Customer Reviews

Crematorium

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Some may think that crime thrillers about serial killers and the media's obsession with violence have been done to death...but when done well they can make for the best kind of suspense. This new author (who writes in a blunt, no-nonsesnse manner that makes even the dull parts page-turning) explores well-tread ideas and issues, but does so with just enough pizzaz and unique touches to allow it to break away from the pack. A little bit mystery, a little bit horror, a little bit spiritual, a little bit social commentary, and good doses of surrealism juxtaposed wih gritty realism all help this tale rise above most others in the genre. The only complaint is there could have been more in depth character development with some of the major players, and there seemed to be too many characters over-all to be occupying a novel that clocks in at under 200 pages. Also, some of the dialogue seemed forced and unreal. But I'll give Schleicher the benefit of the doubt and assume that it was all meant to go along with one of the novel's major motifs: memories play like badly edited movies. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys this type of stuff.

"Crematorium" is an exceptional book on an unpleasant subject and I initially feared that I might be put off. I need not have worried: Schleicher has crafted an interesting, unexpected and intelligent reflection on a serial murderer and the persons whose lives he affects.

Most impressive is the way Schleicher structures and controls the plot: the time skipping (flashbacks, flash forwards), the multiple narrators and enough events to fuel three novels made it a little confusing at first. But soon everything starts to click and I found myself enjoying the anti-chronological tag-team narration of it all. Every conceivable loose end, every incident of plot (some of which I had forgotten) are tied skillfully together by the end.

Characterization is excellent. There are enough characters for a much longer work, but Schleicher gives each of them such strong individual characteristics that they each become memorable. The only character who isn't extensively drawn for us is Detmer the killer, and keeping him a mystery is entirely appropriate.

This may be the only crime novel in existence that combines bloody murders with reflections on the nature of God, an explanation of the appeal of contemporary rock music and a truly original (to me) interpretation of reincarnation. As I think you know, I personally don't believe in reincarnation, but what a wonderful dramatic device it makes here! Schleicher's take on it could fuel a whole series of novels. Anyone who reads this will be getting as much philosophy as titillation.

In short, this book is a truly impressive first work that deserves a wide readership. It reads not like a first novel, but like the product of an experienced, confident writer.

Crematorium is a well written story based on the human madness of a serial killer. Schleicher exposes the killer's insane motives and the terror he invokes on his victims; and explores the total breakdown of the human character in the wake of this madman's killing spree. As disturbing as this subject is, I encourage the reader to finish the story in its entirety. You will be rewarded with a truthful and insightful interpretation of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between mother and child.

Incredible new page turner by a very talented new author. This book keeps you entertained from the first page to the last! This mystery/thriller really gets under your skin and makes you think, much like Stephen King novel. I really look forward to seeing what Schleicher write next.

Incredible new page turner by a very talented new author. This book keeps you entertained from the first page to the last! This mystery/thriller really gets under your skin and makes you think, much like Stephen King novel. I really look forward to seeing what Schleicher write next.