The Sword and Laser discussion

I surprised myself by liking this book a lot! After hearing some snippets about the premise, I had my doubts.

First off, what a great writer! Now, I'm eager to read her other works.

The way the author weaves individual stories with Kirby's quest is a masterful bit of storytelling. (view spoiler)[ The revelation of Kirby's attack and survival was heart-wrenching and moved me deeply. RIP Tokyo, my hero. (hide spoiler)]

I was initially thrown off when the author dated a Dan story to September 11, 1992. It made me ponder about time and our position in it, especially with the comments about time, the universe all on an airplane. That was on purpose, but it didn't feel cheap. I even checked when the book was written (2013) and verified that the Cub's were playing in St. Louis on that date.

My second point is about Chicago's portrayal as a character. Being a lifelong Chicagoan and Cubs fan, I felt a deep connection. The author's depiction of the Sun-Times, the Tribune, Wrigley Field, city views, and even the corruption resonated with me. The Janes are are part of city's history right there with Capone. I thought Richard Speck, the infamous 1966 serial killer, would have been a fitting inclusion. If you don't know he murdered (brutal stabbings) 8 young nurses over like a 3 day period in the city.

I wonder if the story would have struck the same chord with me if set in another city.

Lastly, I relate to Kirby, as we're close in age. I found myself reminiscing about the music, clubs, and vibes of '89. BTW, I would like a follow-up novella with 56 old Kirby and her True Crime podcast.

What lingers with me is whether the Chicago connection and age similarity were crucial to my enjoyment of the book. Perhaps I'll never know, unless an AI rewrites it in another city, or I find myself in an alternate universe where the book is set in Philadelphia.

I will worry about the time-travel later.

P.S. Discord is very quiet on this book, but I will be cross-posting.

Sorry for missing TSG in title, can a mod fix that?

Calvey wrote: "Sorry for missing TSG in title, can a mod fix that?"

There's an Edit link for the OP, you should be able to use that to do it.

Glad you liked it. I did find it a well told story. I'd rate it 3 to 3.5 Stars.

I'm not sure if I'd read any more of Beuke's books. But I wouldn't be opposed if a good one was recommended in the future.

Calvey wrote: "Sorry for missing TSG in title, can a mod fix that?"

Fixed.

Calvey wrote: "Sorry for missing TSG in title, can a mod fix that?"

It wouldn't like me update the title or at least I couldn't find it. ;) TY

Tassie went back in time and fixed it.

Tamahome wrote: "Tassie went back in time and fixed it."

Well Played Tassie...