Three down, three to go (there are two more after that too I think). They are enjoyable, but while the writing is good in a narrative sense, it doesn't feel particularly good in the literature sense. I'm going to have to reread some Graeme Green because I definitely remember that as truly wonderful writing.
Done! That one is a wild ride, definitely the best since book 1. 2 and 3 felt like a bit of a cookie cutter redo. 4 is full on non-stop action
Onwards to book 5, London Rules
That's one more down. I only have one left of the 6 I accidentally bought (Joe Country), but will be taking a detour via The List and The Drop, two shorts he published before the one I just finished.
London Rules was ok, had some good moments, but not quite as good as the previous one.
The List and The Drop (teoo novellas) done, on to the last of my original accidental purchase. Two more shorts and two books after this. I might finish those off before the latest paperback is published there are also 3 other books from the "Slough house universe" which aren't part of the series, I'll probably end up reading those too, because my completist compulsions demand it)
The Catch, was OK, a satisfying conclusion to the triple agent storyline. The short (The Last Dead Letter Drop , from Dolphin Junction), was great though, you can't go wrong with Jackson and Berlin I guess!.
Next up, Slough House
Slough House done. It's a good one! It builds more on the previous stories than some of the others. You definitely wouldn't want to start with it (but there's no danger of that, only a psychopath would read books out of order right?)
Next up, Bad Actors. This is the last of the novels in paperback. I have one short after this. Clown Town paperback on preorder. There are three other books that are not strictly on the series, but are of the world. Guess I'll pick those up.
Just finished Bad Actors. Very good! Possibly the best of the recent lot. That one presents some interesting challenges for a TV adaptation (though possibly fully intended ones, expect some one cut shenanigans)
After this there's a small short Standing by the Wall. I did pick up the 3 related novels (not strictly Slough House, but featuring the characters). Though The Silent Hours may be somewhat mis-categorised.
Finished Nobody Walks. Much better than Reconstruction. Theres more link to the Slough House books with some major characters with significant input. It had a bit more of the humour too. Overall just better writing, pace, some twists, some action.
Next up, The Silent Hours, I'm looking forward to this one a lot.
I have one other non-Slough House novel on the shelf, then am waiting on the Clown Town paperback.
@tmcfarlane yeah, I had debated reading all the books before I watched the series, which is what I would normally do. I don't remember being super thrilled with Book 2 so I decided might as well give the TV series a shot. Season 1 was so phenomenally done I went through and watched all of them 😬
Come to think of it, I don't really remember much of book 2 to the point of if I ever even finished it. Based on what you said, sounds like I would be better of going and starting at book 3 regardless. Is that right?
Tristan Colgate-McFarlane
Ian K Tindale
shom