William Hjortsberg (1941–2017)

Movie based on the novel (Angel Heart) seems to be better known than the book. And that is a pity because this is one excellent thriller with supernatural elements that are scary but not in overtly (slasher like) way. Some of the elements of the story and definitely characters are much better presented in the novel (IMHO).

I won't go into details here because, unfortunately, both book and movie suffer from what I call Sixth Sense Syndrome - once seen/read (and if you have seen the movie before reading the book - like I have - you made the greatest offense :)) you need to fully forget it to enjoy it again (and since it is truly interesting story I bet you wont forget it that easily :)).

Our main hero, PI Harry Angelo, gets hired by a mysterious figure to find even more mysterious singer who is thought to be dead for decade. Task starts relatively routinely but soon Harry starst to see weird behavior and patterns with people he meets and questions. Soon he will find himself throwin into the unknown [and rather dark] world of voodoo and other rather darkish Southern/Caribbean religions and people beliefs. Final revelation will hit him like a sledge hammer.

Written in the best manner of noir detective books, story flows very fast and reader gets glued to the pages 'til the very end. Harry is pretty street-wise (although he gets into decent amount of predicaments) and quite a smart mouth so dialogues do get very interesting (not that the other sides in conversation dont have quips and remarks of their own). I especially enjoyed conversations Harry has with his employer.

Highly recommended.… (mais)

Yay libraries! (This is also on sale as of this typing, 11/8/21.)

Alas, I'm not the audience for this one. DNF at 22%. I caught myself skimming through descriptions, and thought about the plot so far, realized I don't care, and thus it was time to toss this one back into the library.

I'm sure it's very accurate, which I appreciate. Just, not enough to wade through a bunch more descriptions to get anywhere. It didn't help that I was coming to dislike the point of view character, but to me that's less important.

If you like historically accurate descriptions of 1940s NYC and PI mystery and murder, this might be for you.… (mais)