Most book series require the reader to start at the beginning because of development of characterization. But with John Harvey's engaging 6th Charlie Resnick novel, "Cold Light," those rules do not apply.A few minor adjustments to Charlie Resnick have already transpired in previous novels, but to read Cold Light out of sequence will not impair your understanding of this gripping tour de force.Much like other intelligent, page-turning British authors, (Susan Hill, Jim Kelly and Mark Billingham), John Harvey can tell a story using simple prose and sharp dialogue, and still keep the reader betrothed in the busy lives of his interesting, three-dimensional characters.In Cold Light, the issue of domestic abuse abounds with gritty, sometimes harrowing, descriptions of two main characters, Gary and Michelle. Even in Harvey's poetic storytelling, the issue of abuse may be too difficult to read at times. But the fast-paced story keeps you flipping pages to see what will happen next.And of course in every mystery novel a murder transpires. Amid the usual day-to-day police procedure, Resnick soon fancies himself with the victim's (Nancy) flat mate and friend, Dana Matheison. The interaction between the vulnerable Matheison and the compulsive Resnick is spellbinding enough to warrant a solid read. The chemistry between both characters in chapter twenty-three is strong and riveting.To understand where Charlie Resnick came from and his complicated background, readers might want to begin the journey with "Lonely Hearts," the first Charlie Resnick novel. Be prepared to read the book in one sitting. Recommended.
I do really like the fictional Charlie Resnick. Sure he's another loner cop with a fractured personal life and a work ethic that sometimes seems to veer dangerously close to avoidance of the mess of the personal life, but he's also a man who loves his cats, is good to his friends, seems quite attractive to the ladies, and makes a very mean sandwhich.There is a pool of these good, solid police procedural series coming from a similar time, and I am working my way back through them on occasions. Some of the books are re-reads, some of them are new, all of them are hopelessly out of series order. Which means that each of the books has to work on its own, which they do. Some of the plots are more complex and believable than others, and whilst COLD LIGHT does seem to rely on a few red herrings liberally dotted throughout, there is a good sense of pace, and urgency about the search for a missing young woman. As well done as the sense of rage in her father, and the attraction that builds between Resnick and her flatmate. There's some nice touches of coincidence, that are quite believable in a confined geographical location, there's also some complications in the case, and in the personal that flesh the whole thing out.I must admit I am quite a fan of the Charlie Resnick series, although I do like most of the books by this author that I've read. Definitely one for fans of solid, believable police procedurals from what is, after all, a pretty large British pool.http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
What do You think about Cold Light (1995)?
Harvey, John. COLD LIGHT. (1994). ****. tThis is the sixth in the Inspector Resnick series of police procedurals set in Nottingham. It would help to have read some of the earlier episodes to know the characters on the police force that Resnick works with, but not essential. As is usual with this genre, there are a variety of cases being worked on at the same time, but the main case is that of the kidnapping and subsequent murder of a young woman. The pacing in this one is near perfect, and will have you flipping pages through the night. Recommended.
—Tony
As always with Harvey, this book is well written and lively. Charlie is as quirky and lovable as ever. And you learn a bit more about Charlie's boss Jack Skelton and his failing marriage, which includes some great dialogue.Life is full of unfinished business. Harvey doesn't hesitate to leave a few loose ends in his books, even though many readers like a nice tidy conclusion. In this book it's the story of Gary James and his girlfriend Michelle. He's a red herring for the main plot and an interes
—Christianne
The Charlie Resnick series is one of my favorite British police procedurals. Resnick is a rather gentle, sad, complicated, smart and intuitive man which somehow makes him a great detective and attractive. I have read all the series now - missed this one somehow earlier. They are well-written with fleshed out characters and interesting plot twists. This one hands out subtle clues and doesn't send you down too many rabbit holes. The ending left me desperately trying to recall what happened next! Guess I'll have to head to the library to see if I can borrow the one that will tell me!
—Lela
