Book: Blood Diamonds by Ed Lynskey

Some years ago Jonas Blades was involved in a diamond heist. His accomplice, a femme –fatale by the name of Jacquie Mantooth, was arrested and then imprisoned for her role in the robbery. Jonas got away with the diamonds but instead of cashing them in he has kept them hidden away....and now Jacquie is out.

Blades soon regrets his decision to keep the diamonds as Jacquie is not alone in her pursuit of them. Jonas’ current lover and an old flame of Jacquie’s soon enter the fray and none of them can trust each other as a boys versus girls treasure hunt begins.  

Ed Lynskey’s latest slice of crime-noir feels a lot like a crime-caper. As more characters joined the hunt for the stolen gems I kept waiting for a gag or comedy moment but none were forthcoming.

The author maintains a serious tone throughout and perhaps his eloquent and articulate prose may not lend well towards laughs, but this tale would have benefited from one or two.

Coming it at approximately 156 pages Blood Diamonds is a quick read that contains plenty of twists & turns and despite the rather short format each character’s motive is fully explored.

The climax leaves some unanswered questions but in this case that works, it leaves the reader to ponder events and wonder what happens next.

Blood Diamonds is available as an e-book now and you can click the Ed Lynskey tab to read my reviews of Lake Charles and Ask The Dice.

Ric’s Rating: Good.    

Book: Ask The Dice by Ed Lynskey

Since the age of 18 Tommy Mack Zane has worked as a hitman for Mr Ogg. Now in his fifties and framed by his boss Zane turns to his old buddies D Noble and Esquire to help him clear his name and take down Ogg.

Ed Lynskey’s latest slice of noir evokes memories of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer and feels like it should be set in the days of Al Capone and Elliot Ness. Infused with melodious jazz tones it transports the reader into a smoky world populated by shady characters but don’t be fooled, this is a modern-day tale.

Zane refuses to use a mobile (cell) phone but he does make the occasional foray into the world of emails and internet although his penchant for poetry makes him an unlikely Reaper.

Lynskey’s prose almost takes the violence out of this tale but there are murders aplenty as Zane frequently looks back on a life spent rubbing out those who have crossed his conniving paymaster.

Surprisingly the story comes across as rather poignant, the main character is very engaging and the explosive finale provides a final round knockout.

Ric’s Rating: 80%

Book: Lake Charles by Ed Lynskey

Brendan Fishback is facing a murder charge, so while out on bail awaiting trial, he decides to go on a fishing trip to Lake Charles. Accompanying him are Edna, his sister and Cobb, her husband and Brendan’s best friend.

Their little getaway soon becomes something a whole lot more when Edna vanishes leaving Brendan and Cobb to get to the bottom of it.

Ed Lynskey’s tale of kidnap, murder and drugs is set in the Smokey Mountains of the late 1970s and it quickly draws you into an atmospheric journey through dangerous countryside as the guys encounter some not so friendly locals who will shoot first and ask questions later.

The star of the show, Cobb’s Father Jerry, turns up to lend a hand and things take a strange turn when Brendan begins to dream of the dead girl he is accused of murdering.

This feels like a psychedelic Deliverance so fans of that movie and any similar tale will revel in this.

It’s an absorbing story and although I would have preferred some more action the characters involved make it a compelling tale of revenge and redemption.

Ric’s Rating: 73%

Lake Charles is available now on Kindle and the paperback will hit shelves on 28th June 2011.

Preview: Lake Charles by Ed Lynskey

Author Ed Lynskey has kindly sent me an advance copy of his new book, Lake Charles, for review.

If the striking cover art is anything to go by I'm sure it'll be an interesting read.

Product Description:

Ed Lynskey, one of the most acclaimed modern crime noir authors, returns to the Smoky Mountains with a new hardboiled tale of murder, passion, and intense action.

Check back soon for a full review.