Michael Connelly’s Chasing the Dime is the story of scientist and entrepreneur Henry Pierce and how he gets involved in a Nefarious Scheme. As usual with Connelly, the prose is clear and powerful, the cast of characters well-developed, and the plotting tight.
Unfortunately, as with most of his non-Harry Bosch novels, the protagonist’s motivations don’t really work that well, and it makes the novel feel close to silly in places. That somebody in Pierce’s position would act the way he does just doesn’t ring true–nor, once it’s revealed, does the Nefarious Scheme, which feels too baroque in its complexity and far-fetchedness.
Nevertheless, despite a slow start, it’s an enjoyable read, and Connelly does his usual stellar job of drawing the supporting characters. It seems, though, that Connelly needs somebody like Bosch as his protagonist to be at the top of his form.
Music: “Love On the Rocks With No Ice” by The Darkness [Opens in iTunes]
Is there reason to upgrade from a 3 to a 5?
After all these years, Nic still can’t understand the American attitude to healthcare.
A sci-fi and fantasy heavy installment that includes The Valedictorian of Being Dead, The Mastermind, Broadsword Calling Danny Boy, Tiamat’s Wrath, The Raven Tower, The Liberation, The Light Brigade and Cryptonomicon.
Includes The Incomplete Book of Running, Aching God, The Murderbot Diaries, Lies Sleeping, The Consuming Fire, and Rendezvous with Rama.
Did you know Las Vegas is kind of nutty?