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Brock & Kolla #3
All My Enemies
In one of the finest and most pivotal books in this critically acclaimed series, never before published in the U.S., D.S. Kathy Kolla reports to New Scotland Yard and to D.C.I. David Brock's Serious Crime Division.
Just before Kolla is to start her new job, a young woman is found viciously murdered in a leafy, well-heeled suburb, and the grotesque details of the slaughter appear to be well-rehearsed, even theatrical. Assigned to the case, Kolla's only improbable lead draws her to a local amateur drama group. Once in their orbit, she is lured into a piece of theatre over which, increasingly, she has little control. In All My Enemies, Brock and Kolla find themselves in a tangled web of deceptions in a case wherein a corpus of plays becomes a template for murder.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1996
19 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Barry Maitland
43 books185 followersBarry Maitland is the author of the acclaimed Brock and Kolla series of crime mystery novels, which are set in London, where Barry grew up after his family moved there.
His books have been described as whydunits as much as whodunits, concerned with the devious histories and motivations of their characters. Barry's background in architecture drew him to the structured character of the mystery novel, and his books are notable for their ingenious plots as well as for their atmospheric settings, each in a different intriguing corner of London.
Barry studied architecture at Cambridge University, and went on to work as an architect in the UK, then took a PhD in urban design at the University of Sheffield, where he also taught and wrote a number of books on architecture and urban design. In 1984 he moved to Australia to head the architecture school at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, and held that position until 2000. He now writes fiction full time, and lives in the Hunter Valley, Australia.
His books have been described as whydunits as much as whodunits, concerned with the devious histories and motivations of their characters. Barry's background in architecture drew him to the structured character of the mystery novel, and his books are notable for their ingenious plots as well as for their atmospheric settings, each in a different intriguing corner of London.
Barry studied architecture at Cambridge University, and went on to work as an architect in the UK, then took a PhD in urban design at the University of Sheffield, where he also taught and wrote a number of books on architecture and urban design. In 1984 he moved to Australia to head the architecture school at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, and held that position until 2000. He now writes fiction full time, and lives in the Hunter Valley, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 26, 2022
Detective Sergeant Kathy Kolla was looking forward to working with DCI Brock again, this time in his Serious Crime Division in New Scotland Yard. He called her in the day before her official start to attend the brutal murder of a young woman whose parents had just arrived home from holidays overseas, finding her body. The murder turned out to be similar to unsolved cases in the past and soon the team had at least four murders of young women they were following.
Kathy's tenuous clues led her to the local amateur drama group, where she was drawn into the fold. With her Aunt Mary helping with the costumes, Kathy was doing the prompts at rehearsals, always with her mind ticking over. The one person of interest they had, saw Kathy the only one to continue to believe in his guilt. But the leads the others were following were viable as well. Would they ever find the killer? And would another young woman lose her life?
All My Enemies is the 3rd in the Brock & Kolla series by Aussie author Barry Maitland and I quite enjoyed it. I must say though that the final short chapter made no sense at all - I even went back and read it again, and still I couldn't see any relevance to the story. Other than that, the book was good. Brock and Kolla are both great characters and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series. Recommended.
Kathy's tenuous clues led her to the local amateur drama group, where she was drawn into the fold. With her Aunt Mary helping with the costumes, Kathy was doing the prompts at rehearsals, always with her mind ticking over. The one person of interest they had, saw Kathy the only one to continue to believe in his guilt. But the leads the others were following were viable as well. Would they ever find the killer? And would another young woman lose her life?
All My Enemies is the 3rd in the Brock & Kolla series by Aussie author Barry Maitland and I quite enjoyed it. I must say though that the final short chapter made no sense at all - I even went back and read it again, and still I couldn't see any relevance to the story. Other than that, the book was good. Brock and Kolla are both great characters and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series. Recommended.
April 20, 2023
All My Enemies is the third book in the police procedural series featuring DS Kathy Kolla and DCI David Brock or Scotland Yard. The series is proving to be an intriguing one, mainly because the limelight is given to the lower ranking officer out of the two whose names the series is named after.
Kathy Kolla has worked with David Brock twice before, once officially (The Marx Sisters) and once unofficially (The Malcontenta) and each time she has impressed him with her virtually infallible intuition. He has now recruited her as part of his Serious Crimes Unit team at New Scotland Yard, a murder squad used to working high profile, high pressure cases.
She hasn't even started with the squad when she is called to attend her first murder scene, that of a young woman who has been viciously stabbed to death in her own home. The woman was a quiet, gentle woman who regularly attended church, had a steady boyfriend and lived with her parents. In short she was a very unlikely candidate for the kind of murder that she suffered.
Kathy finds herself on a steep learning curve with this case but proves that she's more than capable to handle the job. Through a series of insightful observations and small but crucial links with older cases the investigation gradually begins to gather momentum. As it does we find ourselves being drawn into the quirky little world of an amateur drama production.
I found this to be a steadily paced book as we are logically led through possible murder suspects, taken down a blind alley or two before hitting on some solid leads. All of this is pretty standard for your average police procedural and Barry Maitland continues to keep this straightforward investigative work interesting. A nice little sidelight to the story is added by the inclusion of Kathy's aunt who unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep before moving in. Her arrival prompts more of Kathy's personal life to be revealed giving us the opportunity to see her outside of her professional detective role.
A more amusing tone is developed when we are thrust into the rehearsals of the local theatre company that Kathy keeps finding herself drawn to, even to the point where she is recruited as a line prompter. The tantrums, petty squabbles and upstaging that take place on a regular basis are forthright enough to be coming from actors of a major production, not a small amateur group. But what starts out as a frivolous side to the story proves to have quite a lot of significance when it comes to solving the murder investigation, as one would expect given the prominence the developing play is given in the story.
An aspect of the series that has always been enjoyable for me and is reinforced in All My Enemies is the relationship between Kolla and Brock. DCI Brock is very much a background player, enigmatic yet in total control of his unit and the investigation. He displays complete faith in Kolla's intuitions and gut feelings, preferring to give her free rein to take whatever action she sees fit. Not only does the investigation benefit but we as readers benefit, getting a more lively story that isn't encumbered by office politics that can sometimes bog a police procedural mystery down.
One of the joys of reading police procedurals, particularly good police procedurals, is the accumulation of clues that bring the investigation together to give it a steady flow. Through Kathy Kolla, these clues and leads are piled up in an orderly fashion with logical progressions ensuring that the leaps in theory don't appear contrived. As a result we are given an honest chance of coming up with who we might think the murderer might be before it is revealed without the answer either appearing too obvious. There's nothing more satisfying than solving the mystery moments before the protagonist reveals the shocking truth and you get that chance in All My Enemies.
Readers who enjoy well-constructed police procedural mysteries with a logical progression through the investigation will enjoy this book. Equally there are plenty of amusing side stories to provide light entertainment during the investigation's "down time". All My Enemies is representative of the series so far so you can be assured that should you have read and enjoyed the earlier books, you will enjoy this one too. I've also found that one doesn't really have to be familiar with the earlier books from the series to enjoy the later ones, although the characters reappear from book to book, no prior knowledge of their history with one another is required so each book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Kathy Kolla has worked with David Brock twice before, once officially (The Marx Sisters) and once unofficially (The Malcontenta) and each time she has impressed him with her virtually infallible intuition. He has now recruited her as part of his Serious Crimes Unit team at New Scotland Yard, a murder squad used to working high profile, high pressure cases.
She hasn't even started with the squad when she is called to attend her first murder scene, that of a young woman who has been viciously stabbed to death in her own home. The woman was a quiet, gentle woman who regularly attended church, had a steady boyfriend and lived with her parents. In short she was a very unlikely candidate for the kind of murder that she suffered.
Kathy finds herself on a steep learning curve with this case but proves that she's more than capable to handle the job. Through a series of insightful observations and small but crucial links with older cases the investigation gradually begins to gather momentum. As it does we find ourselves being drawn into the quirky little world of an amateur drama production.
I found this to be a steadily paced book as we are logically led through possible murder suspects, taken down a blind alley or two before hitting on some solid leads. All of this is pretty standard for your average police procedural and Barry Maitland continues to keep this straightforward investigative work interesting. A nice little sidelight to the story is added by the inclusion of Kathy's aunt who unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep before moving in. Her arrival prompts more of Kathy's personal life to be revealed giving us the opportunity to see her outside of her professional detective role.
A more amusing tone is developed when we are thrust into the rehearsals of the local theatre company that Kathy keeps finding herself drawn to, even to the point where she is recruited as a line prompter. The tantrums, petty squabbles and upstaging that take place on a regular basis are forthright enough to be coming from actors of a major production, not a small amateur group. But what starts out as a frivolous side to the story proves to have quite a lot of significance when it comes to solving the murder investigation, as one would expect given the prominence the developing play is given in the story.
An aspect of the series that has always been enjoyable for me and is reinforced in All My Enemies is the relationship between Kolla and Brock. DCI Brock is very much a background player, enigmatic yet in total control of his unit and the investigation. He displays complete faith in Kolla's intuitions and gut feelings, preferring to give her free rein to take whatever action she sees fit. Not only does the investigation benefit but we as readers benefit, getting a more lively story that isn't encumbered by office politics that can sometimes bog a police procedural mystery down.
One of the joys of reading police procedurals, particularly good police procedurals, is the accumulation of clues that bring the investigation together to give it a steady flow. Through Kathy Kolla, these clues and leads are piled up in an orderly fashion with logical progressions ensuring that the leaps in theory don't appear contrived. As a result we are given an honest chance of coming up with who we might think the murderer might be before it is revealed without the answer either appearing too obvious. There's nothing more satisfying than solving the mystery moments before the protagonist reveals the shocking truth and you get that chance in All My Enemies.
Readers who enjoy well-constructed police procedural mysteries with a logical progression through the investigation will enjoy this book. Equally there are plenty of amusing side stories to provide light entertainment during the investigation's "down time". All My Enemies is representative of the series so far so you can be assured that should you have read and enjoyed the earlier books, you will enjoy this one too. I've also found that one doesn't really have to be familiar with the earlier books from the series to enjoy the later ones, although the characters reappear from book to book, no prior knowledge of their history with one another is required so each book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
February 4, 2013
DS Kathy Kolla has just been assigned to the Scotland Yard's Serious Crime Division. The day before she is supposed to report, the divisions's boss, David Brock, calls and asks her to come to the scene of an especially brutal murder. A young woman has returned home from an evening at the theater and been savagely killed in her own bedroom.
Kathy discovers that the murder shares some commonalities with the killings of a number of other young women and suspects that she and her unit may be on the trail of a serial killer. She develops a number of leads, some of which seem to be promising while others are not. One leads her to a small amateur theater group where Kathy finds herself drawn into a particularly unsettling situation. But can she stop an especially clever killer before additional innocent lives are lost?
To say anymore would probably be to give too much away. Suffice it to say that this was generally an entertaining book, although it had a subplot involving Kathy's aunt who suddenly appears and moves in with her that really didn't do much for me. Beyond that, the resolution of the crimes seemed a bit of a stretch--more convoluted than might have been necessary. Thus three stars rather than four for me.
Kathy discovers that the murder shares some commonalities with the killings of a number of other young women and suspects that she and her unit may be on the trail of a serial killer. She develops a number of leads, some of which seem to be promising while others are not. One leads her to a small amateur theater group where Kathy finds herself drawn into a particularly unsettling situation. But can she stop an especially clever killer before additional innocent lives are lost?
To say anymore would probably be to give too much away. Suffice it to say that this was generally an entertaining book, although it had a subplot involving Kathy's aunt who suddenly appears and moves in with her that really didn't do much for me. Beyond that, the resolution of the crimes seemed a bit of a stretch--more convoluted than might have been necessary. Thus three stars rather than four for me.
December 1, 2017
It's been a treat getting back into the Brock & Kolla series after a couple years' layoff. Barry Maitland's novels seem like 'retro' procedurals to me- 'whodunits' set in Britain with 'nice' characters, solid procedures, very little sex or violence (except for, you know, the murders....), and pleasant writing. They aren't Don Winslow crime novels, that's for sure, and the settings typically aren't in Guy Ritchie's Britain.
In this early installment in the series, Kathy Kolla has just begun to work as a detective under Dave Brock. She's quickly thrown a gruesome murder case that the cops fear is a one-off by a madman they'll never catch, but it turns into a classic serial killer investigation, as they identify other victims.
As with most stories in this genre, there has to be a twist to differentiate it from all the others, and in this case it has to do with the theater. That brings a number of odd characters and situations into the mix, which did make it interesting. There's a nice change up at the conclusion that wraps things up for all of us.
This is a solid B & K effort that makes one appreciate the wide range of styles and stories in this genre.
In this early installment in the series, Kathy Kolla has just begun to work as a detective under Dave Brock. She's quickly thrown a gruesome murder case that the cops fear is a one-off by a madman they'll never catch, but it turns into a classic serial killer investigation, as they identify other victims.
As with most stories in this genre, there has to be a twist to differentiate it from all the others, and in this case it has to do with the theater. That brings a number of odd characters and situations into the mix, which did make it interesting. There's a nice change up at the conclusion that wraps things up for all of us.
This is a solid B & K effort that makes one appreciate the wide range of styles and stories in this genre.
February 1, 2024
This one did not grab me as much as the first two in this series, but was still an interesting mystery. Kathy Kolla is starting a new assignment, and is quickly immersed into the investigation of the murder of a young woman. The crime has similarities to other murders, and Kolla begins to search for answers in all the similar cases.
September 7, 2016
4.5 STARS | What most impressed me while reading this book is how real DS Kathy Kolla strikes me. Sometimes female characters written by men come across as men in skirts. But Maitland rises above that very convincingly. In fact, Kolla seems more realistically-drawn than DCI Brock in these books. She certainly takes the center stage in this investigation. Maitland creates characters that have pulses. I missed some of the architectural details of his previous books, but I loved the connection to the theater and how the plays performed related to the brutal crimes. The resolution was satisfying and well-explained without being heavy-handed. I love this series!
March 9, 2012
This author usually includes insider information on a particular subject--stamp collecting, mental institutions, Karl Marx's private life, the history and architecture of shopping malls--and in this book I enjoyed learning about the theater.
Complex and enthralling mystery. There's really only one character (Kathy Kolla) who's fully developed, but she's wonderful, and the plot, dialogue, and description are all excellent.
This one kept me entertained through two taxi rides, a bus ride, and a flight.
Complex and enthralling mystery. There's really only one character (Kathy Kolla) who's fully developed, but she's wonderful, and the plot, dialogue, and description are all excellent.
This one kept me entertained through two taxi rides, a bus ride, and a flight.
January 26, 2019
Enjoyed it, set in a place I used to live with references to local hangouts and a jolly good mystery to boot!
March 23, 2024
All good in this likable police procedural series. This one with a local theatre group in the mix.
June 28, 2010
I was confused when I started this because I thought it was the latest entry in a series I thoroughly enjoy but the relationships of the characters did not reflect this. Upon looking at the title list in the front of the book I found it was actually the third in the series but apparently has not been published in the U.S. until now. Urgh! Anyway, once I realized this I dove into it and it proved to be quite good. Maitland was an architect and buildings and landscapes are always a primary part of his plots. In this one there is an interesting thread about the British Rail System and how people's views of London are formed by how they access the city via the rail and the tube. I can personally attest that this is true as, whenever I read a mystery set in London and try to visualize where the action is taking place, the first map that pops into my head is invariably the tube map! (I realize this is an inaccurate depiction overall and usually end up getting out my trusty A to Z(ed), but the tube map view is what I "see" first). I highly recommend this series; Maitland moves the story right along while developing his recurring and one-time characters well and providing interesting knowledge about places and their effect on people and events. There were two more titles that looked new to me toward the end of the list in the front of All My Enemies; I'm hoping they are also titles that have recently been published in the States....
July 23, 2013
I just finished this book today. A fast read, it was for most part satisfying, Maitland always delivers when it comes to Brock and Kathy solving crime, I was a little confused when I requested book at my local library,thinking it to be a new one in the series, but I realized it was the third in the series, published here in the States until last year (2012) it seems.
The thing that puzzles me is the ending! why did Maitland give such an ending? I was also frustrated as I wanted to see the bad guy (one of them) being punished. and then the last page....WHAT??!!! oh no! now I wonder, who the heck was that person at the end?!
I did like him introducing a bit of more human interest in Kathy's life through aunt Maryanne, it gave me an opportunity to dig deeper into Kathy's past and understand part of her total focus and ambition in her work.
I go back to the ending, I was so surprised, that I kept turning the pages :) thinking "oh goodness, the pages must be stuck here, several actually, this cannot be!" I wish we (fans) could have a Q&A with Mr. Maitland sometime here in goodreads and ask all sorts of questions, starting with this book! This is why I kept struggling between the 3, 4 and 5 star rating. I feel so disloyal, I do love Brock & Kathy's crime novels, but I cannot let the ending go unnoticed.
The thing that puzzles me is the ending! why did Maitland give such an ending? I was also frustrated as I wanted to see the bad guy (one of them) being punished. and then the last page....WHAT??!!! oh no! now I wonder, who the heck was that person at the end?!
I did like him introducing a bit of more human interest in Kathy's life through aunt Maryanne, it gave me an opportunity to dig deeper into Kathy's past and understand part of her total focus and ambition in her work.
I go back to the ending, I was so surprised, that I kept turning the pages :) thinking "oh goodness, the pages must be stuck here, several actually, this cannot be!" I wish we (fans) could have a Q&A with Mr. Maitland sometime here in goodreads and ask all sorts of questions, starting with this book! This is why I kept struggling between the 3, 4 and 5 star rating. I feel so disloyal, I do love Brock & Kathy's crime novels, but I cannot let the ending go unnoticed.
December 25, 2009
Somehow, I missed this when it first came out. What a pleasure to read it now! Kathy Kolla is set to join Brock's serious crime unit. Even before she can report for duty, Brock asks her to help investigate the brutal death of a young woman. Police search the woman's acquaintances, and are suspicious of her boss, who has a history of inappropriate behavior. At the same time, they look for a possible serial killer. Clues that Kolla produce lead them to an amateur dramatic society, whose productions seem strangely linked with a series of crimes. Kolla is trying to work her way into the close-knit unit, and also deal with her elderly aunt, who has unexpectedly moved in with her. Maitland, an architect by profession, leaves most mystery writers standing at the gate with a confused expression. Another terrific novel.
March 26, 2014
Was an interesting story with some neat twists, but not the most attention-keeping book I've read lately. I didn't hurry home to read it or stay up to finish it...it was an ok book and I may continue the series.
August 9, 2022
Even though this is the third in the Brock and Kolla series - it was my first time reading these and reading anything by Barry Maitland.
Starting in on the third book did not matter at all. Right from the start I was engaged and enveloped in the narrative. Maitland has a way with words and is so talented at the slow build, at diverting the reader's attention, popping in a hint here or there and adding a few surprises throughout.
The story starts with DS Kathy Kolla starting a new job at Scotland Yard and one day one she is thrown into a case trying to solve who murdered a young woman, Angela, from a well-off leafy suburb. There are a few suspects and Kathy has some ideas which her boss DCI Brock and team mates Bren and Leon sometimes ignore or refute.
Kolla investigates Angela's workplace, where harassment accusations are discovered. Angela was also a keen theatre-goer and was attacked after seeing a performance - are there leads there?
It's a tale that has many leads and weaves through a number of possibilities - the final discovery is not what I expected.
Starting in on the third book did not matter at all. Right from the start I was engaged and enveloped in the narrative. Maitland has a way with words and is so talented at the slow build, at diverting the reader's attention, popping in a hint here or there and adding a few surprises throughout.
The story starts with DS Kathy Kolla starting a new job at Scotland Yard and one day one she is thrown into a case trying to solve who murdered a young woman, Angela, from a well-off leafy suburb. There are a few suspects and Kathy has some ideas which her boss DCI Brock and team mates Bren and Leon sometimes ignore or refute.
Kolla investigates Angela's workplace, where harassment accusations are discovered. Angela was also a keen theatre-goer and was attacked after seeing a performance - are there leads there?
It's a tale that has many leads and weaves through a number of possibilities - the final discovery is not what I expected.
January 6, 2021
Another thoroughly enjoyable instalment in this police procedural series by Barry Maitland. This novel is told from Kathy Kolla’s point of view - always a gamble for a male writer, however, Kolla’s voice is spot-on.
The murders are suitably gruesome, without dwelling on the details, and the involvement of a amateur theatre troupe and the correlation with their plays is original. Maitland is particularly skilful in creating a sense of place, be it the backstage of a theatre, or the interior of an old house.
Highly recommended for lovers of a well executed police procedural, with believable characters and an intriguing plot.
The murders are suitably gruesome, without dwelling on the details, and the involvement of a amateur theatre troupe and the correlation with their plays is original. Maitland is particularly skilful in creating a sense of place, be it the backstage of a theatre, or the interior of an old house.
Highly recommended for lovers of a well executed police procedural, with believable characters and an intriguing plot.
September 1, 2025
3.5 stars
I've read a few Brock and Koller stories (not in chronological order, unfortunately) and enjoyed them all.
This one has a very interesting narrative - a clearly sadistic and disturbed murderer is at work.
However I found Kathy's allowing herself to be swept up in the theatre world so readily somewhat surprising and the resolution a little disappointing - the murderer's motivation was too 'left field' - not impossible to accept but fairly implausible.
I also would have liked more involvement from Brock; he seemed a relatively minor player in this, unfortunately, as things always seem more interesting when he's involved.
I've read a few Brock and Koller stories (not in chronological order, unfortunately) and enjoyed them all.
This one has a very interesting narrative - a clearly sadistic and disturbed murderer is at work.
However I found Kathy's allowing herself to be swept up in the theatre world so readily somewhat surprising and the resolution a little disappointing - the murderer's motivation was too 'left field' - not impossible to accept but fairly implausible.
I also would have liked more involvement from Brock; he seemed a relatively minor player in this, unfortunately, as things always seem more interesting when he's involved.
May 14, 2024
A young woman if found brutally murdered in a manner that is clearly meant to convey a message, but what, why, and who are a complete mystery. It all might have something to do with amateur theater, but then again, it might not.
This is a pretty fast paced whodunit with a twisty plot. I'm not sure all the motivations make sense, but I'm no expert in criminal psychopaths. The detective protagonists aren't exactly memorable, but they are certainly serviceable for this kind of story.
(3.5 stars rounded up)
This is a pretty fast paced whodunit with a twisty plot. I'm not sure all the motivations make sense, but I'm no expert in criminal psychopaths. The detective protagonists aren't exactly memorable, but they are certainly serviceable for this kind of story.
(3.5 stars rounded up)
April 3, 2019
A solid police procedural stemming from the horrific murder of a young woman in her own home. Kathy has been transferred to Brock's team, so that makes it easier to account for their working together. My favourite yet, although the motive for the murders was contorted and unlikely in the extreme. Kathy managed not to be attacked, although she was asking for it at one point towards the end.
October 4, 2019
Absolutely, in my opinion, the best of the 3 books I've read by this author. Starting out with a hideous murder, Kolla and Brock end up immersed in local community theater to discover the perpetrator. I am really enjoying this series and, in fact, have recommended it to our Mystery Book Club leader for a selection in next year's line up.
June 27, 2024
In book 3, Barry Maitland still does not live up to the start he got in book 1. "All My Enemies" was a little creepy for my taste. I do like the characters in the series, although Brock did not play a very big part in this one. I hope that changes in the next book.
May 6, 2020
A very intricate plot; I would never have guessed who was responsible for the crimes. Another good read and page turner.
June 20, 2020
Really good. But I need someone to explain the last chapter to me! I have no idea what that was. Candace???
August 1, 2020
Another good Brock and Koller police procedural.
November 1, 2021
A bit confusing but it’s interesting,not so bad for a murder mystery thriller.
April 18, 2022
These are getting better the more I read!
April 24, 2022
I like this series
July 26, 2012
Allen & Unwin have re-released Barry Maitland's ALL MY ENEMIES, the third book in the Brock and Kolla series. Given that the book was originally published in around 1996 there were a few things intriguing me. Obviously, whether or not it would stand the test of time, but also, what would it be like going back to a book so early in a series that has since become a favourite.
Interestingly I could still remember this book from the first time I read it, mostly because of the way that it starts to build this ongoing team, partly because of the interesting setting in which Maitland places them but also because it's a good solid police procedural, albeit with a little bit of a leap and some heavy lifting towards the end. The book is really clearly establishing some personality traits in the main characters. Brock is a bit of a hands off manager in some ways, stepping into the action when required, otherwise a bit standoffish and slightly elusive. Kolla is dogged, determined and more than a bit obsessive when it comes to finding a scent and following it down all sorts of highways and byways. Lesser characters in the group - particularly fellow team member Bren have enough "on screen time" to give them depth and reality. Something else that dawned on me was the way that cameo performances for characters outside the team have been built into the narrative - in this case the obvious stand out being Kathy's Aunty Mary(anne) - her life-changing decisions at an age when most people are settling for their lot is wonderfully done, to say nothing of giving Kolla a way into a group of people that otherwise might have been too contrived.
What was particularly interesting was the way that the book does stand the test of time. In fact, the time-frame was somehow irrelevant, even if there were things that might have dated it (not that I particularly noticed - too invested in the story itself). Having the benefit of knowing where Maitland does take this series, it was particularly interesting to see the beginnings of the architectural elements - those special places, buildings and locations that Maitland weaves into the later books with such aplomb. Here it's present in the weird little bar that forms the central part of the team's briefing room, although in ALL MY ENEMIES it's understated, less part of the plot than these elements become in the future.
The Brock and Kolla series is written by an Englishman, who lives in Australia, set with what seems to be considerable authority in London and surrounds. I understand Maitland does a fair amount of research into his locations and certainly they come across as realistic, complete, really a major element of the books. The other thing that stands out in these books is the attention to detail in procedural elements, and in character behaviour and personality. There's something very careful and controlled about the way that these books, the stories and the characters evolve. Which shouldn't for a moment be taken as meaning that the books themselves are somehow subdued. They are fantastic stories, involving two terrific central characters, without a single hint of "romantic interest" that's so very overdone these days. They make this reader at least, see, experience and enjoy the particular locations they are set in.
ALL MY ENEMIES really is a terrific reminder of just how much I love this series.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
Interestingly I could still remember this book from the first time I read it, mostly because of the way that it starts to build this ongoing team, partly because of the interesting setting in which Maitland places them but also because it's a good solid police procedural, albeit with a little bit of a leap and some heavy lifting towards the end. The book is really clearly establishing some personality traits in the main characters. Brock is a bit of a hands off manager in some ways, stepping into the action when required, otherwise a bit standoffish and slightly elusive. Kolla is dogged, determined and more than a bit obsessive when it comes to finding a scent and following it down all sorts of highways and byways. Lesser characters in the group - particularly fellow team member Bren have enough "on screen time" to give them depth and reality. Something else that dawned on me was the way that cameo performances for characters outside the team have been built into the narrative - in this case the obvious stand out being Kathy's Aunty Mary(anne) - her life-changing decisions at an age when most people are settling for their lot is wonderfully done, to say nothing of giving Kolla a way into a group of people that otherwise might have been too contrived.
What was particularly interesting was the way that the book does stand the test of time. In fact, the time-frame was somehow irrelevant, even if there were things that might have dated it (not that I particularly noticed - too invested in the story itself). Having the benefit of knowing where Maitland does take this series, it was particularly interesting to see the beginnings of the architectural elements - those special places, buildings and locations that Maitland weaves into the later books with such aplomb. Here it's present in the weird little bar that forms the central part of the team's briefing room, although in ALL MY ENEMIES it's understated, less part of the plot than these elements become in the future.
The Brock and Kolla series is written by an Englishman, who lives in Australia, set with what seems to be considerable authority in London and surrounds. I understand Maitland does a fair amount of research into his locations and certainly they come across as realistic, complete, really a major element of the books. The other thing that stands out in these books is the attention to detail in procedural elements, and in character behaviour and personality. There's something very careful and controlled about the way that these books, the stories and the characters evolve. Which shouldn't for a moment be taken as meaning that the books themselves are somehow subdued. They are fantastic stories, involving two terrific central characters, without a single hint of "romantic interest" that's so very overdone these days. They make this reader at least, see, experience and enjoy the particular locations they are set in.
ALL MY ENEMIES really is a terrific reminder of just how much I love this series.
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December 7, 2010Kathy Kolla's Puzzle Corner
I haven't got past the opening page of this book yet. In the first paragraph Kathy Kolla is pondering a word puzzle. Make at least 130 words from the letters in"claim to dream". I got to 130 but had to resort to "I, Rearrangement Servant" (aka Internet Anagram Server) to suss out the 12 letter word "melodramatic".
[My comments are taken from a mailing list discussion and as such contain spoilers!]
[on the characters]
I'm not picking up any huge inconsistencies between the characters from book to book, Kolla and Brock both seem much as they have been before. I think there are inconsistencies in the narration though - Brock barely featured in this one (even less than he did in book one). I hope that there is more of Brock again in book four since I think that since we have two lead characters I'd like to see them both used.
I thought Aunt Mary(anne) was a good addition to the cast as she's been mentioned in the previous books. I didn't buy that Kathy took her in so easily though without trying to find out what was going on. It was good to learn more about Kathy's background though.
The only other character that I think we've met before is Bren, but I barely remembered him. And like Mike I'm still waiting to find out what the blonde with the red sports car is to Brock.
Since our pair of detectives are now officially colleagues I expect we are going to see more recurring characters from now on in the series. I thought Desai was an interesting character that I'd like to know more about.
[on the plot]
I thought the first parts of the book were more plausible than thelast part, though mainly I was glad that neither detective ran off anddid something silly at the end of the book again and neither of themgot injured in the process.
I liked the procedural aspects of the book with the team trying tofind connections to other cases and with them getting babysat byothers when the investigation seemed to be going nowhere. I thoughtit was a bit unlikely that they'd happen to pick up only the relatedmurders when they picked other cases though. I liked the parts whenKathy started to uncover the theatrical connection when she was giventhe missing Zoe case which looked like a dead end and I thought it wasrealistic that the others weren't interested in her findings becausethe forensic people had come up with a stronger tie to another case.
The ending was certainly the weakest part of the book to me,everything got a bit too fantastic. Bettina didn't really work for meas a murderer, I could understand that she wanted to pay Stafford backfor his imagined wrongs to her but something seemed slightly out ofkilter. I thought Tom Gentle was creepy and I didn't think he'd haveconfessed so readily, I got rather confused over how much was him andhow much was Bettina.
On the whole I thought it was a good plot with lots of interesting details but could have done with a better ending.
May 22, 2020
Brock & Kolla #3. Have read 1 and 2. This was a bit creepy, very much twisty, crisscrossing issues, and one bit near the end that just confused me. Still, it was an intense story, with strong psychological pulls and pressures and some seriously disturbed individuals. Compulsive reading, wondering always what would happen NEXT!
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