Book Review: Small Town

Reviewed By: Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

Small Town     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Lawrence Block
Class/Genre:   Mystery
2003, William Morrow 352 pages/ $ 24.95

When people run into friends or acquaintances unexpectedly we sometimes say “Small World”. I may be wrong, but I think that is an underlying theme in this book. All the characters seem to have some kind of connection with all the other characters. This makes it a very entertaining read. Kind of a thriller with a twist.

It is also beautiful portrait of New York City and it’s people, and in it’s own way a bit of a tribute to what happened there. We are taken all around the city and meet all sorts of people, all with their own stories, and yet all of them sharing things as well.

Among the lives we are following are a novelist, who at best is a lower midlist author struggling to get a book out and published. We also have a art gallery owner who seems bored with her life, A former Police Commissioner who isn’t sure whether or not to go into politics, an older lawyer with health issues, and many other people as well. Oh yeah, and someone who is going around and killing people. Mr. Block sucked me right into their lives, and made want to follow their stores even after the book is done. I was totally entranced. I think this is a stand out book and you would be remiss if you didn’t read it.

Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

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