tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31875695.post9091725592324899429..comments2024-02-07T21:24:37.121-08:00Comments on Blogtrotter: Stuart Neville's "Collusion": Book ReviewJohn L. Murphy / "Fionnchú"http://www.blogger.com/profile/16616876266772470719noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31875695.post-31730648157969841822011-08-30T17:37:12.450-07:002011-08-30T17:37:12.450-07:00Anon, weird as I never got the hype about "Gh...Anon, weird as I never got the hype about "Ghosts"--after a splendid start, it faltered for me and I lost interest for stretches of its Grand Guignol mayhem, which undercut the poignancy of the haunted voices. "Collusion" for me was more straightforward, even if lacked some of the depth of "Ghosts," it also lacked the body count which for me dulled its impact. Neville's third, surely, may let us both in to his talents, and how well he can sustain himself.John L. Murphy / "Fionnchú"https://www.blogger.com/profile/16616876266772470719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31875695.post-33041065737484608372011-08-30T11:42:20.633-07:002011-08-30T11:42:20.633-07:00The Ghosts of Belfast was one my favorite books of...The Ghosts of Belfast was one my favorite books of all time. I could'nt wait to read Nevilles follow up, Collusion. Greatly disappointing. The ending was no suprise since Fegans' dreams of fire and child were revealed early. The writing seemed to go in circles. Clumsily stumbling through repeated phrases and circumstances(did anyone proof read this mess?). Felt forced. A real let down...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31875695.post-11246874137744246322010-11-18T15:09:58.791-08:002010-11-18T15:09:58.791-08:00While very much a set-piece, the end of "Coll...While very much a set-piece, the end of "Collusion" did wrap it up in a rather cinematic, cat & mouse situation that appeared written as if with screenplay in mind. "Ghosts/Twelve" I regarded as more of an action film in my mind; its sequel more of a psychological thriller, even if as you note, Jack, the body count if tallied may have neared the same casualty rate by the denouement!John L. Murphy / "Fionnchú"https://www.blogger.com/profile/16616876266772470719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31875695.post-35278409855742601892010-11-07T09:31:43.679-08:002010-11-07T09:31:43.679-08:00Funny, but I felt just the other way. I liked bo...Funny, but I felt just the other way. I liked both Collusion and Ghosts. The Jack Lennon character is interesting and I agree much more could be done with the character and I hope to see him more in future books. But I never felt the mayhem in Ghost was too much the top whereas I did feel that way toward the end of Collusion. Anyway both are good books and I hope to see more from Stuart Neville.Jackhttp://www.chescopa.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31875695.post-2821060368815534312010-11-02T08:43:34.476-07:002010-11-02T08:43:34.476-07:00Jack, I think "Collusion" is more schema...Jack, I think "Collusion" is more schematic, less frenetic, but for this, it works for me more steadily. For all its very "organized" and methodical feel, "Collusion" shows Neville settling down as a writer, and his more modest second novel's the better for this control and planning. Like you, I find myself wanting more of Gerry Fagen.<br /><br />"Ghosts/Twelve" started off splendidly but the mayhem began to bore me, as in an overwrought, pumped-up blockbuster movie. Neville's better when staying with a character for a while, and digging into motivations. I suspect this is a transitional novel to a lot more about Jack Lennon in books to come.John L. Murphy / "Fionnchú"https://www.blogger.com/profile/16616876266772470719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31875695.post-61629558184569931702010-10-31T04:51:59.327-07:002010-10-31T04:51:59.327-07:00Enjoyed your review. I have recently become a Stu...Enjoyed your review. I have recently become a Stuart Neville fan having recently read and reviewed "Ghosts of Belfast". (see http://www.chescopa.com/books/2010/10/29/the-ghosts-of-belfast-by-stuart-neville/ if you are interest in my review)<br /><br /> I have started "Collusion" and so far find it compelling. I immediately thought of the opening of the 2 books when you said than the sequel "takes its time". With "Ghosts" I was hooked in the first page or 2. "Collusion" starts much slower and it took me 30 pages or so to get into it. The author is off to a very good start with these 2 and I hope we will be seeing many more books from him.Jackhttp://www.chescopa.com/books/noreply@blogger.com