Posted by Len Ciccotello on June 27, 2006 at 12:59:37:
In Reply to: Loved the book, but dang....... posted by Jared on June 22, 2006 at 20:06:20:
: What authors do you think are good at smoothly integrating their
characters' personal and professional story lines?
: Its hard to say. With serials, if the personal lives are a integral part of
the plot, its much easier. When you look at the Hap and Leonard
books, most of those revolve around things happening to the
characters that they then have to resolve one way or the other. Same
with Hamilton's Mcknight. Police procedurals are much more difficult
becuase you have to balance the two worlds that the characters live in.
I think Ian Rankin strikes a pretty good balance between the two.
Vachss was really good until Only Child, when I thought he chickened
out bringing Burke back to NY and setting his life up basically the same
as it was when he left(and actually I still haven't finished that book yet).
: I think its safe to say that your are probably more well read in this
area then me, I'm curious to hear who you think can walk the walk......
Shooting At Midnight was the most difficult book for me to read. I love
Bridgett and watching her go through the experiences in the book was
really painful. I felt very emotionally attached to her character by the
end, which I think is a testament to great writing. To be able to take a
supporting character like her and transform her into a really strong
lead is very impressive to me.
As for great, serialized fiction, I'd love to know your thoughts as well.
I'm used to reading more "one off" books and the Atticus books are the
first serialized ones I've read. Some recommended Vince Flynn to me.
Does anyone have an opinion on his books?