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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Review: The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly


Title and Author of book: The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
Fiction or non-fiction: Fiction
Genre: Crime Fiction
Where did I get the book: My public Library
Challenges that this fulfilled: None-just trying to get my library pile under control.

Who recommended this book to me? JoAnn from Every Day Matters. When she gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads, I took notice. Why? Because in her own words: "I am a very demanding reader. I expect a lot of an author who has managed to get published." So, after reading her thoughts on this one I couldn't pass up the opportunity to grab this at the library.

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!

Forced out of the Los Angeles Times amid the latest budget cuts, newspaperman Jack McEvoy decides to go out with a bang, using his final days at the paper to write the definitive murder story of his career.

He focuses on Alonzo Winslow, a 16-year-old drug dealer in jail after confessing to a brutal murder. But as he delves into the story, Jack realizes that Winslow's so-called confession is bogus. The kid might actually be innocent.

Jack is soon running with his biggest story since The Poet made his career years ago. He is tracking a killer who operates completely below police radar--and with perfect knowledge of any move against him. Including Jack's.


What did you like most about this book? I loved the plot line. It was pretty interesting and it really made me think about all of the information that we put out there about ourselves on the internet and how easy it really is for someone to target you. There are so many clues that we leave behind that makes it a piece of cake for someone to track us down. SCARY!!!!!!

What did you like least? There wasn't anything in particular that stands out to me. I really enjoyed this read.

Have you read any other books by this author? This is my first encounter with Michael Connelly. I honestly feel like I've been living under a rock!! He's written a lot of books and I've just NOW read one????


What about the ending? I find nothing to complain about with the ending. Exactly the way I wanted it to be!

I really enjoyed this book. I plowed through it in one day! I'll be back for The Poet next!!! Which I guess is Book #1 in the Jack McEvoy series. Usually, I never read out of order, but I had no idea this was #2 until I started reading it. I don't think it matters at all, honestly. The author gave you enough background information that filled in any missing gaps.


Other readers thoughts on this one:

JoAnne- Every Day Matters
Direct Quote from Goodreads: "This book is straightforward and well-done, with twists and turns, for sure, but nothing meant to trick or confuse the reader. Loved it! Lots of action, lots to make the reader think."

Rhapsody In Books-
Direct quote from review: "This is a suspenseful book that will keep you, if not on the edge of your seat, very close to it. I liked the bittersweet encomium to newspapers too. It isn’t overdone, and also serves to provide those emotional resting spaces when you recover from one roller coaster dip before going up another. Good summer read. 3.5/5"

Mo from Unmainstream Mom Reads-
Direct quote from review: "I think one thing that adds to the mass appeal of this book is that the violence, sex, and torture were not at all graphic or even mildly offensive."

11 comments:

  1. This is sounding soooooooooooo familiar .... not the actual plot etc....but the author and title.....hmmmmmmmmmmm.....now this is gonna bug me all day!!! LOL! LOL! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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  2. I've got several Michael Connelly books in my TBR pile. I've been told that he'll probably become a favorite author for me once I find the time to read one of them!

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  3. I love his writing, I've read The Poet and I have The Scarecrow on my TBR pile to get to one day ... soon I hope. So many good books, so little time.

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  4. I am a huge Michael Connelly fan. :)

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  5. I have this one on my IPOD. I look forward to this one.

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  6. Thanks for reading mine too! I really like what you said about "it really made me think about all of the information that we put out there about ourselves on the internet and how easy it really is for someone to target you. There are so many clues that we leave behind that makes it a piece of cake for someone to track us down. SCARY!!!!!!"

    It **is*** scary, not even just for tracking you down, but finding out all of your business!!!

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  7. The Poet is the only one I've read so far, but do plan to continue with the series someday because I really liked it!

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  8. I have heard so many good things about this one, and I picked up The Poet to read first since I hate to read out of order like you. I couldn't get into though (because of me... I am going through a slump!) but definitely plan on trying it again. I am glad to see you liked this one so much!

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  9. I have not read Michael Connelly yet! My mom does and says I must. I usually listen to her. LOL

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  10. I've been meaning to read one of his books but just haven't gotten around to him. Will have to check out "The Poet." I like to read series and in order. Have a great weekend.

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  11. The internet thing is scary and I guess we should know better, but we are humans who make mistakes :)
    A little too real. Good review.

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