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Title: Fury by G.M. Ford ISBN: 0-380-80421-2 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 June, 2002 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.22 (18 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Different
Comment: This book marks a very interesting departure for Ford. The tone in Fury is much darker than in the Leo Waterman novels -- whereas the other books were mostly light and amusing, and the crimes never grisly, the acts in Fury are much more dire. The protagonist, Frank Corso, is also more tortured and introspective, making Leo look happy-go-lucky by comparison. The story is also written in 3rd person, unlike the Waterman novels; you can tell that Ford is still easing himself into this different writing style.
The real breakthrough in this novel is Corso's partner in investigation Meg, a "rubenesque" tattooed goth. She's very weird, sharp and likable; by far the most realistic depiction of such a woman that I've ever read (if you hang around many goths, you know someone just like Meg).
On the downside, this novel is really just about introducing a new hero for Ford to write about. The villains are pretty one-dimensional. We know what they do, but very little about why or where they came from. Ford could take a few notes from Andrew Vachss on this mark. Just the same, I'm really looking forward to a sequel -- as long as there's a cameo by Nearly Normal Norman.
Rating: 5
Summary: A nice break
Comment: I have loved G.M. Ford's Leo Waterman books since my mother-in-law lent me Cast in Stone. Ford just has such a sense of place and style. I lived in the Seattle area for a year, and his books make me nostalgic for it.
Anyway, on to Fury. It's a nice break from the Waterman books, which I could sense Ford was running out of steam on. Leo makes a nice cameo that updates his fans on how he's doing since the *SPOILER for Deader the Better* break up with Rebecca *END SPOILER*
But other than that cameo, it's all about Frank Corso. Ford does a great job with this character. He's a recluse, a little bit eccentric, but still with a heart of gold. There's also an unlikely romance that I hope gets explored in subsequent books.
Dougherty is also intriguing, with an interesting backstory as well. I find it interesting that Ford created this character and makes her slightly more than a secondary character (though the book is still Corso's). I read in January magazine that he's had trouble writing female characters. Dougherty, though, is interesting, and I look forward to getting to know her better.
The mystery itself is well-done, with nice twists, especially the ending. I didn't see that coming, and was wondering how Ford was going to resolve everything. It's light, fluffy reading. Perfect for a rainy day (as Seattle has many of) or a day at the beach. It won't tax your brain, but it will engage your interest. Isn't that what mysteries are for?
Rating: 4
Summary: A tough journalist looks into a death penalty case.
Comment: Frank Corso is a journalist who tells it like it is, and his honesty has repeatedly landed him in trouble. After becoming a successful author with a bestselling book to his credit, Corso decides to give up journalism and live a reclusive and peaceful life on his houseboat. However, when a key witness decides to recant her testimony in a death penalty case, she insists on telling her story to Corso. He is back in the game.
Along with Meg Dougherty, a gifted photographer and a decent investigator in her own right, Corso reviews the case of Walter Leroy Himes. Himes is about to be executed for murdering women across Seattle and leaving their bodies in dumpsters. Although Himes claims that he never killed anyone, most of the victims' family members, the police, and a large segment of the public want Himes executed. Although Himes is a thoroughly nasty individual, Corso believes him to be innocent of these particular crimes, and he decides to explore and analyze the evidence himself. Reopening the case will make a good newspaper story, and it will also give Corso an opportunity to avert a possible miscarriage of justice.
Corso is a terrific character. Sharp-tongued, intelligent, brusque, and tough as nails, he is defensive when anyone tries to penetrate the shell that he has built around himself. Dougherty has also had her share of hard knocks in life, and she is a good match for Corso. "Fury" is fast-paced and Ford's writing is often colorful and amusing.
The only flaw in "Fury" is the hackneyed plot. How many times have we read about murder cases being reopened because the wrong man may be on death row? There are dozens of books out there with this same plot, and it has been done once too often. In addition, some of the story's twists and turns are a bit too contrived.
However, Frank Corso redeems "Fury" with his strength, integrity, and compassion. He is one cool dude, and his character is one of the best protagonists in any detective thriller around. If you can overlook the warmed-over plot, you will get a big kick out of this perceptive, straight-talking, and world-weary journalist.
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Title: Black River : A Novel by G.M. Ford ISBN: 0380816210 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 24 June, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: The Deader the Better : A Leo Waterman Mystery by G.M. Ford ISBN: 0380804204 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 January, 2001 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Cast in Stone by G.M. Ford ISBN: 0380727625 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 March, 1997 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: Slow Burn by G.M. Ford ISBN: 0380793679 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 February, 1999 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: Last Ditch : A Leo Waterman Mystery by G.M. Ford ISBN: 0380793695 Publisher: Avon Pub. Date: 01 February, 2000 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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