Un Semplice Atto Di Violenza (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
This was my first Ellory novel, and knowing nothing about the author or book I started it without much idea what to expect. The book opens with a murder and it seems from early on that this will be a police procedural with a stereotypical misfit detective as our protagonist hunting an elusive serial killer. However, a parallel storyline soon opens up which is clearly connected to the events of the main story, and yet is much broader in context and style; addressing some big political and moral questions, and in particular the ethics of American foreign policy and the actions of it's "intelligence community". I found this aspect fascinating, and although much of the detail was fictional I cant help but feel a little more educated on Nicaragua, the C.I.A. and the brutality, power, greed and corruption of such organisations. The author has clearly researched these subjects deeply and presents them well.The protagonist character, Detective Robert Miller, reminded me a lot of Detective Harry Hole as created by Jo Nesbø and indeed the writing style bears comparison to those novels, with rich descriptive passages and alternating accounts of the same events from the perspectives of our detective and the character he is pursuing. Character development through this novel is excellent, both the believable drawing of Detective Miller and the gradual unveiling of our antagonist, John Robey, who becomes the fulcrum around which the two plot lines hinge. The writing is excellent and the plot(s) remain engaging and full of surprises throughout, with an unexpected story of love and trust thrown in, and the role of bad guy shifting several times as the big picture is revealed.Like many books of the genre, this novel eventually ties together the various strands and the ending is satisfactory, though perhaps it could have continued a little longer to explore the aftermath of the events that took place, but at over 500 pages already it is probably a compliment that I was left wanting more.All things considered, this was a really enjoyable read which I wouldn't hesitate to recommend! I'll certainly be exploring more of Ellory's work after this. Ellory is an English crime thriller writer that I hadn't come across before. This story, set in DC, is about two police detective who are investigating a string of murders and find themselves involved in a CIA plot. Unlike books that grab you from page one, this one slowly pulled me in until about half way through when I was really hooked. The first part of the story is told, in alternate chapters, from the point of view of the detectives and then the killer.I found the constant switching between stories a little distracting, but the second half stuck to one story line and I was enthralled. It is a good thriller.
What do You think about Un Semplice Atto Di Violenza (2008)?
A very interesting book about the CIA --fiction.
—hault1
a fantastic book, the best book I ever read!
—LOLKJX
