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5.0 out of 5 stars
A Magnificent Study, January 18, 2006
This review is from: Dreams of Justice: Mysteries as Social Documents (Paperback)
Dick Adler is a highly regarded crime fiction reviewer for 'The Chicago Tribune' and this book gathers together an eclectic selection of his insightful critiques, with the emphasis on relatively recent books. In his introduction, Tom Nolan notes that the book can serve 'as reader's/buyer's guide' and applauds Adler for his ability to convey the special flavour of such a diverse range of titles. He compares Adler to the late and legendary reviewer Anthony Boucher - and this is not over-praise. After a couple of introductory chapters, one of which describes Boucher as 'the man who invented mystery reviewing' (in the US, perhaps, but Dorothy L. Sayers and others made an impression much earlier), Adler collects reviews in a series of themed chapters: 'black mysteries', 'history as mystery', 'Brits behaving badly' and so on. A notable feature is that, like Boucher, he is admirably keen to pick out rising stars: an example is Jim Kelly, two of whose books are acclaimed. Reviewers as perceptive as Adler are uncommon; collections of reviews such as this are even rarer. This is a book to relish, not only as a guide to unfamiliar yet excellent novels, but also for Adler's sympathetic, intelligent analyses of a very varied group of writers, from Arsenault to Zafon. An indispensable book for mystery lovers.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fine collection from the dean of mystery critics, February 22, 2006
This review is from: Dreams of Justice: Mysteries as Social Documents (Paperback)
Dick Adler, the longtime Chicago Tribune mystery columnist, has published his first collection of reviews and essays. "Dreams of Justice: Mysteries as Social Documents" includes some of his favorite pieces on mystery books and authors, most focused on developing the title's theme. The strongest examples of Adler's writing are the longer columns, especially those devoted to the careers of authors Chester Himes and Ross Macdonald, and the books of Walter Mosley and George Pelecanos. Also particularly fine is his essay on pioneering critic Anthony Boucher ("the man who invented mystery reviewing" as Adler calls him), who once plied his trade in the pages of the Chicago Sun-Times. Through his longevity, keen writing and near faultless taste, Adler has become the dean of American mystery reviewers, and "Dreams of Justice" is a fine tribute to his career.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Tangled Web UK's review, January 5, 2006
This review is from: Dreams of Justice: Mysteries as Social Documents (Paperback)
Tangled Web UK Review December 2005 File Updated: 21/12/2005 Dreams of Justice: Mysteries as Social Documents by Dick Adler pbk out December 05 (Poisoned Pen Press) at £8.59 Dick Adler is a highly regarded crime fiction reviewer for 'The Chicago Tribune' and this book gathers together an eclectic selection of his insightful critiques, with the emphasis on relatively recent books. In his introduction, Tom Nolan notes that the book can serve 'as reader's/buyer's guide' and applauds Adler for his ability to convey the special flavour of such a diverse range of titles. He compares Adler to the late and legendary reviewer Anthony Boucher - and this is not over-praise. After a couple of introductory chapters, one of which describes Boucher as 'the man who invented mystery reviewing' (in the US, perhaps, but Dorothy L. Sayers and others made an impression much earlier), Adler collects reviews in a series of themed chapters: 'black mysteries', 'history as mystery', 'Brits behaving badly' and so on. A notable feature is that, like Boucher, he is admirably keen to pick out rising stars: an example is Jim Kelly, two of whose books are acclaimed. Reviewers as perceptive as Adler are uncommon; collections of reviews such as this are even rarer. This is a book to relish, not only as a guide to unfamiliar yet excellent novels, but also for Adler's sympathetic, intelligent analyses of a very varied group of writers, from Arsenault to Zafon. ( Martin Edwards - author of the highly acclaimed Harry Devlin Mysteries)
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