“Espedair Street” by Iain Banks

This was not my favourite book by Banks because I think it dragged a bit, but it was intelligently written and gave me good insight into the effect of sudden fabulous wealth. Dan Weir, the protagonist, grew up very poor in Scotland and became part of a wildly successful rock band which descended into decadence. The book ends very nicely and was emotionally fulfilling. My only quibble is that I’m guessing there was an awful lot of Banks in the character. I wonder if he’s capable of writing from the viewpoint of only moderately intelligent people.

"Death at La Fenice" by Donna Leon

This was the first book in the Inspector Brunetti series and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It made me nostalgic for Venice.

“About Face” by Donna Leon

I mistakenly borrowed this title thinking it was the first book in the series, but it was the 19th. The writing style is pretty ordinary and a touch too sparing. At times, it is so clumsy I wonder if the author’s first langauge is even English. The only thing that made this book interesting for me was its Venetian setting.

“The Thirst” by Jo Nesbo

This book was disgusting in its violence and ugliness. I am very glad that it is the last Harry Hole book. I’m not going near Nesbo again. And oh yeah! The guy is sickly obsessed with metallic mouth implements. In ”The Thirst”, it was sharp metallic teeth.

“Police” by Jo Nesbo

This was one of my least favourite Harry Hole books. There were too many threads and as a result, the story was confusing and irritating. And killing Beate, a main character was one important death too many. And there were just too many red herrings and teases. In addition, I realized there was a significant plot hole. Harry and his family took great pains to sever their link to a certain firearm, and yet, earlier in the book, several people saw Harry brandishing it.