Killing Time

Rating:
Summary: Not What I Expected
Review: Although I had never previously read anything by Caleb Carr, I knew of his reputation and was curious about Killing Time - I'm more of a science fiction than historical fiction fan. So, I picked it up and promptly finished it and it left me somewhat disappointed. The story was just way too easy.

I'll agree with previous reviewers who have stated that this is like a Jules Verne novel only worse. Verne could at least invent some likable, well developed characters. Carr seems to gloss over most characterization in favor of a quick read.

While I wasn't impressed with the book on the whole, I did enjoy Carr's ideas of the future especially coming from one who so frequently studies the past. I would have expected and enjoyed a more complex story however.

The verdict: Wait for the paperback.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly Awful
Review: I enjoyed The Alienist and Carr's derivative follow-up The Angel of Darkness. However, Killing Time is a slog. A ludicrous plot, stilted prose and "deep" ideas about propaganda and culture that are laughably naive. Disappointing.

Rating:
Summary: Why Caleb Why!!
Review: Looking back on how happy I was to see this book sitting quietly on the shelf in Borders it's funny to think of how much I disliked it. I agree with all the other negative feedback that has been left regarding this book. Anyone who hasn't read Carr's work should read The Alienist and The Angel of Darkness and pretend like this book was written by an author who deserves to be known for writting trash....like Dean Koontz.