Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsDeep,Dark Secrets
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 August 2013
I loved this book. I bought it because it was mentioned in 'The Bestseller' by the same author, though 'The Basement' is written by a character in that book. Cunningly, 'The Bestseller' is also mentioned in this book (sales by osmosis and subconscious hints, Mr Leather?). Anyway, back to this review: both stories are set in NYC and are based on murder most foul. This one is very clever in that much of the narrative is first-person. Sure, the writing is graphic in parts, but can you sanitise kidnapping, abuse and subsequent murder? Again, the Leather trademarks of slick dialogue (would that we were all as quick-witted as his characters) and cunning plot twists. The cops are a bit one-dimensional, perhaps, but it's effective for the tale's flow and fun. As with 'The Bestseller,' the ending is a real surprise, yet appropriate. Much as I like Stephen Leather's books, his imagination makes me doubt I'd like to share a lift with him, bright blue eyes or not. I visualise him sitting at his keyboard in Bangkok or London, chuckling as he writes some of the dialogue. This is not a lengthy tome but is fully detailed to represent a most satisfactory reading experience, particularly straight after finishing 'The Bestseller'. The two make a good pair but either will stand alone as a good read. This one, despite its relative brevity, didn't leave me feeling short-changed (excuse the pun), but at £3.49 who can complain? A perfect Kindle read, which has been highly recommended to my wife for reading soon.