Watchmen: Who Reviews The Reviewers # 2

I don’t want to get into the habit of reviewing reviews, but Nick Hay’s review of Andrew Pepper’s KILL-DEVIL AND WATER over at Reviewing the Evidence popped out at me. Hay quite liked Pepper’s third novel in the Pike series, finishing up thusly:

“Despite this reservation KILL-DEVIL AND WATER deserves two very hearty cheers. The plot is excellent, the writing good, the historical and political observation both gripping and committed. And it is real value for money; this is a lot of book in terms of weight of plot, detail, and seriousness of purpose.”

  Pepper doesn’t get a third hearty cheer because of Pike himself, whom Hay believes is hamstrung in the context of the book because of his role as a ‘noir anti-hero’. Which is fair enough, and fair comment, but then Hay nutshells things thusly:

“All this makes KILL-DEVIL AND WATER a very male book.”

  Now, I’m not quibbling with Hay’s review in general, because it’s a very good example of a thoughtful, considered critique. But is it really valid to offer an even partially negative take on a book on the basis that it’s ‘male’, or ‘very male’?
  Ladies? I’m particularly interested in your take on this …

The Embiggened O # 944: Yet More Evidence For The Prosecution

Just when we thought we were out, they drag us back in … Yep, ’tis another hup-ya for our humble offering The Big O, this time courtesy of those wonderful people at Reviewing the Evidence. We know you’re busy and don’t have time to read all the negative comments Sharon Wheeler made, so for your convenience we’ve hacked out the couple of big-ups at the start and end, to wit:

“A polished, sharp as a tack and witty caper novel … If you’re a fan of the likes of Steve Brewer and Carl Hiaasen, you’ll devour The Big O. It marries a mastery of the caper novel with the sharp writing of a Ken Bruen. Declan Burke is undoubtedly a writer to watch.”

Sharon? Flattery will get you everywhere. Or to Bali, at least. A return ticket is going in the post as you read …