Review: Void Moon

Being disappointed by Michael Connelly is a rare event indeed, but I found myself so while reading VOID MOON. The plot is nothing particularly inspiring. A much-practised female thief carries out one last meticulously planned robbery, in order to finance her getaway, from a popular Las Vegas casino. However she finds that the cash she steals is a lot more than she was expecting…so much in fact, that it can only really mean one thing. The Mafia. And, of course, they’ll be wanting their money back, and will go to great lengths to get it…

Void Moon isn’t a bad book by any means, but it’s not an especially good one either. It takes quite a while for the plot to really get going, by which time I found that I’d lost interest in it anyway. Any interest I might have had isn’t regained right up until the end, when the book finally becomes a lot more engaging and exciting. Also, I never felt very connected to Cassie Black, the "anti-hero" of the piece, even though does Connelly does try his very best. She’s certainly human, but I never found her particularly interesting, which, for me, is a serious flaw in a lead character. The only time I felt she was blossoming as a character was when she was reminiscing about her damaged past, and during the moving scenes with her daughter Jodie, who she gave up for adoption. It’s only at these moments that I truly enjoyed reading about Cassie Black.

The writing, also, doesn’t have the grip that Connelly’s usually does, and while it’s all very authentic, at times it seemed dull. If you’re a long-term fan of Connelly, read it but don’t expect much. If you’re new to him (and I don’t expect there are that many of you…), VOID MOON is not the place to start. If you want a more accurate display of Connelly’s talents, I advise you begin with either his Bosch series (of which THE BLACK ECHO is the first) or one of his other standalones, like THE POET. It’ll be worthwhile, trust me.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Fiona Walker

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

Book Review: Void Moon

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