WATCHMANWriter: Ian Rankin
Challenge: Mystery and Suspense Challenge 2011
Kindle: here
Genre: Thriller/Spy
How I read it: Paperback
Synopsis: Miles Flint has been a successful middle manager in the shadowy ranks of British intelligence until recent mistakes, including a botched surveillance of an Arab assassin, put his career and reputation in jeopardy. Suspecting that the killer evaded him because of a tip from one of his own, Miles launches his own mole hunt, casting himself in a role that's uncomfortably active for him—especially as his search leads back to his wife, Sheila. And Miles's doings seemingly strike a nerve within the organization, getting him dispatched on a perilous IRA bombing-related mission. Rankin creates plausible and fascinating characters in a manner that seems effortless (as in Miles's tic of comparing people to different kinds of beetles).
My Thoughts: This is my first Ian Rankin book and I wasn't impressed. I know it's one of his first books and I really loved the synopsis so I wanted to love it, but I didn't.
The first part of the book was slow and constant POV changes often made it difficult to understand. However, the last third of the book was exciting. Although not totally believable, I read it for the enjoyment of the chase.
Will I read another Rankin? Of course! I haven't even touched his Rebus series. I have to give it a chance. I think for spy novels I'm going to try Carre.
So you think his other series is a better place to start?
ReplyDeleteClarissa - I'm sorry that you were disappointed in this one. From my experience, really, the Rebus series is better. I know that's what I think, anyway...
ReplyDeleteah, first books are often quite weak :(
ReplyDeleteI've not read Ian Rankin too!! Oh dear! So maybe I should start with his Rebus series too!! Thanks for an honest review!! Take care
ReplyDeletex
Thanks for the review, Clarissa!
ReplyDeletePOV changes are my pet peeve. :)
ReplyDeleteI love Ian Rankin's books but this wasn't one of my favourites. The Rebus books are, in my opinion, much, much better.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I haven't read Ian Rankin, but now I know I'll start with Rebus.
ReplyDeleteI've not read Ian Rankin's work (though I shelved plenty of it in my former job!) - very brave of you to post a less than positive review, but I'm glad you haven't written him off after one 'outing'! Sometimes writers can be an accquired taste!
ReplyDeleteThere are some authors who write quite different series' of books and I can love one type but not enjoy their other works - I suppose it shows their diversity.
SueH
I love Ian Rankin. I've only read two of his books. The last Rebus book is fantastic - don't need to read all the others! Also, his latest new detective (can't remember the name) is even better. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeletehmm, I've always wondered about Rankin. I think I have a few of his books sitting on a shelf at home. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll try his other series. I'm a fellow A-Z challenger and new follower. :)
ReplyDeletevery cool! Thanks for the info, C. I'm not a Rankin reader~ :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honest assessment. I've not read any of his books, but should I, perhaps Rebus is a good place to start.
ReplyDeleteI've not read Ian Rankin and so cannot offer an opinion. POV changes do irritate me, especially since I read so much about NOT doing it, and how my work will end up in the slush pile, etc. Perhaps the best bet is to jump into the Rebus series first, as that seems to be what he is best known for.
ReplyDeleteMy brother is an Ian Rankin fan. I haven't read any though.
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys! I love reading your comments and visiting your blogs.
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