14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
4 1/4 Stars, November 27, 2009
Plot/Storyline: 3 Stars
This book starts off with a bang, or perhaps a slice. Either way, it's a terrific start that pulls you right into Nick's world as he and his brother are attacked by a vagrant, an attack which results in his brother's death.
The story then goes back in time to a couple of months before the attack. This is a common tactic, but it's still not one of my favorites. I don't really like knowing what happened first. My dislike stems from the fact that when I already know what happened, I find myself rushing through the back-story with a `get to the action' attitude. This author does do a better job using this format than some because he switches from past to present often, telling the current and the back-story at the same time. It did get a little confusing now and then, especially when I had to put the book down for awhile to do other things. However, overall, it was an interesting way to tell the story.
The story is told mostly from Nick's viewpoint, which is an excellent method to hold suspense due to his brief memory lapses. However, for some inane reason, there are occasional bits thrown in from other viewpoints. Not only are these portions unnecessary, but one such bit actually gave away a major spoiler. It wasn't a direct giveaway, just one sentence that hinted at something, and perhaps some people will miss it. After reading that bit, I kept thinking, "No, I have to be wrong. No author would give so much away right in the beginning." Unfortunately, I was not wrong, which ruined quite a bit of the ending for me.
As I stated, the book starts off at a good pace with a fast draw, but there are some middle portions that drag almost interminably. For instance, Nick makes a trip to visit a childhood girlfriend. Since she had nothing to do with the actual plot, I thought perhaps the visit was thrown in for character development. However, there really seemed to be no purpose at all as there was no revelation or great epiphany. It was just filler.
The book does pick up in the last quarter. As a matter of fact, the ending is a somewhat edge-of-your-seat type where multiple surprises are revealed.
Character Development: 4 Stars
Nick is a terrific, well-rounded character. The reader can really feel his pain and confusion throughout the story.
Through Nick's interactions and observations, the reader can get a real feel for Sam, his brother. The flashbacks of their childhood also provide some interesting insight into Sam's personality.
Nick's girlfriend is the only real character failure in the book. Throughout the novel, she is not given any real play, even though she is a major player.
Writing Style: 5 Stars
With tight prose, Mr. Larsen has an excellent writing style. His terrific sentence structuring, combined with gritty, realistic dialogue work will in this genre. His descriptions are compelling and powerful.
The action scenes are also very well written. I love it when I can picture action segments in my head without any confusion about who is doing what.
Editing/Formatting: 5 Stars
Both were of professional quality.
Rating: PG-15 for Adult Situations, Violence, and some Sexual Scenes and Conversation
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18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
You Won't Want to Stop Once You Start, November 9, 2009
This review is from: Mania (Paperback)
MANIA is one of the most impressive thriller debuts of 2009. Craig Larsen, who started writing what he describes as "Dick and Jane" stories at a very early age, apparently has decided not to stick with that genre. The loss to children's literature is indeed the thriller genre's gain.
The heart of MANIA lies with Nick Wilder. Be forewarned: Nick is not a particularly sympathetic character. It is evident almost from the beginning that there is something wrong with him. A freelance newspaper photographer who barely ekes out a living, Nick constantly has blackout spells, repressed memories, hallucinations --- and a habit of turning up at murder scenes where the guest of honor is a victim of a Seattle serial killer known as the Street Butcher. Nick does this so frequently that it has caused a split in the Seattle police department between Adam Stolie, the detective investigating the case, and Lieutenant Dombrowski, Stolie's superior officer. Stolie thinks that Nick is innocent, just unlucky, while Dombrowski believes he is guilty as sin.
The worst part about it is that Nick isn't totally sure himself. His older brother, Sam, is wildly successful and very supportive of him. But Nick is jealous --- and he keeps having these weird memories of Sam, memories that are not only strange but incomplete as well. While so much is wrong with his life, there is Sara Garland. He meets her in a coffee shop, and it is like love at first sight. Sara is beautiful, intelligent and wealthy, but most importantly, she is incredibly supportive of Nick as she aggressively pursues him. How can a loser like Nick be so lucky? Well, for one thing, as we discover, he is definitely not a loser...but there is something that is most definitely wrong with him. And part of the deep, dark mystery of MANIA is uncovering the "what" and the "why" behind it.
Larsen is strong on plot and characterization, and there are indications throughout the book that his talents run long and deep in those areas. The novel's ultimate asset, however, is its brooding, disturbing atmosphere. Almost from the first page, Larsen infuses his story with the feeling that all is not right or well. And indeed, it is not. The subject matter --- a serial killer loose on the streets of Seattle, killing victims at random --- would be enough, but the elements such as homelessness, sibling rivalry and manipulation that populate MANIA are all painted in even darker shades than those normally accorded to them. Larsen connects his characters in dark, vicious circles --- some immediately obvious, others not as much --- and then begins dropping surprises and revelations like raindrops during a thunderstorm. You are going to have a hard time getting Nick and the lovely Sara and the Street Butcher out of your head --- and it won't be for lack of trying.
Keep an eye on Craig Larsen. I have the feeling we can expect more top quality books from him in the future. And set aside a night to read MANIA. You won't want to stop once you start.
--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
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