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Digger Digson #2
Shadowman
Camoha, die Insel der Kleinen Antillen, kommt nicht zur Ruhe. Michael "Digger" Digson, ein begnadeter junger Forensiker, muss seiner Kollegin und Seelenfreundin Miss Stanislaus Sie hat einen Mann in Notwehr erschossen ‒ ihre Vorgesetzten glauben, dass es Mord war, denn der Getötete ist Miss Stanislaus' persönliche Nemesis, Juba Hurst, der sie als Jugendliche vergewaltigte, und er ist der Vater ihrer Tochter. Digger und sie haben nur sechs Wochen Zeit, um ihre Unschuld zu beweisen. Und das alles mitten in einer Welle von Gewalt gegen Frauen, die sich zunehmend gegen diesen permanenten Terror zur Wehr setzen. Nicht hilfreich ist dabei, dass anscheinend gerade eine neue Drogenroute in der Karibik aufgebaut werden soll. Zudem ist Digger noch immer hinter dem oder den Mördern seiner Mutter her. Die Uhr tickt - für Digger und besonders für die fabelhafte Miss Stanislaus. Und für manche Leute läuft die Uhr auch ab...
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First published January 1, 2020
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About the author
Jacob Ross
29 books62 followersJacob Ross was born in Grenada, and has lived in Britain since 1984. He is a poet, playwright, journalist, novelist and a tutor of creative writing. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and has been a judge of the V.S. Pritchett Memorial Prize, the Olive Cook, Scott Moncrieff and Tom-Gallon Literary Awards.
~ Sources: Government of Grenada and Peepal Tree Press
~ Sources: Government of Grenada and Peepal Tree Press
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 20, 2022
. . . sometimes to uphold the law, you need to break the fuckin' rules.
D.C. "Digger" Digson has his hands pretty full at the moment. In addition to trying to clear his partner of a murder charge, he's got another death to investigate, and the corrupt local government and police force are doing almost anything they can to keep Digger from solving this crime.
. . . we were run by fools who were terrified of intelligence.
(Hmm . . . that sounds familiar . . .)
I will give this one four stars, as it was a well written, well paced crime novel. My enjoyment level, however, hovered at about a three.
I have to admit, that I read it wrong - instead of sitting down and devouring in one fell swoop, I read during my lunchhour minutes at work, and had a lot of trouble keeping the characters straight. BUT, in my defense, this is actually the second book featuring these characters, although it is not identified as such by Goodreads OR Amazon. I felt lost from the beginning, that I was missing something that had been happening for a long time, missing certain connections between the characters, and the feeling never really went away.
Be prepared, scouts. Read The Bone Readers first.
D.C. "Digger" Digson has his hands pretty full at the moment. In addition to trying to clear his partner of a murder charge, he's got another death to investigate, and the corrupt local government and police force are doing almost anything they can to keep Digger from solving this crime.
. . . we were run by fools who were terrified of intelligence.
(Hmm . . . that sounds familiar . . .)
I will give this one four stars, as it was a well written, well paced crime novel. My enjoyment level, however, hovered at about a three.
I have to admit, that I read it wrong - instead of sitting down and devouring in one fell swoop, I read during my lunch
Be prepared, scouts. Read The Bone Readers first.
October 15, 2020
You would not think it possible but this one was even better than the first one. I seriously hope there will be another one at some point. Just soooooo good! Do yourself a favour and read them.
February 19, 2022
I have raved about the author’s previous book, The Bone Readers, which introduced Detectives Michael “ Digger” Digson and Kathleen Stanislaus. The evocative prose, sharp dialogue and sense of nature and place found in the first book are also present in this installment. Ms Stanislaus is accused of murder and Digger is determined to prove that the crime was self defense. Completing this task intersects with discoveries of cocaine trafficking, police complicity and enabling entitlement of the societal leaders.
The plot of the book is interwoven with Digson’s observations about the society and culture around him.His travels around the island give us a sense of the daily lives of the island’s residents and their relationship to the governing forces .Digson and Stanislaus are both individuals with moral compasses who cope with their circumstances in sometimes unorthodox ways.Digson, in particular, evokes for me images of Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins, as he relates to everyday people and hones in on his objectives.
Good literature transcends its plot to raise larger societal and philosophical issues.This book falls into that category while delivering an interesting plot. This is a praiseworthy effort.
The plot of the book is interwoven with Digson’s observations about the society and culture around him.His travels around the island give us a sense of the daily lives of the island’s residents and their relationship to the governing forces .Digson and Stanislaus are both individuals with moral compasses who cope with their circumstances in sometimes unorthodox ways.Digson, in particular, evokes for me images of Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins, as he relates to everyday people and hones in on his objectives.
Good literature transcends its plot to raise larger societal and philosophical issues.This book falls into that category while delivering an interesting plot. This is a praiseworthy effort.
February 25, 2020
I really loved the writing in Black Rain Falling, such an atmospheric sense of place, such richly layered characters, I immersed myself into it and devoured every page.
The story is darkly compelling, the Camaho setting coming alive on the page. Digger, the detective with morals that often become ambiguous, Miss Stanislaus, his friend, a quiet Angel of fury, both involved in murder and corruption in a place that takes no prisoners. You sink into this tale of a very different world to yours and Jacob Ross holds you there with his intensely authentic prose, creating an emotional response to every passing event.
This was wonderful in a deeply emotive way, an intelligent, involving crime novel that deserves a huge readership.
Recommended.
April 12, 2022
Black Rain Falling, a 2020 crime novel by Jacob Ross, takes place entirely on the fictional Caribbean island of Camaho (and its sister isles) in the Antilles. The narrator is forensics expert Michael "Digger" Digson. He is partnered by detective Kathleen Stanislaus. Stanislaus kills Juba Hurst, a huge and evil man who once raped her as a child and has recently been terrorizing many of her relatives. Digger witnesses the killing, which is done in self defense, but since Stanislaus has other potential motives to want him dead, Digger and Stanislaus have to prepare to defend her in court. While this is going on, the police force becomes aware that some recent killings appear to be related to a big time drug running operation involving people on Camaho. Both stories proceed with Digger and Stanislaus's careers and his life on the line.
Ross is a talented writer. The island culture is more "relaxed" than most Western cultures, and its ways are a constant source of interest. The importance of a child in the plot make Black Rain Falling an unusual crime thriller (think Oliver Twist or Tana French's In the Woods). Ross has a wonderful sense of the ways men and women think about and relate to each other. Here, one of Digger's colleagues who early on in the story went onto his shit list has gradually worked his way back into Digger's good graces. He tells Digger about his girlfriend:
"I should've meet Sarona long time ago. I would have been a better fella. She the first woman I ever tell I love - yunno that? ... First woman ever give me back-chat and I don't want to shut 'er up. First woman I want round me every minute of de day. Woman bewitch me, and I like it."
Ross took immense care with the native dialect, including characters using the wrong technical word and being corrected by another, i.e., "theorist" for "terrorist" - wonderful. The book is full of the musical English of the Caribbean. I had a business partner who was an Anguillan by birth, and I can still hear her singsong speech and rich laughter.
Ross is a talented writer. The island culture is more "relaxed" than most Western cultures, and its ways are a constant source of interest. The importance of a child in the plot make Black Rain Falling an unusual crime thriller (think Oliver Twist or Tana French's In the Woods). Ross has a wonderful sense of the ways men and women think about and relate to each other. Here, one of Digger's colleagues who early on in the story went onto his shit list has gradually worked his way back into Digger's good graces. He tells Digger about his girlfriend:
"I should've meet Sarona long time ago. I would have been a better fella. She the first woman I ever tell I love - yunno that? ... First woman ever give me back-chat and I don't want to shut 'er up. First woman I want round me every minute of de day. Woman bewitch me, and I like it."
Ross took immense care with the native dialect, including characters using the wrong technical word and being corrected by another, i.e., "theorist" for "terrorist" - wonderful. The book is full of the musical English of the Caribbean. I had a business partner who was an Anguillan by birth, and I can still hear her singsong speech and rich laughter.
May 8, 2020
This book was chosen by Bernardine Evaristo as her 'lockdown read' in a recent BBC Radio 4 interview. As I admire her work, I thought I'd give 'Black Rain Falling' a go, despite not having read a Crime novel since a summer reading Agatha Christies when about 14yrs, ( a very, very, long time ago). 'Black Rain Falling' was stupendous. If you're looking for a book to cleanse the reading palette, then this is it: cracking story, superb characterisation, animated & vivid writing AND all set amongst the stunning scenery and startling beauty of a spice island. There is much to learn about the culture and life of a Caribbean Island in post-colonial times. References to local flora&fauna run through the book: I so enjoyed looking up the species of trees and fruit, including the most poisonous tree on the planet, to one that soothes a troubled mind. Cooking is clearly a vital part of Grenadian culture and the food is described with real relish & digested with love. They'll be falling over one another to turn this into a movie, each scene is sharp and clear in its realisation. A brilliant, brilliant read. Much wider readership appeal than just Crime buffs. The only minus was the rather dreary & clichéd book jacket - surely they could have done better, especially with so much great visual material in the book? I can truly say that I thoroughly enjoyed every page between the covers. Thank you Mr Ross!
June 1, 2021
What deep textures of personal and professional life Ross Jacobs lays bare! And how masterfully he unfolds all of this, along with a thrilling storyline, through deep layers of social context.
His two primary heroes, Digger and Miss Stanislaus, are wonderfully strong and deeply vulnerable, deeply in love with each other yet only able to express this through professional partnership. What sets this aside from other crime novels is the depth to which Jacobs goes in revealing the huge wounds of gender based violence, police brutality, and family betrayals that underlie the vulnerabilities of these two cops.
And without any of the big words I just used: Jacobs simply tells the story of what it is like to be the "outside child" of a prominent citizen, or to have a daughter that is the product of rape, or to have had your mother murdered by a policeman who got away with it.
For me as a man, Digger brings a toughness I can admire. He shuns guns and generally uses his brain as his main weapon against crime. But as his mother taught him, when trouble comes at you sometimes you have go out towards it proactively - and with the rough guys Digger's simple and powerful weapon is a heavy leather belt. Tough, but not usually deadly. Just enough to neutralise the trouble.
And throughout all the ups and downs of an intelligent and exciting plot, Jacobs is unflinchingly accurate in displaying the way the world's big dynamics of wealth and power and unacknowledged abuse of privilege play out. He doesn't ever go into political polemic. But he is absolutely sure handed in identifying the way the world order impacts ordinary people's lives and opportunities. For example, the bullying exercise of US power makes it impossible for the good cops in these tiny Caribbean islands to cooperate with their powerful neighbour's anti-drug agencies. And the class position of some his key characters creates buffers for their illegal activities that are stronger than concrete and steel.
And throughout all this, there is a subtlety to the characters that I really appreciate. The mostly-bad cop Malan Greaves is an excellent example. Jacobs is brutally direct in exposing his graft, violence and misogyny. But he also shows how love powers his few redeeming acts. And he wryly comments on the way that same misogyny shuts down vision and possibility for the man.
His two primary heroes, Digger and Miss Stanislaus, are wonderfully strong and deeply vulnerable, deeply in love with each other yet only able to express this through professional partnership. What sets this aside from other crime novels is the depth to which Jacobs goes in revealing the huge wounds of gender based violence, police brutality, and family betrayals that underlie the vulnerabilities of these two cops.
And without any of the big words I just used: Jacobs simply tells the story of what it is like to be the "outside child" of a prominent citizen, or to have a daughter that is the product of rape, or to have had your mother murdered by a policeman who got away with it.
For me as a man, Digger brings a toughness I can admire. He shuns guns and generally uses his brain as his main weapon against crime. But as his mother taught him, when trouble comes at you sometimes you have go out towards it proactively - and with the rough guys Digger's simple and powerful weapon is a heavy leather belt. Tough, but not usually deadly. Just enough to neutralise the trouble.
And throughout all the ups and downs of an intelligent and exciting plot, Jacobs is unflinchingly accurate in displaying the way the world's big dynamics of wealth and power and unacknowledged abuse of privilege play out. He doesn't ever go into political polemic. But he is absolutely sure handed in identifying the way the world order impacts ordinary people's lives and opportunities. For example, the bullying exercise of US power makes it impossible for the good cops in these tiny Caribbean islands to cooperate with their powerful neighbour's anti-drug agencies. And the class position of some his key characters creates buffers for their illegal activities that are stronger than concrete and steel.
And throughout all this, there is a subtlety to the characters that I really appreciate. The mostly-bad cop Malan Greaves is an excellent example. Jacobs is brutally direct in exposing his graft, violence and misogyny. But he also shows how love powers his few redeeming acts. And he wryly comments on the way that same misogyny shuts down vision and possibility for the man.
January 5, 2022
I'm struggling to correlate all the 5* reviews and encomium with this book; it just wasn't really very good. It seems to be full of lazy, stereotypical tropes, and has an implausible, disjointed feel to it at every turn. It does have some moments but, for the most part, it just left me perplexed and unimpressed. There is also a completely implausible amateurishness to some elements - for example, at one point the protagonist shoots someone, and then simply disappears off after the shooting to carry on with other business, having called in for a new car and a 'body recovery team'. Even on an island with such a supposedly flimsy law enforcement department, it is beyond implausible that this would have happened. There are numerous other examples.
I had to really persevere ("Shall we persevere?") to get through it, and the last few chapters pick up the pace and make it more readable, but I remain non-plussed and confused at the praise others have heaped on it.
I had to really persevere ("Shall we persevere?") to get through it, and the last few chapters pick up the pace and make it more readable, but I remain non-plussed and confused at the praise others have heaped on it.
Read
December 31, 2021Excellent, authentic crime thriller set in the Caribbean
“Black Rain Falling” is the also-excellent sequel to “The Bone Readers”—police procedural suspense novels set in the Caribbean island of Camaho (a thinly-disguised Grenada) featuring the compelling duo of Detective Constables Digson and Stanislaus. The author weaves in the painful traumas of the police protagonists’ lives with a complicated plot, all set in the authentic, entrancing setting of life on a small island where everyone knows everyone and their foibles. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
“Black Rain Falling” is the also-excellent sequel to “The Bone Readers”—police procedural suspense novels set in the Caribbean island of Camaho (a thinly-disguised Grenada) featuring the compelling duo of Detective Constables Digson and Stanislaus. The author weaves in the painful traumas of the police protagonists’ lives with a complicated plot, all set in the authentic, entrancing setting of life on a small island where everyone knows everyone and their foibles. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
September 7, 2023
Letztes Jahr erschien mit „Die Knocherleser“ Band 1 dieser exotischen Krimireihe, die Autor Jacob Ross auf einer Karibikinsel mit dem fiktiven Namen „Camaho“ angesiedelt hat. Die Beschreibung des Settings weisen jedoch sehr stark auf Grenada hin, die Heimat des Autors, der inzwischen seit langem in London lebt. Michael „Digger“ Digson und Miss Stanislaus bilden ein unkonventionelles Ermittlerduo, das sich zahlreichen Widerständen entgegentreten muss. Wie schon in Band 1 bildet die männlich geprägte Gesellschaft, die Unterdrückung von Frauen, Korruption und das Zusammenspiel von öffentlichen Personen und Kriminellen den allgemeinen Hintergrund der Geschichte.
Das Ermittlerduo steckt von Beginn an in der Klemme: Miss Stanislaus wurde in ihrer Jugend auf einer kleinen Nachbarinsel Camahos vom Gangster Juba Hurst missbraucht. Als sie mitbekommt, dass sich eine junge Frau, ein weiteres Opfer Hursts, das Leben genommen hat, bedroht sie Hurst vor Zeugen mit ihrer Waffe, Digger kann sie gerade noch von einer Dummheit abhalten. Doch wenig später greift Juba Hurst die beiden in einem nächtlichen Hinterhalt an, diesmal erschießt ihn Miss Stanislaus aus Notwehr tatsächlich. Dumm nur, dass ihr niemand glaubt, und der männlich dominierte Polizeiapparat die Chance nutzen will, um Miss Stanislaus loszuwerden und Diggers Einheit aufzulösen. Über seine letzten Verbündeten gelingt es Digger, eine Frist von sechs Wochen auszureizen, um Miss Stanislaus‘ Unschuld zu beweisen. Dabei hat Digger zeitgleich noch einen weiteren Fall zu lösen: Die Ermordung eines Mannes, der offensichtlich in Drogengeschäfte verstrickt war. Und irgendwie scheint auch Juba Hurst eine Rolle in diesem Drogen- und Schmuggelnetzwerk gespielt zu haben.
„Camaho ist klein. Wir haben schon eine etablierte Schmuggelkultur, wir haben haufenweise junge Männer, die keine Arbeit finden. Wir haben tausende von kleinen Buchten und Grotten, in denen man ein Boot verstecken kann. Und wir haben den passenden Charakter – die Heimlichtuerei liegt uns im Blut.“ (Auszug S. 298)
Eine packende Lektüre mit einem außergewöhnlichen Schauplatz und einem markanten Ermittler-Duo, das seine Päckchen aus der Vergangenheit zu tragen hat. War es im Auftaktroman Digger und nach wie vor nicht aufgeklärte Verschwinden seiner Mutter in direktem Zusammenhang mit polizeilichen Gewaltexzessen, so ist es diesmal die Vergangenheit von Miss Stanislaus als Missbrauchsopfer. Durch die Figur der Miss Stanislaus, ihrer charakterlichen Stärken und Fähigkeiten als polizeiliche Ermittlerin erzählt der Autor indirekt auch eine Geschichte weiblichen Empowerments.
Mir gefiel dieser Roman sogar noch besser als Band 1, er war für meinen Geschmack fokussierter und souveräner im Einsatz der Figuren und Entwicklung des Plots. Erwähnenswert ist zudem die Übersetzung durch Karin Diemerling, die erfolgreich versucht hat, den karibischen Slang ein Stück weit in den Dialogen zu transportieren. Insgesamt ein kurzweiliger Krimi aus der Karibik, mit grimmigem Ernst, Witz und auch so manchen cleveren Weisheiten.
„[…] Aus meiner Sicht sind Frauen, hm, Ökosysteme. Greift man irgendwo ein, wirkt sich das auf ‚ andern Teil aus. Ist das, was Lazar und so Typen nich verstehn.“
„Und was sind Männer?“
„Auch Ökosysteme.“ Er senkte den Blick, lächelte. „Nur nicht so komplex.“ (Auszug S. 173)
Das Ermittlerduo steckt von Beginn an in der Klemme: Miss Stanislaus wurde in ihrer Jugend auf einer kleinen Nachbarinsel Camahos vom Gangster Juba Hurst missbraucht. Als sie mitbekommt, dass sich eine junge Frau, ein weiteres Opfer Hursts, das Leben genommen hat, bedroht sie Hurst vor Zeugen mit ihrer Waffe, Digger kann sie gerade noch von einer Dummheit abhalten. Doch wenig später greift Juba Hurst die beiden in einem nächtlichen Hinterhalt an, diesmal erschießt ihn Miss Stanislaus aus Notwehr tatsächlich. Dumm nur, dass ihr niemand glaubt, und der männlich dominierte Polizeiapparat die Chance nutzen will, um Miss Stanislaus loszuwerden und Diggers Einheit aufzulösen. Über seine letzten Verbündeten gelingt es Digger, eine Frist von sechs Wochen auszureizen, um Miss Stanislaus‘ Unschuld zu beweisen. Dabei hat Digger zeitgleich noch einen weiteren Fall zu lösen: Die Ermordung eines Mannes, der offensichtlich in Drogengeschäfte verstrickt war. Und irgendwie scheint auch Juba Hurst eine Rolle in diesem Drogen- und Schmuggelnetzwerk gespielt zu haben.
„Camaho ist klein. Wir haben schon eine etablierte Schmuggelkultur, wir haben haufenweise junge Männer, die keine Arbeit finden. Wir haben tausende von kleinen Buchten und Grotten, in denen man ein Boot verstecken kann. Und wir haben den passenden Charakter – die Heimlichtuerei liegt uns im Blut.“ (Auszug S. 298)
Eine packende Lektüre mit einem außergewöhnlichen Schauplatz und einem markanten Ermittler-Duo, das seine Päckchen aus der Vergangenheit zu tragen hat. War es im Auftaktroman Digger und nach wie vor nicht aufgeklärte Verschwinden seiner Mutter in direktem Zusammenhang mit polizeilichen Gewaltexzessen, so ist es diesmal die Vergangenheit von Miss Stanislaus als Missbrauchsopfer. Durch die Figur der Miss Stanislaus, ihrer charakterlichen Stärken und Fähigkeiten als polizeiliche Ermittlerin erzählt der Autor indirekt auch eine Geschichte weiblichen Empowerments.
Mir gefiel dieser Roman sogar noch besser als Band 1, er war für meinen Geschmack fokussierter und souveräner im Einsatz der Figuren und Entwicklung des Plots. Erwähnenswert ist zudem die Übersetzung durch Karin Diemerling, die erfolgreich versucht hat, den karibischen Slang ein Stück weit in den Dialogen zu transportieren. Insgesamt ein kurzweiliger Krimi aus der Karibik, mit grimmigem Ernst, Witz und auch so manchen cleveren Weisheiten.
„[…] Aus meiner Sicht sind Frauen, hm, Ökosysteme. Greift man irgendwo ein, wirkt sich das auf ‚ andern Teil aus. Ist das, was Lazar und so Typen nich verstehn.“
„Und was sind Männer?“
„Auch Ökosysteme.“ Er senkte den Blick, lächelte. „Nur nicht so komplex.“ (Auszug S. 173)
October 8, 2023
Part two in the Camaho series by Jacob Ross was just as delicious as his first novel the Bone Readers.
When I tell you I love these characters! Almost every one brimming with personality and flair. I enjoyed the humour, the action and the mystery.
This book was fun,flavourful and full of laughs.
Like I said for the Bone Readers-don't sleep on this one. Worth the read.
When I tell you I love these characters! Almost every one brimming with personality and flair. I enjoyed the humour, the action and the mystery.
This book was fun,flavourful and full of laughs.
Like I said for the Bone Readers-don't sleep on this one. Worth the read.
March 14, 2022
I’m paraphrasing here, but at the beginning of this novel Michael “Digger” Digson proclaims to us that sometimes to uphold the law you have to break the rules. That quote embodies a common theme that consumes Jacob Ross’ Black Rain Falling. The novel treks into all kinds of territories, both physically and thematically, among them crime, drugs, murder, corruption in both the justice system and on both sides of the law. “Digger,” as an investigator who leads the tracking down of thugs responsible for several murders, most not only battle those internally in the system, but externally the forces of corruption within the confines of Kara Island.
I’m still a little torn and divided, but there is a lot to like about Black Rain Falling. One of the original and interesting aspects to the plot is simply the culture and backdrop of Kara Island and the Caribbeans. I think this adds a depth and richness to the makeup of the book, and with Digger leading the charge against crime and criminals and the mystery at hand, this works in tandem to give the novel an authentic feeling. Secondly, Ross allows us to get to know his lead character Digger and some of the other prominent, key characters like Miss Stanislaus and Superintendent Chilman. These characters are well-drawn and give depth as we progress further along in the plot. Digger is definitely a character who is sympathetic, a character the reader will readily root for as he battles the various forms of crime thrown his way.
That being said, I felt like this was a novel that was a tad uneven and disjointed primarily because the murder mystery, investigation and search for the killers dragged on a little too long. Things also felt a little muddled and murky at points, especially in the second half of novel (this is probably my own fault since I was reading another book on the side). This is the kind of book that is best to read straight through as much as possible without many interruptions because there are so many characters, twists, and turns, particularly in the conclusion. Alongside this, some of the violence and character interactions were a tad over the top.
Still, I am glad this book was chosen for our book read of the month and that I had the opportunity to read. Ross builds his thriller by creating a realistic setting and a strong lead character who wants to set things right. I look forward to more works from Jacob Ross.
I’m still a little torn and divided, but there is a lot to like about Black Rain Falling. One of the original and interesting aspects to the plot is simply the culture and backdrop of Kara Island and the Caribbeans. I think this adds a depth and richness to the makeup of the book, and with Digger leading the charge against crime and criminals and the mystery at hand, this works in tandem to give the novel an authentic feeling. Secondly, Ross allows us to get to know his lead character Digger and some of the other prominent, key characters like Miss Stanislaus and Superintendent Chilman. These characters are well-drawn and give depth as we progress further along in the plot. Digger is definitely a character who is sympathetic, a character the reader will readily root for as he battles the various forms of crime thrown his way.
That being said, I felt like this was a novel that was a tad uneven and disjointed primarily because the murder mystery, investigation and search for the killers dragged on a little too long. Things also felt a little muddled and murky at points, especially in the second half of novel (this is probably my own fault since I was reading another book on the side). This is the kind of book that is best to read straight through as much as possible without many interruptions because there are so many characters, twists, and turns, particularly in the conclusion. Alongside this, some of the violence and character interactions were a tad over the top.
Still, I am glad this book was chosen for our book read of the month and that I had the opportunity to read. Ross builds his thriller by creating a realistic setting and a strong lead character who wants to set things right. I look forward to more works from Jacob Ross.
April 5, 2021
An engaging and atmospheric crime novel that I thought was really well written and I enjoyed reading, especially as it was on a topic/place I’ve never read about before. A little confusing at times but overall really good.
May 20, 2021
Twisting plot and characters of depth.
Thoroughly enjoyed this crime fiction book, the twists and turns, the detail and the gradual revelations of characters and plot. The islands are beautifully evoked in their tastes, sounds and smells. I’m ready to read more about Digger and Miss Stanislavsky
Thoroughly enjoyed this crime fiction book, the twists and turns, the detail and the gradual revelations of characters and plot. The islands are beautifully evoked in their tastes, sounds and smells. I’m ready to read more about Digger and Miss Stanislavsky
April 8, 2023
Enjoyed this book. Loved the use of Caribbean dialect in the writing. Complex but compelling characters who work well as an ensemble. More than just a crime novel; lots of historical references with themes of class, family and loyalty throughout.
February 12, 2021
Black Rain Falling is Caribbean crime writing that holds a mirror up to our society and shows us ourselves. I loved the first book in this series and the second is also a hit!
📝
In a recent interview, author Jacob Ross spoke about the ways he challenges the conventions of crime writing. So our main character, Digger, doesn't have a sidekick. He has a partner, Miss Stanislaus, his equal and - in some ways - his superior. She is smart, intuitive, flamboyantly dressed and ruthless. She's also my favourite character.
📝
I'm fact, this book is buoyed by strong Caribbean women. In many instances, when they cannot get justice from the often incompetent and corrupt police, they take justice into their own hands. This is exactly what Miss Stanislaus wants to do when she plans to shoot the man who once assaulted her.
📝
Digger and Miss Stanislaus also investigate a particularly brutal roadside murder, the first in a spiralling wave of killings and criminality that they believe are all connected, but how?
📝
The fictional Caribbean Island of Camaho, where this story is set, is so well drawn that I wonder whether the author has a map tacked above his writing desk. It's not just the physical setting that stands out but the gathering darkness as people bend the rules in a society often incapable of enforcing its laws. Often, the victims are those who do not have the resources or the strength to fight back.
📝
'I believed Camahoans are a people of the night. We become our true selves in the dark,' says Digger. 'I'd seen self-righteous politicians, god-fearing wives, fire-and-brimstone preachers and high-flying lawyers in places and positions that would appall the dead. Come night-time, right was no longer what the law books dictated. Right was whatever a person could get away with. All the things that would not pass their lips by day became the meat of conversation in the dark.'
📝
In a recent interview, author Jacob Ross spoke about the ways he challenges the conventions of crime writing. So our main character, Digger, doesn't have a sidekick. He has a partner, Miss Stanislaus, his equal and - in some ways - his superior. She is smart, intuitive, flamboyantly dressed and ruthless. She's also my favourite character.
📝
I'm fact, this book is buoyed by strong Caribbean women. In many instances, when they cannot get justice from the often incompetent and corrupt police, they take justice into their own hands. This is exactly what Miss Stanislaus wants to do when she plans to shoot the man who once assaulted her.
📝
Digger and Miss Stanislaus also investigate a particularly brutal roadside murder, the first in a spiralling wave of killings and criminality that they believe are all connected, but how?
📝
The fictional Caribbean Island of Camaho, where this story is set, is so well drawn that I wonder whether the author has a map tacked above his writing desk. It's not just the physical setting that stands out but the gathering darkness as people bend the rules in a society often incapable of enforcing its laws. Often, the victims are those who do not have the resources or the strength to fight back.
📝
'I believed Camahoans are a people of the night. We become our true selves in the dark,' says Digger. 'I'd seen self-righteous politicians, god-fearing wives, fire-and-brimstone preachers and high-flying lawyers in places and positions that would appall the dead. Come night-time, right was no longer what the law books dictated. Right was whatever a person could get away with. All the things that would not pass their lips by day became the meat of conversation in the dark.'
July 31, 2023
Reading Black Falling Rain is like savoring a meal. Each dish has been carefully prepared for maximum savory experience. Ross’s ingredients are his descriptions. When I’m reading, I feel like I live on the imaginary island of Camaho. Granted, I read his books while I’m in the Caribbean, but his descriptions are so precisely intricate. I can see the sun setting over the sea. I can feel the oppressive midday heat. I can hear the rough waves of the Atlantic. When Digger interrogates someone, the descriptions Ross gives the characters are so adroit even when they’re vague and frustrating the team. Ross’s word choice compels you to enter not only into the characters’ world, but also their minds.
As is not uncommon in the Caribbean, people say more with less and when Stanislaus and Digger or Chilman and Digger or Malan and Digger argue without arguing, Ross still gives you a sense of what’s at stake because each main character has a fully developed backstory. We understand their motivations. We learn where de hole is, why it exists, and what the character has been doing to fill it. The only characters who don’t get this grace are the bad guys, and I can forgive Ross for this. Black Rain Falling is a crime novel. Unraveling the mystery was entertaining, but for me, the novel is really about how people survive not knowing and then the aftermath of their actions once they can’t unknow what they do know.
His descriptions of food and music and bars and limes are so lively. Again, I feel like I’m there. Digger’s music is the book’s soundtrack. When he put on a song, I played it too and let Ross’s world swallow me whole. While this world is dark and dangerous, it’s also smart. I stayed Googling forensic terms I didn’t know. I would “aha” at the plot twists and turns that made sense but I didn’t entirely see coming. I enjoyed the sensory experience of reading the book and the conclusion left me full.
As is not uncommon in the Caribbean, people say more with less and when Stanislaus and Digger or Chilman and Digger or Malan and Digger argue without arguing, Ross still gives you a sense of what’s at stake because each main character has a fully developed backstory. We understand their motivations. We learn where de hole is, why it exists, and what the character has been doing to fill it. The only characters who don’t get this grace are the bad guys, and I can forgive Ross for this. Black Rain Falling is a crime novel. Unraveling the mystery was entertaining, but for me, the novel is really about how people survive not knowing and then the aftermath of their actions once they can’t unknow what they do know.
His descriptions of food and music and bars and limes are so lively. Again, I feel like I’m there. Digger’s music is the book’s soundtrack. When he put on a song, I played it too and let Ross’s world swallow me whole. While this world is dark and dangerous, it’s also smart. I stayed Googling forensic terms I didn’t know. I would “aha” at the plot twists and turns that made sense but I didn’t entirely see coming. I enjoyed the sensory experience of reading the book and the conclusion left me full.
July 20, 2020
I had been desperate to read Black Rain Falling ever since one of my colleagues posted a list of books Bernadine Evaristo recommended to read. I was in the middle of
Girl, Woman, Other
at the time and was interested in reading books that Evaristo had enjoyed. I even managed to get his chosen as my book club's 'Summer Read' over the school holidays. Sadly, this book just didn't do it for me.
I know I am in the minority in not liking this book and I feel that it is definitely a case of it being me and not the book. I can understand why so many people would like the book, but I found it very difficult to access. The dialogue is written as it would be said in the accent of the book (I don't know if Creole is the correct term here) and that did take getting used to. I find that if the dialogue is hard for me to access then I struggle with the book. The same happened when I read A Clockwork Orange a short time ago.
I also found the story didn't really tie together. They were initally trying to pin a crime on a man who raped the good friend of the main character after she shot him, but then it turned into a drugs investigation with no real mention or consequence to the inital crime. I felt that the first 25% of the book, then, had no real relation to the rest of the book.
I think this is one that you need to read and make your mind up about, but sadly it was not one that I really enjoyed.
I know I am in the minority in not liking this book and I feel that it is definitely a case of it being me and not the book. I can understand why so many people would like the book, but I found it very difficult to access. The dialogue is written as it would be said in the accent of the book (I don't know if Creole is the correct term here) and that did take getting used to. I find that if the dialogue is hard for me to access then I struggle with the book. The same happened when I read A Clockwork Orange a short time ago.
I also found the story didn't really tie together. They were initally trying to pin a crime on a man who raped the good friend of the main character after she shot him, but then it turned into a drugs investigation with no real mention or consequence to the inital crime. I felt that the first 25% of the book, then, had no real relation to the rest of the book.
I think this is one that you need to read and make your mind up about, but sadly it was not one that I really enjoyed.
August 26, 2020
Grenadian author Jacob Ross took me back to Camaho—his fictional, tiny, Caribbean island—where the team from San Andrews CID are facing a crisis: they’ve been shut down. Miss Stanislaus has been put on restricted duty after she kills a local drug dealer (who raped her many years before), and while her partner DC Digson is trying to clear her name, he’s investigating two murders that may or may not be related to a potentially bigger problem for the local police.
I really appreciate Ross’ intricate descriptions of villages, landscapes, and culture. But more than anything I love his use of Caribbean dialogue, the book just wouldn’t work otherwise. The narrative is well written, intriguing, and thrilling. Aside from the criminal cases being solved, this book starts to deepen the relationships of the characters, who all have a heavy background. They are all layered and complicated and talented and somewhat dangerous, who fight and love like family.
Only two things bothered me: the narrative seemed to abandon for a bit too long the clearing of Ms Stanislaus from murder, and when it does happen, it’s a little too clean. Second, I’m irked with the spelling used for Ms Stanislaus’ dialogue. I feel she’s always mispronouncing words and names. Why does Ross do that if she’s supposed to be so smart? To me this just takes away from her intelligence. Just a pet peeve.
Overall I do love this series and I highly recommend it if you’re into crime and mystery and are open to a Caribbean twist!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really appreciate Ross’ intricate descriptions of villages, landscapes, and culture. But more than anything I love his use of Caribbean dialogue, the book just wouldn’t work otherwise. The narrative is well written, intriguing, and thrilling. Aside from the criminal cases being solved, this book starts to deepen the relationships of the characters, who all have a heavy background. They are all layered and complicated and talented and somewhat dangerous, who fight and love like family.
Only two things bothered me: the narrative seemed to abandon for a bit too long the clearing of Ms Stanislaus from murder, and when it does happen, it’s a little too clean. Second, I’m irked with the spelling used for Ms Stanislaus’ dialogue. I feel she’s always mispronouncing words and names. Why does Ross do that if she’s supposed to be so smart? To me this just takes away from her intelligence. Just a pet peeve.
Overall I do love this series and I highly recommend it if you’re into crime and mystery and are open to a Caribbean twist!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2020
This was my first book by Jacob Ross and I highly recommend it!
I really enjoyed how atmospheric it was and how the characters were so well developed.
The story is really compelling and I struggled to put the book down.
Although a dark story, it really got me hooked from the first page. I really enjoyed the Camacho setting and the descriptions made me feel I was there, with the characters.
Detective Digson was a mysterious and interesting character and I was constantly wondering how was he going to react to what was happening in the narrative. I really loved Miss Stanislaus and how direct and passionate about her job she was. I really enjoyed seeing her work with Detective Digson and their relationship.
I was lost in the narrative and I really enjoyed every twist and turn of this book. I thought this book was emotive and was really impressed with the ending.
I am now waiting patiently to get my copy of
The Bone Readers and can’t wait to read further books by Jacob Ross
I really enjoyed how atmospheric it was and how the characters were so well developed.
The story is really compelling and I struggled to put the book down.
Although a dark story, it really got me hooked from the first page. I really enjoyed the Camacho setting and the descriptions made me feel I was there, with the characters.
Detective Digson was a mysterious and interesting character and I was constantly wondering how was he going to react to what was happening in the narrative. I really loved Miss Stanislaus and how direct and passionate about her job she was. I really enjoyed seeing her work with Detective Digson and their relationship.
I was lost in the narrative and I really enjoyed every twist and turn of this book. I thought this book was emotive and was really impressed with the ending.
I am now waiting patiently to get my copy of
The Bone Readers and can’t wait to read further books by Jacob Ross
May 16, 2020
I'm not really somebody who reads much crime, but having read The Bone Readers I was keen to read more about Michael "Digger" Digson, so have been eagerly awaiting this for some time. It's a terrific book, full of twists and turns; the novel is set on the Carribean island of Camaho, a place so keenly evoked by Ross that you can practically taste the seawater in your throat. There are plenty of mysteries in this one. Ross' characters and his wicked turn of phrase will keep you invested in this from start to finish. Standout for me was Miss Stanislaus with her complex backstory and no-bullshit attitude. Could not recommend this novel more, especially if you're looking for a unique and atmospheric twist on the usual.
February 24, 2022
At least three books in one
This incredibly slow starter almost made me give up. But just before the halfway mark, the reader begins to realize that the author is doing a huge amount of work in just one telling of a story. We have here a police procedural, a feminist manifesto, and an unusual sort of coming of age story. It's quite the astonishing book, and the slow build does in fact lead to a big, big story. Just a very personal one.
The dialog gave me trouble at first because it's written in what I can only assume to be an authentic Creole, and I'm a standard American speaker. But if you keep going, you will begin - if you listen for it - the music of the speech. I promise you, you will enjoy the poetic patterns once you get comfortable with them.
This incredibly slow starter almost made me give up. But just before the halfway mark, the reader begins to realize that the author is doing a huge amount of work in just one telling of a story. We have here a police procedural, a feminist manifesto, and an unusual sort of coming of age story. It's quite the astonishing book, and the slow build does in fact lead to a big, big story. Just a very personal one.
The dialog gave me trouble at first because it's written in what I can only assume to be an authentic Creole, and I'm a standard American speaker. But if you keep going, you will begin - if you listen for it - the music of the speech. I promise you, you will enjoy the poetic patterns once you get comfortable with them.
June 8, 2022
I don't think I started really enjoying this as much as The Bone Readers until about halfway through. There seemed a mite too much pontificating and secret keeping (which always winds me up). However once you've got the story going it races away at blistering speed dealing with drug running on Camaho and the misery, death and fear it has created.
We're along for the ride with Digger, Miss Stanislaus and Chilman again. This time we learn more of Miss Stanislaus's childhood and what has made her who she is. Both Digger and Miss Stanislaus are engaging characters and I sincerely hope that we see them again in another Camaho mystery. Since Digger still hasn't located his mother's remains I think its likely.
We're along for the ride with Digger, Miss Stanislaus and Chilman again. This time we learn more of Miss Stanislaus's childhood and what has made her who she is. Both Digger and Miss Stanislaus are engaging characters and I sincerely hope that we see them again in another Camaho mystery. Since Digger still hasn't located his mother's remains I think its likely.
September 11, 2020
Crime in the Caribbean, fab story around murder and drugs. Great characters especially Digger and Miss Stanislaus, have to admit I struggled with the patois and dialect at first but got used to it as I read on. My first Jacob Ross but I'll have to read the other "Digger"'story - The Bone Readers.
November 17, 2020
I was really looking forward to this read, after being recommended on Richard and Judy book club so for me this was a disappointment. The dialogue is written Caribbean style so the reading needed extra effort, which distracted from the storyline.
January 27, 2021
A great example of crime novel, set in the Caribbean (Grenada?). A fast paced story with the dialogue written in dialect. Digger and Miss Stanislavsky make a great team. A great variety of characters.
Read
October 20, 2021A book that aims higher than a simple crime novel to delve into the social depths of Grenada. I am not sure why it felt disjointed and unsatisfactory to me. I found the toxicity of the dysfunction in the police force distracting. Will definitely read more by this author.
April 2, 2022
This was quite a difficult book to read because of the language and complexity of the plot for me. However persevering with it was rewarded by an intriguing ending which explained some of the puzzlement I had experienced earlier on.
June 4, 2021
I gave it 150p and it just did not do it for me~so much so DNF.
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