A sound read!



Amazon.co.uk
When Kate Sumner's corpse is discovered naked, bruised, prone and violated on the rocks of a sleepy South Coast town by two curious young boys and her tiny, traumatised daughter is found wandering alone several miles away, police are instinctively drawn to two suspects. William Sumner, Kate's husband, and Steven Harding, a handsome would-be actor, find themselves at the centre of the investigation and as police suspicions grow, their fatally flawed personalities are gradually disembowelled in the search for the truth. The clever presentation of part of the evidence in the form of bland witness statements, stylishly contrasting with the fast-paced narrative that swoops between the two prime suspects, is an ingenious tool which allows the weaknesses of each man to be gradually revealed.

The Breaker is an example of the crime novel at its very best, with characters and situations so carefully judged that they become all the more believable as the story is pushed towards its chilling climax. Minette Walters has more than proved her exceptional talent for mystery and suspense in the award-winning The Ice House, The Sculptress and The Scold's Bridle and here merely confirms her unquestionable standing as the true Queen of intelligent crime writing. --Susan Harrison

Geht in Qantaqas English Bookbox

Taken from Quantaqa's English Bookbox. I'm currently reading another of Walters' novels, namely "Der Nachbar" (German copy of "Acid Row"), courtesy of a BookRing. That one is a fascinating read, and The Breaker starts out similarly interesting, so I'll have a go with that one as well.

Well, in my opinion, The Breaker is not up to par with Acid Row (s.a.) but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless. All the characters were less rounded, and the constant to and fro between the two main suspects was starting to fray my nerves - it did serve its purpose, I guess, as it left me wondering until the very end.

I can't help noticing that both books (Walters' only ones I've read) feature manipulative women and the close connection between another woman and her daughter, both regarded as outsiders. Could be coincidence or a running theme.

I really liked Maggie and Nick, and budding romances in crime stories always turn me all sappy. :)

RELEASE NOTES:

outside the door (but inside an alcove under the roof, so it should be protected from rain)

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CONGRATULATIONS!

You've found a wandering book! Please leave a short (or not so short ;) ) journal entry, so I know that the book's well and safe in your hands. For example, you could write where you found it, how you like it, or what you are planning to do with it.

Thanks a lot!
erinacea

PS: While I enjoy writing these texts in English, there's no obligation for you to do the same. If you like, you could make an entry in German, or whatever your mothertongue may be.
(Einträge auf deutsch sind auch erlaubt. ;) )