Phil in SF reviewed A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny (Chief Inspector Gamache, #2)
Uses some deceptive writing techniques
3 stars
Chief Inspector Gamache returns to Three Pines, where a person universally disliked, C.C. de Poitiers has been murdered in elaborate fashion in front of a crowd watching a curling match.
Unfortunately, the author used a technique i detest, so this will be the final book i read in the series. On at least three occasions we're following along in the mind of a character, but to keep the suspense going leaves out crucial thoughts.
"Her cell phone rang. She hesitated, knowing who it was, and not wanting to leave her last thought."
So, despite getting visibility into the character's thoughts, suddenly she doesn't think of the name of who is calling? Of course not, but the author doesn't want to let us into the scheme just yet. Rather than write from a different point of view or work around this limitation, she just leaves the thought out. And does this …
Chief Inspector Gamache returns to Three Pines, where a person universally disliked, C.C. de Poitiers has been murdered in elaborate fashion in front of a crowd watching a curling match.
Unfortunately, the author used a technique i detest, so this will be the final book i read in the series. On at least three occasions we're following along in the mind of a character, but to keep the suspense going leaves out crucial thoughts.
"Her cell phone rang. She hesitated, knowing who it was, and not wanting to leave her last thought."
So, despite getting visibility into the character's thoughts, suddenly she doesn't think of the name of who is calling? Of course not, but the author doesn't want to let us into the scheme just yet. Rather than write from a different point of view or work around this limitation, she just leaves the thought out. And does this multiple times.
Meh.
