The Wings of the Sphinx by Andrea Camilleri

The Wings of the Sphinx by Andrea Camilleri

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It might have been that the plot was more contrived; or the antics not so funny; perhaps even the translation wasn't up-to-the-usual.

Or it might have been that I was on a camping weekend with a bunch of home beer-makers, and there was much sampling of product.

In any case, I didn't find this quite as enjoyable as the usual Camilleri. Generally, I love Camilleri – and the wonderful translations by Stephen Sartarelli – but this one didn't really click with me.

Stone Rain by Linwood Barclay

Stone Rain by Linwood Barclay




Won't read, won't rate...

Which is disappointing, since I've enjoyed Barclay's other books.

First, we have a married couple working for a metropolitan newspaper where he reports directly to her. I'm sure it happens, but not often, because employers of any size don't let spouses report to each other – it's a recipe for disaster. Then, we have the managing director forcing the reporter to give up his sources and notes to a senior reporter: I'm certain that almost never happens, because you can't keep employees if you treat them that way. Finally, when we reached the point where she is prepared to sacrifice their relationship for a promotion – which I'm certain does happen – I decided I wasn't interested enough in the characters to read the story.