Review: Small Town

I always eagerly await a new Block, and am seldom disappointed, but this book is in a category all by itself. Named a Grand Master of the Mystery Writers of America, Block really lives up to that designation with "Small Town."

Set in post 9/11 New York City - the novel presents an impressive array of New York characters - a writer hanging on to a marginally successful career; an art gallery owner building a new sexual awareness for herself; a former police department executive exploring possibilities for wider public service; "the Carpenter" a serial killer like no other - reeling from an incredible personal blow dealt him in the tragedy of the twin towers' collapse; and a collection of equally intriguing lesser characters; an attorney, a bartender, a restaurant entrepreneur, the operator of a self employed cleaning service and so on. In keeping with the setting invoked by the title, all the people in the book interact with each other. Overheard conversations spark interest and action. Casual comments are significant to those conversing with each other. Restaurant goers observe each other from across the room. Relationships begin, die away, flourish, and change.

All of Block's characteristic incredibly graceful dialogue between his characters is here, so are dozens of mini-sketches of the city. But the book also dishes up a rather wicked picture of present day American publishing as well as a powerful eroticism - as if tracking the serial killer wasn't enough to keep the pages turning.

And further, I was impressed by the theme developed on almost every page, in which Block explores the nature of creativity. Not only in the life of the writer who appears as one of the main characters, but also in events in the life of almost every other character, major and minor. The reader knows fairly early on the identity of the killer, and can observe up close the creative nature of his murderous acts.

This book is just terrific, no other word comes close to describing it. On a scale of one to ten, this gets an eleven!

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.

Book Review: Small Town

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.