Something very strange is happening, a perplexing series of troubling events that's leading Jack Whalen into the shadows. And the secrets buried there are unlike anything anyone could possibly have imagined.
©2007 Michael Marshall Smith; (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
"Marshall outdoes his own high standards with this potent blend of suspense, paranoia and just plain creepiness." (Publishers Weekly starred review)
"Scary brilliance." (Baltimore Sun)
"A jaw-dropping [thriller] that makes a hairpin turn on nearly every page. Grade A." (Entertainment Weekly)
"Sort of ridiculous"
First of all, this isn't really a detective or investigative mystery, it reads more like a science fiction novel.
The premise is fairly ridiculous, but I won't give away too much detail in case any of you want to waste a credit on this book.
I'll just say that the underlying plot is WAY out there in the realm of fantasy. The author doesn't reveal nearly enough information about what is going on, and the listener is left guessing most of the time, especially at the end. Very little about the 'intruders' is revealed, and the ending left me thinking, "Huh?"
I can't recommend this at all. It's just a weird story that doesn't make any sense at all.
"More Sci-Fi than Murder Mystery"
Professional reviews did not indicate this would be more sci-fi than murder mystery. Could NOT finish this book, as it just did not make ANY sense, and it seemed to hang together LESS the more I listened. Made it through 2/3 of the book, but could not continue.
"MMS not as good writing American Thriller/Horror."
Michael Marshall Smith writes some brilliant stuff under his full name. The work he's done under Michael Marshall, for the American mainstream market (it seems) is nowhere near as good. It feels very formulaic as a Koontz or King knock-off (neither of which I enjoy usually). The truly surreal elements that work so well in is more daring MMS-work feels contrived and just out of place in this blander work. Only reason I keep trying stuff penned under MM is hope that it will be as good/fresh/intriguing as his MMS work.