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Blackbird
"Dr. Deborah Serach Gold died on the cross sometime during a night of freezing rain in late October of my last year at Three. It probably wasn't the worst thing that happened to her that day, but it had been over two decades in the making . . ."
The day after a terrible storm, electricity still crackling in the air, a woman is found dead on the outskirts of a Texan town. She has been brutally attacked and nailed to a cross.
The victim is Dr Deborah Gold, a psychologist who has taken a lot of people's secrets to her grave.
Which means a lot of suspects for Detective Jim Beaudry Bonham to investigate. And lately he could use some psychological help himself . .
The day after a terrible storm, electricity still crackling in the air, a woman is found dead on the outskirts of a Texan town. She has been brutally attacked and nailed to a cross.
The victim is Dr Deborah Gold, a psychologist who has taken a lot of people's secrets to her grave.
Which means a lot of suspects for Detective Jim Beaudry Bonham to investigate. And lately he could use some psychological help himself . .
353 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2014
24 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Tom Wright
5 books37 followersTom Wright is a practicing psychologist and received his doctorate from Texas A&M University. What Dies in Summer is his first book. He lives in Texarkana, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 18, 2015
Read the full review at: Polkadot's Book Blog
I won this copy though Goodreads First Reads
I was lucky enough to win this book through Goodreads First Reads. The first sentence of this book immediately captures your attention! So it's fair to say that I was gripped for the first sentence of Blackbird. I mean, this book is scary good! I believe the book is the second in the John Bonham series but can be read as a standalone.The book itself is a Mystery Thriller that revolves around the murder case of Dr Deborah Gold. Along with the twists and turns that come with it and some slight hints of supernatural aspects with the main character having clairvoyant tendencies and feelings.
There were times when I got a little lost in the book due to the very descriptive writing style, not to mention some of the dialogue with from the character Mouncey, but it is very easy to pick back up and start again. Plus it gave an insight and realness to where the book was set due to her accent being very texan. The writing style, whilst very descriptive, draws you in and encourages you to keep on reading due to the feeling that you are actually inside the book and witnessing these events first hand.
Overall, I can't tell you how much I just love this book. It's a dark book that explores really dark themes. But it lightens with characters and their wholesome personalities. They're not perfect but they don't try to be. The relationships between Jim Bonham, LA and his collegues are so strong and loyal that the book doesn't feel so depressing and scary with them in it. I love how Tom Wright ended the book by tying everything, that needed to be explained, up in the last couple of chapters. It felt right as a reader to know that nothing was left unexplained and the characters can move on from it. I for one am amazed and gobsmacked by Wright's writing and I am definitely going to get my hands on more of his books. Because, seriously, his writing is beautiful.
I won this copy though Goodreads First Reads
I was lucky enough to win this book through Goodreads First Reads. The first sentence of this book immediately captures your attention! So it's fair to say that I was gripped for the first sentence of Blackbird. I mean, this book is scary good! I believe the book is the second in the John Bonham series but can be read as a standalone.The book itself is a Mystery Thriller that revolves around the murder case of Dr Deborah Gold. Along with the twists and turns that come with it and some slight hints of supernatural aspects with the main character having clairvoyant tendencies and feelings.
There were times when I got a little lost in the book due to the very descriptive writing style, not to mention some of the dialogue with from the character Mouncey, but it is very easy to pick back up and start again. Plus it gave an insight and realness to where the book was set due to her accent being very texan. The writing style, whilst very descriptive, draws you in and encourages you to keep on reading due to the feeling that you are actually inside the book and witnessing these events first hand.
Overall, I can't tell you how much I just love this book. It's a dark book that explores really dark themes. But it lightens with characters and their wholesome personalities. They're not perfect but they don't try to be. The relationships between Jim Bonham, LA and his collegues are so strong and loyal that the book doesn't feel so depressing and scary with them in it. I love how Tom Wright ended the book by tying everything, that needed to be explained, up in the last couple of chapters. It felt right as a reader to know that nothing was left unexplained and the characters can move on from it. I for one am amazed and gobsmacked by Wright's writing and I am definitely going to get my hands on more of his books. Because, seriously, his writing is beautiful.
November 25, 2015
I could not finish this. I could not get into this at all. I was confused and I didn't like what I was reading which I think put me off from reading anymore so I didn't get very far and that still took me forever to read the 1/4 I did read. I don't recommend this book at all purely because I just didn't like it. I understood the plot, I know what the book is about, I just didn't get on with it.
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September 7, 2018So much rambling.....
June 30, 2014
I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this book for review through Goodreads First Reads.
An unpopular psychologist is found crucified on a tree in modern-day Texas - I'm not sure I've ever come across a murder mystery involving crucifixion before. Still, the thrills of the struggling police investigation are pretty damn enticing and although the plot seems to slow a little after the initial excitement of the discovery of the body, it quickly picks up the pace and the final third or so is almost unputdownable. The author's background as a psychologist shines through loud and clear but it only serves to add to the plot. 4 stars out of five - a great book.
An unpopular psychologist is found crucified on a tree in modern-day Texas - I'm not sure I've ever come across a murder mystery involving crucifixion before. Still, the thrills of the struggling police investigation are pretty damn enticing and although the plot seems to slow a little after the initial excitement of the discovery of the body, it quickly picks up the pace and the final third or so is almost unputdownable. The author's background as a psychologist shines through loud and clear but it only serves to add to the plot. 4 stars out of five - a great book.
August 19, 2015
Wright is an excellent author, his plot construction,discription and depth of vocabulary is incredible. He had me in the first five pages, not because of the events. but rather because of the verbage, If you can tolerate the brutality of the opening scene, the author guides you through the mysteries and whispers of a small town and the evil that lies within it. If you have interest in murder mysteries at the level of Coben this book is a excellent choice.
August 25, 2015
The premise of the book is intriguing and if the author would have stayed with it, it would have been a great read. Alas, he rambles on with all of these characters that you don't care about. The conversations are confusing and I couldn't go on after 67 pages. I came onto goodreads to read other people's reviews in case I was missing something but I obviously wasn't as others hated it also.
February 22, 2018
DNF- it seems like such a small thing, but the British spellings in a book set in Texas was distracting. I got too annoyed to finish the book!
February 10, 2023
This is a bleak, modern noir thriller, a bit gory in parts. It felt a bit more intellectual than some other thrillers I've read. As is often the case, a lot of action amps up in the last 30 or 40 pages (condensing too much of the "solving" into the final few pages). Overall, I liked it. Probably 3.5 stars.
July 22, 2024
Blackbird was one of those books where you don’t get fully immersed in the story, but you also can’t just stop reading it; you still want to know what happens! I would say at first, I thought it had a whole bunch of unnecessary details that made me want to skip over some pages; however, as you continue to read, you realize that those details are what tie the story together. It does have an unexpected twist- staying true to the typical crime novel- but you definitely don’t see it coming. It’s a slow yet entertaining read.
November 24, 2023
Excellent!! I’m saddened that he hasn’t written anything since!!
July 9, 2014
So its going to be quite a mixed review this as this novel has an equal mix of good points and bad points, which makes it, overall, a fairly decent read.
'Blackbird' follows Jim 'Biscuit' Bonham as he investigates a very sinister and gruesome murder. The victim is a well known psychologist with many secrets and as many enemies making the list of suspects rather long. And at a time where Bonham is visiting his own psychologist and battling his own demons, this case will really test him mentally as he uses all his skills and instinct to solve this truly intriguing case.
I don't think its really a spoiler to say that this is one of the most gruesome murders I have ever read in a crime novel and it was really good and well thought out. Wright had obviously done his research into crucifixion, what this means with regards cause of death and the effect that this would have on the body. The other details surrounding the death were also pretty harrowing and really added a lot to what the reader knows about the victims character without really knowing much about her. This complex death is the start of what is a very complex plot with many twists and turns as with any crime novel. Some of these really worked, but some were just too much. In the first half of the novel, this complex plot introduces so many characters that I really struggled to keep track of who was who. We don't really learn enough about any of them to make them memorable and so I did find myself confused at many stages as the plot went on. I think part of this is that the majority of the characters are males of a very similar background and all with successful professions and this made it hard to distinguish between them when they are mentioned later in the novel. The novel jumps between past and present quite a lot, and this does add a lot to Bonham's character, but in terms of the overall plot, there are some events that don't really add anything and just confuse things further. I think for this novel to be amazing, which it could be, it just needs one or two fewer plot threads.
As I've said above, there are lots of characters in this novel, all of whom are introduced at around the same time within the same context and with similar characteristics. This results in none being given enough attention to make them really clear in the readers mind. So much so, that when the crime was solved at the end of the novel, I had to flick back through to see if I had met the character involved before and where they fitted into the plot which ruined the ending for me a little. However there are some really good characters in the novel. The murder victim, Deborah Gold, although not introduced personally, is really well established through the investigation that Bonham conducts and that was a really clever explanation and a really interesting and complex personality. LA, Bonham's sister, is also a good character and also a psychologist she acted as a great contrast to Gold and someone who added lots of order to the novel and those with whom she interacts.
The highlight of the novel was Bonham himself. The novel is written from his view point and so we get great insight into him and the world around him. Wright has created a very complex character in him - one with a troubled past, continued demons and new problems to really cause conflict in his current life. But we also see a very clever and logical mind which creates a really great detective and Wright explores Bonham's deduction of the case really well to make the whole investigation really interesting and gripping. Its also a very clear ending when you get there because you have been guided through the thought process the whole way through and I really liked this.
So overall its a mixed bag. In the main its a really good read and I did go through spells where I couldn't put it down, particularly in the second half, but early on there was a few too many plot lines and a few to many vague introductions to characters that it became a little confusing and also ruined the ending slightly. But I would still recommend this novel to other crime fans, and I would read other novels by Wright as I do think that Wright really understands how to write a good crime novel and create interest with different plots and characters to keep the reader interested and on their toes.
'Blackbird' follows Jim 'Biscuit' Bonham as he investigates a very sinister and gruesome murder. The victim is a well known psychologist with many secrets and as many enemies making the list of suspects rather long. And at a time where Bonham is visiting his own psychologist and battling his own demons, this case will really test him mentally as he uses all his skills and instinct to solve this truly intriguing case.
I don't think its really a spoiler to say that this is one of the most gruesome murders I have ever read in a crime novel and it was really good and well thought out. Wright had obviously done his research into crucifixion, what this means with regards cause of death and the effect that this would have on the body. The other details surrounding the death were also pretty harrowing and really added a lot to what the reader knows about the victims character without really knowing much about her. This complex death is the start of what is a very complex plot with many twists and turns as with any crime novel. Some of these really worked, but some were just too much. In the first half of the novel, this complex plot introduces so many characters that I really struggled to keep track of who was who. We don't really learn enough about any of them to make them memorable and so I did find myself confused at many stages as the plot went on. I think part of this is that the majority of the characters are males of a very similar background and all with successful professions and this made it hard to distinguish between them when they are mentioned later in the novel. The novel jumps between past and present quite a lot, and this does add a lot to Bonham's character, but in terms of the overall plot, there are some events that don't really add anything and just confuse things further. I think for this novel to be amazing, which it could be, it just needs one or two fewer plot threads.
As I've said above, there are lots of characters in this novel, all of whom are introduced at around the same time within the same context and with similar characteristics. This results in none being given enough attention to make them really clear in the readers mind. So much so, that when the crime was solved at the end of the novel, I had to flick back through to see if I had met the character involved before and where they fitted into the plot which ruined the ending for me a little. However there are some really good characters in the novel. The murder victim, Deborah Gold, although not introduced personally, is really well established through the investigation that Bonham conducts and that was a really clever explanation and a really interesting and complex personality. LA, Bonham's sister, is also a good character and also a psychologist she acted as a great contrast to Gold and someone who added lots of order to the novel and those with whom she interacts.
The highlight of the novel was Bonham himself. The novel is written from his view point and so we get great insight into him and the world around him. Wright has created a very complex character in him - one with a troubled past, continued demons and new problems to really cause conflict in his current life. But we also see a very clever and logical mind which creates a really great detective and Wright explores Bonham's deduction of the case really well to make the whole investigation really interesting and gripping. Its also a very clear ending when you get there because you have been guided through the thought process the whole way through and I really liked this.
So overall its a mixed bag. In the main its a really good read and I did go through spells where I couldn't put it down, particularly in the second half, but early on there was a few too many plot lines and a few to many vague introductions to characters that it became a little confusing and also ruined the ending slightly. But I would still recommend this novel to other crime fans, and I would read other novels by Wright as I do think that Wright really understands how to write a good crime novel and create interest with different plots and characters to keep the reader interested and on their toes.
January 30, 2015
Voordat je aan het eerste hoofdstuk begint, kun je heel kort even meekijken met een vrouw. Een vrouw die laatdunkend in de betekenis van minachtend, over andere mensen denkt en spreekt. Een vrouw die niet prettig in de omgang lijkt te zijn.
Door de laatste regels van dit kleine verhaallijntje wordt de lezer heel benieuwd gemaakt naar wat er staat te gebeuren:
'Ze drukte de telefoon uit, zonder te beseffen dat de beslissing die ze zojuist had genomen onder meer betekende dat ze het einde van de storm die op til was niet meer zou meemaken.'
Het verhaal speelt zich af op een soort drielandenpunt in de U.S.A t.w.; Texas, Arkansas en Louisiana. De sfeer van de zuidelijke staten kun je proeven, het is broeierig en soms zelfs benauwend te noemen. Het lijkt wel alsof je je in een nest ratelslangen bevindt.
Het gebouw waarin Jim Bonham werkt wordt ook wel de wachttoren genoemd. Het is een huisvesting voor drie verschillende politieafdelingen.
De kennis van de auteur als forensisch psychotherapeut is duidelijk merkbaar in dit boek.
In het hele boek is een onderhuidse spanning voelbaar en een soort van droefheid. De droefheid van iemand die er nog niet helemaal uit is wat hij met zijn leven zal gaan doen.
Jim, ook wel Biscuit genoemd afgekort Bis, heeft de keuze maar kan zich er niet toe brengen om ook een beslissing te nemen. Hij moet een beslissing nemen, ook wat betreft zijn huwelijk.
In zijn jeugd zijn dingen gebeurd waardoor hijzelf en zijn nicht L.A door volwassenen beschadigd zijn. Ze werden in hun groei belemmerd om als vrolijke tieners op te groeien. Ze zijn samen opgegroeid op de ranch van familie en ze kennen elkaar door en door.
L.A. (Lee Ann) neemt een belangrijke plaats in bij de beslissingen die hij moet nemen.
Nadat op haar geschoten is gaat hem door het hoofd;
'Op dit moment zag ik mijn eigen egoïsme en stupiditeit duidelijker in dan ooit tevoren in mijn leven.'
Het boek start met één moord, maar al snel worden er meer misdaden gepleegd. Heeft het allemaal met elkaar te maken?
Zijn jeugdliefde Kat is toen ze jong waren verdwenen van het ene op het andere moment. Deze zaak werd niet opgelost. Deze verdwijning komt in dit onderzoek weer aan de orde en het neemt een grote plaats in, in het persoonlijke leven van Jim. Er zijn dingen gedaan, die hij niet voor mogelijk had gehouden. Niet door de mensen die betrokken zijn. Er is te veel gebeurd.
Het boek bestaat uit twee verhaallijnen. De verhaallijnen wisselen elkaar af op een manier waar ik even aan moest wennen. Het is niet helemaal mijn stijl, maar ik wende er wel aan. Als je voor ogen houdt dat het flashbacks en overpeinzingen zijn van de hoofdpersoon, is het heel natuurlijk dat ze op deze manier verwerkt zijn en is het verhaal prettiger te lezen.
De verhaallijnen lopen mooi samen naar een punt waarop een beslissing genomen wordt door de hoofdpersoon.
Een indrukwekkend verhaal over hoe deze interessante man als mens verder kan groeien in zijn leven, ondanks alles wat en iedereen die hem tegengewerkt heeft.
Let wel: het is geen supersnelle maar een langzame, zinderende, spannende en toch ontroerende thriller!
Ik heb het boek graag gelezen en waardeer het met 4,5/5 sterren.
De langzame start heeft voor het verschil van een halve ster met 5 sterren gezorgd.
September 25, 2016
Reviewed for Library Journal
Jim Bonham, a detective working in the tristate area of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, has just been assigned a grisly murder investigation. Dr. Deborah Gold, whom Bonham knew, has been found mutilated and crucified to a tree. That the victim was Jewish and a Roman coin was found at the scene could indicate a potential hate crime. Bonham and his crew begin a thorough probe into the psychologist's life and uncover a world of sexual deviancy and blackmail. Bonham, who has a "touch of the Sight," sees images flash before him that he cannot decipher but knows are pertinent to the investigation. Recurrent memories of a long-missing girl whom he loved years ago have begun to plague Bonham, as he feels his past encroaching on his present troubles. Verdict Wright's sophomore series entry after What Dies in Summer (a finalist for the 2012 Crime Writer's Association Dagger Award) fails to deliver. Weaving multiple plotlines from various decades into his story, Wright seems unable to focus. The paranormal element of Bonham's psychic ability feels out of place in this Southern noir and detracts rather than adds to the mystery as do the unbelievable coincidences neatly marrying the protagonist's past with the present. Only for readers who enjoyed the first book, although they might be disappointed.-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph, MI
Jim Bonham, a detective working in the tristate area of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, has just been assigned a grisly murder investigation. Dr. Deborah Gold, whom Bonham knew, has been found mutilated and crucified to a tree. That the victim was Jewish and a Roman coin was found at the scene could indicate a potential hate crime. Bonham and his crew begin a thorough probe into the psychologist's life and uncover a world of sexual deviancy and blackmail. Bonham, who has a "touch of the Sight," sees images flash before him that he cannot decipher but knows are pertinent to the investigation. Recurrent memories of a long-missing girl whom he loved years ago have begun to plague Bonham, as he feels his past encroaching on his present troubles. Verdict Wright's sophomore series entry after What Dies in Summer (a finalist for the 2012 Crime Writer's Association Dagger Award) fails to deliver. Weaving multiple plotlines from various decades into his story, Wright seems unable to focus. The paranormal element of Bonham's psychic ability feels out of place in this Southern noir and detracts rather than adds to the mystery as do the unbelievable coincidences neatly marrying the protagonist's past with the present. Only for readers who enjoyed the first book, although they might be disappointed.-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph, MI
December 31, 2020
Writing style was forced and truncated. Also, you know when it seems like the author may just be twisted and is vicariously acting out crimes in a book? That’s how I felt. Creeped out. ***Spoiler alert! *** The woman is crucified, with her own groin excised and stuffed in her own mouth. This in the first few chapters. One of the detectives even refers to it as her “snatch”. I’m outing this on a review so others who can avoid wasting their time. I don’t find shock tactic writing entertainment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2014
This book was amazing, so many twists and turns in the plot. It left me thinking about it long after I had set it down about what would happen next.
The characters were great, I felt as though I knew them personally and when the book ended I was in tears hoping that life would change for the better for Jim Bonham. I'm definitely going to sit down and read it again.
Can't wait to read any new books written by Tom Wright.
The characters were great, I felt as though I knew them personally and when the book ended I was in tears hoping that life would change for the better for Jim Bonham. I'm definitely going to sit down and read it again.
Can't wait to read any new books written by Tom Wright.
November 30, 2017
Interesting premise marred by way too many characters (many of them barely developed), offensively stereotyped minorities (as mentioned elsewhere the preposterous accent of the Vietnamese medical examiner and the African-American police officer), and the irritating flashbacks.
October 20, 2015
I read it, twice. Beautiful.
August 15, 2018
I have a burning question after finishing this book and I don't think it was answered anywhere...
Q: What is going on with Jim Bonham?
I don't normally like to read crime thriller books, but surprisingly... this wasn't too bad a read.
I did find it weird that I was almost done with the book and there were no major action scenes and I find that I don't really mind it that much. In fact, it was a breath of fresh air that unlike other crime thriller books that I have read (which isn't a lot), the author didn't focus on big actions with shoot outs and Hollywood-style car chases.
I also detected a hint of supernatural elements in the book (which I adore), and that definitely is a plus in my book~
All in all, an enjoyable book to read.
[Disclaimer: Copy received from Giveaway.]
Q: What is going on with Jim Bonham?
I don't normally like to read crime thriller books, but surprisingly... this wasn't too bad a read.
I did find it weird that I was almost done with the book and there were no major action scenes and I find that I don't really mind it that much. In fact, it was a breath of fresh air that unlike other crime thriller books that I have read (which isn't a lot), the author didn't focus on big actions with shoot outs and Hollywood-style car chases.
I also detected a hint of supernatural elements in the book (which I adore), and that definitely is a plus in my book~
All in all, an enjoyable book to read.
[Disclaimer: Copy received from Giveaway.]
August 6, 2021
My first book by this author but not my last . Why would anyone want to kill a female psychologist ? Why would they want to do it by cruxifiction . Why would they add mutilation to the body ? These are the questions facing the local police lieutenant when called to the scene of the crime . Always an interesting read , the writer provides some insights into small town life in Texas . However , if Tom Wright wants to become a household name - a Connelly , a Patterson or a Sandford - he is going to have to revise his drafts to International English from southern American English . I suspect that even in the USA there are readers who don't always understand what he means at times . Nonetheless , this was an enjoyable read ( except for the bits I didn't understand ) .
May 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this book more than I thought that I would. It was a little hard to follow when Mouncey talked and being a black woman, I understand where he was trying to get the character to go, but it was unnecessary. Just made parts of the book hard to read when she came into the scene. I really liked Bonham and loved LA even more. I would have loved to see what happens between her and Zito. All in all, I recommend this book. If you dont pay attention enough, you will get lost, but it was a great read
May 12, 2019
Another good book
Needed X-ray. I admittedly got lost in the similar sounding names, and the number of them around mid book. That may be just me?
Moving on, the writing in parts is brilliant, entertaining and efficient. Characters complex enough to relay the story. The mystery is well developed however it's resolution is s tiny bit thin, by the standards set by the rest of the book.
Shame there is not a 3rd book in kindleunlimited
Needed X-ray. I admittedly got lost in the similar sounding names, and the number of them around mid book. That may be just me?
Moving on, the writing in parts is brilliant, entertaining and efficient. Characters complex enough to relay the story. The mystery is well developed however it's resolution is s tiny bit thin, by the standards set by the rest of the book.
Shame there is not a 3rd book in kindleunlimited
August 1, 2018
A Texas thunderstorm without rain. A prominent psychologist is murdered and left in a cross in a corn field. Shades of Children of the Corn, but a mystery instead of a horror story. A Detective investigated and discovers many people had a reason for contemplating her murder, but the story must be read to know what the Doctor knew. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
July 18, 2018
At times I could not put down, at others I could not pick up. Plot interesting but the story rambled with a lot of recollections and side issues which did not add to the read but rather were a detraction. Do not think this author will be one I will seek out for more reading.
June 8, 2021
Needed a new book, read the cover and it sounded good enough. WRONG! Like the other reviews, the book had a good premise and I couldn't get past the writing. I couldn't even force myself to finish. If you are fortunate to read the reviews first trust them.
December 15, 2017
The opposite of thriller. Boring as hell. Kept reading only to pretend it had a laugh track at all of the corny dialogue and idiotic navel gazing of the chump of a main character.
June 15, 2020
Read first book and liked it. This one, not so much. Rambling.Confusing. Boring. Had been excited about finding a new series, but I’m done. Literary thriller? Literary maybe, but no thriller.
June 4, 2021
Too many characters called by different names, found it confusing.
March 7, 2017
I appreciate a good dialect or regional accent being used to show characterization or cultural differences. I can also appreciate the difficulty of this task. What I could not appreciate in this otherwise standard crime novel was the gross stereotyping of his non-white characters. My jaw dropped when Dr. Huang Huang (yes, that's the name and yes the sole Asian character is a doctor) says, "Buncha blood from her mouth inna stomach and lungs, lady strangle along with she not breathe worth damn anyway..." I felt like I had been taken out of the story and put somewhere somehow less than. As the book wore on, I was subjected to a Mexican character, an Indian psychotherapist (who spoke like a bad Simpsons character) and a female African-American cop who checked off just about every box in the "what do people think African-Americans say and do?" checklist. I wanted to like it, I love Europa Editions, but ultimately this one fell below the mark as a novel in its own right and as an ambassador of the Europa brand.
January 21, 2015
Detective Jim Bonham is a mess – seemingly an obligation if you are a copper (and we give these people so much power?) - but by solving the horrific murder case he also challenges and overcomes his personal demons.
There's something wrong with the murder of the psychologist that no one likes. It's not just the fact that it's a crucifixion – it's too historically accurate, too symbolic, not the work of your average run of the mill psychopath. And definitely not the work of one person.
I found the very beginning of the novel difficult. There were too many technical terms and reference to procedures that might show the author is steeped in his subject but for the likes of me, who doesn't live and breathe the innumerable CSI type programmes that dominate the TV, it was more like reading a novel in a foreign language I'd never encountered before.
Thankfully once Wright had established his credentials he leaves such pretentiousness behind and gets on with telling the story.
It goes quite well as he slowly follows the clues. constantly being pressurised by 'the almost as obligatory as the messed up cop' corrupt and venal politician. There's a little bit of nepotism with a relative of his who introduces the psychological insight that helps with the eventual resolution of the case, but even she comes with her own baggage and hypnotism – that was a bit weird.
After the obstacle of the technicalities at the beginning I got into the story as he works through clues left at the scene of the crime, either on purpose or accidentally, but felt a little bit cheated as the understanding of one clue brings things quickly to a head and the really nasty baddies are caught and prevented from causing more harm, as is the want of such baddies.
But they are merely the pawns. Who is the chess player? When Bonham works that out he not only solves the case, keeps his job (and an almost certain promotion) but also is able to put those demons, that had been plaguing him for half his life, to rest as well.
At times formulaic but with enough original thought to keep you engaged till the end.
There's something wrong with the murder of the psychologist that no one likes. It's not just the fact that it's a crucifixion – it's too historically accurate, too symbolic, not the work of your average run of the mill psychopath. And definitely not the work of one person.
I found the very beginning of the novel difficult. There were too many technical terms and reference to procedures that might show the author is steeped in his subject but for the likes of me, who doesn't live and breathe the innumerable CSI type programmes that dominate the TV, it was more like reading a novel in a foreign language I'd never encountered before.
Thankfully once Wright had established his credentials he leaves such pretentiousness behind and gets on with telling the story.
It goes quite well as he slowly follows the clues. constantly being pressurised by 'the almost as obligatory as the messed up cop' corrupt and venal politician. There's a little bit of nepotism with a relative of his who introduces the psychological insight that helps with the eventual resolution of the case, but even she comes with her own baggage and hypnotism – that was a bit weird.
After the obstacle of the technicalities at the beginning I got into the story as he works through clues left at the scene of the crime, either on purpose or accidentally, but felt a little bit cheated as the understanding of one clue brings things quickly to a head and the really nasty baddies are caught and prevented from causing more harm, as is the want of such baddies.
But they are merely the pawns. Who is the chess player? When Bonham works that out he not only solves the case, keeps his job (and an almost certain promotion) but also is able to put those demons, that had been plaguing him for half his life, to rest as well.
At times formulaic but with enough original thought to keep you engaged till the end.
April 17, 2016
I initially picked up this book because the cover appealed to me, then the introduction had me for sure. Blackbird is so very well written and the story is one that is hard to step away from. I finished this book in three days because well, it's that good.
Once the story began to take wings, I noticed that there were references to Texarkana, and surrounding cities and landmarks in the four states area which prompted me to read the author information on the back of the book jacket. Tom Wright is from Texarkana, which made this an even better read. Mr. Wright is very talented and evidently, this is his second book. I can safely say that I'll be reading his first.
This story has all the makings and substance of a great crime story and given the history of Texarkana, no so much a stretch of the imagination. The characters are created in such a way as to feel tangible and as the story unfolds, they take on lives that the reader thinks about long after the book is laid to rest. There's plenty of psychological fodder for those that crave a great crime thriller and a penchant for imagery created by the use of beautiful wording.
For my reading friends, do yourselves a favor and step into this story of small town corruption and murder. I'll be getting my copy of his first novel, "What Dies in Summer".
Once the story began to take wings, I noticed that there were references to Texarkana, and surrounding cities and landmarks in the four states area which prompted me to read the author information on the back of the book jacket. Tom Wright is from Texarkana, which made this an even better read. Mr. Wright is very talented and evidently, this is his second book. I can safely say that I'll be reading his first.
This story has all the makings and substance of a great crime story and given the history of Texarkana, no so much a stretch of the imagination. The characters are created in such a way as to feel tangible and as the story unfolds, they take on lives that the reader thinks about long after the book is laid to rest. There's plenty of psychological fodder for those that crave a great crime thriller and a penchant for imagery created by the use of beautiful wording.
For my reading friends, do yourselves a favor and step into this story of small town corruption and murder. I'll be getting my copy of his first novel, "What Dies in Summer".
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