Former police detective Henry Palace is still interested in
serving the public, he still dresses for work even though he’s no longer employed,
he still meets other “retired” officers of his disassembled unit at the local
diner where they commiserate on the state of the world, or what’s left of it.
He still believes in serving his community so when approached by his childhood
babysitter to locate her missing husband he readily agrees, even though
according to the “experts” in 77 days the asteroid known as Maia will hit the Earth
with apocalyptic results. There are forces that will attempt to keep him from
solving this puzzle and he will re-connect with unlikely allies to help him
search. But in the end what does it matter, is he the only voice of reason left
in a world gone mad. Or is he just as deranged as the rest of the planet?
Ben H. Winters leads his readers by the nose through this
second in his pre-apocalyptic trilogy, a terror-filled, can’t put it down, page
turner. He uses the most eloquent of dialogues to describe what’s happening in
the world, the world where the information highway we enjoy is shutting down
more each day, and the inevitable event-to-come is all smoke and mirrors. He
lets us use our imagination just enough to scare the bejeezus out of us, but
not enough for us to stop turning the pages. He’s a magician with words and
phrases and his narrative will flow smoothly through every titillating
experience. If you love apocalyptic fiction, pre, post or otherwise this will
be your next must read, but to enjoy every page, every scene and every
interaction the novels should be read in order. If you love the novels of Stephen King,
Harry Turtledove, Justin Cronin or Orson Scott Card you will love this trilogy
too.
Ben you’ve taken me on an adventure of a lifetime so far and I’m looking
forward to “The End”.
The Last Policeman
I'm fortunate to be hosting this month the book club read and discussion of Ben's first in the trilogy The Last Policeman. If you care to follow along or chime in please do. Ben's contribution as well as the readers has made this an incredible experience.
Week One Discusion is here
Week Two Discussion is here
Week Three starts Monday
HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO BEN!!! COUNTDOWN CITY IS OUT TODAY!! 7-16-13
The Last Policeman
Week Two
Part Two
Non-Negotiable Possibilities
We’re learning a little more about where Hank came from, his
family situation and his sensibilities and also getting a clearer picture about
the case and the possible events that led to Peter Zell’s death.
First I’d like to discuss what you like or dislike about
Ben’s storytelling style.
And from the novel so far do you think he’s a plotter or a
panzer (we’ll let Ben tell us if we’re right or wrong later in the week)
Have you changed your mind about any of the characters?
Do you think that the deaths of Detective Anders and JT Toussaint was ultimately they couldn’t face the end?
Have you read per the schedule or did you have to find out
what happened?
And of course please add anything you’d like to discuss as
well.
I’m reading Countdown City and will have a review right
after it’s release day!
