Rating: 
Summary: Long, but well worth the effort!
Review: I very rarely would give a book 5 stars, but I think this one deserves them. In a world full of trash, this book is extremely well written. Each character was well developed and seemed real. I found myself wondering if this wasn't a true story. It took me almost three weeks to finish, and I usually devour books quickly. It was even excruciating at times because it was so long, but stick it out and you won't be disappointed. It's a thriller that reads like a classic. Don't miss it!
Rating: 
Summary: I think my fingers molded themselves to the cover.
Review: It was cleverly written, much different than most suspense novels i have read. I was on the edge of the couch, and i had to often stop myself from peeking to the end of the book. Carr is defiently someone i would like to see more of. If he keeps up the good work he has me as a fan for life!!
Rating:
Summary: If only more mystery novels were as fascinating!
Review: Do not fail to read this book! Anyone who truly reads books will cherish this novel. It is long but worth every word. The whole courtroom drama gives anyone who watched one minute of O.J.'s criminal trial, or even one who has sat on a modern day jury panel a pause for second thought. It is a riveting story of the kind that makes you feel that the antagonist really could and does exist. When reading this book make sure to read between the lines. It is a very thought provoking book. I think that those who say that the characters are "flat" did not take the time consider the "context" of the book.
Rating:
Summary: Caleb Carr continues his compelling vision of seemy NYC
Review: Another good read by Caleb Carr. Although not as good as The Alientist, AOD regathers the entertaining characters from his earlier book for another adventure. The "action" ending is the only disappointment.
Rating: 
Summary: Suspensful "page turning" sequences far between.
Review: Where it's suspensful it is great, but the narator, Stevie, does too many things not relevant to the plot. Too much focus on smoking, drinking and eating. It is enough to know that the characters enjoy a smoke, but we don't need to know about EVERY smoke. One third fewer words would be about right.
Rating:
Summary: An truly 'delicious' read! I couldn't put it down!
Review: The second case for the team of Kreizler et al held my interest from page one. The novel is extremely well written, characters well developed, descriptions of 'turn of the century' New York, fascinating. Even though the villan is exposed early in the novel, contined plot twists kept me enthralled 'till the rather improbable conclusion involving Teddy Roosevelt and the U.S. Navy! I just hope Mr. Carr is working on a third mystery for his collection of misfit detectives!
Rating: 
Summary: The numerous digressions in this book did not interest me.
Review: Too many digressions which included constant descriptions of their dining and superficial discussions on women's issues. I felt these digressions were blatantly aimed toward women to make a grizley subject easier to swallow. It's true how women are viewed by society needed to be explored in this book due to the subject matter. The discussions however never seemed to arrive anywhere for me. I read through the discussions looking for drama only to find our band of detectives (bound together by who knows what - maby just a hobby) eatting or traveling somewhere. Perhaps Caleb tried to present the theories which were popular in that day and they sounded superficial and contrived in the present. Whatever the case, these discussions were not satisfying reading. The characters seemed developed just short of human stature. They were professionals who accomplished their goals and ate and drank to their success. Sort of modern. I would have enjoyed the book more if Caleb modernized the issue discussions and kept the characters old fashoned. (and I mean something more than the narrator's unusual use of the word "what") I would have had to read too much into the authors work to find anything more - which may be something women are generally more inclined to do than men. This book seemed blatantly written toward women (the #1 consumers of detective novels) and I found myself observing this from time to time from the outside as I read the novel.
Rating:
Summary: Worth While Read
Review: Usually not a fan of this type of book, I happened to read it because I was desperate and in a supermarket with a limited selection. I am glad that I did. It manages to be a mysterious and suspensful tale even though you know "who-dun-it" throughout the entire book. I found Libby Hatch worthy of contemplation, and felt that she encapsulated some of the juxtopostion that women are still feeling today. I did find some of the writing to be incohesive in style. Also some of the historical references (Stanton in particular) did seem to be throw ins, and would have been better served in other ways. All in all one of the best pieces of "popular fiction" I have read. It has enticed me here to get The Alienist in fact - hope I am not dissapointed.
Rating:
Summary: The "eyes" have it...
Review: I could feel Lizzie Hatch's devilish golden cat eyes staring at me from the pages of the book. Enough to conjure bad dreams. I kept my son close to me each night fearing the possibility a real Lizzie Hatch would take my life via my child's. Caleb Carr has a grasp of imagery. I felt like I was in upper New York during the late 1800's, chasing after Lizzie Hatch's elusive past. Carr has developed a wonderful group of characters - each distinct and distinctly different than other characters I've read. I look forward to reading of other mysteries this group takes to solving and from each charactors unique perspective. Perhaps Kreizler himself will narrate the next Carr novel.
Rating:
Summary: This book was so thrilling and interesting.
Review: The Angel of Darkness doesn't surpass the first book with these characters, but it comes close. I thoroughly enjoyed it from page one to the end. The villian was so dynamic. And the characters have such great conversations. They are so three dimensional and relative to today's society. And they are so well developed as to actually bounce ideas off of each other. Caleb Carr is a talented and brilliant writer. I look forward to the next tale of the adventures of these fascinating characters.
| 
