Fury

Rating:
Summary: Different
Review: This book marks a very interesting departure for Ford. The tone in Fury is much darker than in the Leo Waterman novels -- whereas the other books were mostly light and amusing, and the crimes never grisly, the acts in Fury are much more dire. The protagonist, Frank Corso, is also more tortured and introspective, making Leo look happy-go-lucky by comparison. The story is also written in 3rd person, unlike the Waterman novels; you can tell that Ford is still easing himself into this different writing style.

The real breakthrough in this novel is Corso's partner in investigation Meg, a "rubenesque" tattooed goth. She's very weird, sharp and likable; by far the most realistic depiction of such a woman that I've ever read (if you hang around many goths, you know someone just like Meg).

On the downside, this novel is really just about introducing a new hero for Ford to write about. The villains are pretty one-dimensional. We know what they do, but very little about why or where they came from. Ford could take a few notes from Andrew Vachss on this mark. Just the same, I'm really looking forward to a sequel -- as long as there's a cameo by Nearly Normal Norman.

Rating:
Summary: Slam-Dunk Conclusion
Review: This story, about down-at-the-heels newsman Frank Corso. Kicked out of the NY Times, Corso now plies his trade in Seattle. A woman enters his office with evidence that would spring a death row murderer. Corso has 6-days to come up with independent corroboration of her story. Good pacing--a little slow in the middle--but closes strong!

Rating:
Summary: Renegade journalist works to stop execution of innocent man
Review: This title is the lead of my review of this journalism expo set in Seattle, starring non-conformist, recluse journalist Frank Corso. When first hired by the Seattle Sun newspaper, Corso works on the Trashman serial murders. When mentally deranged Walter Leroy Himes is tagged for the murders, everyone breathes a sigh of relief and Corso goes on to write a bestseller crime novel.

Out of the blue, six days before planned execution of Himes, the key witness comes to the newspaper office to say she lied and was not attacked by Himes. Thus begins a whirlwind effort to get the police to get a stay of execution, and failing that, work to find the real killer.

Along the way, we get to meet Frank Corso, an interesting journalist who became a recluse after an earlier mistake at a New York paper and an even more interesting character, his photographer and partner in solving this case, Meg Dougherty. You will remember her long after this book for the physical attribute that makes her unique--head to toe tattoos--you will have to read the how and why--as well as her strong, straightforward personality. She is a full partner to Corso despite his secrecy about himself and he comes to respect her. Her investigation yields some of the key clues that solve the case. Also worthy of note is the owner of the Seattle Sun, Natalie Van Der Hoven--a Katherine Graham type--who is plucky, strong and can pull political strings. Because she gave Corso a job after he was fired in New York, he "owes" her and she convinces him to take the Himes case, which results in redemption for both Corso and the finances of the newspaper.

This is an easy read that I would recommend for the interesting characters and setting.

Rating:
Summary: Renegade journalist works to stop execution of innocent man
Review: This title is the lead of my review of this journalism expo set in Seattle, starring non-conformist, recluse journalist Frank Corso. When first hired by the Seattle Sun newspaper, Corso works on the Trashman serial murders. When mentally deranged Walter Leroy Himes is tagged for the murders, everyone breathes a sigh of relief and Corso goes on to write a bestseller crime novel.

Out of the blue, six days before planned execution of Himes, the key witness comes to the newspaper office to say she lied and was not attacked by Himes. Thus begins a whirlwind effort to get the police to get a stay of execution, and failing that, work to find the real killer.

Along the way, we get to meet Frank Corso, an interesting journalist who became a recluse after an earlier mistake at a New York paper and an even more interesting character, his photographer and partner in solving this case, Meg Dougherty. You will remember her long after this book for the physical attribute that makes her unique--head to toe tattoos--you will have to read the how and why--as well as her strong, straightforward personality. She is a full partner to Corso despite his secrecy about himself and he comes to respect her. Her investigation yields some of the key clues that solve the case. Also worthy of note is the owner of the Seattle Sun, Natalie Van Der Hoven--a Katherine Graham type--who is plucky, strong and can pull political strings. Because she gave Corso a job after he was fired in New York, he "owes" her and she convinces him to take the Himes case, which results in redemption for both Corso and the finances of the newspaper.

This is an easy read that I would recommend for the interesting characters and setting.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding -- can't wait for Frank Corso to return!
Review: Was this just the right book at the right time? I don't think so, but it was an enjoyable page-turner for me. The intriguing Frank Corso has enough mystery, cynicism, and dry wit to make him a delight for several books to come. The plot, dialogue, and especially the interesting cast of supporting characters are all top notch. A disaffected "tagger," a truly despicable red-neck vagrant with a nasty mouth (pun intended), and a sidekick who is tattooed from head to toe (and some very interesting places in between) make a wonderfully entertaining and compelling read. (There's a particularly memorable scene involving Frank's former fiancé and a ship's anchor that made me laugh-out-loud.)
I tried Ford's Leo Waterman series and quit after the first. Why I bought "Fury" is beyond me, but I'm very glad I did. Now that I know what Leo looks like, I may go back and give that series another try. Elvis Cole he ain't, but Leo shows more promise now.