The Devil's Punchbowl: A Novel by Greg Iles
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Book Reviews of The Devil's Punchbowl: A Novel
Book Review: Evil flourishes when good men do nothing.
Summary: 5 Stars
Greg Iles's latest novel, "The Devil's Punchbowl" is, as my father used
to say, "A corker!", though in my dad's Yankee accent, it came out more
as "A Cawwwkuh." No matter, either pronunciation is an apt description for this huge, and hugely addicting, book. I began it yesterday afternoon, got very little sleep, and, reluctantly, finished it this morning. I have been reading Mr.Iles's novels for many years, and this one packed a
one-two punch that went straight to my heart, via my soul and my conscience. Penn Cage was a character with whom I fell in love way back
in "The Quiet Game", and herein lies part of Mr.Iles's genius : his
characters alone could carry a mediocre plotline, but they don't have to.
Instead, Iles comes up with this complex war between the bad guys and the good guys, twisting, turning, sometimes making the reader gasp. He shows us the cowardice of the allegedly intrepid, as well as the surpising strength and generosity springing from those upon whom we might look down
as craven. This is a wonderful novel. It ended too soon.
Book Review: Anyone else notice the change from the excerpt at the end of Third Degree?
Summary: 5 Stars
First a brief review. While I thought Third Degree was a little long and slow, this novel is a worthy successor to A Quiet Game and Turning Angel. It is NOT too long nor is it too violent. The subject matter is violent in its nature, and that is what Mr. Iles has chosen to write about.
For the commenter who thought it should be about 300 pages long: Contact Reader's Digest and see if they still publish Condensed Versions! What is this, Short Attention Span Theater?
SPOILER ALERT!! If you haven't read (or at least started) The Devil's Punchbowl, you might want to read this later!
At the end of the paperback edition of Third Degree, there was an excerpt from Punchbowl. It was the chapter where Penn meets with Tim in the cemetary. At the end of the excerpt, Penn is attacked by a "policeman" (maybe he is/maybe not). This attack is omitted in the hardback edition of Punchbowl. WHAT HAPPENED?
Book Review: Greg Iles returns to form
Summary: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed a couple of the earliest Greg Iles' novels (Spandau Phoenix, Quiet Game) and found them to be uniquely suspenseful with great complexity. While still good and better than a lot of other new fiction, the last few books were not quite as good as the earlier ones, in my opinion. Iles took his time completing this one, and it shows. I would much rather wait for a more finely-tuned yarn than to get a lesser product on schedule or in a shorter time. Devil's Punchbowl was worth the wait. Penn Cage is the best character Iles has crafted, and he's back in this novel. Greg Iles is a great storyteller, but what makes his best novels special is how the story is unfolded and shaped and how much extra depth there is besides just the plot. It's so much more than a mere whodunit that is the model for so many other popular authors. Looking forward to the next one - keep them coming!Book Review: Another winner
Summary: 5 Stars
Greg Iles has given us a few books that can be forgotten, but this is not one of them. In the setting of Natchez, Ms. shortly after 9/11 Penn Cage, a character familiar with readers, is now the mayor and sees himself as a failure in the job. He is met with an evil that resides within his community and he must confront it despite danger to himself and family.
Iles writes a thriller that is a compulsive page turner. It is certainly not a one day read (at least not for someone who works full time) but you cannot wait to get back into the book at the next potential moment. The inertia is tremendous! Clancy's Patriot Games is similar in structure with a set up and then several hundred pages of excitement. Iles does not take as long to get started, and the ride is longer.
Great stuff!!!
Book Review: This guy can write
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read all of Iles books. He remains one of my favorite writers. No rehash of the plots here. He always creats charters your are interested in and would to meet. The tension builds as your read on. I become so interested in the story line and characters It's hard for me to put the book down. He weaves the plots throughtout the book giving you bits and pieces of their character traits and personalty. I fine myself identifying with the main charaters and trying to think of what I would do in the same curcumstances. The flavor, culture and people carry you to their destinations. He envelopes you without your knowing it. The suspense conintually builds and always to an unexpected ending. I recommend this book to anyone.