Christian B reviewed State of Terror by Louise Penny
Review from someone who actually read it...
4 stars
The disclaimer heading the book reads "This is a work of fiction. All of the characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictional." Hmm, I'm sure. But I couldn't help enjoying the author's barely-disguised impressions of real political figures and the insider details of how the position of Secretary of State functions--with ample artistic license, of course. The story itself is your basic thriller and would probably make a decent action movie if the author was not such a controversial figure and the risk of terrorist violence on opening night not so real. The writing was basic and punchy in service to the plot, as were the occasional twists. This was my first Penny novel, despite living around the corner from her for many years and often visiting her favourite bookstore in the town on which Three Pines is based (though we never crossed paths). The book didn't turn …
The disclaimer heading the book reads "This is a work of fiction. All of the characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictional." Hmm, I'm sure. But I couldn't help enjoying the author's barely-disguised impressions of real political figures and the insider details of how the position of Secretary of State functions--with ample artistic license, of course. The story itself is your basic thriller and would probably make a decent action movie if the author was not such a controversial figure and the risk of terrorist violence on opening night not so real. The writing was basic and punchy in service to the plot, as were the occasional twists. This was my first Penny novel, despite living around the corner from her for many years and often visiting her favourite bookstore in the town on which Three Pines is based (though we never crossed paths). The book didn't turn me into a fan of political thrillers, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.