| Title | : | White River Burning (Dave Gurney #6) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 424 |
| Publication | : | First published March 7, 2018 |
The situation in White River becomes truly explosive as more killings occur in what appears to be an escalating sequence of retaliations. But when Gurney questions the true nature of all this bloodshed, and zeroes in on peculiar aspects of the individual murders, his involvement is suddenly terminated. Obsessed with evidence that doesn't support the official version of events, Gurney cannot let go of the case. Despite intense opposition from the police, as well as from dangerous fanatics lurking in the shadows, he begins to uncover an astonishing structure of deception—learning that nothing in White River is what it seems to be.
White River Burning (Dave Gurney #6) Reviews
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”A therapist had long ago advised him to actively be everything he was--a husband to his wife, a father to his son, a son to his parents, a fellow worker to his workmates, a friend to his friends. He insisted that balance and peace in one’s life depended on participating in each part of that life. Gurney had no argument with the logic of this. As a guiding principle it felt true and right. But he recoiled from the practice of it. For all its horrors and perils, his detective work was the only part of his life that came naturally to him. Being a husband, a father, a son, a friend--all of these required a special effort, perhaps even a kind of courage, that tracking down murderers did not.”
Dave Gurney might be officially retired from being a detective, but he can not escape the fact that he will always be a detective. Whenever the police have a diabolical case or a set of unusual circumstances that are too baffling to comprehend, they give Dave a call. He has been gifted with a mind that can parse through information and discover the nuances that don’t fit with the perceived conclusions.
Racial tensions have been high in White River for a year now, after a black man is shot in an “altercation” over a traffic ticket. Charges of racism have been lodged against the police department. A group calling themselves the Black Defence Alliance are expressing the frustrations that the whole black community is feeling.
It is a powder keg waiting to go off.
And then someone lights the fuse.
A police officer is assassinated, sniper style.
District Attorney Sheridan Kline is someone who always puts his finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing before he expresses an opinion. He is ambition and extremely concerned about covering his ass. Knowing the volatility of the situation, he contacts Gurney to see if he can convince the “Supercop” to join his team to help provide an objective view for a White River task force suffering from major PR problems.
The assassination of the police officer proves to be merely a foreshock to the impending earthquake. As bodies begin to pile up and the motives of the killer becomes more and more obscure, the reluctant Gurney realizes that he is probably the only chance anyone has to find out what is really going on in White River.
John Verdon’s thrillers are now available in thirty countries. He has become a sensation in Europe as well as in the United States. The plots are amazingly intricate, and the reveals are sensational, but what adds so much depth to this series is the time Dave spends exploring his relationship with his wife Madeline and their adjustments to a life of “retirement.” Those passages do not detract at all from the investigative segments but actually humanize Dave by showing the struggles that he has balancing his life with the addictive, chaotic, and dangerous intrigues of crime.
Some have compared Gurney’s detective skills to the most famous of all British detectives...Sherlock Holmes. I smiled at Gurney’s allusion to one of his past cases:”the harrowing case of the bride who’d been decapitated at her wedding reception.” I could see the title in Doctor Watson’s casebook as The Harrowing Case of the Decapitated Bride.
The stain of racism continues to haunt each new generation of Americans. I believe it fades with each passing generation, but the fact that we recently had a Milwaukee Bucks basketball player tased over a parking dispute, witnessed the disturbing footage of hatred that came out of Virginia over a Confederate statue, and continue to experience an epidemic of race based shootings all of which remind us on a daily basis that we still have a lot of scrubbing to do to ever free ourselves of our forefathers’ greed and blatant inhumanity. This is a modern day story. I wish it were set in the past, and we could discuss how terrible things used to be, but the headline of WHITE RIVER BURNING is almost as likely today as it was in 1880, 1930, or 1960.
Dave Gurney knows what a quagmire a case like this is, but he can’t turn away just because of the incendiary nature of racism. People are dying, and more will die if he can’t uncover the truth. He is too good a man to stand down. ”Flinching at another’s injury (plight) is the essence of empathy and empathy is the essence of humanity.”
And he can’t resist a puzzle that he hasn’t unraveled.
A word of caution, once you start reading this book, you will not be able to put it down. The whole series is Highly Recommended!
I want to thank Lena Moses-Schmitt and Counterpoint for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Fans of John Verdon’s work are in for a treat with this one, which pulls the series protagonist into the middle of an investigation of a social issue plaguing America yet again. While enjoying his retirement, former NYPD Detective Dave Gurney is approached by the local district attorney to help with an investigation in White River. After a protest by the black community intensifies, a white police officer is shot by a sniper, killed where he stood. Media outlets are going wild and the local authorities are scrambling to get a handle on things before they escalate. Gurney agrees to help investigate and joins the team, but wishes to keep an open mind as he seeks to better understand what’s been going on in this community. Two men are fingered for the shooting, but their bodies turn up, naked and beaten to death in a playground. This only adds fuel to an already volatile fire. When Gurney is approached by the slain officer’s wife with some new information, his narrative changes, even though many have already decided what they will do. It is a racial divide that has no chance to heal, particularly when those in positions of power continue to create walls rather than seek truth. While Gurney seeks answers, questions remain as to whether these deaths were part of a larger plan by a group hoping to create added unrest in White River, or if people in authority could have orchestrated this to rid themselves of weak links. Gurney’s wife sobers him to the realization that this is more than a racial matter, but one in which police officers and their families can never be sure of the degree of safety in the line of duty. As Gurney inches his investigation along, he must realise that he’s stepped on a few toes and crossed a line with his analytical perspective. Will he be able to finger the perpetrators before taking a bullet in the back of his own head? Verdon does a masterful job of illustrating some of the issues splashed across the headlines and ticker tapes today, while entertaining his readers. Strongly recommended for fans of Verdon’s work and those who enjoyed poignant novels that pull no punches!
I have long admired John Verdon and his work, both for its entertainment value and the ability to get me thinking throughout the entire reading process. I find myself wanting more, both because Verdon is able to craft a mystery worth reading and how he is able to make the story more than a simple mystery that needs solving. This story hit home on many levels, as it is more than a psychological thriller. It takes the social issue of the American racial divide and puts it front and centre throughout this piece. Using his well-grounded protagonist, Dave Gurney, Verdon thrusts the former cop into the middle of the issue that has been tearing at the fabric of America long since before its apparent need to ‘be great again’. Gurney uses his methodical way of thinking to posit all the potential avenues of the crime before him, which angers those in his closest proximity. He has always taken this approach, which permits the reader to all but hear the gears turning inside his head. His love for his wife buoys him, particularly when she draws parallels between the officers shot while on duty and how she might have been one of those grieving widows in the past. Sobered by this, Gurney stops at nothing to bring justice home in his chilling story. With a handful of strong secondary characters, Verdon weaves a story together that pokes at all sides of the racial divide, offering insight into the argument that is sure to keep the reader thinking. The story is strong and pulls on the current unrest while also issuing a strong warning of how things have been handled. Be it through the apparent white entitlement, calls of injustice by the black population, the media’s ability to fan the flames, and even those who seek to stir the pot for no reason other than to cause trouble. All these play a role in ripping the societal fabric. Whatever variable the reader uses for ‘x lives matter’, this book will hit home and cause them to think more deeply about what is going on around them and how the news is reported. At least it did for me!
Kudos, Mr. Verdon, for another stellar piece of writing. I could not ask for more, though I am always eager to see when you have something new in the publishing queue.
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Primera novela que leo de John Verdon.
Una lectura muy entretenida y con una trama que te atrae desde la primera página.
El personaje de Dave Gurney es fantástico. He empezado por la sexta entrega y no he sentido que me faltara información, aunque me he quedado con ganas de descubrir más cosas de él. Tiene sus traumas (como todos), pero no es algo que sea el centro de atención en todo momento.
La trama es atrapante y, aunque salen muchos personajes, no me he perdido nunca.
El final es algo decepcionante, pero no desmerece para nada el resto de la novela.
Después de 500 páginas, entiendo que tienes que atar muchos cabos sueltos.
Sin duda le dedicaré más tiempo al amigo Gurney (en cuanto pueda).
First novel I read by John Verdon.
A very entertaining reading with a plot that attracts you from the first page.
The character of Dave Gurney is fantastic. I have started with the sixth novel and I have not felt that I lacked information, although I have remained with desires of discovering more things of him. He has his traumas (like everyone else), but it's not something that's in the spotlight all the time.
The plot is captivating and, although many characters come out, I have never lost myself.
The ending is somewhat disappointing, but it does not detract at all from the rest of the novel.
After 500 pages, I understand that you have to tie up a lot of loose ends.
I will certainly spend more time with my friend Gurney (as soon as I can). -
И шестата поредна книга за детектива Дейвид Гърни се оказа изключително интересна. Този път Джон Вердън е разгледал с голямо внимание расовите конфликти в САЩ, полицейския произвол, замитането на следи, съпътствани и от политически игри, както и ролята на медиите.
Поредицата убийства, които се случват в градчето Уайт Ривър, преминават през няколко разплитания и смяна на заподозрените, докато се достигне до истинския извършител.
Някои от персонажите от предишните книги се появяват и в тази. Джак Хардуик, неизменният помощник на Дейв Гърни, също и прокурорът Шеридън Клайн, който в тази книга се държи доста нелепо и неадекватно през цялото време.
4.2 звезди – с леки забележки към някои места в сюжета и разкритието накрая, което не успя да ме изненада достатъчно. Вече подозирах кой стои зад всичко, имаше си следи, които се забелязваха и водеха именно към него, много преди разобличаването му. -
"Cuando los investigadores buscaban los móviles de un asesinato, solían decantarse por uno de los cuatro principales: codicia, poder, lujuria, envidia. Uno de ellos, o más de uno, estaba casi siempre presente. Pero había un quinto móvil que Gurney había llegado a la conclusión de que era el más poderoso de todos. El odio. El odio puro, rabioso, monomaníaco".
4.5: Impresionante. -
Terrible. Way too long and ridiculously convoluted.
One of the first and strongest advice given an author is to "write what you know". This seems an example to me, of someone with a good series who wanted to do exactly what he should never do. That is go into arenas about which he knows next to nothing. Just my opinion, but overall the result was the same.
His first novels for Dave Gurney were succinct (although not short, too long wordwise on occasion too) in their plot progression. And clever to the point of nervy. And as they progressed Dave's wife Madeleine (to me she does and I read here in posts that others totally agree) becomes a real pain to his "retirement". Everything's "ok" as long as all you want to do is hike and be outdoors in a horsey field. LOL! All things that Dave does NOT want to do. The marriage is the quirkiest one I've come across in fiction with all the reading I do. And that's saying something. There are way too many pages in the last books within this "what to do" bickering for what you "should want to do". Or what Dave "has to do" etc. It's 1 star.
But in this book it's not just the marriage and the personalities that are not "a good fit". An entire portion or onus (like in Dave's search for former century's dwelling on his own land) is stuck out there like a limb not attached to any tree or bush. All kinds of town aspects are also off with both the social situations and the worst perps context. And circular too. And after all that length the ending was ultimately confusing and IMHO, it didn't make sense either.
He (John Verdon AND Dave Gurney) makes huge exact definitive statements that parry real life organizations and yet puts words in their mouths that are not.
This is big city urban stuck in Northern NY high tone and $$$ homes setting?
It wasn't just the tack he took, but also in the way he took it.
I loved the first 3 books because of their clearness and sharp edges. Curt and clear toward the knowledge for the answers of perp or place. This is nearly the opposite, as was #4. But the plot and people of such numbers here within it, not at all done sharp or clearly at all. I had hope after #5, which was just ok.
No more of these Dave Gurney for me. He seems nearly comatose in mood now, and the Madeleine opinion and dictates nearly made me want to pull my hair out. Even before this snootiness in book #6 on top of it. Geeezz, let the guy do some digging if he wants to. Or taking samples or whatever it is he likes to do already. -
Dave Gurney loves the challenge of solving complex puzzles and those those he most relishes involve murder. He’s said to be the NYPD detective with the best crimes solved record of all time – but that was according to a news article a few years ago, he’s now retired. He lives, with his wife Madeleine, in a rural retreat in the Catskill Mountains. Madeleine loves the quiet life she and Dave scoped out for themselves but Dave can’t quite seem to settle to it, and it’s a cause of some tension between them. Dave is a deep thinker who doesn’t engage in small talk and though the organised and highly logical approach he adopts for all tasks did ensure his success as a police detective it doesn’t sit so well in retirement. He’s increasingly aware that he doesn’t fully participate in all parts of what constitutes a full life: in addition to the bubbling issues with Madeleine he also has a somewhat dysfunctional relationship with his grown up son, by a previous marriage. And whenever it looks like things might settle into something a little closer to Madeleine’s vision of a new quieter life another case comes knocking.
In this instance, Dave is contacted by District Attorney Sheridan Kline who seeks his help in looking into the case of an assassinated police officer. The murder took place amid racial tensions in the small city of White River and the slippery Kline, ever conscious of covering his own back, wants a neutral outsider to come in and cast their eye over the case. Is it that that Kline doesn’t fully trust the local police? It’s not clear, but either way Dave can’t resist the lure of once more becoming engrossed in an unsolved case. It seems that a year ago a black man was shot by a white cop over what seemed to be a minor dispute concerning a traffic violation and it’s feared that this might be the payback. As always, there’s a lot more to it than initially meets the eye and soon he’s tied up in something that’s a good deal more complicated than it first seemed.
Gurney is routinely joined in his efforts by an ex-colleague, Jack Hardwick. As Dave lacks anything approaching a sense of humour these stories would be pretty dry if it weren’t for the inclusion of the hilarious Hardwick: he’s profane, irreverent and almost always grumpy. For me, the exchanges between the two are always amongst the highlights in these books as they kick around ideas and challenge each other’s theories. And as in previous books, the story is continually working on two levels with the resolution of the case being, perhaps, the primary concern whilst Dave’s ongoing wrestling match with himself and what he wants from life competing for attention. It’s the contrast between his comfort in his role as an investigator versus his confusion regarding what he wants from life outside of this that makes him such an interesting figure. Surely this is a conundrum many of us have wrestled with, but often in reverse.
As the action plays out it turns into a Gordian knot of a case. Bodies pile up and every clue or opening seems to offer up a counter claim or find a door waiting to slam in the investigator’s face. If you like your crime fiction simple the you’d best look elsewhere but if you enjoy the gradual unwinding of something dense and tangled then Gurney is your man. This may not be the best book in the series but it is still very satisfying and I continue to enjoy the interactions between the returning characters. My major concern is that I don’t yet see the next book in this series on the horizon though I very much hope that Verdon is working away on the next puzzle. Hurry back Mr Gurney, I'm missing you already! -
I can't really say that it was one of my favorite stories of the Dave Gurney series.
The greek translation wasn't good in my opinion and I guess that took some of the pleasure reading the book away.
The plot was interesting and easy to read but I felt like something was missing.
Many details about things that where mentioned several times during the novel without much or without any importance to the case made me a bit bored during some parts of the story.
My favorite character is Jack Hardwick since I have so much fun with his comments and observations and wished he was more present.
Dave and Madeleine are the same as always, likeable but a bit annoying too about some matters.
I still am very intrigued to read the next instalment of the series. -
3,5 /5
Çok şükür bu sefer diğer 5 kitap benzeri bir final yoktu ama katilin kimliği çok tatmin etmedi beni. O planlama ve organizasyonu o katille bağdaştıramadım 🤔 -
El mejor libro policial hasta el momento. Tengo tanto que decir de el y a la vez no puedo para no dar spoilers. Y el final AAAAAAAAAAAA!
Actualización: Ya han pasado días de haber terminado este libro y sigo diciendo que me ha encantado!
Volver a leer a John Verdon ha sido una sensación increíble. Amo la su forma de escribir tan rica en detalles y en descripciones interesantes.
Jack Hardwick es uno de mis personajes favoritos junto con Dave!!
Les recomiendo mucho este libro a los seguidores de la saga
Reseña completa:
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Sexto libro protagonizado por el policía David Gurney. Reconozco que no he leído los anteriores, pero no me he podido resistir y no me arrepiento.
Es un libro que mezcla de todo pero sin resultar caótico: racismo, asesinatos, corrupción, sensacionalismo, ambición... Una mezcla explosiva realmente.
En medio de una serie de disturbios raciales con origen en la muerte violenta de un joven negro a manos de un agente de la ley, un policía es asesinado por un francotirador. La situación se vuelve más volátil si cabe con policías y manifestantes enfrentados sin visos de llegar a un acuerdo. Es entonces cuando el fiscal del distrito acude a Gurney para que investigue y esclarezca todos los claroscuros de una situación empeorada por el sensacionalismo de un canal de televisión privado afecto a la más rígida derecha del panorama político.
El libro me ha encantado. Me ha tenido en vilo todo el tiempo, no por el caso en sí sino por todo el trasfondo social y político tan real como la vida misma. -
Diger kitabindan daha heyecanli olduğunu soylemek gerek. Ama yine cok erken bir sekilde katili ogrenmek yine sebebi olmasa da kolaydi bence.
Polisler ve siyahiler öldürülür, irk catismalari yasanirken bunlarin arkasindaki sebebin ogrenilmesi icin dedektif Gurney cagirilir ve elbette ki çözer. -
This is a great book. Dave Gurney is a retired NYPD homicide detective that is asked by the district attorney Sheridan Kline to come out of retirement and help investigate the killing of a black motortist by a white cop which causes a uprise by the Black Defense Alliance. White River, New York is being burnt to the ground and police and African American people are being killed. The town is in a uprise. They need Dave Gurney to find the murder of two Police and serveral African Americans. This book so hard to put down with all the twist and turns. the ending is explosive. Highly recommended.
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Apoyandose en la gran problemática racial existente en algunos estados de EEUU, John Verdon nos presenta otra trepidante aventura del detective retirado David Gurney.
Sigo opinando que cada novela de la serie es mejor que la anterior.
📖❤️ -
This is the 6th book in the Dave Gurney series by author John Verdon. I have loved this series since reading the opening book ‘Think of a Number’. The character Dave Gurney is a retired NYPD homicide detective who now in his 40’s is still willing to help catch serial killers. Dave and his wife Madeline live in rural area and perfect for a quiet retirement but Dave has other ideas. Madeline is happy to live a quiet life but Dave can’t resist the temptation of helping with the difficult cases offered. The books are well written with good plots that keep you guessing.
Local authorities ask Dave to carry out an independent investigation into the shooting of police officer by a sniper. It is now nearly twelve months since a black motorist was shot by a local police officer in White River and tensions are still running high. Demonstrations, rioting and arson are common in an area out of control. With the situation escalating out of control more killings occur in what appears to be retaliation. Dave Gurney is not so sure and targets certain aspects in the individual murders only for his investigations to be suddenly closed down. Only Dave Gurney cannot let the investigation go without uncovering the truth despite strong opposition from the police.
Another well crafted plot where very little is as it seems. Well worth a look. -
John Verdon is a favorite author of mine. I loved the first 3 Gurney novels. His writing style is mature and skilled. I somehow got behind reading his works and didn't get to the last two novels featuring Gurney, but intend to one day. This particular novel was offered up to me as a complimentary copy by the publisher and I've been trying for several days to get into it so I could review it. First off it is very small print in hard copy. I've been struggling with it for that reason. I read a few chapters but have to abandon it as my eyes are tired.
Another thing is the subject matter - racial divide. I am so burned out on that topic, it just never seems to go away.
Based on those factors I have abandoned it for now. It's probably a very well written novel. A few of my GR friends have indicated so and I trust their opinions. I don't want to discourage anyone from this read, but for me, it was slow getting into it and slow bringing me to care about getting into it.
I will update my review at some future point if indeed I decide to give it another try. -
I received White River Burning by John Verdon in a giveaway sponsored by Counterpoint Press. Review is unbiased.
This is the sixth book in the Dave Gurney series. I was excited to win this book as I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the previous books in the series. White River Burning still had wonderful writing and characters, but I am not a fan of racial tension plots. Please do not let this deter you from reading the book as this is just my preference. I love the way Dave Gurney's mind works which saves the story for me. I will definitely continue reading the series. 3.5 stars -
I read a lot of children's books - to myself or to my two grandsons. It kind of 'pumps up' my total yearly count quickly as they tend to be 'skinny' books. But I read chubby ones, too, like this one...
It's a long, complex story, with many characters and 'things' to keep track of, but a great John Verdon mystery. MC Dave Gurney, retired and much-decorated NYPD homicide detective, would like nothing better than to mow his vast lawns, feed his wife's chickens, and sit and stare at the lovely scenery all day than get involved in another murder investigation.
Oh, no, he wouldn't! Hah!
This investigation starts out as racially-motivated. A white cop is killed, ambushed actually, following a series of racially-charged incidents in the small town of White River in upstate New York. This is followed by the deaths of two black men - in a brutal and chillingly-described manner - and then...
Can't say too much as it gets into spoilers, but the handling of racial tensions, possible white supremacist involvement, as well as small-town prejudices and fears is nicely done. It's very timely, contemporary and relevant to situations occurring today in 2019. Mr. Verdon does lean in one direction, but overall he comes out - through his characters - as a moderate just looking for change in a rational, calm, and respectful way. Yep, there's a little bit of politicking here.
However, the main thrust is the story. Who's doing what to whom? Has someone been set-up? Is there a mastermind behind all of this, or some shady group? And what's going on up on the hill on Dave Gurney's property? He's been digging up old, strange artifacts at the site of a 17th century house foundation. What is that all about? We also have Dave's helpful, old buddy Jack Hardwick at hand, and Dave's wife, Madeline. Plus the chickens.
(I do like the way Mr. Verdon inserts things like Dave eating shrimp and a salad, or taking a walk on his property, or buying flowers for his wife. He just eases into these things and you barely notice, but it gives Dave and the other characters a touching sense of reality. Plus I often get hungry when I read what Dave and Madeline are having for breakfast or supper.)
This one took three days to read, and I didn't want to read my other books at the same time. It's that good of a story. But now that I'm caught up with the Dave Gurney series...
I'm gonna have to wait 'til he writes the next one.
Five stars -
Buen libro, con peros (personales).
Las entregas anteriores de la serie del inspector retirado Dave Gurney me habían gustado mucho y tenía ganas de leer este libro, pero el principio del libro -la puesta en escena-, me ha resultado un poco pesada, demasiadas páginas para algo que por desgracia de vez en cuando nos llega a nuestras pantallas de televisión al otro lado del charco: los conflictos interraciales, la violencia y prepotencia policial. Una cadena de televisión sensacionalista, que me rio yo de determinados programas que emiten en alguna cadena española .... No termina de gustarme leer libros sobre este tipo de conflictos.
Dejando a un lado esto, la trama está bien. Ante un caso en el que las piezas empiezan a encajar demasiado bien según el resto de personal implicado, con todos los tintes de ser un caso de conflicto interracial, Gurney empieza a desconfiar y a tirar de la madeja analizando los pequeños detalles y discrepancias. Con ayuda de su viejo amigo Hardwick, consigue demostrar que las cosas no son tal como aparentan y cuando crees que ya está todo resuelto, ... te encuentras otra vez sospechando y analizando la nueva situación. El culpable no ha terminado de sorprenderme -llegado a cierto nivel de lectura, era uno de los que más puntos tenían- pero ha mantenido la tensión y la intriga hasta el final.
Recomendable su lectura.
Valoración: 8,5/10
Lectura: jun/2018 -
Джон Вердън се готви да изгори градче:
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/z...
От мига, в който се появи оригиналната корица, се започна чакането – нов роман от Джон Вердън си е събитие, а “Запали реката” е достойното продължение на разследванията на уж пенсионирания и постоянно молен от жена си да се поспре Дейв Гърни. За пореден път около него се развихря буря – а този път тя е огнена и заплашва да изпепели цял един град. Уайт Ривър е типичното западнало градче с корумпирано полицейско управление, чиито практики се разминават със закона, а наказанията се разминават и на извършителите. Всички знаят, че полицаите превишават правата си, че имат пръст в търговията с наркотици, че бият и дори убиват безнаказано… и напрежението вече е започнало да се покачва, особено сред цветнокожите. Страшното започва, когато по време на протест полицай е убит, а скоро след това двамата публично заподозрени са открити линчувани по брутален начин. Легитимната власт се чувства застрашена и е готова да използва сила – срещу тях са застрашените обикновени хора, които не желаят да са поредните невинни жертви и тайна организация, която отмъщава от сенките. И убийствата само ще се множат.
Софтпрес
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/z... -
הביקורת הזאת ממש דורשת שאשתמש בה לפחות פעם אחת בפתיחה: "חובבי הז'אנר ימצאו ...". אני לא בדיוק נמנה על החובבים הנ"ל. אני דווקא מאוד אוהב ספרי מתח בלשיים ותעלומות רצח אבל מעדיף אותם עם איזה ערך מוסף מקופל בתוכם – מעט יותר פילוסופיים, אלגוריים או פנטסטיים או לחילופין כאלו שהדמויות בהן (אנשי החוק או הפושעים) מקוריות או מוזרות או לכל הפחות מתוארות בתיאורים פסיכולוגיים דקי אבחנה ורבי עומק. מי שיחפש כאלו בספר הזה יתאכזב. כמות הגופות שצצות כאן מרובה מכמות המטאפורות וצריך להיות בלש אמיתי בכדי לגלות פה תובנה מעמיקה על טבע האדם. בעלילות פשע כאלה אני לרוב צופה באופן מזדמן בפרקים מתוך סדרות טלוויזיה. בכל זאת קבוצת הקריאה של "כתר" כבר גרמה לי לקרוא מותחן בלשי אחד השנה והנה הגיע אחד נוסף. אז מה דעתי?
הספר הזה הוא ספר טיסה אמיתי, דהיינו - למרות עוביו ולמרות שאני מה שנקרא קורא איטי למדי, הדפים התעופפו בו משמאל לימין במהירות הסילון. תרמה לכך כאמור הכתיבה חסרת היומרות הספרותיות של ורדון. הוא נצמד למשפטים פשוטים ובהירים ולרוב מדויקים. העלילה שומרת על קצב לא מהיר במיוחד אבל מדוד וקבוע עם תפניות בעלילה או אירועים יוצאי דופן במרווחי זמן קריאה שווים. חוקי הז'אנר מחייבים (לפחות בארה"ב) יחס עובי-רוחב 3:1 לפחות ועטיפה פשטנית בפונט גדול ולא מעודן. הכותר הזה עומד בקריטריונים האלה. ורדון לא מנפח את הספר בגסות (למעט מעידות אחדות – טורח לפרט מה לובשת אשת הגיבור ביוצאה לכל טיול הבוקר, הבלש גרני מסכם במוחו את התקדמות החקירה עד כה ואז זוכה לשיחת טלפון מאחד השוטרים המסייעים ומייד חוזר ומסכם באוזניו את כל הנקודות). מצד שני הוא נמנע מכל צורת התבטאות מרמזת או כזו המשאירה עבודת השלמה כלשהי לקוראים. מי שאוהב את הספרות שלו לעוסה היטב וחלקה למשעי יבוא על סיפוקו.
הרקע לעלילה ולשורה של מעשי ההרג הוא מהומות בין-גזעיות שפרצו בעיירה כושלת בצפון מדינת ניו-יורק (כל-מקום צפון אמריקאי טיפוסי) בזמן שלטנו של טראמפ כנשיא. ורדון סוחט מהנושא הזה כל טיפה המאפשרת לו לעבות בעזרתה את הסיפור. תמצאו כאן וויכוחים בין לוחמי חופש שחורים לגזענים לבנים, אינספור מהדורות חדשות שטחיות (גם כאן התקשורת תמיד אשמה), תגובות של שוטרים ובעלי הון גזענים ושל צדקנים שמאלנים וכו... יחד עם זאת האמירה החברתית כאן היא שמרנית למדי – דחייה הן של הגזענות הקיצונית הלבנה והן של צדקנות לוחמנית שחורה (ושוב כמובן הבעת מיאוס מליבוי היצרים שמעוררת התקשורת). רק בסוף הסיפור ישנה סטייה קטנה מהקו הרפובליקני המתון - הרגע בו מביעים גרני ואשתו תמיכה בגישה שאינה שואפת להסוות את חטאי העבר אלא בחשיפתם למרות אי הנעימות הכרוכה בדבר.
כל הדמויות הן פלקאטיות, מוקצנות וסטריאוטיפיות להחריד. יש להודות שזה גם משרת היטב את העלילה – נדרשת מנה רצינית של קיצוניות ויצריות בכדי להביא לידי שרשרת מקרי מוות רבים כל כך. ביניהם בעלי ההון מושחתים וחסרי מצפון, מפקדי המשטרה נוקשים עד גיחוך (פוגע קצת באמינות) הפרקליטים חלקלקים וציניים, הלוחמים למען זכויות השחורים קיצוניים לא פחות, העיתונאים טיפשים ורודפי רייטינג וכו...
גם דמותו של הבלש דייב גרני היא פלקאטית להחריד. ורדון גם מודה בזה בעקיפין (ואולי זה מכוון?) - גרני מוכר כ"בלש-על" וורדון שם בפיו של בעל הון, המבקש לשדל את גרני להתמודד על תפקיד בכיר, שורה של מחמאות המתארת אותו היטב ככזה. הוא שקול, נינוח, בעל עבר מפואר (יש לציין כי זהו ספר שישי בסדרה, העומד בפני עצמו ואני לא קראתי את הספרים הקודמים) ואפילו גבר יפה וצנוע. הוא אינו נרתע משום עימות, מתחמק בקלילות ובקור רוח מניסיונות התנקשות ודוחה בקלות כל פיתוי יצרי שמנסים להציב לפתחו. הוא סולד מכל קיצוניות ומן התקשורת.
ומה אנו מקבלים מכל הרדידות הזאת? למרבה הפלא היא זאת שמשרתת היטב את הספור. דמותו השטוחה של הבלש גרני מקלה עלינו להזדהות איתו וממש מזמינה אותנו להיכנס לעורו ולנסות ולהשתתף, בנחת ובלי דאגות אמיתיות, בפיענוח התעלומה. ההשהיה המהירה של כל קיצוניות וייצריות בתיאור דמותו מציפה אל פני השטח את העיסוק האינטלקטואלי, את המאמץ הקוגניטיבי לפענח מי עומד מאחורי מקרי המות השונים.
עם עד עכשיו זילזלתי בורדון ככותב הרי שבעצם כל פשטות כתיבתו ונטייתו שלא לפתח לעומקם גם קונפליקטים שהוא מעשיר בהם את העלילה לכמה רגעים, ממש כמו דמותו של גרני, גם היא מביאה לחזית את הדבר שהוא כשרונו העיקרי – טוויית העלילה הבלשית ובפרט הולכת השולל של הקורא וגיבוש הסיום המפתיע (יש כאן תחבולה נאה לדעתי, אני לא ממש שקלתי אותה ברצינות במהלך הקריאה). בכל הקשור לגיבוש מבוך העלילה הרי שורדון הוא בעל מקצוע טוב ואפקטיבי. הוא מציג סיפור מעניין, גם אם לא אמין במיוחד, בכילים סיפוריים פשוטים וחסרי יומרות השומרים עליו מפני שגיאות גדולות. הבעיה היחידה בהקשר זה גלומה אולי באופן המדוד וההדרגתי בו הוא בונה את שלבי הסיפור השונים. לאורך הדרך הוא צובר עוד ועוד עדויות הגורמות לקורא לחשוד באדם מסויים למרות שהוא כמובן מבין שעוד צפויות תפניות בעלילה ולכן מסיק מראש שלא בדמות זו האשם. יש רגעים שמתחשק לך לומר לורדון "בסדר הבנו. בוא נתקדם". למזלנו לאחר כמאה עמודים (מהירים, כבר אמרנו) זה באמת קורה.
אז חובבי הז'אנר (ספרי טיסה? מתח בלשי?) ימצאו כאן (כן האקדח שהצגתי בתחילת הביקורת גם יורה בסופה – גם לז'אנר הביקורת חוקים נדושי��) ספר בנוי היטב, קליל (למרות הנושאים הכבדים) ומהנה כגלידת סאנדי בסירופ שוקולד והם יעניקו לו בודאי 4-5 כוכבים. למרות הסתייגויותי, גם אני מסוגל להנות מדי פעם מגלידה כזו שמחליקה בקלות במורד הגרון, גם אם לא הייתי מבסס עליה את כל התפריט הספרותי שלי. ולכן נהניתי למדי. אני הייתי מעניק לו שלושה כוכבים. הציון שבאמת הענקתי לו הוא לכן ממוצע. -
3.5/5 EN REALIDAD.
Ha sido una buena novela policíaca, pero a mi me ha decepcionado un poquito. Me ha faltado ese toque Verdon de no encontrarle explicación lógica a aspectos del crimen. Eso era una característica básica en estos libros y aquí ha desaparecido. Aquí no tenemos una "explicación lógica" solo porque Gurney tiene esa corazonada, pero no porque los hechos no encajen. Eso básicamente me ha desencantado un poco durante toda la novela. He echado también de menos a Hardwick y a Madelaine, pero a cambio nos introduce a un montón de personajes.
En fin, no ha estado mal, pero me esperaba más. Le ha faltado esa esencia de los anteriores libros. Pronto más información en la reseña en el blog.
http://amorporloslibros7.blogspot.com/ -
Pues una grata sorpresa que la sexta entrega del Detective Gurney siga con el nivel del anterior, tras alguna historia más descafeinada.
Es intrigante, retorcido, adictivo. La personalidad de Gurney es genial y te hace animarle a que siga siendo como es.
La trama está bien hilada y no decae en ningún momento. El final, algo abrupto, pero bien explicado.
¿Habrá un séptimo? Apuesto que sí -
Задъхан трилър с типичните за Вердън сложни ребуси и постоянни обрати, който, въпреки солидния си обем, не успя да ме отегчи и за миг. Давам максималния брой ⭐️.
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Το αστυνομικό θρίλερ «Ο λευκός ποταμός φλέγεται» είναι το έκτο κατά σειρά βιβλίο του John Verdon με ήρωα τον ντετέκτιβ Ντέιβ Γκάρνεϊ κι έρχεται να ανεβάσει ακόμα περισσότερο τον πήχη τόσο για τον συγγραφέα, όσο και για τον ήρωα.
Η πόλη του Γουάιτ Ρίβερ, στα βόρεια της πολιτείας της Νέας Υόρκης, μοιάζει επικίνδυνα με καζάνι που βράζει. Η ��ρόνια φυλετική διαμάχη μεταξύ των λευκών και των έγχρωμων μειονοτήτων κλιμακώνεται, με αφορμή την επέτειο του θανάτου ενός μαύρου αυτοκινητιστή που έπεσε νεκρός από πυρά λευκού αστυνομικού. Η έκρυθμη κατάσταση τροφοδοτείται από διαδηλώσεις, περιστατικά βίας και καταστροφής, αλλά και εκατέρωθεν λεκτικά πυρά που οξύνουν περισσότερο τα πνεύματα. Εν μέσω όλων αυτών ο αρχηγός της αστυνομίας, Ντελ Μπέκερτ, μοιάζει πιο αποφασισμένος από ποτέ να καταστείλει κάθε ταραχοποιό στοιχείο που απειλεί την πόλη.
Όταν ένας αστυνομικός πέσει νεκρός από τη βολή ενός ελεύθερου σκοπευτή, ο εισαγγελέας Σέρινταν Κλάιν ζητάει από τον Ντέιβ Γκάρνεϊ να συμμετάσχει στην έρευνα ως ειδικός συνεργάτης. Η κατάσταση περιπλέκεται όταν ακολουθούν κι άλλοι φόνοι, που μοιάζουν με αντίποινα. Το ένστικτο του Γκάρνεϊ, όμως, του λέει πως κάτι σ’ αυτή την υπόθεση είναι λάθος και τα πράγματα δεν είναι όπως φαίνονται. Παρόλο που η κατάσταση δείχνει να εξομαλύνεται, μιας και οι δολοφόνοι ταυτοποιούνται, εκείνος επιμένει στην άποψή του – και γι’ αυτό απομακρύνεται από την έρευνα, μιας και κανείς δεν είναι διατεθειμένος να αμφισβητήσει αυτό που μοιάζει ως λύση στο πρόβλημά τους.
Όμως ο Γκάρνεϊ έχει μπει για τα καλά στον χορό και αποφασίζει να ενεργήσει αυτοβούλως. Τα νέα στοιχεία που ανακαλύπτει οδηγούν σε μια εντελώς διαφορετική κατεύθυνση, κάνοντας την υπόθεση να ανατραπεί εκ βάθρων. Η έρευνα θα πρέπει να ξεκινήσει από νέες βάσεις και δεδομένα, ενώ ο χρόνος κυλάει συνεχώς αντίστροφα, τα πτώματα συσσωρεύονται και τα περιθώρια στενεύουν. Σε μια κοινωνία γεμάτη προβλήματα και προβληματισμούς, καχυποψία και μίσος, αμφιβολία και δυσπιστία, ο Ντέιβ Γκάρνεϊ θα πρέπει όχι μόνο να μετράει προσεκτικά κάθε του κίνηση, αλλά να προσέχει ποιους μπορεί να εμπιστευτεί. Γιατί, στο Γουάιτ Ρίβερ, τα όρια ανάμεσα στον νόμο και την παρανομία είναι κάτι παραπάνω από λεπτά – και επιπλέον άκρως επικίνδυνα…
Πολλοί φανατικοί αναγνώστες του Verdon -και εγώ ανάμεσά τους- έχουμε δηλώσει πως η συγγραφική του εξέλιξη γίνεται φανερή σε κάθε του βιβλίο. Κι αυτό εδώ είναι η περίτρανη απόδειξη· πρόκειται για την πιο περίπλοκη, συναρπαστική και χορταστική περιπέτεια του Ντέιβ Γκάρνεϊ έως σήμερα! Ένα βιβλίο που κινείται με αφηγηματική χάρη και αιχμηρή ακρίβεια ανάμεσα στην πλοκή ενός μυθιστορήματος και κάποια από τα σημαντικότερα γεγονότα που ταλανίζουν τη σύγχρονη Αμερική τα τελευταία (και όχι μόνο) χρόνια. Διαβάζοντάς το κανείς, αναπόφευκτα φέρνει στο μυαλό του σκηνές και περιστατικά που όλοι έχουμε δει στους τηλεοπτικούς δέκτες μας ή έχουμε διαβάσει σε κάποιο site. Το φυλετικό ζήτημα απασχολούσε ανέκαθεν κι ο συγγραφέας βρίσκει αφορμή να στηλιτεύσει καταστάσεις και να προβληματίσει το αναγνωστικό κοινό. Χωρίς να παίρνει ξεκάθαρη θέση, δημιουργεί μια ιστορία γεμάτη εντάσεις, εμμονές και πάθη που οδηγούν τους ανθρώπους σε δυσπιστία απέναντι σε οτιδήποτε και οποιονδήποτε δεν ταιριάζει στα αυστηρά κριτήριά τους, σε κηρύγματα μίσους, σε ακραίες πράξεις βίας, ακόμη και στο έγκλημα.
Ταυτόχρονα, ο ταλαντούχος συγγραφέας έχει εμπλουτίσει την πλοκή με όλα εκείνα που λατρεύει κανείς να διαβάζει σε ένα καλό αστυνομικό θρίλερ: διαφθορά, κατάχρηση εξουσίας, ύποπτες συναλλαγές, κρυμμένους σκελετούς στην ντουλάπα, ίντριγκες, δολοπλοκίες, παραπλανητικά στοιχεία, γεγονότα που δεν είναι αυτό που φαίνονται και ανατροπές, πολλές ανατροπές. Η αφήγηση διατηρεί τη ζωντάνια και τη φρεσκάδα με την οποία την τροφοδοτούν οι συνεχόμενες, απανωτές εξελίξεις και δεν χάνει ούτε στιγμή τον ρυθμό της, κινδυνεύοντας έτσι να γίνει κουραστική. Αντίθετα, οι σελίδες κυλάνε αβίαστα, ο αναγνώστης ρουφάει διψασμένα όσα διαδραματίζονται και αγωνιά για τη συνέχεια και την κατάληξη του δράματος, αλλά και την ταυτότητα εκείνου που κρύβεται πίσω απ’ όλα αυτά.
Ο Ντέιβ Γκάρνεϊ είναι ο αδιαμφισβήτητος πρωταγωνιστής, ο αστυνομικός που θα μπορούσε να αναλάβει ακόμα και τη σκοτεινότερη υπόθεση και να τη φέρει εις πέρας, ένας πραγματικός υπέρμαχος του νόμου και της τάξης. Επιπλέον όμως έχει την «τύχη» να περιβάλλεται από ένα ποικίλο τσούρμο ανθρώπων με εξίσου δυνατές προσωπικότητες. Όλοι οι χαρακτήρες του βιβλίου, από οποιαδήποτε μεριά του νόμου κι αν βρίσκονται, έρχονται να ενισχύσουν την αφήγηση με δυναμισμό και δυναμική, αλλά και να αναδείξουν περισσότερο το πνεύμα του Γκάρνεϊ και τη μοναδικότητα του χαρακτήρα του. Αυτός ξεχωρίζει απ’ όλους ακριβώς γιατί αρνείται να μπει σε οποιοδήποτε καλούπι, ��ρνείται να δεχτεί αναντίρρητα ό,τι του σερβίρουν και ξέρει να κοιτάζει πέρα από το προφανές. Αυτές είναι οι ιδιότητες ενός καλού αστυνομικού, εξάλλου, κάτι που όλοι αναγνωρίζουν πως είναι ο συγκεκριμένος τύπος.
«Ο λευκός ποταμός φλέγεται», λοιπόν, και μαζί του φλέγονται όλοι εκείνοι που διψούν για αναταραχές ή που αφήνονται να παρασυρθούν από περίεργες οργανώσεις, από υποψήφιους ηγέτες και από το ίδιο τους το φυλετικό μίσος. Μαζί του φλέγονται όσοι πιστεύουν σε μια καλύτερη κοινωνία που μπορεί να υπάρξει αν εξαλειφθούν τα φαινόμενα βίας και διχασμού, ενδιαφέρονται για τον άνθρωπο και καταδικάζουν κάθε μορφή εγκλήματος. Και φλέγονται επίσης οι αναγνώστες του, γιατί πρόκειται για ένα καλογραμμένο, καταιγιστικό και αφοπλιστικά ανατρεπτικό ανάγνωσμα που δικαιώνει τον συγγραφέα, τον πρωταγωνιστή του και όσους περιμένουμε ανυπόμονα κάθε νέα περιπέτεια του John Verdon. -
Entretenido
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אני מאוד אוהבת את סדרת הספרים של ג'ון ורדון בכיכובו של הבלש דייב גרני. ספר מתח מעולה, סוחף ומהנה. ואני גם גאה בעצמי שגיליתי מי הרוצח עוד לפני הבלש! 😁
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4.5 stars
As always, I look forward to settling in for a good tale involving Dave Gurney, the retired and decorated homicide detective. The story is well told but convoluted. There were quite a few dead bodies, and just when you think you know what happened, it gets blown out of the water. It was hard to know what was connected and what wasn’t. I always have given 5 stars to the previous books because the writing is excellent, the characters of Dave Gurney and his wife, Madeleine, and his sidekick, Jack Hardwick, are so excellent….but this was not my favorite because it was so tangled up. Still, though, a great read and a great series. -
Para aquellos que no conocéis la saga, trata sobre un policía retirado que intenta vivir una apacible vida en el campo, pero por distintos motivos se ve envuelto en la resolución de distintos crímenes.
En esta entrega, David es localizado por un fiscal que le solicita ayuda para desentrañar el asesinato de un agente de policía de White River, que se ha producido durante las protestas por el aniversario de la muerte de un conductor negro abatido por la policia. Desde el principio, el caso parece estar muy claro para la policía local, pero para nuestro protagonista nada es lo que parece.
En esta novela no solo nos encontramos con la resolución de un asesinato,sino que el autor también nos muestra la situación en la que se encuentra la población en la que suceden los hechos, y que perjudican la investigación, como son los conflictos raciales, la corrupción policial, la racismo, la ambición política, y una población deprimida económicamente.
En resumen, se trata de una novela ágil que nos atrapa desde el primer momento, que es lo que en general se espera de este tipo de novelas. Pero personalmente, esta sexta parte decae un poco respecto a las entregas anteriores, ya que se me han quedado algunos puntos un poco difusos, pero puede que simplemente se deban a la comprensión lectora del lector, quién sabe. ¿Para saberlo? Hay que leerlo.
