Sandman (St-Cyr and Kohler)

Rating:
Summary: A Great Read of the Disgusting German Occupation of France
Review: Dr. K. Feig: We are finally getting the Janes' series in the US. His French detective/"warm fuzzy" Gestapo agent team is a tour de force. Someone's review of his other book in English in this series elicited the following bit: "writing talents--in plot, character, dialogue and sheer command of language--are sadly lacking." Well - Okay, if you want to apply an American cultural analysis. But the setting is murky Vichy France during WWII under the nasty German occupation. Not only is the plot intriguing, the characters well drawn, the writing intelligent, the suspense sustained. But the real benefit is the impeccable historical accuracy, the description of the social and cultural forces, and the terrible realities of occupation. It is a great read - and one learns and understands - and shrinks in alarm not only from the story but the reality of the time and environment in which it occurs. Let's get the rest of the books translated!!!

Rating:
Summary: Concept 10, Plot 8, Characters 7, Writing 3
Review: This book is superbly conceived, well plotted, and (unfortunately) not very well written. The constant use of the interjection "Ah" and punctuation with never-varying oaths put the reader off. Also, the writer should forswear forever the use of German; his attempts at it are truly atrocious. But with all that, I found the book a good read; the plot carries the reader along and the solution is satisfying. Recommended, with reservations. Dave Appling

Rating:
Summary: Concept 10, Plot 8, Characters 7, Writing 3
Review: This book is superbly conceived, well plotted, and (unfortunately) not very well written. The constant use of the interjection "Ah" and punctuation with never-varying oaths put the reader off. Also, the writer should forswear forever the use of German; his attempts at it are truly atrocious. But with all that, I found the book a good read; the plot carries the reader along and the solution is satisfying. Recommended, with reservations. Dave Appling