The Bat: The First Inspector Harry Hole Novel

Book 24 of 2017 is The Bat: The First Inspector Harry Hole Novel by Jo Nesbo.

In my quest to start reading some Nordic Noir, I started with the second most famous series after The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

With great surprise and matching glee, I found this book was set in Sydney and was very well placed in situation and time. It was a good adjustment to this genre. The only thing that did annoy me was the slow part towards the end where the detective goes on an alcoholic bender. It bored me and then all of a sudden wound up. I may read the next book just to see if it isn't all sex, drugs and violence.

3 Darlinghurst whores out of 5.

Should I read this? Maybe. I wouldn't go out of my way too. Let me read another book before I recommend the series.
What did I learn? Blondes have all the fun.

Zodiac

Book 23 of 2017 is Zodiac by Stan Lee.

This is the kind of thing I'd usually prefer in movie form but it was not too bad. The most unfortunate part is the Skywalker like whiney young male protagonist. He gets less annoying but his inner voice might best be left internal.

The series isn't off my To Read list yet. Let's see how the characters grow over time.

3 tigers out of 5.

Should I read this? If you like comic book style stories.
What did I learn? Young males can be a little fragile.

Dust

Book 22 of 2017 is Dust by Hugh Howey.

This is the third and final book in the Silo series. It is a very good sci-fi series and one I'd recommend to anyone looking for a good spread of ideas and characters. The writing is good. The plot is well structured. The tone is mature. I was glad this was not a young adult style tale.

This book is the weakest in the series but it does end well. Overall, I would give the series 4 out of 5 stars and this book that as well. It might be that it was the more predictable of the books.

4 silos out of 5.

Should I read this? Absolutely!
What did I learn? Long sci-fi series do not have to be a tedious chore. They can be very enjoyable.

Shift

Book 21of 2017 is Shift by Hugh Howey

This is the first middle book in a trilogy since Two Towers that I have loved and not wanted to put down. I demolished this in days and even woke up early to read it. This makes sense since Wool leaves you in a state of wondering what is happening and why.

The character development is more solid than Wool. The history and cunning plans are laid out and understandable. This brings it all together and now I'm waiting for Dust to smash it home.

5 silos out of 5.

Should I read this? Yes. Read the whole series. This is very good sci-fi.
What did I learn? I have to finish more of the series I start.

Primates of Park Avenue

Book 20 of 2017 is Primates of Park Avenue by Wednesday Martin.

I've avoided reading this book because I expected a bragfest from a WASP that would leave me mostly disgusted. I was pleasantly surprised.

The cheeky anthropological dissertation style structure made this much more palatable. It was like watching these crazy rich women through the scratched perspex of a modern day zoo. Thoroughly disturbing and fascination all at once.

4 Birkin bags out of 5.

Should I read this? Yes but don't consider it science.
What did I learn? Women are women.