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Twenty-Seven Bones (2007)
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Fiction Review by The Drug Stuffed Corpse
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03.24.09
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Jonathan Nasaw
On the dust jacket of 27 Bones there is a reference to Thomas Harris and Hannibal Lector. The comparison is just, not due to Nasaw's similar 'brilliant serial killer on the loose' motif or even within the genre that he ascribes his talents, but in the supercilious way that he writes. Harris penned Hannibal (after Red Dragon and Silence Of The Lambs) fully aware that whatever he wrote would sell millions and the lack of respect for his readers can be seen in his prose; Nasaw writes as if he were helping a peasant in a third world country learn the english language - as if writing this book was an act of altruism and not merely a piece of (il)literature. 27 Bones is a police procedure, serial killer novel for beginners. If you have never read a psychological thriller before (of if you have never seen CSI, Cold Case Files, Cold Squad, or the myriad other shows relating to such) you may glean some entertaining and educational information from it. Everyone else? Not so...
Machete Man, a boogieman for island folk is taking two things from his victims: their right hand and then their life. Two ex-FBI agents: one the island's police chief, the other a retired serial killer expert must first find and then stop Machete Man and his handy-work. The plot treads upon the nutrient rich soil of the supernatural, before sinking into the rank of a bog filled swamp of tedious plot twists and unbelievable coincidences. A secondary theme running throughout is a celebration of diversity and overcoming obstacles thrown at you (i.e. handicaps et al). However, by the book's end Nasaw flip-flops and answers the time-honoured question of whether or not money can buy happiness. His answer is a resounding 'yes!' Oh - and in the end the hero gets the girl; the bad guys are dispatched in accordance with their sins; and justice is doled out accordingly. And all without a hint of irony.
Apotemnophiliacs take note: the act of removing the hand is depicted in vague detail and is not references in a sexual role in any way, shape, or form.
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Rating: nan out of 10.0 - votes cast total
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