Whispering Nickel Idols: A Garrett, P.I., Novel [Paperback]

Glen Cook (Author)

Book Description

Series: Garrett, P.I. | Publication Date: May 3, 2005

In TunFaire, a city of gorgeous women, powerful sorcerers and dangerous magic, the beautiful, criminally insane daughter of a comatose crime boss has some lascivious designs on private investigator Garrett-who now has to figure out why everyone is suddenly after him.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Cook turns fantasy inside out. (Locus)

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Roc; Reissue edition (May 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451459741
• ISBN-13: 978-0451459749
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #876,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better than the last one., May 1, 2005

By 

Lady Atana "lady_atana" (Atlanta, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: Whispering Nickel Idols: A Garrett, P.I., Novel (Paperback)

This novel was a vast improvement from the last Garret novel, Angry Lead Skies. The plot was more cohesive and focused and the book overall was a quick, light read.

I will not discuss the plot, as that would be a spoiler for any type of novel, but I will say that I found the action and mystery much more engaging than the previous two novels in the series. The characters are lively and interesting, especially the addition of the pixies, which I feel could be livened up even more. Pular Singe is still there, with her brother John Stretch playing a larger part in this investigation. While the addition of the new characters is enjoyable, it does seem to get a little crowded in the novel, with so many characters coming and going that it seems as if Garret's role is marginalized to that of a by-stander who does get to see some action, but has most of the other characters do his work for him while he is stuck at home. A couple of characters specific to the plot line are glossed over at best ("Penny Dreadful") and never really given a personality. Maybe fewer people, and more focus on the main individuals would've improved the overall story.

All-in-all, I did enjoy this novel, and sincerely hope there will be another.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cook's Back On Form With This One, November 16, 2005

By 

David A. Lessnau (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Whispering Nickel Idols: A Garrett, P.I., Novel (Paperback)

This is the 11th in Cook's Garrett series ("Sweet Silver Blues," "Bitter Gold Hearts," "Cold Copper Tears," "Old Tin Sorrows," "Dread Brass Shadows," "Red Iron Nights," "Deadly Quicksilver Lies," "Petty Pewter Gods," "Faded Steel Heat," "Angry Lead Skies," and "Whispering Nickel Idols"). And, thank goodness, this is a good one. The previous book, "Angry Lead Skies," was a stinker that was filled with inconsistencies and errors and didn't really go anywhere. This one has most everyone back on track with fairly good direction and pacing. There are still a few minor inconsistencies in this one, but they're ignorable (Doris and Marsha described as being 12 feet tall instead of the 20 feet tall they are (though they're not even present in the book), Playmate not being the simple soul he was (and I think this is permanent), and a couple of cases of cut-and-paste redundancies and slips). This book sits very firmly in the universe Cook created in his previous books. It's very entertaining and engrossing. I really only have one significant problem with it. About half way through, the Dead Man essentially takes over everything and Garrett is relegated to a mere observer. I LIKE the Dead Man. But, I prefer Garrett to figure things out because he's the point of view Cook is writing from. With the Dead Man doing everything, it feels more like I'm watching from afar than participating. But, because the plot is so entertaining, it's forgivable. I've read rumors that this is supposed to be the last of the Garrett series that Cook's going to write. Since Cook's gotten back on form with this book and done such a good job with it, I certainly hope that's wrong. I guess time will tell. I rate this book at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Garrett, like the rest of us, is getting older., June 9, 2005

By 

skytwo "skytwo" (Boston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Whispering Nickel Idols: A Garrett, P.I., Novel (Paperback)

There seemed to be a lot of disappointment over the last entry in Cook's series. It certainly wasn't one of the better titles, but it wasn't the worst, either (that'd be 'pewter,' in my opinion). What it was was different. Less serious in tone. And I enjoyed it for that reason. It just needs to be accepted on its own terms.

I was thrilled to see that a new title was out. After reading the series for about a decade, each new title is like checking in with an old friend. And one of the greatest things about the series is how much effort Cook has put into creating a rich, evolving world complete with political struggles, racial tensions, and a complex underworld.

Another great thing about the series is that Cook is paying just as much attention to Garrett. In this book we're starting to see a Garrett who's beginning to understand how aging is going to affect his occupation and his personal life. As he feels the first creaks in his joints, he sees how easily he could lose everything-- his own life, those of friends and lovers. Slow down a little bit in his line of work, and the wolves catch up quick.

I for one am pleased to see that Cook is bringing a touch of his trademark gritty realism to the Garrett Files. Cookie-cutter fantasy novels are easy to find, but this series is a unique jewel. If I wanted a godlike protagonist, I'd read Superman comics. But I like my hard-boiled gumshoes to be as genuine as any of us. Even if they share a house with pixies.

Oh, yeah, and the plot of this one is pleasantly complex, bringing together the mob, a mysterious cult, spontaneous combustion, and those most notorious and evil creatures-- lawyers and priests. There isn't any of the light-hearted tone of 'lead.' This is pretty serious stuff, and almost the entire coterie of Garrett puts in an appearance. If the book has a problem, it's that the mystery is too ambitious-- after all, sometimes a case is just a case, and not a race to save the entire city.