What do you think?
Rate this book
Matala: A Novel
Plotting to con a bored young American in Italy, a pair of grifters find themselves embroiled in a love triangle and smuggling operation that forces them to reevaluate the consequences of their choices.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
1 person is currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Craig Holden
19 books22 followersCraig Holden is the author of the novels The River Sorrow, The Last Sanctuary, Four Corners of Night, The Jazz Bird, The Narcissist's Daughter, and the forthcoming Matala. He is a recipient of the Great Lakes Book Award in Fiction, and was a featured guest at the Festival International du Roman Noir in Frontignan, France. His books have been translated into a dozen languages. He has taught at the Universities of Michigan and Toledo, and is currently the visiting writer at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, where he, his wife, four kids and two dogs, have settled at the edge of the high desert.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 26, 2008
(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being illegally reposted here.)
As I've said here before, I'm a fan of sometimes picking up and going through just completely random books, found through completely random means, for two main reasons: professionally, because it keeps the list of books reviewed here at CCLaP closer to the list of books available in most readers' lives; and then personally just because I'm a heavy reader myself, have been since a small child in fact, and sometimes tear through random titles just because I'm bored and can't find anything else to read. And thus do we come to the 2007 Eurothriller Matala by Craig Holden, which a few weeks ago I came across completely by accident in the "new books" section at my neighborhood library, and checked out completely on a whim; and indeed, it's not a horrible book at all nor ultimately was it a waste of my time, although it can definitely be called a textbook example of a type of novel I talk about here sometimes, that "book to read when you're stuck at a relative's and you forgot to bring a book yourself." So in other words, if you're looking to kill a day or two over Easter in your slightly creepy great-aunt's place, and you're staring at a wall full of dusty Zane Gray titles and Readers Digest compilations, if you were to come across Matala (which you very well might under such circumstances) it would undoubtedly be the very best book on that wall. That's not saying a lot, but at least it's saying something.
Set in a pre-EU 1987 for no discernible reason I could see, the novel is essentially a noir -- the tale of spoiled and bored high-school graduate / new undergraduate Darcy Arlen, traipsing across Europe over Christmas vacation on a parents-sponsored guided field trip, yearning for adventure but unable to figure out how to break free of her group and have some. Enter, then, emaciated badboy Will, with whom Darcy starts up a random conversation one evening on a Rome bridge; as you can guess, in reality he's a charming low-level con artist and pill freak, who was just about to hit rock-bottom before meeting the cash-flushed Darcy and literally charming the pants off her. And thus does he convince her to sneak out later and join him at the rock-and-roll slacker hostel where he's staying; and thus does she meet Will's much older femme-fatale partner in crime, Justine; and thus do the two of them convince Darcy to simply split off from the guided tour group, since she's over eighteen now and can do what she wants, and instead go on a trip with the two of them to move a mysterious package through pre-war Yugoslavia and eventually to the small Grecian town of Matala. And thus do things start going from bad to worse as they make their way eastward, and eventually from worse to "relentlessly violent Oscar-winning Coen Brothers adaptation."
As you can see, in fact, predictability is the biggest problem with Matala; because the writing itself is just fine (or at least serviceable), just that the storyline feels like a framework that never got filled in. This is what elevates certain genre work to the top of the heap, after all, that since all of them are ultimately based on the same tiny amount of similar plots, such details as character-fleshing and McGuffin-nuancing is really what separates a great one from a "meh" one; and Matala is a "meh" novel to be sure, one that feels like a sculpture an artist worked on just long enough to reveal a general shape, but not long enough for us to recognize who it's actually supposed to be. Now in all fairness, Holden does try to shake things up from the usual noirish plot on display here, but even his exceptions somehow feel like typical genre rules when all is said and done; the "innocent dupe" who isn't quite so innocent, the Oedipal connection between the con-artist lovers that fairly broadcasts itself from the very beginning.
And then of course are the times when common sense takes a backseat because it would ruin something in the clunky storyline being developed, as sure a sign of an immature writer as anything; for example, the fact that the private investigator hired by Darcy's parents knows full-well what horrific fate awaits her once she gets to Matala, yet refuses to flat-out just tell her during their phone calls in fear of "ruining the surprise" for us as readers. That's the kind of basic "Plotting 101" mistake that relegates such novels to the Zane Gray Readers Digest Creepy Great Aunt Back Bedroom Bookshelf in the first place, one of many such mistakes on display here. Do yourself a favor next Christmas and simply don't forget the book you're currently reading, when you head off to family holiday; if you do, though, you could do worse than to stumble across one of Holden's many genre thrillers on a musty basement bookshelf.
Out of 10: 6.8
And P.S., because it's worth mentioning, this is a great cover design in my opinion by Jaime Putorti, who's received lots of online praise in the past for other book covers. I wish all genre thrillers looked this sharp!
As I've said here before, I'm a fan of sometimes picking up and going through just completely random books, found through completely random means, for two main reasons: professionally, because it keeps the list of books reviewed here at CCLaP closer to the list of books available in most readers' lives; and then personally just because I'm a heavy reader myself, have been since a small child in fact, and sometimes tear through random titles just because I'm bored and can't find anything else to read. And thus do we come to the 2007 Eurothriller Matala by Craig Holden, which a few weeks ago I came across completely by accident in the "new books" section at my neighborhood library, and checked out completely on a whim; and indeed, it's not a horrible book at all nor ultimately was it a waste of my time, although it can definitely be called a textbook example of a type of novel I talk about here sometimes, that "book to read when you're stuck at a relative's and you forgot to bring a book yourself." So in other words, if you're looking to kill a day or two over Easter in your slightly creepy great-aunt's place, and you're staring at a wall full of dusty Zane Gray titles and Readers Digest compilations, if you were to come across Matala (which you very well might under such circumstances) it would undoubtedly be the very best book on that wall. That's not saying a lot, but at least it's saying something.
Set in a pre-EU 1987 for no discernible reason I could see, the novel is essentially a noir -- the tale of spoiled and bored high-school graduate / new undergraduate Darcy Arlen, traipsing across Europe over Christmas vacation on a parents-sponsored guided field trip, yearning for adventure but unable to figure out how to break free of her group and have some. Enter, then, emaciated badboy Will, with whom Darcy starts up a random conversation one evening on a Rome bridge; as you can guess, in reality he's a charming low-level con artist and pill freak, who was just about to hit rock-bottom before meeting the cash-flushed Darcy and literally charming the pants off her. And thus does he convince her to sneak out later and join him at the rock-and-roll slacker hostel where he's staying; and thus does she meet Will's much older femme-fatale partner in crime, Justine; and thus do the two of them convince Darcy to simply split off from the guided tour group, since she's over eighteen now and can do what she wants, and instead go on a trip with the two of them to move a mysterious package through pre-war Yugoslavia and eventually to the small Grecian town of Matala. And thus do things start going from bad to worse as they make their way eastward, and eventually from worse to "relentlessly violent Oscar-winning Coen Brothers adaptation."
As you can see, in fact, predictability is the biggest problem with Matala; because the writing itself is just fine (or at least serviceable), just that the storyline feels like a framework that never got filled in. This is what elevates certain genre work to the top of the heap, after all, that since all of them are ultimately based on the same tiny amount of similar plots, such details as character-fleshing and McGuffin-nuancing is really what separates a great one from a "meh" one; and Matala is a "meh" novel to be sure, one that feels like a sculpture an artist worked on just long enough to reveal a general shape, but not long enough for us to recognize who it's actually supposed to be. Now in all fairness, Holden does try to shake things up from the usual noirish plot on display here, but even his exceptions somehow feel like typical genre rules when all is said and done; the "innocent dupe" who isn't quite so innocent, the Oedipal connection between the con-artist lovers that fairly broadcasts itself from the very beginning.
And then of course are the times when common sense takes a backseat because it would ruin something in the clunky storyline being developed, as sure a sign of an immature writer as anything; for example, the fact that the private investigator hired by Darcy's parents knows full-well what horrific fate awaits her once she gets to Matala, yet refuses to flat-out just tell her during their phone calls in fear of "ruining the surprise" for us as readers. That's the kind of basic "Plotting 101" mistake that relegates such novels to the Zane Gray Readers Digest Creepy Great Aunt Back Bedroom Bookshelf in the first place, one of many such mistakes on display here. Do yourself a favor next Christmas and simply don't forget the book you're currently reading, when you head off to family holiday; if you do, though, you could do worse than to stumble across one of Holden's many genre thrillers on a musty basement bookshelf.
Out of 10: 6.8
And P.S., because it's worth mentioning, this is a great cover design in my opinion by Jaime Putorti, who's received lots of online praise in the past for other book covers. I wish all genre thrillers looked this sharp!
August 8, 2019
I would not classify this short novel as a mystery, but it is quite noir. Well written to keep my attention, but I found it hard to latch on to any of the three main characters. With no one to cheer for, I felt a bit slimed by the conclusion.
November 7, 2018
According to mythology, Zeus raped the princess Europa on the small island of Matala, so it is the ideal setting for Holden’s dark, erotic, noir-thriller. Filled with tough, cynical characters, Matala is a short, crisp read that demonstrates the sharp contrast between the haves and have-nots. The line between sensuality and violence often blurs, melding the two into a shapeless, symbolic raping of innocence that changes both the con and the mark at the very core of their being.
A combination graduation-birthday gift from her parents, this six week, guided tour of all the famous European sites was a painfully boring journey for Darcy Arlene. A napping chaperon provided the perfect opportunity to sneak away from the Hotel Abitazione and experience the “real city.” Walking through Rome she makes her way onto a bridge, spanning the Tiber, where she encounters an attractive young man who seems oddly familiar. An innocent introduction leads to dinner, where the two continue to talk like old friends. Will invites Darcy to meet him for drinks at a wine bar in Olympic Village but is convinced she’s blowing him off when she insists on returning to the hotel to face her chaperon and freshen up.
Appearing innocent and completely out of her element Darcy makes her way to the wine bar where she meets Will and is unceremoniously introduced to his older traveling companion of two years, Justine. After several rounds, Darcy explains she has to be up early to catch a train to Florence - the next stop on the tour schedule but is easily convinced to stay for one more drink. The next morning, still a bit dazed and confused, she realizes she has missed the train and has been separated from both the tour group and all her cash. Her new friends comfort her, offering to travel with her to Florence, provided she pay their way, of course.
Justine was, by all accounts the web-weaver, setting up the marks, utilizing her vast network of underground contacts, she was a master manipulator and a sadist by nature. But she knew her ex-husband, Maurice held the key to the big-scam. And although she hated the very thought of working for Maurice, the chance to settle debts and make some real cash was too tempting and she reluctantly agreed. The job was pretty straight-forward, but not without risk…deliver a package to Matala by Christmas. When pushed for more information, Maurice simply stated, “a special gift for one who has everything.”
Finally free of chaperons, routines and the stifling constraints thereof, the excitement of the unknown, the dangers that could await her, delighted her beyond anything she had ever known. Darcy fancied herself streetwise, the mere thought of stealing awakened carnal urges deep within her that seemed to electrify her entire body. She knows there’s something fishy going on between Justine and Will - things don’t quite add up - she’s more than willing to play along because she finds the thrill of the con so appealing. Justine and Will had survived in a state of codependency, now with the addition of a third angle, what had once seemed a benevolent need to dominate and control, felt very wrong. Will realized he was changing, but so too were Justine and Darcy. What follows is a series of double deals and cutthroat betrayals that keep the reader on the edge, searching for answers.
How this three-way plays itself out is Holden’s trump card, which he skillfully holds close to the vest. The tension builds as the story hurtles toward the moment all the players and pawns in this high stakes game face off in a final showdown. Struggling with the contours and mysteries of ideals and self-discovery each character is laid bare for all to see at the conclusion.
What begins with a spoiled little rich girl touring Europe, downshifts into a fast-paced romp through the half-dens and hostels, courtesy of a couple of well-seasoned grifters. As the three-match wits and one-up each other in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse, the roles of con and mark blur.
Chock-full of deceit, debauchery and dark desires, Matala is best suited for a mature reader. The characters are well developed and delivered with razor-sharp precision. The plot is well crafted and presented in stages which adds depth and dimension to the story. Although all the threads are neatly tied together at the conclusion, it feels forced and contrived, as if the story simply ran out of steam and was hurriedly wrapped up. However, with Holden’s exceptionally ability to craft compelling and complex characters I look forward to his next novel with great anticipation.
A combination graduation-birthday gift from her parents, this six week, guided tour of all the famous European sites was a painfully boring journey for Darcy Arlene. A napping chaperon provided the perfect opportunity to sneak away from the Hotel Abitazione and experience the “real city.” Walking through Rome she makes her way onto a bridge, spanning the Tiber, where she encounters an attractive young man who seems oddly familiar. An innocent introduction leads to dinner, where the two continue to talk like old friends. Will invites Darcy to meet him for drinks at a wine bar in Olympic Village but is convinced she’s blowing him off when she insists on returning to the hotel to face her chaperon and freshen up.
Appearing innocent and completely out of her element Darcy makes her way to the wine bar where she meets Will and is unceremoniously introduced to his older traveling companion of two years, Justine. After several rounds, Darcy explains she has to be up early to catch a train to Florence - the next stop on the tour schedule but is easily convinced to stay for one more drink. The next morning, still a bit dazed and confused, she realizes she has missed the train and has been separated from both the tour group and all her cash. Her new friends comfort her, offering to travel with her to Florence, provided she pay their way, of course.
Justine was, by all accounts the web-weaver, setting up the marks, utilizing her vast network of underground contacts, she was a master manipulator and a sadist by nature. But she knew her ex-husband, Maurice held the key to the big-scam. And although she hated the very thought of working for Maurice, the chance to settle debts and make some real cash was too tempting and she reluctantly agreed. The job was pretty straight-forward, but not without risk…deliver a package to Matala by Christmas. When pushed for more information, Maurice simply stated, “a special gift for one who has everything.”
Finally free of chaperons, routines and the stifling constraints thereof, the excitement of the unknown, the dangers that could await her, delighted her beyond anything she had ever known. Darcy fancied herself streetwise, the mere thought of stealing awakened carnal urges deep within her that seemed to electrify her entire body. She knows there’s something fishy going on between Justine and Will - things don’t quite add up - she’s more than willing to play along because she finds the thrill of the con so appealing. Justine and Will had survived in a state of codependency, now with the addition of a third angle, what had once seemed a benevolent need to dominate and control, felt very wrong. Will realized he was changing, but so too were Justine and Darcy. What follows is a series of double deals and cutthroat betrayals that keep the reader on the edge, searching for answers.
How this three-way plays itself out is Holden’s trump card, which he skillfully holds close to the vest. The tension builds as the story hurtles toward the moment all the players and pawns in this high stakes game face off in a final showdown. Struggling with the contours and mysteries of ideals and self-discovery each character is laid bare for all to see at the conclusion.
What begins with a spoiled little rich girl touring Europe, downshifts into a fast-paced romp through the half-dens and hostels, courtesy of a couple of well-seasoned grifters. As the three-match wits and one-up each other in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse, the roles of con and mark blur.
Chock-full of deceit, debauchery and dark desires, Matala is best suited for a mature reader. The characters are well developed and delivered with razor-sharp precision. The plot is well crafted and presented in stages which adds depth and dimension to the story. Although all the threads are neatly tied together at the conclusion, it feels forced and contrived, as if the story simply ran out of steam and was hurriedly wrapped up. However, with Holden’s exceptionally ability to craft compelling and complex characters I look forward to his next novel with great anticipation.
January 13, 2014
RATING: 4.25
In this day and age of bloated books, it's a welcome relief to run across an exceedingly well-told tale that comes in at under 200 pages. In the case of MATALA, it's actually rather amazing to see how much action and tension Craig Holden manages to pack into 180 pages.
Darcy Arlen is a rich young American whose parents have sent her on a pricey tour of Europe as a high school graduation present. It's just begun, and Darcy is already sick of touring museums and ruins. She leaves the tour group to explore the streets of Rome on her own. She bumps into a young drifter named Will, who brings her back to the hostel where he is staying with his much older lover, Justine. Justine and Will are barely making it; running across Darcy seems a stroke of good luck, as she seems amazingly willing to spend her money without question. It doesn't take much effort to convince Darcy to travel with them; before long, they are off to Florence and a European experience that Darcy couldn't conceive of in her wildest imagination.
As it turns out, Darcy isn't nearly as naïve as she's led Will and Justine to believe; and it isn't long before she is turning the tables on the two of them. In order to repay a debt, Justine must deliver a package to Crete. The three of them team up as con artists. From that point on, the narrative unfolds at a terrifying pace. Betrayal, sexual obsession, brutality—and a climax that resolves everything and nothing at the same time.
Holden excels at unveiling the vagaries of some very dysfunctional relationships, while springing several surprises along the way. Holden is an excellent writer, and he had me under his spell for most of the book. There was a bit having to do with white slavery that I found rather preposterous; and the ending was unsatisfying. It's too bad that the resolution didn't measure up.
In this day and age of bloated books, it's a welcome relief to run across an exceedingly well-told tale that comes in at under 200 pages. In the case of MATALA, it's actually rather amazing to see how much action and tension Craig Holden manages to pack into 180 pages.
Darcy Arlen is a rich young American whose parents have sent her on a pricey tour of Europe as a high school graduation present. It's just begun, and Darcy is already sick of touring museums and ruins. She leaves the tour group to explore the streets of Rome on her own. She bumps into a young drifter named Will, who brings her back to the hostel where he is staying with his much older lover, Justine. Justine and Will are barely making it; running across Darcy seems a stroke of good luck, as she seems amazingly willing to spend her money without question. It doesn't take much effort to convince Darcy to travel with them; before long, they are off to Florence and a European experience that Darcy couldn't conceive of in her wildest imagination.
As it turns out, Darcy isn't nearly as naïve as she's led Will and Justine to believe; and it isn't long before she is turning the tables on the two of them. In order to repay a debt, Justine must deliver a package to Crete. The three of them team up as con artists. From that point on, the narrative unfolds at a terrifying pace. Betrayal, sexual obsession, brutality—and a climax that resolves everything and nothing at the same time.
Holden excels at unveiling the vagaries of some very dysfunctional relationships, while springing several surprises along the way. Holden is an excellent writer, and he had me under his spell for most of the book. There was a bit having to do with white slavery that I found rather preposterous; and the ending was unsatisfying. It's too bad that the resolution didn't measure up.
February 9, 2011
Who is Matala? What is Matala? Where is Matala?
Matala is a small village kon the Greek Island of Crete and becomes the end destination for this book.
Darcy Arlen is a young spoiled American girl and is on a tour of Europe. She finds herself bored with the tour and the tour group she is with. Darcy finds herself exploring the sites of Rome by herself and becomes involved with a young American, Will, who is bumming around Europe.
Darcy finds herself involved with this young man but also finds out that he is involved with another older American woman, Justine, who has been his cnmpanion in Europe. It seems that both of these people have a dubious background and are presently trying to fleece as much money from Darcy as possible. They convince her to accompany them on a tour of Europe and use Darcy's credit cards and money to fund their travels. Strangely enough Darcy is on to their scheme, but lets it play out.
We find that Justine was formally married to a man who used Justine to work several scams that netted them a hugh profit. They see in Darcy another opportunity for a big payoff.
The three are asked by Justine's husband to carry a package to Matala and wait for someone to contact them. The package itself is worthless because the true package is Darcy who is being sold into White Slavery. Will Justine find it in her heart to prevent this from happening? What about Will, what part will he play? There is also a private investigator, hired by Darcy's father to find her, will he get there in time?
This is a pretty good read, it moves very quickly and in terms of length it can be considered a small book. There is one caution though, and that is the book dokes contain sexual content and may not be suitable for all.
Matala is a small village kon the Greek Island of Crete and becomes the end destination for this book.
Darcy Arlen is a young spoiled American girl and is on a tour of Europe. She finds herself bored with the tour and the tour group she is with. Darcy finds herself exploring the sites of Rome by herself and becomes involved with a young American, Will, who is bumming around Europe.
Darcy finds herself involved with this young man but also finds out that he is involved with another older American woman, Justine, who has been his cnmpanion in Europe. It seems that both of these people have a dubious background and are presently trying to fleece as much money from Darcy as possible. They convince her to accompany them on a tour of Europe and use Darcy's credit cards and money to fund their travels. Strangely enough Darcy is on to their scheme, but lets it play out.
We find that Justine was formally married to a man who used Justine to work several scams that netted them a hugh profit. They see in Darcy another opportunity for a big payoff.
The three are asked by Justine's husband to carry a package to Matala and wait for someone to contact them. The package itself is worthless because the true package is Darcy who is being sold into White Slavery. Will Justine find it in her heart to prevent this from happening? What about Will, what part will he play? There is also a private investigator, hired by Darcy's father to find her, will he get there in time?
This is a pretty good read, it moves very quickly and in terms of length it can be considered a small book. There is one caution though, and that is the book dokes contain sexual content and may not be suitable for all.
March 24, 2008
On her nineteenth birthday, Darcy Arlen is bored. She's on a tour of Europe on her parents' bill, and she is sick of museums and ruins and art. And then she meets Will. He's worldly and road-weary, and has the smell of adventure on him. When Darcy recklessly ditches her tour to travel with Will and his older lover, Justine, it's the beginning of a journey of deception.
The trio meet up with Maurice, a shady character who gives them a package to smuggle to Crete. Along the way, there will be secrets, betrayals, and more shocking surprises than any of them could predict. And when they finally reach the little town of Matala, they will find themselves in far more danger than they ever expected.
Matala is a tightly written, fast-paced book, told from the three different POVs of Darcy, Will and Justine. Interestingly enough, the only one of those three told in first person is that of Will, arguably the least interesting and complex character of the three.
There are twists, some of them that took me by surprise, and some of which I predicted--though I only started suspecting them shortly before they actually happened.
It was an interesting, quick read, but I found myself always wanting more. More development, more action, more explanation.
The trio meet up with Maurice, a shady character who gives them a package to smuggle to Crete. Along the way, there will be secrets, betrayals, and more shocking surprises than any of them could predict. And when they finally reach the little town of Matala, they will find themselves in far more danger than they ever expected.
Matala is a tightly written, fast-paced book, told from the three different POVs of Darcy, Will and Justine. Interestingly enough, the only one of those three told in first person is that of Will, arguably the least interesting and complex character of the three.
There are twists, some of them that took me by surprise, and some of which I predicted--though I only started suspecting them shortly before they actually happened.
It was an interesting, quick read, but I found myself always wanting more. More development, more action, more explanation.
April 2, 2008
When a couple of grifters meet Darcy, a bored young American girl on a tour of Europe, they entice her into traveling with them on an "adventure," but they soon learn that Darcy is not the innocent she pretends to be.
A sharp, sexy read that takes the reader on a trip to the dark side of human nature. Not for the squeamish.
A sharp, sexy read that takes the reader on a trip to the dark side of human nature. Not for the squeamish.
May 11, 2009
This was a really enjoyable mystery. You think Darcy is getting conned, but then it turns out that she is doing the conning. At least she thinks she is. Loyalties change and betrayers become the betrayed. Holden keeps you guessing until the very end about who is really in charge and who is really doing the conning. A fun, sexy read.
May 19, 2022
I have read some books from this author that i really liked so I had high hopes for Matala. The concept and story I thought had great potential but it just fell short due to it being so thin. The author didn't really do a great job with character development. This book could have been great if the story was developed more and fleshed out more.
August 13, 2008
A dark story, set in Italy & Crete, about a couple of grifters who meet their match in a deceptively "wholesome" young American blond rich girl. A quick, engrossing read, with layers of relationships and deception. Dark and disturbing; reminds me in some ways of The Talented Mr. Ripley.
July 6, 2009
Another ok vacation read, but Craig Holden, you have no idea how to write female characters.
April 20, 2012
Love this book...it reminds me of a novel I read several years ago titled "The Secret History".
February 28, 2013
Pulp fiction. Good thing it's short.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews