Crime, Mysteries & Thrillers discussion

Those of you who read Dennis Lehane's novels are probably aware that he has switched from mystery/thriller to historical fiction. I just finished his latest book, Live by Night, which is his second book of historical fiction.

I have an opinion on his switch. What's yours?

I might be in the minority, but I enjoyed his mystery/thrillers much more than his latest novels.

Sue Em wrote: "I might be in the minority, but I enjoyed his mystery/thrillers much more than his latest novels."

I don't think you're in the minority at all. I, too, loved his mystery/thrillers much more than his two historical fictions about early 20th century Boston. I bought them both because I loved his earlier books and was sure I'd love these, too. But I didn't.

I very much enjoyed The Given Day, his first historical novel, but was disappointed by Live By Night, which I thought too often was just going through the motions, and had a completely lifeless, throw-away ending.

With that said, there are crime thriller elements to both historical novels, so these books are not complete departures from his earlier work. He's a great writer, but like most writers, has his hits and misses.

Dan wrote: "I very much enjoyed The Given Day, his first historical novel, but was disappointed by Live By Night, which I thought too often was just going through the motions, and had a completely lifeless, th..."

as for , I think a big problem is that not enough is going on. It's repetitious, the same over and over. I got sick of reading nothing but gangsters who murder at the drop of a hat and Joseph, the gangster with a conscience. That could have been a much shorter book. Instead, that theme is repeated over and over.

That's a big genre jump. Did he switch permanently, or just wanting to write more than one genre?

I just finished Shutter Island two weeks ago. I think seeing the movie first hurt my speed in reading it, but the ending in book form was more powerful than the film.

I just watched the movie version of Gone Baby Gone, and while I liked it, I thought the book was so much richer in detail and more affecting. I read Shutter Island also this summer, as well as Mystic River, and am planning to watch the film versions of those as well.

I have not yet read The Given Day or Live by Night.

Beth V., or anyone else, are there any books by Dennis Lehane, other than the three that I have already read, that you would highly recommend?

Laura, I suggest you read all of Lehane's Kenzie & Gennaro series in order starting with A Drink Before The War. But, beware, Darkness, Take My Hand, the second book, is very violent.

Thanks, Dave. And thanks for the warning. Prolonged scenes of torture and/or gore are not my preference.

I didn't notice this thread earlier, but I read Live By Night last month and really enjoyed it. Gave it 4 stars in my review. Thought it was great fun all the way through, not repetitious at all. Can't compare it to his previous books, though -- that was my first of Lehane's -- but I liked the Joe Coughlin character so much I intend to read The Given Day to get more of his background.

Laura G. wrote: "Thanks, Dave. And thanks for the warning. Prolonged scenes of torture and/or gore are not my preference."

There are no prolonged, gratuitous gore/torture scenes, there is just some very violent action.

Lehane puts a bit of a rough edge in his stories. They aren't cozies, by any means. But they are great stories.

Dave wrote: "Laura, I suggest you read all of Lehane's Kenzie & Gennaro series in order starting with A Drink Before The War. But, beware, Darkness, Take My Hand, the second book, is very violent."

Dave, I put "A Drink Before The War" on my want-to-read list.

Erin wrote: "That's a big genre jump. Did he switch permanently, or just wanting to write more than one genre?..."

I HOPE this switch is temporary.

Laura G. wrote: "Beth V., or anyone else, are there any books by Dennis Lehane, other than the three that I have already read, that you would highly recommend?..."

Oh, yes! Every book he wrote before The Given Day and Live by Night was excellent!

The only book of his outside his Kenzie/Gennaro series that I've read is Mystic River. I loved it and my wife, who is not a mystery/thriller/suspense reader, loved it too.

The movie was great but the book was even better. The character played by Sean Penn in the movie comes across (at least to me) as a common thug. In the book, he is a much deeper and more nuanced character.

Also, Laura G., the movie version of Gone, Baby, Gone was well done, too, but the actors playing the leads didn't quite match up with my images of them from the books.

Beth V wrote: "Laura G. wrote: "Beth V., or anyone else, are there any books by Dennis Lehane, other than the three that I have already read, that you would highly recommend?..."

Oh, yes! Every book he wrote bef..."

Beth V., I don't know why, but I find that answer hilarious (I haven't read either of the newest books), like, how do you REALLY feel about "The Given Day" and "Live by Night"?

Dave wrote: "The only book of his outside his Kenzie/Gennaro series that I've read is Mystic River. I loved it and my wife, who is not a mystery/thriller/suspense reader, loved it too.

The movie was great but..."

Dave, I'm waiting for the movie version of Mystic River from the library. I'm going to be watching the film of Shutter Island this week. Yes, Mystic River is a wonderful book, and I know many feel that it is Lehane's "Magnum Opus".

Laura G. wrote: "Beth V wrote: "Laura G. wrote: "Beth V., or anyone else, are there any books by Dennis Lehane, other than the three that I have already read, that you would highly recommend?..."

Oh, yes! Every bo..."

Well, I'll cast my vote with Beth. I would have listed Lehane as one of my top 5 authors until his last two. Not that they were bad books, it's just in comparison with his earlier ones they are sadly lacking.

Jill wrote: "I liked the Joe Coughlin character so much I intend to read The Given Day to get more of his background...."

You'll get more of his family's background, not so much about Joe specifically.

Laura G. wrote: "I put "A Drink Before The War" on my want-to-read list....."

That one is really great.

Sue Em wrote: "Laura G. wrote: "Beth V wrote: "Laura G. wrote: "Beth V., or anyone else, are there any books by Dennis Lehane, other than the three that I have already read, that you would highly recommend?..."

..."Well, good or bad, "Live by Night" has been optioned for a movie (of course). I believe it is going to be directed by Ben Affleck and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's production company (Leo may also star in it).

Laura G. wrote: "Well, good or bad, "Live by Night" has been optioned for a movie (of course). I believe it is going to be directed by Ben Affleck and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's production company (Leo may also star in it)..."

Yes, I'm glad I read it for that reason. I love to read the book first, then see what the movie does with it. Let's hope Leo's not in it.

Beth V wrote: "Laura G. wrote: "Well, good or bad, "Live by Night" has been optioned for a movie (of course). I believe it is going to be directed by Ben Affleck and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's production com..."

I just watched the film version of "Shutter Island" and, IMHO, it is almost, almost as good as the book (movies rarely are). Of course, don't watch it before you read the book!!

Beth V wrote: "Laura G. wrote: "Well, good or bad, "Live by Night" has been optioned for a movie (of course). I believe it is going to be directed by Ben Affleck and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's production com..."

Leo's too old to play Joe. As I was reading it, I kept picturing Michael Pitt, the guy who played Jimmy Darmody in Boardwalk Empire. Anybody see that?

Shutter Island is the only Lehane I read so far & it was a great read, it managed to turn me into a fan.The movie was equally good.

Gone Baby Gone was also a good movie but for some strange reason I did not like Mystic River though Crime Drama is one of my favorite genres.I hope to read both his Kennie Genarro series & other books once I get some time.

Jac wrote: "Just about to start on my first Dennis Lehane - Shutter Island. Hope to finish it this coming weekend. Will say more then."

I've read all LeHane's books. Mystic River is better than SHUTTER ISLAND.

Jill wrote: "Beth V wrote: "Laura G. wrote: "Well, good or bad, "Live by Night" has been optioned for a movie (of course). I believe it is going to be directed by Ben Affleck and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's..."

I think Leo has a baby face, so it's hard to think of him as old. As a matter of fact, I think he looks too young to play any part in any movie I've seen him in, including the "Titanic."

I agree that Leo has a baby face, but he no longer looks 20 -- which I think is about how old Joe is at the start of the book. I'm glad to hear that Ben Affleck will direct the movie. His "Argo" was brilliant.

Jill wrote: "I agree that Leo has a baby face, but he no longer looks 20 -- which I think is about how old Joe is at the start of the book. I'm glad to hear that Ben Affleck will direct the movie. His "Argo" wa..."

I have not read Live By Night so don't know anything about the book but must agree that Affleck directing it would mean good things.He did a great job with Gone Baby Gone.I think "The Town" was his best movie & Argo was ok but nothing special.

Jill wrote: "I agree that Leo has a baby face, but he no longer looks 20 -- which I think is about how old Joe is at the start of the book. I'm glad to hear that Ben Affleck will direct the movie. His "Argo" wa..."

Jill, I agree with you about Argo. I thought it was very well done, and I wished that his achievements with that film hadn't been overlooked by the Academy. I also thought The Town was very good.

Late to the convo, but I'm a big Lehane fan! The Mystic River movie got me into his work and I've been hooked ever since. I'm not as big of a fan of the historical work, though I do read it since I enjoy his storytelling.

But you guys, no need to fear because he's just announced Visitation Street, which is a mystery (set in historical NY)! http://www.dennislehane.com/imprint/v...

Susan wrote: "Late to the convo, but I'm a big Lehane fan! The Mystic River movie got me into his work and I've been hooked ever since. I'm not as big of a fan of the historical work, though I do read it since I..."

Susan, this is a book by another author :) Dennis Lehane Publishing is an imprint of HarperCollins and it is his company that is publishing the book.

Jenni wrote: "Beth V wrote: "Jill wrote: "Beth V wrote: "Laura G. wrote: "Well, good or bad, "Live by Night" has been optioned for a movie (of course). I believe it is going to be directed by Ben Affleck and pro..."

Jenni, did you see the film of Shutter Island before reading the book? That would kinda wreck the whole "denouement" of the novel for you.

I agree about Shutter Island - the end of the book was a big shock. I read it long before I saw the movie and raved about the book. The movie was not as creepy or as shocking.

Lorraine wrote: "I agree about Shutter Island - the end of the book was a big shock. I read it long before I saw the movie and raved about the book. The movie was not as creepy or as shocking."

I LOVED the book "Shutter Island"!! Maybe we'll get a chance to discuss it in more detail (with spoilers!) in one of the months to come.

Jac wrote: "It's up for your vote now. Vote for it."

As for me, even though I LOVED the book (and it was my nominee for one of the September books), I got caught up in the thrill of wanting to read two books that I have not yet read. We'll see what happens.......

Laura G. wrote: "Susan wrote: "Late to the convo, but I'm a big Lehane fan! The Mystic River movie got me into his work and I've been hooked ever since. I'm not as big of a fan of the historical work, though I do r..."

Oh man, you're right! If only I had read the small(er) print. Holding out for the next thriller. I did enjoy Live By Night though and looking forward to another Affleck/Lehane movie.

And on the Shutter Island topic - I saw the movie, then read the book, then saw the movie again. It's definitely my favorite of the Lehane books. Rather than hating the movie after I read the book, I think the book really enhanced my viewing experience the second time around.

Last night I watched the last of my "trilogy" of films based on Lehane books that I've read : Mystic River. At the beginning of the film, I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but then as the film went on, I grew to feel that it was very well done. Great performances by the cast. I thought Tim Robbins was especially good as Dave Boyle. There was just one aspect of the film that really kept nagging at me : the score. I just found it to be very inappropriate at times to the action that was happening, or had just happened, on the screen. Does anyone else remember thinking that about the soundtrack? With the right score, it could have been a much more powerful film. Then I read in the credits that Clint Eastwood (the director and co-producer) composed the music for the movie.

Susan wrote: "But you guys, no need to fear because he's just announced Visitation Street,..."

Lehane did not write Visitation Street. The book has his "imprint," whatever that means. I think that means they can get his name on the book so Lehane fans will read it.

Their ploy worked; I want to read it.

Jenni wrote: "Beth V wrote: "Jill wrote: "Beth V wrote: "Laura G. wrote: "Well, good or bad, "Live by Night" has been optioned for a movie (of course). I believe it is going to be directed by Ben Affleck and pro..."

I agree. Be cause of his baby face, he can never look like a tough guy.

Jac wrote: "Just finished reading Shutter Island, my first Dennis Lehane book, without really being sure which one was the actual reality.

Very weird, weird story. Still trying to make my mind up about what I..."

In terms of the "reality" issue, that's a really big part of what makes it an interesting story. The fact that you are still thinking about it is the mark of a good book too, in my opinion. I'm looking forward to possibly discussing it on a thread where spoilers are okay.

I wasn't even aware he had made the switch until I saw this thread. I am now going to track these down and give them a read.

Jac wrote: "You can hide the spoilers with the tag, Laura."

How do you do that, Jac?

Jenni wrote: "Laura G. wrote: "Jac wrote: "You can hide the spoilers with the tag, Laura."

How do you do that, Jac?"

you put your text in between
a "" tag before the start
and a "" tag after the end.

But tak..."

Okay, I'll try that.

(view spoiler)[This is a spoiler.(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Jenni wrote: "From what I cant tell from reading only Shutter Island, plot and characters are Lehane's strong points. He's not much of a "literary" writer. Compared to him Patricia Highsmith is a superbly lite..."

I believe Shutter Island is a bit different than many of his others, which a lot of people consider "modern noir". I think I read that he referred to Shutter Island as "gothic noir". Dennis Lehane writes about a world that he grew up in: blue collar, "working class", "wrong-side-of-the-tracks (his own description)" Irish-American Boston. He writes in the voices of characters that could inhabit those places. I know that many people consider Mystic River to be his greatest work.

I hope SHUTTER ISLAND is one of our group reads for September so maybe someone can tell me what I didn't get.

Jac wrote: "Shutter island explained by The Guardian (UK newspaper), though I think this is the "sanitized" interpretation and I don't agree with it:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmbl......"

Interesting article. Always fun to watch "behind-the-scenes" pieces on films. AND I hadn't realized that the Royal Baby had been born! Cheers!

Jac wrote: "I think Shutter Island's best points are Orwell's 1984 like political message/commentary and the ingenious plot that leave either reality equally possible ..."

I'm glad to hear you think that. When I read it, I thought I just didn't get it, that one was correct, the other incorrect. So I thought I must be stupid, which didn't make me feel real good about the book. A book shouldn't make me feel stupid.

Jac wrote: "The author has a message that he can't jolly well say outright without subjecting himself to a lot of attacks...."

I would guess that Lehane isn't afraid of attacks as much as he is of alienating a portion of his readers.