumento termina encajando como las piezas de un reloj que funciona muy bien. La venganza está basada en la imaginación que da la maldad. Algo demoníaco. Y allí está el horror, la tensión. La novela es como meternos en un callejón peligroso, oscuro, en el que sabemos que algo malo nos va a pasar, pero no imaginamos por dónde puede venir el estiletazo. En suma, es todo disfrutable, una delicia. Mchael McDowell lo hizo de nuevo. Glorioso!
May 31, 2023
La alemana Black Lena era la reina del Triángulo Negro, el decadente imperio de los antros de opio, los casinos de apuestas, los marineros borrachos, las prostitutas chillonas y los abortos en la trastienda de Manhattan. Con sus hijas y nietos, Black Lena lideró un círculo de consumadas criminales, mujeres expertas en el arte de la crueldad.
A solo unas cuadras de distancia, en medio de las elegantes mansiones y la reputación blanca como el lirio de Gramercy Park y Washington Square, vivía el juez James Stallworth. Estaba decidido a aplastar a la malvada tripulación de Lena, y con gélida indiferencia ordenó tres muertes en su familia.
Luego, un domingo, todos los Stallworth reciben invitaciones individuales, invitaciones a sus propios funerales. Black Lena ha prometido un reinado de venganza. ¿Podrán incluso la fortuna de Stallworth y su increíble poder salvarlos de su diabólica sed de venganza?
Estamos ante un autor reconocido y consagrado por su novela de culto, "Los Elementales", y sus guiones para el genio, Tim Burton "Beetlejuice" y "El extraño mundo de Jack".
"Agujas doradas" una genuina joya cuenta, en esencia, el horror de una venganza matriarcal. Sin apelar, a su favor para la historia, a ningún elemento sobrenatural, logra estremecernos narrando pacientemente el enfrentamiento entre dos familias de clases sociales opuestas.
La extraordinaria quimera que forman todos los personajes, la ironíay el sarcasmo, el ojo de águila prodigioso para capturar los detalles reveladores con unos diálogos exquisitos y una asombrosa imaginación. Como resultado, un libro que te deja maravillado.
McDowell teje sus palabras con la precisión de un maestro. Desde las propiedades opulentas de la élite de la sociedad, hasta los fumaderos de opio y los rincones de ladrones de las clases más bajas y sucias. Sus descripciones pintan un paisaje vívido y gris.
Las diferencias entre las clases de personas se dibujan con una línea marcada e implacable.
La sangrienta crueldad de las involucradas familias es simplemente asombrosa, debido a la animosidad desenfrenada de los dos clanes. Sin límites. 🎭
Las profundidades de la locura en las que se sumerjen para vengarse son vastas. ⚔️
Las condiciones de vida en el Triángulo son duras e inquebrantables. Sin elementos sobrenaturales, no los necesita.
Terror humano. Venganza, ambición. Sus observaciones siempre son acertadas, a veces cortantes a veces humorísticas.. pero siempre ingeniosas.
Extremadamente recomendable..✍️
A solo unas cuadras de distancia, en medio de las elegantes mansiones y la reputación blanca como el lirio de Gramercy Park y Washington Square, vivía el juez James Stallworth. Estaba decidido a aplastar a la malvada tripulación de Lena, y con gélida indiferencia ordenó tres muertes en su familia.
Luego, un domingo, todos los Stallworth reciben invitaciones individuales, invitaciones a sus propios funerales. Black Lena ha prometido un reinado de venganza. ¿Podrán incluso la fortuna de Stallworth y su increíble poder salvarlos de su diabólica sed de venganza?
Estamos ante un autor reconocido y consagrado por su novela de culto, "Los Elementales", y sus guiones para el genio, Tim Burton "Beetlejuice" y "El extraño mundo de Jack".
"Agujas doradas" una genuina joya cuenta, en esencia, el horror de una venganza matriarcal. Sin apelar, a su favor para la historia, a ningún elemento sobrenatural, logra estremecernos narrando pacientemente el enfrentamiento entre dos familias de clases sociales opuestas.
La extraordinaria quimera que forman todos los personajes, la ironíay el sarcasmo, el ojo de águila prodigioso para capturar los detalles reveladores con unos diálogos exquisitos y una asombrosa imaginación. Como resultado, un libro que te deja maravillado.
McDowell teje sus palabras con la precisión de un maestro. Desde las propiedades opulentas de la élite de la sociedad, hasta los fumaderos de opio y los rincones de ladrones de las clases más bajas y sucias. Sus descripciones pintan un paisaje vívido y gris.
Las diferencias entre las clases de personas se dibujan con una línea marcada e implacable.
La sangrienta crueldad de las involucradas familias es simplemente asombrosa, debido a la animosidad desenfrenada de los dos clanes. Sin límites. 🎭
Las profundidades de la locura en las que se sumerjen para vengarse son vastas. ⚔️
Las condiciones de vida en el Triángulo son duras e inquebrantables. Sin elementos sobrenaturales, no los necesita.
Terror humano. Venganza, ambición. Sus observaciones siempre son acertadas, a veces cortantes a veces humorísticas.. pero siempre ingeniosas.
Extremadamente recomendable..✍️
June 1, 2023
"Nothing was colourful and nothing was picturesque and nothing was quaint; all was black grimy and foul stinking misery."
4.5 🌟's
Initial Thoughts
Back again with Michael McDowell as my dive into his work continues and I've got pretty mixed feelings about it. My first book of his, the Elementals, absolutely blew me away to put in mildly. It had everything I wanted from a horror novel with quality prose, fantastically realised characters and exquisite dialogue. It was horror fiction of the highest order.
But then I went back to his first two novels, the Amulet and Cold Moon Over Babylon, and although they certainly weren't bad, they weren't anywhere near the quality I was expecting. So I just didn't have that same level of enthusiasm when it came to his next published story, Gilded Needles. But I've heard such great things about this author I was determined to give him another whirl. Surely he wasn't a one hit wonder? Let's find out.
The Story
McDowell tries something different here with a piece of historical fiction that's not set in the deep south. Welcome to New York City in the year is 1982. A war is ready to begin between two prominent families. First we have the upstanding and wealthy Stallworths. Driven by the power hungry patriarch Judge James Stallworth they are looking to make waves politically by cleaning up the crime infested streets of the notorious Black Triangle. It's home to thieves, prostitutes, back street abortionists, opium dens and an empire of female criminals led by "Black" Lena Shanks.
Enlisting the help of the local newspaper, Judge Stallworth and his clan engineer a series of high profile cases to bring down the Shanks family and boost their own public image. But if he thinks Black Lena is going to lay down and die quietly then he's got another thing coming. This lady truly believes that revenge is a dish best eaten cold and an eye for an eye is just desert for anyone who crosses her family. Thus begins a tense game of cat and mouse where the prey doesn't realise who's being chased until it's too late. The elite of this great city are in for a dreadful surprise.
The Writing
After going right back to the beginning of McDowell's career and reading those first two novels, I was waiting to see at exactly what point he would really start to show the promise that would lead esteemed author Peter Straub call him "one of the best writers of horror in this country." Well it turns out that Gilded Needles was that novel!
The story itself is a departure from the author's signature formula of incorporating supernatural forces and is very rooted in reality. The horror in this one is all of the human variety and I'd describe it more as historical crime fiction, although it's still very dark in tone.
The prose however are absolutely on point, as McDowell nails the vermin infested and disease ridden streets of the Black Triangle in stark contrast with the more affluent side of New York City. It's a short walk between that privileged lot living in the lap of luxury and those who must resort to a life of crime or starve. Yes, as I've said before, this is an author who is an absolute master of location and he demonstrates it once again with some fantastic commentary on the difference in class.
There's some brutal, nasty scenes in this one that are brilliantly described and got my pulse racing. Despite not being an all out, balls to the wall horror, this author never forgets his roots and there's a number of grisly scenes that will satisfy you blood thirsty types out there. The detailed and layered prose just bring that little bit of extra quality to proceedings.
It's clear McDowell did a lot of research and the historical touches made this tale all the more memorable. It provided me with a perfect glimpse into life in New York during the 1800s and certainly didn't shy away from the dark and seedy side. It was fantastically realised and there's a number of scenes that will stay with you long after you have finished.
"Terror-filled and irrational as those frightful dreams were, they were never worse than the reality to which they inevitably gave way."
The Characters
Gilded Needles is packed with fantastic characters that bring this darkly captivating tale to life. What I will say is that even though McDowell portrays the Stallworths as the villains of the piece, he fleshes out the characters so well that I found myself becoming attached to each of them. There's a human quality in all of them and it was great to see. Each one is capable of deplorable deeds but can find a moment to redeem themselves ever so slightly.
Although the Stallworths were a fascinating bunch, obsessed with public image and social standing but lacking the moral fibre they claim to stand for, I found myself drawn to the Shanks family more. These women bring a new meaning to the term femme fatale and believe me you would not want to cross them. At a push I'd say my favourite was Maggie Kizer who exuded cool despite being faced with absolute tragic circumstances. But it really is a tough call.
"No one had expected that crime and violence, destitution and horribly degrading poverty would stare back at them with grinning toothless mouths and infernal gleaming eyes, like fantastical medieval emblems."
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I wasn't expecting to enjoy this one as much as I did. I'd mark it down as the point in McDowell's career where he really started to excel. Stephen King described him as "the finest writer of paperbacks in America." But Gilded Needles is so much more than a paperback. A fantastic piece of historical fiction and a masterly story of good old fashioned revenge.
Although I went in with a few doubts, they were quickly forgotten. Like, on the very first page. I was fully invested in this one from almost the first sentence, right to the very end. And what an ending this one has. One that will truly haunt you, like one of those ghosts from the deep south. This is a dark story and the end is completely in fitting.
So Michael McDowell is back with a bang and I literally can't wait to get stuck back in to his next novel...Katie. I'll finish by saying that McDowell was highly regarded as a screenwriter, before his sad passing in 1999, penning the scripts for Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas. And I could definitely see Gilded Needles working as a movie with some very cinematic scenes. Why don't producers take a chance on something like this rather than shoddy remakes? But that's another subject entirely.
Thanks for reading and...cheers!
June 16, 2020
Gilded Needles
By: Michael McDowell
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
This book has so many aspects to it that make it terrific and dark at the same time. The author sure knows how to set the atmosphere to dark and deadly! The story revolves around an area of New York that is crime ridden by the poor in 1882.. It also revolves around two main families. One poor and on the wrong side of the law and the other well off and upstanding citizens but has the power to make the law or control punishments.
It's very intriguing and I love how each character is so well developed! There are a lot of characters but they are easy to follow due to the strong development. The plot is unpredictable and the ending was excellent! Definitely going in my favorites list!
With R.C. Bray narrating it was a sure to be a success! Excellent job as usual!
By: Michael McDowell
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
This book has so many aspects to it that make it terrific and dark at the same time. The author sure knows how to set the atmosphere to dark and deadly! The story revolves around an area of New York that is crime ridden by the poor in 1882.. It also revolves around two main families. One poor and on the wrong side of the law and the other well off and upstanding citizens but has the power to make the law or control punishments.
It's very intriguing and I love how each character is so well developed! There are a lot of characters but they are easy to follow due to the strong development. The plot is unpredictable and the ending was excellent! Definitely going in my favorites list!
With R.C. Bray narrating it was a sure to be a success! Excellent job as usual!
January 29, 2023
Wow! Gilded Needles is right up there with Blackwater, The Elementals, and Cold Moon over Babylon. Amazing.
September 14, 2016
4.5 stars!
GILDED NEEDLES, by Michael McDowell is another tale rich in atmosphere that has been re-released by Valancourt Books. I quickly became a McDowell fan after reading some of his supernatural-themed titles. In Gilded Needles, he takes a much different approach. We are presented with an elaborately vivid tale of two vastly different families living in New York.
The Shanks family, headed by matriarch Black Lena Shanks, live in the "wicked", poor area known as the Black Triangle. They have amassed a great deal of wealth (secreted away) by performing illegal abortions, trading in stolen goods, forgery....even the youngest twins are adept at pick-pocketing!
The Stallworths, on the other hand, represent the high class society. They are headed by the merciless Judge Stallworth. The collision of these two very different clans begins years before, when Judge Stallworth sentences Lena to jail, her husband to death by hanging, and their children taken away.
When our story of historic revenge begins, the Stallworths are once again threatening the livelihood of the Shanks--only this time, Black Lena has not forgotten the past incidents, nor will she ignore the current ones.
McDowell weaves his words with an artist's precision. From the opulent property of the elite, to the opium dens and thieving corners of the lesser classes, his descriptions paint a vivid picture of life during this stage of history. The differences between the classes of people are drawn with a stark, unrelenting line. Also, the ruthlessness of both families is simply stunning due to the unbridled animosity of the two clans. The depths to which they sink to get back at each other are boundless!
Another masterful tale from Michael McDowell that will leave you thinking about his characters for quite some time afterwards.
Highly recommended!
GILDED NEEDLES, by Michael McDowell is another tale rich in atmosphere that has been re-released by Valancourt Books. I quickly became a McDowell fan after reading some of his supernatural-themed titles. In Gilded Needles, he takes a much different approach. We are presented with an elaborately vivid tale of two vastly different families living in New York.
The Shanks family, headed by matriarch Black Lena Shanks, live in the "wicked", poor area known as the Black Triangle. They have amassed a great deal of wealth (secreted away) by performing illegal abortions, trading in stolen goods, forgery....even the youngest twins are adept at pick-pocketing!
The Stallworths, on the other hand, represent the high class society. They are headed by the merciless Judge Stallworth. The collision of these two very different clans begins years before, when Judge Stallworth sentences Lena to jail, her husband to death by hanging, and their children taken away.
When our story of historic revenge begins, the Stallworths are once again threatening the livelihood of the Shanks--only this time, Black Lena has not forgotten the past incidents, nor will she ignore the current ones.
McDowell weaves his words with an artist's precision. From the opulent property of the elite, to the opium dens and thieving corners of the lesser classes, his descriptions paint a vivid picture of life during this stage of history. The differences between the classes of people are drawn with a stark, unrelenting line. Also, the ruthlessness of both families is simply stunning due to the unbridled animosity of the two clans. The depths to which they sink to get back at each other are boundless!
Another masterful tale from Michael McDowell that will leave you thinking about his characters for quite some time afterwards.
Highly recommended!
May 16, 2016
Gilded Needles is without a doubt one of the darkest, creepiest tales of revenge that I've ever had the pleasure to have read.
The setting of Gilded Needles is New York, 1882. The first thing that struck me on opening the book was the most excellent panoramic view of the city as the old year changes into the new. The author provides us here with a glimpse across the spectrum into what's happening at that moment, giving us a peek at the lives of "... the poor whose poverty was such that they would die of it," the "criminals whose criminality was no final guarantee against the poverty they tried to escape," the "mildly prosperous and moderately respectable," and finally, for the "very rich who needn't trouble themselves with respectability." But most importantly for the purposes of this book, there is the "Black Triangle," a "little space that lies west of MacDougal, between say Canal and Bleecker Streets." It is a place where "horror festers," located "within half an hour's walk of the most fashionable houses of the city." It is in this small slice of the city that "Black" Lena Shanks and her family run their criminal enterprises; everything from illegal abortions, receiving stolen goods, selling dead bodies, you name it. However, the denizens of the Black Triangle aren't limited to the poor or the criminal -- it is also a favorite locale for the more "respectable" citizens on its outskirts for gambling, picking up prostitutes, and whatever other pleasures they desire that are definitely not found say, in Gramercy Park.
It is just one of these "respectable" people who sets this story in motion. Young Benjamin Stallworth is having his fun slumming in the Black Triangle, when he notices Lena. She recognizes his eyes, remembering the time when a certain Judge Stallworth sentenced her husband to death and had her children taken away while she also went to prison. In the meantime, the Judge and his son-in-law, Duncan Phair, have decided to build their political and social clout by trying to take down the criminals and exposing the "evils" of the Black Triangle, publicizing their efforts in the newspaper. But while the plan seems to be working, one particular event sends Lena and her family over the edge, and now she's looking for revenge. And it definitely isn't going to be pretty. The novel goes back and forth between the Shanks family and the Stallworths, who really don't help themselves with their own arrogance and their lack of understanding of human nature.
Gilded Needles is written in a way that reminds me so very much of the 19th-century "city mysteries" novels I've read, exposing the city's dark, seamy underbelly and scratching off the veneer of respectability among the upper classes. McDowell has captured the style of this sort of old novel while making it his own; he is one of the best dark fiction writers whose work I've had the pleasure to have read. Gilded Needles is seriously one of the most horrific non-horror stories I've read in a while -- bleak, very Dickensian and well, let's just say that it's definitely not for the faint of heart. At the same time, it is absolutely one of those books that once picked up will not easily be put down, and to be honest, I was still shaking after I'd finally turned the last page.
I highly, highly recommend this one -- a definite no miss for readers of dark fiction and historical crime fiction.
The setting of Gilded Needles is New York, 1882. The first thing that struck me on opening the book was the most excellent panoramic view of the city as the old year changes into the new. The author provides us here with a glimpse across the spectrum into what's happening at that moment, giving us a peek at the lives of "... the poor whose poverty was such that they would die of it," the "criminals whose criminality was no final guarantee against the poverty they tried to escape," the "mildly prosperous and moderately respectable," and finally, for the "very rich who needn't trouble themselves with respectability." But most importantly for the purposes of this book, there is the "Black Triangle," a "little space that lies west of MacDougal, between say Canal and Bleecker Streets." It is a place where "horror festers," located "within half an hour's walk of the most fashionable houses of the city." It is in this small slice of the city that "Black" Lena Shanks and her family run their criminal enterprises; everything from illegal abortions, receiving stolen goods, selling dead bodies, you name it. However, the denizens of the Black Triangle aren't limited to the poor or the criminal -- it is also a favorite locale for the more "respectable" citizens on its outskirts for gambling, picking up prostitutes, and whatever other pleasures they desire that are definitely not found say, in Gramercy Park.
It is just one of these "respectable" people who sets this story in motion. Young Benjamin Stallworth is having his fun slumming in the Black Triangle, when he notices Lena. She recognizes his eyes, remembering the time when a certain Judge Stallworth sentenced her husband to death and had her children taken away while she also went to prison. In the meantime, the Judge and his son-in-law, Duncan Phair, have decided to build their political and social clout by trying to take down the criminals and exposing the "evils" of the Black Triangle, publicizing their efforts in the newspaper. But while the plan seems to be working, one particular event sends Lena and her family over the edge, and now she's looking for revenge. And it definitely isn't going to be pretty. The novel goes back and forth between the Shanks family and the Stallworths, who really don't help themselves with their own arrogance and their lack of understanding of human nature.
Gilded Needles is written in a way that reminds me so very much of the 19th-century "city mysteries" novels I've read, exposing the city's dark, seamy underbelly and scratching off the veneer of respectability among the upper classes. McDowell has captured the style of this sort of old novel while making it his own; he is one of the best dark fiction writers whose work I've had the pleasure to have read. Gilded Needles is seriously one of the most horrific non-horror stories I've read in a while -- bleak, very Dickensian and well, let's just say that it's definitely not for the faint of heart. At the same time, it is absolutely one of those books that once picked up will not easily be put down, and to be honest, I was still shaking after I'd finally turned the last page.
I highly, highly recommend this one -- a definite no miss for readers of dark fiction and historical crime fiction.
May 31, 2024
Les Aiguilles d’or (Agujas doradas)
4,5/5
Novela escrita antes de "Los Elementales" con la que no guarda ningún parecido. Esto es otra cosa, y, pienso, superior a esa.
Desde el principio se masca la tragedia, se ve venir lo que va a ocurrir, pero para McDowell lo más importante son sus personajes y para eso hace un desfile de sus personalidades, sus pocas virtudes y mucha maldad. Dándole a cada uno su párrafo, líneas o páginas de gloria.
Son los personajes los que marcan el ritmo por mucho que el lector crea que se pueden hacer atajos para que la historia se acelere y venga lo que todo el mundo sabe que va a llegar.
Y hay unos cuantos protagonistas... Y todos tienen oportunidad para lucirse, hasta los más humildes secundarios.
Una novela sobre familias pudientes, influyentes, tanto en el ámbito de la justicia y la injusticia como en la riqueza y la pobreza. Un enfrentamiento entre el mal y el mal partiendo desde caminos diferentes.
Una novela, dicen que, a lo Dicken, ambientada en el Nueva York de finales del siglo XIX, pero en un ambiente más lúgubre, más siniestro, con poderosos de arriba y poderosos de abajo.
Y una novela también de familias, parece que a este hombre las sagas familiares le ponían y tanto sean mayores o pequeños, malos o menos malos, todos tienen su lugar en sus historias.
4,5/5
Novela escrita antes de "Los Elementales" con la que no guarda ningún parecido. Esto es otra cosa, y, pienso, superior a esa.
Desde el principio se masca la tragedia, se ve venir lo que va a ocurrir, pero para McDowell lo más importante son sus personajes y para eso hace un desfile de sus personalidades, sus pocas virtudes y mucha maldad. Dándole a cada uno su párrafo, líneas o páginas de gloria.
Son los personajes los que marcan el ritmo por mucho que el lector crea que se pueden hacer atajos para que la historia se acelere y venga lo que todo el mundo sabe que va a llegar.
Y hay unos cuantos protagonistas... Y todos tienen oportunidad para lucirse, hasta los más humildes secundarios.
Una novela sobre familias pudientes, influyentes, tanto en el ámbito de la justicia y la injusticia como en la riqueza y la pobreza. Un enfrentamiento entre el mal y el mal partiendo desde caminos diferentes.
Una novela, dicen que, a lo Dicken, ambientada en el Nueva York de finales del siglo XIX, pero en un ambiente más lúgubre, más siniestro, con poderosos de arriba y poderosos de abajo.
Y una novela también de familias, parece que a este hombre las sagas familiares le ponían y tanto sean mayores o pequeños, malos o menos malos, todos tienen su lugar en sus historias.
August 31, 2015
A dark historical thriller set in the infamous Black Triangle of 1880s New York, where crime is rampant, every vice is available for a price, and even the law can be bought.
When a "crusading" judge declares war on an all female criminal empire by sentencing three of its members to death, his entire family receives invitations to their own funerals in the opening salvo of a campaign of revenge and terror from the "queen" of the Black Triangle......Black Lena Shanks.
And Hell hath no fury....
McDowell captures the time period with historical precision. His descriptions of life in the Black Triangle.....the poverty, despair and horror of simply existing leave sooty fingerprints on your heart, and casts long shadows across your dreams, as he weaves his tale of purely human evil unleashed by a political publicity stunt gone horribly wrong.
An incredible work of dark historical fiction.
Highly recommended.
Kudos to Valancourt Books for bringing this, and many other, lost classics of dark fiction back into print.
When a "crusading" judge declares war on an all female criminal empire by sentencing three of its members to death, his entire family receives invitations to their own funerals in the opening salvo of a campaign of revenge and terror from the "queen" of the Black Triangle......Black Lena Shanks.
And Hell hath no fury....
McDowell captures the time period with historical precision. His descriptions of life in the Black Triangle.....the poverty, despair and horror of simply existing leave sooty fingerprints on your heart, and casts long shadows across your dreams, as he weaves his tale of purely human evil unleashed by a political publicity stunt gone horribly wrong.
An incredible work of dark historical fiction.
Highly recommended.
Kudos to Valancourt Books for bringing this, and many other, lost classics of dark fiction back into print.
September 9, 2017
“You are falling into inanity,” said Judge Stallworth coldly. “I have told you, the lower classes do not take revenge upon the upper."
My third McDowell and I think I am a little in love with his writing. How else did I just enjoy a work of horror fiction with a blood-curdling and violent revenge plot at the heart of its story?
In an earlier update I mentioned that I could see some similarities between Gilded Needles and The Godfather. I still believe this is true. Except that Black Lena Shanks and her daughters are far superior in every aspect to any of the Corleones:
1. They seek to grow their business interests openly.
2. They do not pick fights with rivalling families for reasons of business. When they escalate operations, it is for deeply personal reasons. And, yet, they limit extent of their wrath and try to shield the innocents bystanders.
3. They are not afraid to take on "the man" - or in this case, the police, a senior judge, the newspapers, and pretty much all of "polite society".
I loved the scene-setting that McDowell uses in the first chapters to give us that panoramic view of the Black Triangle (a district in the underbelly of New York) on New Year's Eve 1881: we get to be drawn right into the crowd and mingle with prostitutes, opium addicts, drunks, the sick, and all the other destitute characters that make up the society outcasts. All of whom are outside the law, because the law neglects them, and outside of society because they do not deemed to belong.
Here is another aspect where Gilded Needles compares with The Godfather: I was struck that the society described in The Godfather excluded and dismissed minorities (and women) as valueless disposables. In Gilded Needles, the society is based on an inclusion of minorities - and most of the main characters and acting agents of the plot are women. Granted, most of them were murderous, but still, if McDowell's aim was to create an alternative society that thrived on differences, this worked incredibly well.
Gilded Needles was published in 1980. When reading, I could not help thinking the McDowell was not only writing about 1882, but also about his observations about society at the time of writing. There are descriptions of political scheming that could have easily been set in any modern decade, as could the observation how the legal system may not in fact offer equal protection to all members of society, and let's not even go into the treatment of minorities by society.
Anyway, there was a lot more to this book than a crazed gang of villainous women going on a killing spree to satisfy their feelings of revenge. But of course, one could also enjoy the book just with that plot alone. If not, why do we find The Godfather so gripping?
As I don't generally like horror (readers of my posts may have noticed), I've been trying to figure out what it is about this book that drew me in so much. All I can come up with is that McDowell was an author who really understood the art of writing: His characters are spot on, his scenes are dripping with atmosphere, we get this narration that just shows us everything that is going on without telling us how to feel about it:
In the drugstore, which was neither larger nor brighter nor appreciably cleaner than Lena Shanks’s pawnshop, three fat, gaudy whores, whose vermilion lay half a dollar deep upon their cheeks, huddled at a small low table, on which stood three large glasses of absinthe. There was a short candle jammed in the mouth of a bottle and its guttering flame shining through the liquid in their glasses cast green shadows onto their pallid, pudgy hands.
Their gossip hushed when Maggie entered and they watched her closely and with evident mistrust. The shop was run by a young man whose hair had fallen out, whose skin was scarred with the smallpox, and whose eyes worked at cross purposes.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said slyly to Maggie, “what can I get for you?”
“Powdered opiate,” replied Maggie. “Three ounces.”
“Twelve dollars,” the druggist replied and, plucking out of a little wooden box his one- and two-ounce weights, dropped them onto one side of his scales. Then from a large jar filled with white powder he measured the opium, slipped it into a pink envelope, and slid it across the counter to Maggie.
“Can’t sleep?” he inquired in an oily voice. “Bad dreams? Pain in the tooth?” Mischievously he had listed the common lies of the addict.
My third McDowell and I think I am a little in love with his writing. How else did I just enjoy a work of horror fiction with a blood-curdling and violent revenge plot at the heart of its story?
In an earlier update I mentioned that I could see some similarities between Gilded Needles and The Godfather. I still believe this is true. Except that Black Lena Shanks and her daughters are far superior in every aspect to any of the Corleones:
1. They seek to grow their business interests openly.
2. They do not pick fights with rivalling families for reasons of business. When they escalate operations, it is for deeply personal reasons. And, yet, they limit extent of their wrath and try to shield the innocents bystanders.
3. They are not afraid to take on "the man" - or in this case, the police, a senior judge, the newspapers, and pretty much all of "polite society".
I loved the scene-setting that McDowell uses in the first chapters to give us that panoramic view of the Black Triangle (a district in the underbelly of New York) on New Year's Eve 1881: we get to be drawn right into the crowd and mingle with prostitutes, opium addicts, drunks, the sick, and all the other destitute characters that make up the society outcasts. All of whom are outside the law, because the law neglects them, and outside of society because they do not deemed to belong.
Here is another aspect where Gilded Needles compares with The Godfather: I was struck that the society described in The Godfather excluded and dismissed minorities (and women) as valueless disposables. In Gilded Needles, the society is based on an inclusion of minorities - and most of the main characters and acting agents of the plot are women. Granted, most of them were murderous, but still, if McDowell's aim was to create an alternative society that thrived on differences, this worked incredibly well.
Gilded Needles was published in 1980. When reading, I could not help thinking the McDowell was not only writing about 1882, but also about his observations about society at the time of writing. There are descriptions of political scheming that could have easily been set in any modern decade, as could the observation how the legal system may not in fact offer equal protection to all members of society, and let's not even go into the treatment of minorities by society.
Anyway, there was a lot more to this book than a crazed gang of villainous women going on a killing spree to satisfy their feelings of revenge. But of course, one could also enjoy the book just with that plot alone. If not, why do we find The Godfather so gripping?
As I don't generally like horror (readers of my posts may have noticed), I've been trying to figure out what it is about this book that drew me in so much. All I can come up with is that McDowell was an author who really understood the art of writing: His characters are spot on, his scenes are dripping with atmosphere, we get this narration that just shows us everything that is going on without telling us how to feel about it:
In the drugstore, which was neither larger nor brighter nor appreciably cleaner than Lena Shanks’s pawnshop, three fat, gaudy whores, whose vermilion lay half a dollar deep upon their cheeks, huddled at a small low table, on which stood three large glasses of absinthe. There was a short candle jammed in the mouth of a bottle and its guttering flame shining through the liquid in their glasses cast green shadows onto their pallid, pudgy hands.
Their gossip hushed when Maggie entered and they watched her closely and with evident mistrust. The shop was run by a young man whose hair had fallen out, whose skin was scarred with the smallpox, and whose eyes worked at cross purposes.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said slyly to Maggie, “what can I get for you?”
“Powdered opiate,” replied Maggie. “Three ounces.”
“Twelve dollars,” the druggist replied and, plucking out of a little wooden box his one- and two-ounce weights, dropped them onto one side of his scales. Then from a large jar filled with white powder he measured the opium, slipped it into a pink envelope, and slid it across the counter to Maggie.
“Can’t sleep?” he inquired in an oily voice. “Bad dreams? Pain in the tooth?” Mischievously he had listed the common lies of the addict.
January 1, 2022
Michael Mcdowell nunca decepciona. Que final más satisfactorio! Necesito que traduzcan más libros de este señor!
January 31, 2024
[3.5]
Prima parte un po' lentina, la seconda parte si riprende anche grazie a un'escalation di eventi.
Rispetto a Blackwater qui non c'è un aspetto fantastico con personaggi che sono mezzi mostri, almeno non fisicamente parlando.
Le atmosfere dark sono date sicuramente dall'ambientazione (siamo nella New York di fine '800, precisamente nel Triangolo Nero, una zona dove vivono ladri e assassini, gente particolarmente povera, bambini abbandonati a sé stessi, dove vengono praticati aborti clandestini...), ma anche da personaggi dalle tinte fosche, che incutono inquietudine e un po' di brividini.
Ancora una volta McDowell mette in contrapposizione due famiglie e ancora una volta i personaggi femminili sono quelli più importanti, le donne sono le vere protagoniste.
Diciamo che pensavo - e speravo - meglio. Mi è anche piaciuto, ma non mi sono sentita particolarmente intrattenuta. Sì, è stato piacevole, ma è come se restasse sempre sullo stesso livello, non ho provato picchi di tensione, stupore e angoscia come in Blackwater.
Prima parte un po' lentina, la seconda parte si riprende anche grazie a un'escalation di eventi.
Rispetto a Blackwater qui non c'è un aspetto fantastico con personaggi che sono mezzi mostri, almeno non fisicamente parlando.
Le atmosfere dark sono date sicuramente dall'ambientazione (siamo nella New York di fine '800, precisamente nel Triangolo Nero, una zona dove vivono ladri e assassini, gente particolarmente povera, bambini abbandonati a sé stessi, dove vengono praticati aborti clandestini...), ma anche da personaggi dalle tinte fosche, che incutono inquietudine e un po' di brividini.
Ancora una volta McDowell mette in contrapposizione due famiglie e ancora una volta i personaggi femminili sono quelli più importanti, le donne sono le vere protagoniste.
Diciamo che pensavo - e speravo - meglio. Mi è anche piaciuto, ma non mi sono sentita particolarmente intrattenuta. Sì, è stato piacevole, ma è come se restasse sempre sullo stesso livello, non ho provato picchi di tensione, stupore e angoscia come in Blackwater.
January 23, 2023
New York 1882, Lena Black y su familia dan la bienvenida a este nuevo año desde el Triángulo Negro, una zona de la ciudad donde se concentran los fumaderos de opio, la venta de joyas robadas, apuestas ilegales, prostitución, lucha libre de mujeres y rodeados de inmundicia, miseria, en un entorno decadente; donde el Clan de los Black da rienda suelta a su criminalidad.
Del otro lado los Stallworth rica familia adinerada viviendo en el elegante vecindario de Gramercy Park, donde todo es pulcritud y viven una vida inmaculada. ¿O no? 😏😏.
El juez Stallworth a la cabeza comenzará una cruzada para acabar con el imperio del clan de los Black, porque las prácticas ilícitas que éstos practican empañan la imagen de la ciudad y no son un ejemplo social. Su rectitud y sus juicios llevarán a su propia familia a una espiral vital muy oscura e inesperada.
¿Preparados, listos? Que comience esta lucha sin tregua entre ambos, porque la venganza es un plato que se sirve frío. Y qué venganza señores, Lena y su Clan no son precisamente las Hermanitas de la Caridad y darán rienda suelta a sus actos sin importarles ni un ápice la violencia que se emplee o las decisiones sin escrúpulos que tomen.
Lo que hace McDowell en esta novela es para quitarse el sombrero ¡chapó! 🎩 .
Desde los personajes a la ambientación son de 10. Ritmo pausado hasta la resolución, pero no por ello aburrido, a mi modo de ver necesario para situarte e impregnarte de ese sentimiento de VENGANZA.
Una historia oscurísima que te mantendrá pegado a sus páginas hasta su resolución final. No es una novela de terror como tal, es un novela negra, negrísima donde no se escatiman en detalles escabrosos y sangrientos 🩸, con una resolución para mí, perfecta. Todo encaja como un reloj.
Del otro lado los Stallworth rica familia adinerada viviendo en el elegante vecindario de Gramercy Park, donde todo es pulcritud y viven una vida inmaculada. ¿O no? 😏😏.
El juez Stallworth a la cabeza comenzará una cruzada para acabar con el imperio del clan de los Black, porque las prácticas ilícitas que éstos practican empañan la imagen de la ciudad y no son un ejemplo social. Su rectitud y sus juicios llevarán a su propia familia a una espiral vital muy oscura e inesperada.
¿Preparados, listos? Que comience esta lucha sin tregua entre ambos, porque la venganza es un plato que se sirve frío. Y qué venganza señores, Lena y su Clan no son precisamente las Hermanitas de la Caridad y darán rienda suelta a sus actos sin importarles ni un ápice la violencia que se emplee o las decisiones sin escrúpulos que tomen.
Lo que hace McDowell en esta novela es para quitarse el sombrero ¡chapó! 🎩 .
Desde los personajes a la ambientación son de 10. Ritmo pausado hasta la resolución, pero no por ello aburrido, a mi modo de ver necesario para situarte e impregnarte de ese sentimiento de VENGANZA.
Una historia oscurísima que te mantendrá pegado a sus páginas hasta su resolución final. No es una novela de terror como tal, es un novela negra, negrísima donde no se escatiman en detalles escabrosos y sangrientos 🩸, con una resolución para mí, perfecta. Todo encaja como un reloj.
November 16, 2021
4/4.5 stars. The ultimate story of revenge! McDowell could do no wrong.
August 12, 2022
Gilded Needles is just as fun and dark as I remember it. R.C. Bray does a great job of narrating.
December 3, 2024
My first experience with a Michael McDowell novel was recently, with 'Blackwater' - which I more or less devoured, all 800 pages. It could easily stand as the ultimate in Southern gothic horror. And it certainly whetted my appetite for more.
I soon turned to 'Gilded Needles' - which 'Blackwater' had not really prepared me for. Not so much that it's the polar opposite of 'Blackwater' but, rather, it quickly shows the author working with a completely different - in a way, more mature - palette. I had the passing thought that 'GN' was a subsequent work but, in fact, it precedes 'Blackwater' by three years (1980).
Provided the reader is already familiar with 'Blackwater', the first divergence - on page one - is the approach to the location. 'Blackwater' is set in a rarefied locale, set apart and closed-off from neighboring towns and cities. As a result, even though the narrative runs from the early 1900s through to the '70s, it doesn't feel the need to follow or adhere to cultural or linguistic norms of any decade.
But 'Gilded Needles' does. Its time and place - there again on page one - are specific; we're in New York in 1882 and there we'll stay... for a different kind of horror: a story of revenge.
As I read, transfixed, I had the sense of that Victorian staple, the penny dreadful. With one of the main characters (the main villain) being a judge, my mind also recalled that 'Sweeney Todd' had premiered on Broadway in 1979 - and thought that perhaps 'GN' had somehow been inspired by the Grand Guignol richness of the Sondheim musical (as McDowell presumably pored over history books for accuracy).
But 'GN' is very much its own thing - and the more one reads, the more apparent it becomes that it's very McDowell.
Simply put, it's a (very) detailed two-sectioned exercise in set-up and (quite literally) execution. It's a story of the haves pitted against the have-nots, both in terms of social standing. So, although the mood is somewhat Dickensian, it's less a matter of poverty than morality. Those who (though unsavory) don't traffic in the often-hypocritical ways of the blatantly privileged are preyed upon, used ruthlessly as political pawns. (It's quite interesting getting a glimpse of how the political parties differed then.)
The novel's visual mood - whether in light or dark - is luxurious. Settings aren't just described; they almost feel like one of the book's characters. The story has a lot of characters, deftly and intricately intertwined. And, as with 'Blackwater', the tale is a marvel of construction - even more so as it develops, with ingenious strokes.
As a plus, McDowell's mordant humor periodically rises:
I soon turned to 'Gilded Needles' - which 'Blackwater' had not really prepared me for. Not so much that it's the polar opposite of 'Blackwater' but, rather, it quickly shows the author working with a completely different - in a way, more mature - palette. I had the passing thought that 'GN' was a subsequent work but, in fact, it precedes 'Blackwater' by three years (1980).
Provided the reader is already familiar with 'Blackwater', the first divergence - on page one - is the approach to the location. 'Blackwater' is set in a rarefied locale, set apart and closed-off from neighboring towns and cities. As a result, even though the narrative runs from the early 1900s through to the '70s, it doesn't feel the need to follow or adhere to cultural or linguistic norms of any decade.
But 'Gilded Needles' does. Its time and place - there again on page one - are specific; we're in New York in 1882 and there we'll stay... for a different kind of horror: a story of revenge.
As I read, transfixed, I had the sense of that Victorian staple, the penny dreadful. With one of the main characters (the main villain) being a judge, my mind also recalled that 'Sweeney Todd' had premiered on Broadway in 1979 - and thought that perhaps 'GN' had somehow been inspired by the Grand Guignol richness of the Sondheim musical (as McDowell presumably pored over history books for accuracy).
But 'GN' is very much its own thing - and the more one reads, the more apparent it becomes that it's very McDowell.
Simply put, it's a (very) detailed two-sectioned exercise in set-up and (quite literally) execution. It's a story of the haves pitted against the have-nots, both in terms of social standing. So, although the mood is somewhat Dickensian, it's less a matter of poverty than morality. Those who (though unsavory) don't traffic in the often-hypocritical ways of the blatantly privileged are preyed upon, used ruthlessly as political pawns. (It's quite interesting getting a glimpse of how the political parties differed then.)
The novel's visual mood - whether in light or dark - is luxurious. Settings aren't just described; they almost feel like one of the book's characters. The story has a lot of characters, deftly and intricately intertwined. And, as with 'Blackwater', the tale is a marvel of construction - even more so as it develops, with ingenious strokes.
As a plus, McDowell's mordant humor periodically rises:
There was a short bar to the right, presided over by an enormously fat woman wearing a bright blue dress and quantities of gold jewelry. She wore an expression which said: "When I'm sent to Hell, the devil will contrive no greater punishment than to keep me behind such a bar in such a place as this..."In the latter section, vengeance operates on all cylinders, with some scenes standing out as particularly (and memorably) creepy. Still, McDowell also takes time to breathe by, for instance, painting a compassionate, peripheral portrait of lesbians (esp. one who makes a living as a pugilist).
August 9, 2022
McDowell is a brilliant writer. His detailed description of Gilded Age New York is incredible and he isn’t afraid to write some dark shit.
I notice he loves to write about awful rich people and it’s hard to sympathize with or care for any of his characters. They’re morally gray but they’re still not characters I love. He develops them into three dimensional characters but they’re still awful people or oddballs.
Very good book, stellar writing, but his characters aren’t my favorite.
I notice he loves to write about awful rich people and it’s hard to sympathize with or care for any of his characters. They’re morally gray but they’re still not characters I love. He develops them into three dimensional characters but they’re still awful people or oddballs.
Very good book, stellar writing, but his characters aren’t my favorite.
March 22, 2024
J'ai vraiment beaucoup aimé ce roman. Imaginez Dickens (avec un peu moins d'humour quand même), mais à New York, fin du 19e, alors qu'un juge condescendant et avide de pouvoir, décide de "nettoyer" un quartier où habitent pauvres et criminels de bas étage. De tous les étages, en fait!
Après un petit moment de mise en place, on embarque totalement dans cette histoire, on déteste la respectable famille Stallworth et on se surprend à espérer que les criminels s'en sortent "with a vengeance". Et ce ne sont pas que des "gentils" criminels, là! Plein de rebondissements, une amosphère hyper réussie... beaucoup aimé!
Après un petit moment de mise en place, on embarque totalement dans cette histoire, on déteste la respectable famille Stallworth et on se surprend à espérer que les criminels s'en sortent "with a vengeance". Et ce ne sont pas que des "gentils" criminels, là! Plein de rebondissements, une amosphère hyper réussie... beaucoup aimé!
April 7, 2018
It may seem counterintuitive but some of the best horror I’ve read has no supernatural elements in it at all. Michael McDowell’s Gilded Needles is just such a book. The Alabama native applied his mastery of the Southern Gothic genre with all of its genteel depravity, racism political machination and wretched poverty, and applied it to the most unlikely setting, Manhattan.
Set in the New York City in 1882, it is an eminently believable story of hatred and revenge pitting two families, the staid and respectable Stallworths of Grammercy Park and the Shankses, a matriarchal clan living in Dickensian squalor in the tenements of the notorious Black Triangle district. In setting out to cleanse the city of corruption, Judge James Stallworth sets his sights on what he sees as a family of criminal masterminds, unwittingly setting off a chilling campaign of revenge that threatens to destroy all that he has worked so hard to create. The result is a fascinating and ultimately horrifying tale made all the more frightening for its lack of imaginary monsters.
Horror is a difficult genre to write. The author must have an instinct for just what it is that makes the hair stand up on the back of the neck. He also needs to know how to pace the plot in order to maintain the highest possible level of tension all the way through to the end. Nothing can kill a reader’s buzz faster than a horror novel with an intriguing premise that falls flat at the finish. This is the third McDowell book that I have read and he hasn’t let me down yet.
I first read The Elementals a couple years back and was totally enthralled and shortly after led a group reading of Cold Moon Over Babylon. It wasn't until recently that I learned that his was the pen behind such classic movies as Beetlejuice and Nightmare Before Christmas. He also wrote episodes for many anthology series such as Tales from the Darkside, Amazing Stories, Tales from the Crypt, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. In short, McDowell played a significant role in shaping my love of dark fiction. In the golden age of horror, few authors could tap into that glorious creepiness that is Southern Gothic as well as McDowell. His passing at age 49 was a severe blow to the genre.
I would like to thank R.C. Bray for his excellent narration of this wonderful book and the fine folks at Valancourt Books who gave me the opportunity to read and review this book. If they ever need another book reviewed, they need only ask.
*The review was based on an Audible audiorecording obtained at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. While this does take any ‘not worth what I paid for it’ statements out of my review, it otherwise has no impact on the content of my review.
FYI: On a 5-point scale I assign stars based on my assessment of what the book needs in the way of improvements:
*5 Stars – Nothing at all. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
*4 Stars – It could stand for a few tweaks here and there but it’s pretty good as it is.
*3 Stars – A solid C grade. Some serious rewriting would be needed in order for this book to be considered great or memorable.
*2 Stars – This book needs a lot of work. A good start would be to change the plot, the character development, the writing style and the ending.
*1 Star – The only thing that would improve this book is a good bonfire.
Set in the New York City in 1882, it is an eminently believable story of hatred and revenge pitting two families, the staid and respectable Stallworths of Grammercy Park and the Shankses, a matriarchal clan living in Dickensian squalor in the tenements of the notorious Black Triangle district. In setting out to cleanse the city of corruption, Judge James Stallworth sets his sights on what he sees as a family of criminal masterminds, unwittingly setting off a chilling campaign of revenge that threatens to destroy all that he has worked so hard to create. The result is a fascinating and ultimately horrifying tale made all the more frightening for its lack of imaginary monsters.
Horror is a difficult genre to write. The author must have an instinct for just what it is that makes the hair stand up on the back of the neck. He also needs to know how to pace the plot in order to maintain the highest possible level of tension all the way through to the end. Nothing can kill a reader’s buzz faster than a horror novel with an intriguing premise that falls flat at the finish. This is the third McDowell book that I have read and he hasn’t let me down yet.
I first read The Elementals a couple years back and was totally enthralled and shortly after led a group reading of Cold Moon Over Babylon. It wasn't until recently that I learned that his was the pen behind such classic movies as Beetlejuice and Nightmare Before Christmas. He also wrote episodes for many anthology series such as Tales from the Darkside, Amazing Stories, Tales from the Crypt, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. In short, McDowell played a significant role in shaping my love of dark fiction. In the golden age of horror, few authors could tap into that glorious creepiness that is Southern Gothic as well as McDowell. His passing at age 49 was a severe blow to the genre.
I would like to thank R.C. Bray for his excellent narration of this wonderful book and the fine folks at Valancourt Books who gave me the opportunity to read and review this book. If they ever need another book reviewed, they need only ask.
*The review was based on an Audible audiorecording obtained at no cost from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. While this does take any ‘not worth what I paid for it’ statements out of my review, it otherwise has no impact on the content of my review.
FYI: On a 5-point scale I assign stars based on my assessment of what the book needs in the way of improvements:
*5 Stars – Nothing at all. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
*4 Stars – It could stand for a few tweaks here and there but it’s pretty good as it is.
*3 Stars – A solid C grade. Some serious rewriting would be needed in order for this book to be considered great or memorable.
*2 Stars – This book needs a lot of work. A good start would be to change the plot, the character development, the writing style and the ending.
*1 Star – The only thing that would improve this book is a good bonfire.
February 9, 2024
È scattato il momento del “come ti frego il lettore”! Dopo la meravigliosa saga di Blackwater (anno di pubblicazione 1983), Neri Pozza pubblica uno degli altri 4 romanzi di Michael McDowell di cui ha acquistato i diritti.
E di che anno è “Gli aghi d’oro”? 1980. Et voilà! Prima ti faccio innamorare di McDowell e poi ti rifilo il romanzo brutto, forte del fatto che tu correrai a comprarlo per riprovare le emozioni suscitate da Elinor!
Grazie, eh! Arriverà il giorno in cui il karma vi colpirà in piena fronte!
E niente, lettori cari, “Gli aghi d’oro” è lento, prolisso, noioso, soporifero: 553 pagine che si sarebbero potute ridurre a 200 o poco più!
📙Te lo consiglio se:
- Soffri d’insonnia: erano mesi che non pisolavo così tanto tra le pagine di un libro
- Non ti piacciono le copie intonse: questo si sfalda tra le mani come i sacchetti del supermercato!
- Hai letto troppi libri belli e hai bisogno di bilanciare le recensioni
#lamiafascetta Più efficace della melatonina
La recensione completa nel blog
E di che anno è “Gli aghi d’oro”? 1980. Et voilà! Prima ti faccio innamorare di McDowell e poi ti rifilo il romanzo brutto, forte del fatto che tu correrai a comprarlo per riprovare le emozioni suscitate da Elinor!
Grazie, eh! Arriverà il giorno in cui il karma vi colpirà in piena fronte!
E niente, lettori cari, “Gli aghi d’oro” è lento, prolisso, noioso, soporifero: 553 pagine che si sarebbero potute ridurre a 200 o poco più!
📙Te lo consiglio se:
- Soffri d’insonnia: erano mesi che non pisolavo così tanto tra le pagine di un libro
- Non ti piacciono le copie intonse: questo si sfalda tra le mani come i sacchetti del supermercato!
- Hai letto troppi libri belli e hai bisogno di bilanciare le recensioni
#lamiafascetta Più efficace della melatonina
La recensione completa nel blog
June 21, 2019
This book didn’t grab me at first. But after continuing through, I did end up enjoying it. I’ve been a fan of some of McDowell’s other books, and I’d rate this one just like those - very well written, especially effective settings and a good story. I wouldn’t classify this as a horror, more of a thriller, I guess. Worth the read!
January 26, 2024
Year of Grace 1882, New York unfolds as a city of contrasts, with the elegance of Gramercy Park on one side and the stark poverty of the nearby Black Triangle, permeated by crime, prostitution, and misery. A clash looms between the Stallworth families, tied to the Republicans and composed of draconian judges, lawyers, pastors, and benefactors, and the Shanks, a group of receivers, forgers, and abortionists led by the mammoth Black Lena. Social and political ambitions drive the Stallworths on a crusade against the decadent neighborhood, but the Shanks are ready to defend themselves.
Beyond the plot involving the Stallworth and Shanks families, the detailed settings emerge as a strong point. The social rituals of Gramercy Park and the squalid dwellings of Mulberry Street are vividly described, engaging the reader's all five senses. The scent of opium and the stench of vomit are perceptible, the refined punch is tastable, and the roughness of children's clothing is palpable. This complete sensory experience conveys a sense of danger, immersing the reader in the dark staircases and treacherous alleys of the Black Triangle.
"Gilded Needles" is a novel that is eagerly devoured, impossible to abandon once started.
Beyond the plot involving the Stallworth and Shanks families, the detailed settings emerge as a strong point. The social rituals of Gramercy Park and the squalid dwellings of Mulberry Street are vividly described, engaging the reader's all five senses. The scent of opium and the stench of vomit are perceptible, the refined punch is tastable, and the roughness of children's clothing is palpable. This complete sensory experience conveys a sense of danger, immersing the reader in the dark staircases and treacherous alleys of the Black Triangle.
"Gilded Needles" is a novel that is eagerly devoured, impossible to abandon once started.
October 27, 2024
Una storia di vendetta, dark al punto giusto, in grado di far venire i brividi.
Il romanzo si apre a New York, nel Capodanno del 1882. All'interno della città è presente una zona di corruzione, dove i criminali e i poveri si radunano: il Triangolo Nero. In questa piccola zona, si recano anche i ricchi e rispettabili, per soddisfare i loro piaceri.
Due famiglie sono protagoniste in questo dramma: gli Shanks e gli Stallworth. Lena Shanks e la sua famiglia, appartenenti al Triangolo Nero, compiono in questa piccola porzione di città tutti i generi di azioni criminali che possono venire in mente, ad esempio l'aborto illegale, la vendita di cadaveri, ecc. La famiglia Stallworth è guidata dal giudice Edward, che vorrebbe denunciare le attività illegali compiute nel Triangolo Nero, per depurare l'intera città. A un certo punto, una condanna ingiusta intreccerà le vite di queste due famiglie, in modo imprevedibile e distruttivo.
Lo stile di McDowell è sempre asciutto e spinge ad andare avanti. In alcuni passi mi ha ricordato moltissimo le storie di Dickens, ma con l'astuzia di ribaltare i destini dei protagonisti, mostrando il marcio dell'umanità, soprattutto di quella parte dell'umanità appartenente alle classi sociali più abbienti, definite moralmente superiori alle altre. Non è un libro horror nel vero senso del termine, ma è molto dark e contiene scene decisamente sanguinose, quindi tenetelo a mente prima di provare a leggerlo.
Consigliato a tutti i fan delle novelle dark e delle ambientazioni storiche, nonché ai fan dell'autore, che ritroveranno le stesse atmosfere inquietanti presenti nella saga di Blackwater.
Il romanzo si apre a New York, nel Capodanno del 1882. All'interno della città è presente una zona di corruzione, dove i criminali e i poveri si radunano: il Triangolo Nero. In questa piccola zona, si recano anche i ricchi e rispettabili, per soddisfare i loro piaceri.
Due famiglie sono protagoniste in questo dramma: gli Shanks e gli Stallworth. Lena Shanks e la sua famiglia, appartenenti al Triangolo Nero, compiono in questa piccola porzione di città tutti i generi di azioni criminali che possono venire in mente, ad esempio l'aborto illegale, la vendita di cadaveri, ecc. La famiglia Stallworth è guidata dal giudice Edward, che vorrebbe denunciare le attività illegali compiute nel Triangolo Nero, per depurare l'intera città. A un certo punto, una condanna ingiusta intreccerà le vite di queste due famiglie, in modo imprevedibile e distruttivo.
Lo stile di McDowell è sempre asciutto e spinge ad andare avanti. In alcuni passi mi ha ricordato moltissimo le storie di Dickens, ma con l'astuzia di ribaltare i destini dei protagonisti, mostrando il marcio dell'umanità, soprattutto di quella parte dell'umanità appartenente alle classi sociali più abbienti, definite moralmente superiori alle altre. Non è un libro horror nel vero senso del termine, ma è molto dark e contiene scene decisamente sanguinose, quindi tenetelo a mente prima di provare a leggerlo.
Consigliato a tutti i fan delle novelle dark e delle ambientazioni storiche, nonché ai fan dell'autore, che ritroveranno le stesse atmosfere inquietanti presenti nella saga di Blackwater.
January 9, 2023
Michael McDowell writes revenge so deliciously that I ate it all up.
March 25, 2024
Riuscire a giudicare “Gli aghi d’oro” è qualcosa di davvero difficile.
Sebbene la seconda parte sia molto coinvolgente, tanto da arrivare alla fine senza praticamente accorgersene, le prime trecento pagine sono eccessivamente lente e prolisse, tanto da far pensare al lettore di arrendersi ben prima che qualcosa succeda.
Non posso quindi giudicare la seconda parte in modo positivo senza ricordarmi di quanta fatica io abbia fatto nella prima.
Andiamo con ordine: la storia è molto semplice e inizia il primo giorno dell’anno 1882.
Siamo a New York e un’agiata famiglia con a capo un irreprensibile giudice repubblicano decide di rilanciare il nome della famiglia acquisendo potere portando alla luce il degrado e la perversione del quartiere noto come “Triangolo nero”
Proprio nel Triangolo Nero vive, in condizioni borderline di lecito e illegale la famiglia Shanks, con a capo Lena, regina e matrona di un impero criminale a cui proprio il giudice Stallworth ha tolto il marito condannandolo a morte.
A seguito di varie eventi tragici alla cui origine c’è la volontà del giudice di ripulire il “Triangolo” Lena darà avvio a una spietata vendetta che si esaurirà con il finire dell’anno di grazia 1882.
Potremmo dividere in tre parti distinte il giudizio su questo romanzo:
1. Bellissima ambientazione, personaggi colorati, strutturati perfettamente: sembra di sentire l’odore stantio, vedere la miseria e percepire il dolore. Caratterizzazioni spettacolari.
2. Inizio troppo lento e monotono, si fa fatica ad arrivare a pagina trecento tra desiderio di abbandonare e voglia di comprendere come evolverà la storia. A mio avviso però non basta creare un bel finale al cardiopalma per dimenticare trecento pagine soporifere.
3. Il finale è iper coinvolgente, si macinano pagine alla velocità della luce; all’inizio l’idea della vendetta diverte e elettrizza ma, per il mio gusto personale, quando poi tutto avviene, si perde in sole parentesi di cattiveria per le quali non ho nutrito nessun tipo di piacere, né nel leggerle, né tantomeno nel vederle come evoluzione finale di questa storia. Poteva essere fatto tutto con maggior stile e in modo più articolato e meno scontato.
Quindi, in conclusione, sebbene la prima parte sia davvero molto, troppo lenta, la seconda si riprende accelerando il ritmo dell’intera vicenda anche se, la fase vendicativa, poteva essere più di stile e meno raffazzonata a metà tra faida omicida e cattiveria pura. Si poteva fare meglio, in modo cattivo ma raffinato.
Infine, lo stile di Michael McDowell è riconoscibile e si ritrova la scrittura di un autore che abbiamo conosciuto grazie alla serie di BlackWater ma, come storia in sé, non bisogna fare paragoni perché “Gli aghi d’oro” è decisamente diversa e totalmente di altro stampo.
Sebbene la seconda parte sia molto coinvolgente, tanto da arrivare alla fine senza praticamente accorgersene, le prime trecento pagine sono eccessivamente lente e prolisse, tanto da far pensare al lettore di arrendersi ben prima che qualcosa succeda.
Non posso quindi giudicare la seconda parte in modo positivo senza ricordarmi di quanta fatica io abbia fatto nella prima.
Andiamo con ordine: la storia è molto semplice e inizia il primo giorno dell’anno 1882.
Siamo a New York e un’agiata famiglia con a capo un irreprensibile giudice repubblicano decide di rilanciare il nome della famiglia acquisendo potere portando alla luce il degrado e la perversione del quartiere noto come “Triangolo nero”
Proprio nel Triangolo Nero vive, in condizioni borderline di lecito e illegale la famiglia Shanks, con a capo Lena, regina e matrona di un impero criminale a cui proprio il giudice Stallworth ha tolto il marito condannandolo a morte.
A seguito di varie eventi tragici alla cui origine c’è la volontà del giudice di ripulire il “Triangolo” Lena darà avvio a una spietata vendetta che si esaurirà con il finire dell’anno di grazia 1882.
Potremmo dividere in tre parti distinte il giudizio su questo romanzo:
1. Bellissima ambientazione, personaggi colorati, strutturati perfettamente: sembra di sentire l’odore stantio, vedere la miseria e percepire il dolore. Caratterizzazioni spettacolari.
2. Inizio troppo lento e monotono, si fa fatica ad arrivare a pagina trecento tra desiderio di abbandonare e voglia di comprendere come evolverà la storia. A mio avviso però non basta creare un bel finale al cardiopalma per dimenticare trecento pagine soporifere.
3. Il finale è iper coinvolgente, si macinano pagine alla velocità della luce; all’inizio l’idea della vendetta diverte e elettrizza ma, per il mio gusto personale, quando poi tutto avviene, si perde in sole parentesi di cattiveria per le quali non ho nutrito nessun tipo di piacere, né nel leggerle, né tantomeno nel vederle come evoluzione finale di questa storia. Poteva essere fatto tutto con maggior stile e in modo più articolato e meno scontato.
Quindi, in conclusione, sebbene la prima parte sia davvero molto, troppo lenta, la seconda si riprende accelerando il ritmo dell’intera vicenda anche se, la fase vendicativa, poteva essere più di stile e meno raffazzonata a metà tra faida omicida e cattiveria pura. Si poteva fare meglio, in modo cattivo ma raffinato.
Infine, lo stile di Michael McDowell è riconoscibile e si ritrova la scrittura di un autore che abbiamo conosciuto grazie alla serie di BlackWater ma, come storia in sé, non bisogna fare paragoni perché “Gli aghi d’oro” è decisamente diversa e totalmente di altro stampo.
October 7, 2016
The upper class Stallworths, looking to gain political favour, decide to wage war on the sqalid NY district called The Black Triangle. The Shanks family, known for all manner of criminal activity, get caught in the crosshairs of the family's investigations in the area. When matters turn deadly, Black Lena decides to seek vengeance for the loss of her kin.
Set in the late 1800s, this book is rich in historical detail and you get a complete sense of the era. The authors descriptions of life in the triangle are horrific, the poverty and depravity are all too real and whilst some of the activity there is abhorrent, you can't help but feel empathy for those who have little control over their circumstances.
The characters, whilst well enough drawn for the story, remain somewhat of a mystery overall. The Stallworths are superficial people, except for the charitable Helen, they only care about gaining power to move up in society. Their crusade is nothing to do with improving the area or the lives of those who live there, but showing up the Democrats as being ineffective in government and paving the way for a republican.
The Shanks are even more mysterious and I never felt I got to know this family very well. There was just enough detail there to connect me to the read but character development didn't really happen and in a strange way wasn't really needed for this tale of revenge.
The pacing isn't fast but there's so much detail around the areas and era that it completely hooks you from the first chapter. The first half of the book perfectly sets up the 'revenge' part as you get pulled into the lives of both families. Whilst I love revenge stories and thought the Stallworths had it coming, even I felt sorry for them as their comeuppance was vicious, shocking and total.
Highly recommended.
Set in the late 1800s, this book is rich in historical detail and you get a complete sense of the era. The authors descriptions of life in the triangle are horrific, the poverty and depravity are all too real and whilst some of the activity there is abhorrent, you can't help but feel empathy for those who have little control over their circumstances.
The characters, whilst well enough drawn for the story, remain somewhat of a mystery overall. The Stallworths are superficial people, except for the charitable Helen, they only care about gaining power to move up in society. Their crusade is nothing to do with improving the area or the lives of those who live there, but showing up the Democrats as being ineffective in government and paving the way for a republican.
The Shanks are even more mysterious and I never felt I got to know this family very well. There was just enough detail there to connect me to the read but character development didn't really happen and in a strange way wasn't really needed for this tale of revenge.
The pacing isn't fast but there's so much detail around the areas and era that it completely hooks you from the first chapter. The first half of the book perfectly sets up the 'revenge' part as you get pulled into the lives of both families. Whilst I love revenge stories and thought the Stallworths had it coming, even I felt sorry for them as their comeuppance was vicious, shocking and total.
Highly recommended.
March 4, 2017
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned...
"Gilded Needles" is the tale of an all-female crime circuit and the lengths they go to exact revenge on a judge who prosecuted one of their family...and it's terrific!
I REALLY enjoyed this. I was expecting more of a horror theme based upon the author's previous work but in truth it's more of a crime drama that happens to have some murders thrown in. I thought the author did a great job setting up not only the seedy setting, but the characters (and there's quite a few of them) are all well rounded and believable. The matriarch of the crime family manages to come off as menacing despite being an old lady, and overall it's just a fun and enjoyably seedy tale.
Excited to pick up some more of Mcdowell's books soon!
4 stars ****
"Gilded Needles" is the tale of an all-female crime circuit and the lengths they go to exact revenge on a judge who prosecuted one of their family...and it's terrific!
I REALLY enjoyed this. I was expecting more of a horror theme based upon the author's previous work but in truth it's more of a crime drama that happens to have some murders thrown in. I thought the author did a great job setting up not only the seedy setting, but the characters (and there's quite a few of them) are all well rounded and believable. The matriarch of the crime family manages to come off as menacing despite being an old lady, and overall it's just a fun and enjoyably seedy tale.
Excited to pick up some more of Mcdowell's books soon!
4 stars ****
July 27, 2024
McDowell really knows how to write a vengeance without wimping out over pesky things like moral compunctions.
The way he writes about abject poverty and supercilious charity is so excellent, infuriating and insightful. Same with the politics of "social improvement" the media milking manufactured outrage, court systems.
But what I love THE MOST about him are his superlative characters. Specially his matriarchs. This dude gets it.
The way he writes about abject poverty and supercilious charity is so excellent, infuriating and insightful. Same with the politics of "social improvement" the media milking manufactured outrage, court systems.
But what I love THE MOST about him are his superlative characters. Specially his matriarchs. This dude gets it.
January 10, 2025
Avendo amato con tutto il cuore la saga di Blackwater, ho letto avidamente "Gli aghi d'oro", romanzo che cronologicamente - in realtà - si colloca prima della famigerata saga southern gothic. Infatti "Gli aghi d'oro" è stato pubblicato nel 1980 e Blackwater nel 1983, e tale aspetto a parer mio è da subito evidente.
Con "Gli aghi d'oro", McDowell stava preparando il terreno per Blackwater: vendetta, storie famigliari che si intrecciano, personaggi femminili centrali, ben scritti e sempre indimenticabili. Questi sono solo alcuni elementi in comune fra i due romanzi, poiché comunque "Gli aghi d'oro" è ambientato in un periodo storico diverso rispetto a Blackwater, ed è forte l'impronta del genere poliziesco.
Ma anche stavolta McDowell si contraddistingue per la sua sorprendente capacità di saper raccontare l'animo umano, di come questo cede facilmente alla corruzione e all'ipocrisia, mostrando così quanto sia labile la linea fra bene e male, una linea che troppo spesso - invece - consideriamo netta e marcata.
Cinque stelle. Non potrei mai darti un voto inferiore, Michael ❤️
Con "Gli aghi d'oro", McDowell stava preparando il terreno per Blackwater: vendetta, storie famigliari che si intrecciano, personaggi femminili centrali, ben scritti e sempre indimenticabili. Questi sono solo alcuni elementi in comune fra i due romanzi, poiché comunque "Gli aghi d'oro" è ambientato in un periodo storico diverso rispetto a Blackwater, ed è forte l'impronta del genere poliziesco.
Ma anche stavolta McDowell si contraddistingue per la sua sorprendente capacità di saper raccontare l'animo umano, di come questo cede facilmente alla corruzione e all'ipocrisia, mostrando così quanto sia labile la linea fra bene e male, una linea che troppo spesso - invece - consideriamo netta e marcata.
Cinque stelle. Non potrei mai darti un voto inferiore, Michael ❤️
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