Shattered

ISBN: 0-399-14660-1 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Amazon.co.uk

Entertaining and fast-paced, this novel suffers from a somewhat weak McGuffin, transparent villains, and a certain lack of suspence.

Reviewed by David on January 19, 2001

Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth)

Synopsis: Gerald Logan, a talented glass-blower, inherited a video tape from a jockey killed in a riding accident. Suprisingly, a number of ruthless people are after the tape, ready to lie, intimidate and assault to get it. Unfortunately, the tape disappeared, and Logan must find the tape and the secret of its value before he and his friends get seriously hurt.

Full Review: The fans of Francis, the prolific and popular jockey turned author, will not be disappointed, or particularly surprised by this mystery. It features a typical quietly competent hero, ready to indure ridiculous amounts of punishment without whining—or more sensibly—complaining to the police. It features an understated, almost bored romance, and brutal, arrogant, not particularly intelligent villains.

The subject matter—glassblowing—is interesting, and the style and pacing of the mystery is pleasing. However, the major plot device seems rather implausible, and the main characters rather too detached. While wntertaining, this novel seems to lack the emotional impact of some of Francis's other mysteries, and while bringing joy to the author's fans, is neither remarkable nor memorable.

Overall: 5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5; Originality: 5;

ISBN: 0-399-14660-1 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Amazon.co.uk