Book Review: State of Terror

 I just finished off rereading #8 of the Constable Molly Smith series by Vicki Delany, all from the library. I was ready for something new. With all the chaos going on, you might think I'd avoid something like this. Nah. Both Ottawa, Ontario, and Coutts, Alberta, have nutbars running around restricting the freedom of innocent citizens. I wanted something to make me think.

I know many of you like Louise Penny's work (i.e., Book Review: A Trick of the Light). I have read every one. For my birthday, I asked for State of Terror. I wasn't sure I should review it, as I'm not very far into it (200 of 500 pages), but I am riveted. They seem to have combined their talents, knowledge, and experiences, as good friends, to create a great novel.

Canadian, Louise Penny, the famous Canadian mystery writer, always tells a good tale. The co-writers have a really strong friendship, a wonderful example of cross border collaboration. Hillary Clinton's experiences in the US government, as Secretary of State, makes for mystery, plot, and insight into a dysfunctional international governments, and a society led downhill by the bad actors. 

If you liked The West Wing, or  Madame Secretary, you'll like this story. Of course our hero, U.S. Secretary of State, Ellen Adams, is a strong, clever woman. They take some digs at Clinton's nemesis, by creating a treacherous male president, Eric Dunn, who is Adams' nemesis.

Here is a sample of the writing:

"The new administration is coming in after a one-term Republican president," she said. "His name was Eric Dunn, who even people who were loyal to him jokingly behind his back called him 'Eric the Dumb.'"

We'd expect nothing less from these two women as writers. We have international terrorists as fanatics,  homegrown traitors, and women with intelligence and wit. 

"Thank you for your time." [Secretary of State Adams] held out her hand, and when [President Dunn] took it, she yanked and pulled the immense man right up to her, so that their noses were touching and she smelled his breath.  It smelled of meat. ... 

"You've made it clear time and again that nothing happened in the White House without your approval. ... If there is a disaster, it will be dumped at your big gold door. I'll make sure of that. ..."

You can tell they the authors are friends! Not having any close female friends as peers, I like to see this. 

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@Barrie Summy

Book Review: A Trick of the Light

Louise Penny is a prolific Canadian author. I cannot remember where I saw the name. Hubby printed up a list, and has been reserving them at the library for me. He is an excellent Personal Assistant!

I just finished A Trick of the Light (2011), and I am on to the next. You MUST read them in order, which I've been doing. Our hero, Chief Inspector Gamache, as well sa the other characters, are carefully fleshed out. She has a grasp of human nature, psychology, art, and character. She researches and then paints her settings most beautifully, whether it is the imaginary town of Three Pines, or an old Québec City library. Penny throws in some French, and I find this interesting, it gives such flavour to the books. While we're on the topic, she regularly makes my mouth water, as she describes the gourmet offerings in the Three Pines bistro.

This is a lovely idea, Gamacheseries.com, a virtual bistro, Louise Penny calls it, where people can see the cultural inspirations for the town, and look at the art, literature, poetry, music, and philosophy behind the themes.

From her website...
“Have you ever heard of the term “chiaroscuro”? Michael told me about it after his art class yesterday. It means the play of light and dark. Am thinking of making that a theme in the book I’m about to start - hmmm.”

Louise Penny is a Canadian author of mystery novels set in the Canadian province of Quebec centred on the work of francophone Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec. Penny's first career was as a radio broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

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@Barrie Summy