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The Square Of Revenge (1995)

by Pieter Aspe(Favorite Author)

3.25 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1605984469 (ISBN13: 9781605984469)

languge

English

genre

Mystery & Thriller

publisher

Pegasus Books

series

Van In

review 1: Putting down this book was difficult, but it wasn't for the reasons that most reviewers give when it comes to mystery novels. The plot was okay, but I really, really struggled to make myself read. I wasn't at all fond of the writing style and trudged through at a pace that was something between "hurry up and get this over with" and "well, I at least want to find out who's guilty." By the end of the book I was feeling much better, because it was only at the very end that I realized any of the story had been worth my attention. On a somewhat unrelated note, I read the kindle version and found a lot of typos, which made it even more off-putting. In the end, it was kind of worth the read, but I don't know that I'd go with this author again.
review 2: I looked ... moreforward to reading The Square of Revenge for its setting in a medieval city and for my first experience with a police procedure set in Belgium. Unfortunately the book is a bit uneven. The setting in the ancient city of Bruges did not disappoint; it adds depth to the story. The characters were another matter.Pieter Van In is a bit puzzling. He's eager to take on the Degroof investigation so he can prove his ability to solve a high-profile case, but very little is said or done about his inexperience after the opening pages-- probably because he does not behave like a fledgling inspector. He's got the usual set of problems: acrimonious divorce, crippling mortgage, no car, etc. Two character traits in particular astounded me: Van In imbibes too much alcohol at very inappropriate times (like in the home of a suspect he's interviewing), and he is much too easily distracted by a pretty female. Show a little leg, flash a smile, brush your chest lightly against his arm, and his brain goes into meltdown. These traits did not endear him to me in the slightest, but perhaps they're meant to show his inexperience.District attorney Hannelore Martens is first described as a politically ambitious woman who knows how to get her way, but when brought together with Van In she rapidly turns into a pretty little sidekick who likes to drive fast. We never really get to see her as the master manipulator she's supposed to be.The story also had its problems. The pacing was deadly slow for the first third of the book. It took me no time at all to understand why Degroof was being targeted, and from that point on I hoped for the worst to happen to him. Access to security codes, the type of ransom being extracted from Degroof, and other details didn't quite add up. All in all, I felt the book had promise, but a lackluster delivery. Did the translation have anything to do with that? I honestly don't know. I've also realized that The Square of Revenge does not hold up well in my memory. The longer I'm away from it, the less I like it, which bodes ill for my continuing to read the series. Would I recommend it? Yes, but with strong reservations. less

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