34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting theme but lacks a punchline..., 10 Nov 2003
This review is from: Chasing The Dime (Paperback)
Having read the synopsis of this book, I thought it had an interesting premise behind it. The story is about a Computer Scientist/Biochemist, Henry Pierce, who is on the verge of developing a breakthrough in nanotechnological microprocessing. Unfortunately Pierce is a workaholic, which has resulted in him being kicked out of his old home by his girlfriend to a new house in L.A. When Pierce arrives at his new apartment, he realises his new phone number was previously held by an escort girl, who now seems to have disappeared. The story basically carries on from there with Pierce intent on determining what has happened to this mysterious prostitute.
I found the first half of the book quite tantalising. The story moved at a decent pace and with a good degree of plausability. Unfortunately the second half of the book, and particularly the ending, left a lot to be desired. Connelly seems to have gone down a path where the basic premise of the story, focusing on the disappearance of this hooker, is forgotten. In fact, the actual story is rather implausible and leaves a felling of "he could have done SOOOO much more with it".
Connelly also goes too much into the depth of Henry Pierce's science, in my opinion. Although it gives the reader an understanding of the character of Henry Pierce, and sets one up for the reasons behind the ending, it does this by breaking the course of the main story. I found myself a number of times on the edge of a cliffhanger, only to have the excitement broken by having to read about how nanotechnology will "change the world".
Another major downpoint was the dialogue between the characters. Much of it was rather wooden, I felt, and there just because it was necessary. Connelly's descriptive texts are much more colourful than the words coming out of his character's mouths. There were certain points where the characters were conversing in a manner which is highly unlikely given the circumstances they were in and their own personas.
Saying all that, I did enjoy the book and will probably try one or two more Michael Connelly books. The themes of his books all seem to be quite interesting - I'm certain that some of them are superior to this book in delivering a punchline with their basic premises.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Despite what some of the reviews say!, 8 Dec 2003
This review is from: Chasing The Dime (Paperback)
I bought this book to read on my holiday, planning on being able to read it for a week. I had to go and buy another book because i read this in two days. I think this is a great book. It was also my first Michael Connelly book. However there was a few silly points that didnt quite seem believable but it has an intriguing storyline. Once i had started reading it i just didnt want to put it down. I wanted to find out what happened to him, his project and Lily. You really do need to read past the first coupe of pages..even hundred!
Really worth a read and i would definetly recommend it to others.
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17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
So Connelly meets Crichton - I'm not complaining!, 26 Nov 2002
Well, I bought "Chasing the Dime" in hardback and read it in a couple of days. And I am already sure that I will do the same with Connelly's next book... and the one after. In my opinion, "Chasing the Dime" is just as good as the author's first 11 books - just a bit different in the way it approaches the perennial subject of murder.
Anyone who has read Michael Crichton's novels may well see a generic resemblance, especially with "Disclosure". Yet there is not that much similarity, apart from the interweaving of high tech and business with sex and crime. Presumably Connelly likes to take a rest from Bosch from time to time, as he did (with great success, I thought) in "The Poet" and "Void Moon". I found it refreshing to look through the eyes of a naive civilian, rather than a cynical cop like Harry Bosch or a manipulative FBI agent.
As usual, Connelly's research is excellent and his technical descriptions convincing. This is a fast-paced thriller right from the start, although it did not really grab me by the throat until about halfway through. Strongly recommended for everyone except technophobes.
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