Henry Wood Detective Agency (2000) - Plot & Excerpts
I must say I was a bit disappointed with this one. I believe it is a perfect example of the instruction that is given to those who study writing. An author should be himself or herself. Never attempt to write in a style of another, particularly a well-known writer. Stephen King has advised that to be a writer two things are required; write and read. I believe that in preparation for this story Mr. Meeks read a few too many of Dashiell Hammett's works. First, let me say who will like this book: anyone who likes black and white detective movies, a la Dick Tracy. There are broads, dames, and mafia families. It's not a fast-paced, action packed story, but one that stresses the detective's thought processes and feelings about events. Here's what I liked: that the main character, Henry Wood, is a wood-worker. That is a wonderful detail that makes him a well-drawn character. I liked the pacing of the story -- it never felt rushed -- and I liked the way the characters are introduced -- I was able to keep up with everyone and didn't get confused about who was who. A few minor things bothered me, such as the use of the full name Tommy 'The Knife' nearly every time the character is mentioned. The single quotation marks annoy me but that is totally my training as an English major and is not a big deal -- based on my education the only time a single quote is used is when there is a need for quotation marks within a quotation. Also, after the introduction of the character it would be more in keeping with real life behavior if people either referred to him as simply "Tommy" or maybe "the Knife." The "the" shouldn't be capitalized either. But, as I said, that is a minor criticism and something that would probably on bother my fellow grammar-police-types. On an equally personal note, I was slightly bored by the end of the story. I'm not a huge fan of 1950s detective stories. The setting doesn't really fascinate me, and the big "twist" that other readers seem to have loved didn't quite grab me. Despite my criticism, this is a perfectly fine story. There are a few typos here and there, but no more than in most other books. If this is a genre, setting, and time period that you like, you should check it out.
What do You think about Henry Wood Detective Agency (2000)?
Slightly strange but okay once you get into it.
—bekahmoster
Very good old fashioned detective mystery.
—milangejoseph
