Customer Reviews

The Black Squall

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is so refreshing to read a book about women who cope with life's raw challenges, and still have a happy ending where the good people prevail. I especially like the fact that these characters grew during the book, like real people. There are no gimmicks here, just really good storytelling.

This is a Ft. Lauderdale mystery in the classic tradition, and the rumor on the Internet is that "The Black Squall" features Travis McGee's daughter, Jean. I have just read the book, and it is really very good, but I can't make up my mind whether the main character, Jean, is McGee's daughter or not. This seems to be a mystery within a mystery. Nevertheless, it is one fine read, with female detectives, lots of action, and interesting plot twists.

The two women in this book are like Thelma and Louise, only smarter. They manage to outwit the bad guys with no help from male macho types. This is a thrilling adventure by a woman, about women, for women, and it is very intelligently written. I stayed up half the night finishing it and was zonked at the office the next day, but it was worth it. I can't wait to read the sequel. You go, girls!

This is one of those action-adventure-mysteries that I just could not put down, and made all the better by female protagonists. It is fast-paced, and filled with new ideas, and a surprise ending. The writing is crisp, the characters very real. I can't wait to read the second book in this new series.

I just finished reading this book, having read on the internet that it was purported to suggestively refer to my favorite character, Travis McGee. Unfortunately, this author suffers in comparison to John D. MacDonald. This author uses most of the "tricks of the trade" of many contemporary authors: (1) overuse of simile; (2) injudicious use of adjectives; (3) brand-name dropping; (4) fascination with money, for its own sake. Also, the ending was very "selfish," again indicative of a contemporary author. John D wrote in an economy of style that few have equaled. He made cogent observations of the culture of his time, at the time it was happening, not just retrospectively.I felt fulfilled after finishing a Travis McGee novel. This book left me still hungry.

I bought this because I love John D's Travis and heard this was supposed to be a spin off of that. I almost didn't make it through the first chapter as the author seemed intent on building her word count by piling adjectives and extraneous observations onto the narrative. The author's attempts to provide descriptions of the protagonists' personal appearance were forced and disruptive of the narrative flow.

But it was a pleasant read that evolved into a steady pace. I stayed up late to finish reading it. The plot's "conflict" was actually quite well drawn. The resolution comes about by an instrument that left me very dissatisfied.

Still, I will read the sequel. I liked the tone, the setting, the pace, and the characters. I just hope Ms. Stone's editors stepped up to the plate and offered a bit more assistance on the second go-round.

***SPOILER ALERT***
I want the hero(s) in this type of book to be the one(s) who solve(s) the mystery not one who is handed the answer in a box. That seemed a bit lazy after all the other exhibitions of creativity in the story.

But I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot had many twists, like a Travis McGee book, and I couldn't put it down. Let's face it no one can write another Travis McGee book, but I believe his readers will enjoy the plot and quick pace of "The Black Squall".

Lori Stone's work is a lot of fun. Sure, I have some editorial quibbles about it, and it's not exactly Tolstoy, but it's a great effort to keep alive the tradition of a very famous adventurer. I think any fan of McGee and Meyer would enjoy this book. I'm looking forward to Ms. Stone's next publication!

When my daughter gave this to me I thought it was a chick book, but boy was I wrong. This is one great detective novel, as good as Mike Hammer, or James Rockford, or Thomas Magnum, or Travis McGee (especially). The funeral scene brought tears to my eyes, which ain't easy. I would give this ten stars if I could. Lori Stone you did good.