Greg Iles is always dependable and The Devil's Punchbowl does not disappoint. It's another atmospheric thriller set in N
atchez, Mississippi that explores on the creeping corruption from the riverboat casinos; a southern town becomes victim to the overwhelming torrent of money flooding in from the gambling, and becomes victim to a dark underworld of depravity. Mayor Penn Cage, a former prosecuting attorney (also featured in the previous novels, The Quiet Game and Turning Angel) finds his family in danger when he discovers one too many secrets.
Let me say this up front: I like Greg Iles' novels. I've read most of them and enjoyed them ... but not as much as much I could have. Let me explain. Iles has a very annoying habit in most of his novels: HE WRITES IN PRESENT TENSE!
I have never read a novel that has been improved by switching from the more traditional past tense ("Joe walked into the room and said, "Stop, or I'll shoot.") to the more annoying and less clear present tense ("Joe walks into the room and says, "Stop, or I'll shoot.") If you're like most readers, as you read your mind changes the prose from present to past tense. As a writer you are doing something you should NEVER do - giving the reader a reason to stop!
When I'm browsing books and I see a novel written in present tense, I put the book back on the shelf and move on. There are very few writers that I will give the benefit of that doubt, and Iles is one. I have read several of his books written in the more traditional method and know that he is a good and entertaining writer ... one whose books would warrant re-reading ... except for one annoying thing.
Come on, Mr. Iles, you're a better writer. Drop the look-at-me-writing-in-the- present-tense-I-can-be-modern attitude and just write good books - in past tense. Your public will thank you.
BIBLIO SAYS: Recommended ... with reservations.
atchez, Mississippi that explores on the creeping corruption from the riverboat casinos; a southern town becomes victim to the overwhelming torrent of money flooding in from the gambling, and becomes victim to a dark underworld of depravity. Mayor Penn Cage, a former prosecuting attorney (also featured in the previous novels, The Quiet Game and Turning Angel) finds his family in danger when he discovers one too many secrets.Let me say this up front: I like Greg Iles' novels. I've read most of them and enjoyed them ... but not as much as much I could have. Let me explain. Iles has a very annoying habit in most of his novels: HE WRITES IN PRESENT TENSE!
I have never read a novel that has been improved by switching from the more traditional past tense ("Joe walked into the room and said, "Stop, or I'll shoot.") to the more annoying and less clear present tense ("Joe walks into the room and says, "Stop, or I'll shoot.") If you're like most readers, as you read your mind changes the prose from present to past tense. As a writer you are doing something you should NEVER do - giving the reader a reason to stop!
When I'm browsing books and I see a novel written in present tense, I put the book back on the shelf and move on. There are very few writers that I will give the benefit of that doubt, and Iles is one. I have read several of his books written in the more traditional method and know that he is a good and entertaining writer ... one whose books would warrant re-reading ... except for one annoying thing.
Come on, Mr. Iles, you're a better writer. Drop the look-at-me-writing-in-the- present-tense-I-can-be-modern attitude and just write good books - in past tense. Your public will thank you.
BIBLIO SAYS: Recommended ... with reservations.
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