The King of Methlehem: A Novel (Hardcover)

by Mark Lindquist (Author)
Key Phrases: broken headlamp, trial unit, Pierce County, Deputy Newton, Holy Ghost (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Lindquist (Carnival Desires) puts his experience combating the scourge of methamphetamines as a Washington State narcotics prosecutor to good use in his fourth novel, a gripping thriller. Tacoma detective Wyatt James is dead set on putting an end to the operations of a shadowy figure who uses the alias Howard Schultz (after the Starbucks mogul), who has moved to establish himself as the preeminent meth dealer in the Pacific Northwest. James's efforts to turn smalltime dealers into informants who could lead him to his quarry are aided by Mike Lawson, supervisor of the drug trial unit, and the author's alter ego. When Schultz again beats a rap, James's obsession with his white whale intensifies, leading to a tragic conclusion. The quality writing and flashes of gallows humor raise this above the usual tale of good guys vs. bad guys. (May)
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Review
"The King of Methlehem is utterly compelling and so realistic that you may find yourself crashing -- scratching your arms and rubbing your bloodshot eyes when you finally put it down in the hour before dawn. Mark Lindquist has written a taut, stylish, and gritty thriller."

-- Jay McInerney

"The King of Methlehem is so brutal and honest I could feel my teeth falling out as I read it. With street-tough prose and astonishing human insight, Lindquist takes you deep inside the racing, arrhythmic hearts of tweekers, leaving you bleeding and jonesing for more."

-- Will Clarke, author of The Worthy and Lord Vishnu's Love Handles

"Mark Lindquist's fascinating walk on Tacoma's wild side is noir for those who came of age in the time of Nirvana."

-- Carol Wolper, author of Mr. Famous and The Cigarette Girl --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416535772
• ISBN-13: 978-1416535775
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #733,920 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inside the "meth" drug world revealed, May 29, 2007

By	Erik Bjornson (Tacoma, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Write what you know about."

That's what Pierce County prosecutor Mark Lindquist has done in his latest novel. Great book.

Lindquist takes you deep inside the methamphetamine ("meth") world from the aspect of the users, dealer, "cook," prosecutor, police, and the defense attorneys. The complex characters find they share more than they think. One entertaining part of the book is the dialogue used by some of the meth users who often find themselves confused and struggling to keep up in the conversation.

The main story of the book is rivalry between the head meth "cook" of the county Howard Schultz and Pierce County Sheriff Mike Lawson. Yet, the personal lives and the issues of the hereafter and Nirvana weave their way into the book.

A must read for anyone who wants to know the mechanics and realities of meth use and addiction in the US and especially Washington State and how they are treated in the criminal justice system. Fortunately, Lindquist places his experiences in an entertaining novel rather than a documentary.

Linquist also incorporates in detail the dozens of different landmarks, restaurants, blogs, civic leaders, judges, attorneys, politicians, local personalities, in Tacoma which makes in an enthralling read for locals.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A true (fictional) portrayal of the meth scene, September 11, 2007

By	M. Desoer (Bay Area, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In my work I have interacted with scores of meth addicts. If you have not done so, be prepared to be shocked when you read this. In fact, you may believe that the addict/dealers in this book are overdone charicatures. They are not. They were so believable that the book really shook me.

Mr. Lindquist describes their lifestyle, their homes, their conversational style, and how they treat their children to a "T". In that way this book is truly remarkable and an eye-opener who doesn't understand the impact of this most sinister drug.

The underlying story is also very engaging. I read this in only a couple of quick sittings over 24 hours. My only criticism is that I found the ending a little abrupt or choppy, but I don't want to ruin the book by revealing anything further.

This is definitely a worthwhile read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome accidental book!, January 24, 2009

By	M. Davis - See all my reviews

This review is from: The King of Methlehem: A Novel (Paperback)

I went to my local bookstore searching for a different book entirely. They did not have the one I was looking for, but King of Methlehem was right there where my book should have been. The title made me laugh, so I picked it up and read about it. I usually don't go for the cop-thriller genre, but it sounded very interesting, since Meth is getting to be a problem in my region, also. I got home and finished it within the next four hours. It is an awesome, awesome book. The description on the back does not do it justice. The characters are all incredibly interesting. You'll run the gamut of emotions with this one, laughter, sadness, anger, suspense.
I only wish it had been longer!