Cruel Zinc Melodies (Garrett, P.I. #12)

I had this book on pre-order, but with the last few books in the series, I was not in a big hurry and cancelled it.....well, I just finished this one (in record time), and can happily say that I am sorry it's over. At first, some of the language was pretty strong, and I thought this was going to be another book that didn't seem to have been written by Cook, however, that quickly passed and I just couldn't put the book down. The plot was great, I am hoping that he stays along these lines. I don't want to give much away, and quite frankly, if you read the review by the person who gave it 2 stars, he gives something away that I think is best left for the reader to discover. It's hard for me to review a book because I don't want to give anything away, but most of the old gang makes an appearance, including Eleanor. Garrett is maturing.....some will like it, some won't. I'm still on the fence, but probably not leaning in favor of it if it happens too much. I suspect GC has his reasons for wanting to mature this character, but I hope he doesn't over do it. I would like to have seen a little bit more of Morley's tougher side, though I may be a bit biased. I have always enjoyed their banter and adventure's most of all. I will gladly pre-order the next book, and hope it will be something similar. If you are a fan, buy the book, if you are not, this book can easily stand alone, though it would behoove you to get the earlier ones first.....Oh, one very minor thing....since when are chapters 3 pages long? This book is over 400 pages, but I suspect several hundred trees could have been saved had the pages not ended and started half a page down every 3-5 pages. I don't mind paying for a good book like this, but I also don't like to think I have a nice long read coming when I don't.....it kind of reminds me of my high school days, when I had to write a 10 page report and would double space, place extra spaces, and use a little larger font.....that is just a personal note. I am overall very happy with the book and wish I would not have wasted time and followed through with the pre-order instead of cancelling it and then re-ordering.

I have waited too long for a new episode. I am a fan of both SiFi & F and detective fiction. One of my enjoyments reading Glenn Cook's Garrett series has been the many scattered references to classics from Rex Stout, Agatha Christy and others. Internally, this latest book moves invention along quite well with most major characters checking in for an update. Garrett is attracting more attention from low people in high places which bodes ill for him but well for his readers. I just hope we do not need to wait so long before the next book.

That's what Cook is hearing as I fork over some of my hard earned angels on his latest book detailing Garrets misadventures...and GASP maturity???? Ah well. Is a really good book. Starts out fairly typical with a promise of an easy job that just gets more and more complicated as Garret and Co. get more and more involved. Really cool concept of what lies beneath...not always out to get us and can actually be very helpful. There is more Tinnie in this book than normal, which is fine, we always need more attractive redheads, as well as being exposed to more of the Dead Man's sense of humor. Very good read like the rest of the series. All of this series is a pleasant way to spend the day.

Garrett gets called upon by a Bevy of Beauties to solve a simple crime. Of course the case is anything but simple. This book was a little out there but not as far as Lead Skies. I wouldn't recommend for first time Garrett readers because a lot of the story is how Tunfaire and it's denizens are changing. Garrett slogs along with a little help from his dead partner and the usual cast of animated personalities. The next generation that has grown up after the war is starting to act out. Garrett must fight not only villians but maturity and domesticity his most lethal foes. Winter's hard and Tunfaire's harder and Garrett has trouble coming from all directions. Situation normal.

Fans of the Garrett, PI series will want to pick up Cook's latest. If you haven't read any books in the series you're in luck; most of them are being reprinted. Many of Cook's hard to find earlier works are being reprinted. The character development is, as in most of his books, exceptional. One of the best in the business. Many characters from previous works make their appearances (including more Dead Man sightings that in recent books). The story is unique and interesting and is sure to please.