Author: Paul Cleave
Title: The Laughterhouse
As I was scanning the C shelf at my library for new authors to try, I spotted this book by Paul Cleave, and another one by Steve Cavanagh called Thirteen, that both looked good. In the end, I went with this one. And it's a very solid read. Set in Christchurch, New Zealand, it centers around Theodore Tate, a former Detective Inspector who'd really like his job back. Only he just spent four months in jail, and he killed someone once. It makes his boss hesitant to hire him back. But when a spree killer murders four people in one night, it's all hands on deck, and Theo gets his badge back. Temporarily. As long as he doesn't screw up again.
The other major player in this book is the killer himself. Caleb Cole has spent the last fifteen years in prison. But he's out now and intent on getting revenge on all those he deems responsible for his daughter's death. He's got a list, and he's working fast. He hopes to finish his murderous plan before the police have time to figure out how all his victims are connected.
Apparently, this is the third book Cleave has written about Theo Tate. And while I wish I'd started with the first book in this series, you don't need to have read the previous two books in order to enjoy this one. It's well-written, and I immediately liked Theo, despite all his flaws. Or maybe because of them.
I have to admit, I didn't love the chapters written from Caleb's POV, mostly because I don't love obsessive characters intent on revenge, even when I can kind of understand why they feel the way they do, but also because I felt like Caleb's chapters slowed down the narrative and overall pacing of the book.
I did appreciate that Cleave's writing never gets too intense or graphic. And I thought all the chapters with Theo and the other detectives working to solve this case were very compelling. Things certainly get messy and complicated. I found myself racing through the last chapters. And that ending! I'm going to have to hurry to the library and check out the fourth book in this series just to find out what happens to Theo next. All in all, I enjoyed this library find.
Happy Reading!
Oooh, hello I do not know this author, and I totally should! I like Theo, and I have to admit, I am kind of interested in Caleb's character, but I totally understand what you mean about his chapters slowing down the narrative -- I've read enough books with POVs that have done that to the stories. It's can be frustrating (bu tmy interest is still piqued about Caleb, esp as this is a NZ author)
ReplyDeleteI really liked Cleave's writing! He writes a good book. Theo is such a great character, and even though I didn't really like Caleb, he was a very interesting character. I want to read the other books in this series. :)
DeleteI think the NZ setting is interesting, since I rarely come across books set in that country. And the premise sounds intriguing too. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't think of any other books I've read that are set in New Zealand. Hmm... Makes me want to see what other books are set there.
DeleteI had not heard of this author before. It's always great to learn of another previously unknown and talented writer. It seems that Paul Cleave fits that bill.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of the reasons I started Reading the Alphabet at my library; I wanted the chance to discover new-to-me authors. And Cleave is a good one. I'd definitely read him again. :)
DeleteA new author and a location that has had me captivated me with its beauty--a perfect opportunity to enjoy both!
ReplyDeleteWhere the characters are at in New Zealand in this book isn't exactly the prettiest of places, but Cleave gives you a feel for the underside of Christchurch.
DeleteI love random library grabs (I did same a couple of days ago) and fancy ending up with a crime drama set in NZ! Slightly unusual but it sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI know! And I just happened upon it at the library. That's what I love about just browsing a certain shelf and seeing what serendipitous books I can find to read. :)
DeleteSounds interesting...and you struck the "C goldmine" for sure with this one. Written by Cleave, set in Christchurch, and the villain is Caleb Cole. You couldn't have done better if you had searched all day for a C-book.
ReplyDelete:D I hadn't even noticed that! This is the perfect C Shelf book.
DeleteSounds like a good one. I haven't read many books set in New Zealand, but I love that setting. I'll have to see if my library has this series. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever read any other books set in New Zealand, which is sad because it's such a great location! :)
DeleteThis does sound like it could be fun.
ReplyDeleteIt's very well-written.
DeleteTo spend all that time in prison only to get out and go on a murderous rampage is kinda crazy even if he felt like he was getting justice for his daughter. Sounds like a good book though.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I don't really get that whole revenge thing. But it did make for a good story. :)
DeleteOh this sounds good. I don't usually like when there's a POV from the criminal but I guess it depends. I agree though that even if he's thinking he's doing the right thing I don't really want to see that perspective. Love the setting!
ReplyDeleteThat was the only part of the book I didn't love, but like you it's not my favorite perspective. But this book is really good.
DeleteAnd here I've read your other C choice, Cavanagh's Thirteen which I thought not only had a unique premise but was also an enjoyable read. Cavanagh came here to Phoenix and appeared at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore. The poor man had a rather dazed look on his face. He came here in the summer, and he'd never ever been anywhere as hot as it was here. (Loved his accent!)
ReplyDeleteThat's funny that you've read Thirteen. I'm glad to know it's worth reading. Guess I'll have to revisit the C shelf at my library and check it out. :) And Phoenix does get super hot in the summer! I can understand why he looked a bit dazed.
DeleteI'm not a fan of murderer POV either, but I guess in a revenge "list" trope book, it makes sense. That cover is fascinating though, I wonder how the mask links up to the plot.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I can see why the author chose to write alternating chapters from Caleb's POV, but I would have been happier just sticking with Theo's chapters.
DeleteThis sounds pretty good. I'm not sure I'd like the POV of the murderer either. I guess it depends on how interesting the character is. Sometimes I do love having a good character to hate on, lol.
ReplyDelete:D Characters like that can make a book more interesting, can't they?
DeleteHave a happy weekend.
ReplyDelete:D Thank you!
DeleteTheo must've had a good reason for killing someone, or it was an accident? I usually don't enjoy having the killer's POV in a story either, but it'd be hard to completely condemn him when he's going after those responsible for his daughter's death. Sounds like you had a win in the C section!
ReplyDeleteI need to read the previous books to find out all the details about Theo's past, but I suspect he had a good reason for whatever happened back then; he's that kind of character.
DeleteI know it's common/popular for multiple perspectives in books and particularly mysteries it seems, but I think I typically to only get one POV. I like to know things at the same time the detective is finding them out.
ReplyDeleteI usually prefer just one POV in books, too. I think authors do multiple POVs these days because it makes the books easier to write.
DeleteExcellent point that it probably makes things easier for the author! I really liked Gone Girl and the way that used two POVs. But when a mystery is done with just the detective's perspective? That often really makes for a great, immersive read, IMO.
DeleteI agree! And when you know things before the detective does, it makes for a more frustrating read while you wait for them to catch up.
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