If you're a Dennis Lehane fan, be sure you don't pass up CORONADO
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If you're a Dennis Lehane fan, be sure you don't pass up CORONADO, his book of short stories and one play. These stories are not new; they have all appeared in various publications before. But you probably haven't read them.

For me, these short stories were my fix to tide me over until Lehane's next full-length novel. I enjoyed them, but they weren't enough to satisfy me.
1942876
After I read interviews with two of my favorite crime fiction authors (Dennis Lehane and Michael Connelly) who both said that this book was excellent hardboiled crime fiction and a major influence on their work, I had to find a copy and read for myself.  It's quirky and unusual, and it's not your stereotypical hardboiled crime ripoff by an author trying to copy Raymond Chandler, but I didn't impress me that much.

Maybe if I had never read Hunter Thompson, the godfather of gonzo journalism, I would have been more impressed.  But after reading this, what I was left with was the feeling that Crumley had taken Hunter Thompson's style and bizarro characters and plugged them into a crime novel.  Interesting, but not as groundbreaking as I was expecting after hearing Lehane and Connelly rave about this guy.

One Crumley novel was OK, but I have no compulsion to seek out more.
196265
Dennis Lehane was not familiar to me until I saw the film, Shelter Island.  When I got my Kindle, back in March, I decided to see if there was a book version of the movie.  Lo and behold, I discovered that Dennis Lehane was a fairly prolific author, and opted to read a book of his with which I was not familiar.  It was a real page turner.  I can't praise his skills highly enough.  Great read!!  Looking forward to his next book.
1654456
Lehane is a fantastic writer of thrillers. All of his writing has an intense quality that keeps you on the edge of your seat with the pervasive sense that something terrible could happen at any time. This book, probably more than any of his other books, is laced with that paranoia. And although it starts off as a crime story, it's really further down the spectrum toward psychological thriller, borderline gothic horror at some points. Somewhere close to Silence of the Lambs, perhaps.

The book opens in 1954, with two U.S. Marshalls taking a ferry out to Shutter Island, the location of Ashecliffe Hospital, a mental hospital for the criminally insane in Boston Harbor, to investigate the escape of a patient. The whole story is told from the point of view of Teddy, one of the Marshalls, as he delves deeper and deeper into the dark secrets of the island and the even darker mysteries of his own psyche. The twists and turns of the plot, at which Lehane is a master, are what make the story so interesting, so I won't give any away here.

Lehane's writing is as good as it always is, though the characters felt a little more stock than normal. While incredibly creepy, I didn't connect with them as much as I did in his past stories. And perhaps because much of the book deals with the inner workings of the mind, I found pieces of it pushing the bounds of believability. Worth the read, although not Lehane's best.
2679809
Set on the Southern California coast near Santa Barbara, this police procedural is not about what cops do on the job but what the job does to cops (quoting veteran crime writer Robert Crais's description of his own novels). As Meredith says in her blog, Marilyn's Musings, "Though I write about a police department and crime, my books border on being cozies as the focus is as much on the families of the police officers as it is on them."

In quick succession we meet the major characters. To Officer Stacey Wilbur, her assignment sounds like a routine case of a pervert exposing himself to women jogging on the beach. She readily agrees to act as a decoy, with Vaughn Aragon, a recent transfer from LAPD, as a backup. Stacey's fianc, Detective Doug Milligan, has misgivings about her involvement. He tells her, "Something can always go wrong."

We meet Abel, who worries that his mother is slipping into Alzheimer's disease. That worry causes him to ignore a bulletin about women disappearing up and down the West Coast. Then there's Felix, a black officer who suffers emotional problems stemming from mistakenly shooting an unarmed suspect. He's in an interracial marriage, his wife is pregnant, and he has a bad gut instinct about Vaughn Aragon.

Ryan Strickland, the PD's public relations officer, loves his wife's cooking almost as much as he loves her. He busies himself preparing a TV announcement about the pervert on the beach. As for Aragon, he's an outsider--hoping to belong, looking for some action, trying to feel at home in the small Rocky Bluff police department, living with a past that gives him nightmares.

On what begins as another boring night, things begin to pop. Felix, Ryan and Aragon end up downtown where a crowd gathers before a furniture store to marvel at the apparition of an angel in the store window. Abel's mother disappears and the town turns out to look for her. The pervert on the beach is caught red-handed, so to speak, and his identity is both surprising and funny.

Just as things start to settle down a bit, Stacey disappears while running on the beach, plunging the entire police department into a nightmare. Abel remembers the bulletin about missing women and the FBI is called in. Stacey's co-workers fear they are dealing with a serial killer. With a massive search underway, a small boy gives the cops their only clue. He remembers seeing a yellow delivery van in the area.

Meredith builds her story slowly and carefully, leading to a denouement that had me hanging on every word. She wraps it all up in fine style, including revelation of Aragon's dark secret and the fate of the angel in the window.
3957576
In a change of pace for Dennis Lehane, his latest novel apparently asks the questions- "What is reality?" and "What is insanity?" After writing a successful series and then hitting it big time with MYSTIC RIVER- an elegiac work that might work as a coming of age novel, as well as, a murder mystery, SHUTTER ISLAND is unlike anything else he has written before. Initially it is a locked room mystery which becomes an island mystery then finally morphs into a suspense thriller with a surprise ending.
  In the summer of 1954, US Marshall Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule are called to a psychiatric facility, Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane located on a rugged New England island by the name of Shutter Island. They are to look into the disappearance of a female patient from a locked cell in the middle of the night. The escape appears impossible. As Teddy and Chuck look into the disappearance, they are given signals that they are themselves in danger. Teddy, however, has another ulterior motive. He wants to find and confront the pyromaniac responsible for his wife's recent death who is purported to be on the island.
  SHUTTER ISLAND has met with mixed reviews. I wonder what readers would say if the author's name was not Dennis Lehane. Given that it is Dennis who wrote this book, I think the readers who complained simply expected more from him. The story is actually quite clever and is of the length that could be read in one long evening. It appears, with superficial reading, to lack the complexity and depth that one expects from Dennis. However, with more careful reading, that complexity and depth is still there.  Once the conclusion is reached, the reader will get a sense of the careful construction that went into this work. The novel is a bit risky for Dennis as he continues to expand his army of core readers. However, he deserves credit for stretching himself into something very different and quite satisfying.
3103499
If you want Boston nitty-gritty, this crime novel is your ticket. Bartender Dan Marlowe (who shares a name with the paperback suspense novelist who produced The Name of the Game is Death), gets inadvertantly embroiled in a battle among low-lives and mobsters desperate to recover a load of cocaine that has gone missing. Marlowe can be a tough guy, but he also yearns for the kids from which he has been separated by the cocaine habit that took away his good sense for a while. His battle to regain his life and to do right by his friends and family--all the while trying to fend off a crooked DEA agent and various nasty criminals--make this novel an absorbing read. Fans of Dennis Lehane and George V. Higgins will revel in the settings and atmosphere,and anyone who loves a hard-charging plot will love the story.
4061946
I have always loved the idea of trying to figure out the mystery as the main character does the same and then try to figure out if that main character is who we're told.  Twists, turns, and revelations abound in this fantastic novel by Dennis Lehane.  Lehane has always had a handle on stories taking place in Boston, and while this does to a degree,  the location of the book, Shutter Island, might actually be a character itself.  Overall, the books weaves in and out of dreams and reality and it is never confusing except for the protagonist.  Its hard for me to say how much I enjoyed this book.  Great stuff!
2728824
My editor introduced me to Dennis LeHane. She called and said, "You have got to read this guy. He is sooo good." Now, when your editor tells you another author is good, you read him or her. ASAP. So, I did.

Well, she was right. He's really, really good.

Normally I'm not a huge fan of mysteries, private investigators or books told in first person. I prefer suspense or thrillers written in third person, and well, PI's just don't do it for me. However, LeHane hooked me with A DRINK BEFORE THE WAR.  Then I went on to devour everything else he'd written.

Why?

Well, first off, he has a compelling voice, something which is essential to pull off a first person tale. Add to that his wonderful characters, and you have a winning combination. It doesn't surprise me at all that he's become a mega-star. He is, simply, both an exceptionally story teller and writer.

I'm looking forward to his collection of short stories coming out in September.
565730
In Sugar Land, Texas, just outside of Houston, folks are not supposed to die. Not in this world of perfect master planned communities of perfect lawns, perfect homes, and powerful Home Owners Associations. Everything in sight is to be aesthetically pleasing at all times. Dead bodies are certainly not supposed to be laying out in plain view.

But, that is exactly what Graham Garcia did messing up the ambiance one Monday morning. He was murdered and his body was left where it fell on the golf course near the tunnel under Alcorn Oaks Boulevard. Unfortunately, on her way to school and away from teen drivers on nearby streets, thirteen-year-old Jessica Min found him. It would have been golfers on any other morning and she would have been spared the sight. Instead, she found him as the golf course was closed for grass maintenance. Having seen more than a few crime shows Jessica knew not to touch the body. Instead, as quick as she could, she went back home and told her mother.

The first Walker "Bear" Wells knew about the death was when Detective James Wanderley walked into his office like he owned the place, asked a lot of questions that were about everything else, and then finally got down to it. Back in the day "Bear" played football for The University of Texas as a starting right guard.  These days, he writes theology books, leads a congregation, and tries to take care of the people of his church. While Graham Garcia was not a member of the congregation, the rest of the family was.

A little over 48 hours earlier Bear had a meeting with Graham Garcia. While Detective Garcia wants to play 20 questions, Bear's focus is on the family and their suffering. In his mind that makes precedence over everything else. He ditches the detective, picks up his wife, and heads over to see what comfort he can bring in their time of need.  His attempt to help them will lead to many questions and his active involvement in this complicated mystery from author Stephanie Jaye Evans.

Faithful Unto Death: A Sugar Land Mystery is a complex and extremely enjoyable debut novel. Along with observations about the wealthy master planned communities, there are plenty of observations about the role of faith regardless of religion, parenting, family, and other topics.  These observations are asides and an integral part of the characters in such a way that they do not detract at all from the mystery.

A mystery that has plenty of plot twists and turns with no artificial inducements as the reader is taken for quite a ride. This is a book that starts slowly, builds steadily, and leads readers to quite an ending.  In short, Faithful Unto Death: A Sugar Land Mystery is an intense riveting read that skillfully works on every level and does not preach to readers. Simply put, this is a very good book and well worth your time.

Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.

Kevin R. Tipple 2013
3528123
A few years ago, in Los Angeles, I asked a panel (the subject was current media) what books they were currently reading.  Then I answered that I had just completed a terrific Ross MacDonald crime novel, The Galton Case (still my favorite of the six I have now read). Ok, blank looks throughout the room, a bit surprising. Then I mentioned the Lew Archer series, nada (wonder if anyone of the 200 attendees knew who Philip Marlowe was, and remember this was a crowd living in the city where Chandler and MacDonald set many of their iconic works).  No response. Finally, I mentioned Paul Newman and the two films, and, finally, about a dozen smiling hands were raised in happy recognition.  Why have these fine works, very popular only thirty years ago, fallen into oblivion? This story is typical of the engrossing, and so very satisfying, works MacDonald gave us. Often, the "resolution" of a mystery disappoints (which is not awful in itself, think Chandler again). However, I thought the conclusion especially good. Sit back, pick it up and enjoy (I used Paul Newman's voice in my head to narrate and tell the story).
11168
"Shutter Island" follows two US Marshals tasked with finding an escaped patient at a mental hospital for the criminally insane on an island. She left the cell in the night seemingly into thin air. As the Marshals investigate further they realise they're not being told the truth by anyone on the island; the doctors, the orderlies, the nurses are all lying to them. Then they discover messages left by the patient which leads them to discover the true nature of the island and its' inhabitants.

The novel is told at a blistering pace. The plot develops quickly, the twists come out of nowhere and it's a genuinely thrilling read. Lehane has an amazing grasp of atmosphere filling this book in spades. From the damp cells to the eerie staff quarters inside the odd fort to the mysterious lighthouse, there's so much here that's perfectly placed that it kept me reading much longer and quicker than I thought I would whenever I picked it up.

There are a few people who don't like the ending but who reads a novel for the last 20-30 pages? It's a 325 page book - enjoy the journey! And I liked the ending anyway. It was far-fetched but given the nature of the institution you have to say that it's at least plausible.

"Shutter Island" is well written, imaginative (how many novels really have that quality?), it's genuinely interesting and I loved it. This was my first Dennis Lehane novel and I've already got others lined up ready and can't wait. Highly recommended.
2028411
Lehane takes to an era that is heavy on noire, and a town we don't see much in fiction, Tampa. He "hero" is a current and former gangster who is always the smartest one in the room. Anything else said would be a spoiler, but it is a fun read if you like 40's gangster flics.
4752846
Katherine Carlin, one of the authors of this book loved Coronado and was among the founding members of the Coronado Historical Association. Katherine came to Coronado in 1928, and about the time the Coronado Ferries went out of commission and our little town was reached via the Coronado / San Diego bridge, she worked very hard gathering the stories and pictures to put this book together with the help of Dr. Brandes. She was a delightful person, and I remember her very fondly. While I do not know Dr. Ray Brandes, I do believe that his father was Sgt. Brandes of the Coronado Police Dept., and he was a role model of mine when he formed the Coronado Junior Police in the mid 1950's. This book will bring back memories to anyone who has spent time in Coronado in the early years before the Coronado bridge, the Coronado Shores, and the Coronado Cays.  Enjoy! Helen
3649884
Having never seen the movie, I ordered this book because I enjoy Lehane's writing.  Following 3 childhood friends, one of whom was abducted for 4 days as a young boy, we quickly find our way into their adult lives.  What brings them back together so many years later is a murder.  Sean has become a detective with the State Police.  Jimmy, after being a youthful robbery mastermind, is settled down and gone straight after a stint in prison.  Having lost his first wife to cancer while he was in jail, he comes home to raise his young daughter, remarries and has 2 more daughters.  Jimmy's wife is a cousin of the wife of the third friend, David, a man now, but a boy when he was abducted as a child. David has many secrets, secrets he confides in no one.
When Jimmy's oldest daughter is found brutally murdered in a neighborhood park, the 3 friends re-unite in trying to solve her murder.  But their lives and lies, as intermingled as they are, make for an uneasy investigation that searches for clues that cannot be found.  The book is intriguing, and Lehane keeps the reader twisted like a pretzel, as he escapes from the reader's second-guessing, and side-steps preconcieved notions with agility.  The climax is surprising, and worth treading through Lehane's maze of twists and turns as a killer is unmasked.
344727
It's interesting how I came to know about Dennis Lehane.
I have a strong opinion that movies based on books do not do full justification to the original unabridged story. Movies like "Kiss the girls" and "Along came a spider" are examples. Individually these movies are good but nothing when compared to original books. The only exception is "Lord Of The Rings" which I truly enjoyed as a book and as a movie.
So when I saw trailer of "Shutter Island" on Youtube and when my friend told me that it's based on book, I immediately went searching for it.
Later, I came to know that other two favorite movies of mine, "Gone baby Gone" and "Mystic River" came from Dennis Lehane as well. I intend to read these two books very soon too.

Anyways, coming back to current book in hand (Shutter Island), all I can say is that this book starts with increasingly urgency and gives visceral shock towards the end.
Nothing prepared me for the final chapter of this book. I would suggest that you re-read the prologue and final chapter once you are done with the book.

Lot of other reviews here have already given the plot of this book so I wouldn't bother laying it out again.
I truly hope that the movie do full justice to this amazing and gripping book.
Highly recommended for thriller genre readers.

Thanks for reading this review.
2065008
This book makes me long for the shore.  Although I grew up on Long Beach Island, NJ there are many things that are similar.  Saltwater, sand, the breeze, the food and family and friends make for perfect memories.  Well, in this novel, not so perfect.  Strong story line, characters who are believable and real.

A good deal of suspense and wanting the story to go faster, awaiting unanswered questions.  Julia and the Snowden clan are familiar and so typical....we all have relatives that we have to deal with.

Great mystery, background and characters.  I highly recommend this, you won't want to put it down  I a already reading the sequel  "Boiled Over? and am sure it won't take too long to finish.