Ebook Death on Demand Tito Ihaka Paul Thomas 9781908524171 Books
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"It's the stuff the best gangster films are made of, perfectly composed, the action kept in the realm of reality and a steady, tense wire of human pathos running down its spine."—The Coast
"Tito Ihaka, the maverick Maori cop, dances through a minefield of police politics, old grudges, blackmail, and gangs as he hunts a faceless killer in Auckland. Filled with helter-skelter storylines, witty dialogue, and captivating characters."—Herald on Sunday
Paul Thomas, the godfather of contemporary New Zealand crime writing, often described by some as "Elmore Leonard on acid," has brought back offbeat local hero Detective Sergeant Tito Ihaka.
Maori cop Ihaka, unkempt, overweight, intemperate, unruly, unorthodox, and profane, is a cop unable to play the police politics necessary for promotion, but he's a man who has a way with women, and he's a stubborn investigator with an uncanny instinct for the truth.
Tito Ihaka is in the wilderness, having fallen foul of the new regime at Auckland Central. Called back to follow up a strange twist in the unsolved case that got him into trouble in the first place, Ihaka finds himself hunting a shadowy hitman who could have several notches on his belt.
His enemies want him off the case, but the bodies are piling up. Ihaka embarks on a quest to establish whether police corruption was behind the shooting of an undercover cop and—to complicate matters—he becomes involved with an enigmatic female suspect who could hold the key to everything.
Ebook Death on Demand Tito Ihaka Paul Thomas 9781908524171 Books
"Paul Thomas is an excellent writer, and David Tredinnick is an excellent actor. Together, this audiobook version of "Death on Demand" is an unbeatable combination. The book, as others have pointed out, has an intriguing plot, with a huge cast of characters. Listening to the story slowly unravel, I found I sometimes had to pause the MP3 CD, and rack my brains to remember who someone, who had not appeared for a while, actually was. Tredinnick acts out all the parts with consummate drama, changing his voice for every individual. His Belfast accent is not quite authentic, but his Kiwi and Cockney ones are spot on."
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Death on Demand Tito Ihaka Paul Thomas 9781908524171 Books Reviews :
Death on Demand Tito Ihaka Paul Thomas 9781908524171 Books Reviews
- "To Ihaka Wellington meant sagging skies the colour of birdshit and pedestrians leaning into the wind as if they were entering a ruck. People were always saying you can't beat Wellington on a good day, and this was obviously what they meant a perfect sky, the harbour as flat and inviting as the crema on an espresso, dry warmth, crisp light." - Death on Demand
One of those books you can't put down, though I couldn't pinpoint why. Maybe it's the larger-than-life characterisations. Or maybe it's the gritty dialogue. I don't know, but Thomas's Ihaka series could be easily adapted for television - and it'd be a hit.
Highly recommended to all but those who are offended by strong language. - This was the first book I've read by this author. It was an excellent novel; a very good mystery, with wonderful, witty dialog and a terrific main character, Tito Ihaka. Didn't know anything about New Zealand and enjoyed learning about that part of the world too. The mystery is very complex and until the end somewhat confusing, but it was one of those mystery/suspense novels where the writing is so good, the characters are so interesting, and the satire, comedy and suspense are done so well, that I really didn't care that much about the mystery's solution. It was truly one of the few books, I rarely run across these days, that I didn't want to end. I will will be reading all the other books I can find by Paul Thomas.
- This is such a well written book. The story had many different things going on but they were all neatly woven in the story line. I won't tell you the story because other people have as well, or just read the synopsis of the book.
Since reading this one I am buying all of his books… If you like good mysteries and want to learn a little about another country…this is your new book. - I enjoyed this book and liked the main character. I will likely read others in this series.
- It's got all a good detective story needs. It's never slow and has an unexpected ending. It is a good read.
- My Review
"The Higher you climb, the heavier it rains" [Death on Demand]
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand ... a city being terrorized by an unknown, ruthless serial killer. Can the unorthodox, and unapologetic Tito Ihaka solve the case - or will the body count keep rising?
This novel initially caught my attention for two reasons 1) It is a mystery/ crime thriller, and 2) It is set in New Zealand. With those two factors in mind, I had the hope that this would be a winning novel for me.
Here is my review breakdown
Plot
When several suspicious deaths take place in the suburbs of Auckland - Maori cop, Tito Ihaka returns from police exile to resurrect an old case with new leads.
I am going to admit - I was not hooked on this plot right away. I felt that the first 100 pages or so started off slowly setting the story up. There came a point when I almost gave up - I am glad I didn't though, the story did pick up. I just believe that with the many plot threads in action at once - it gets confusing for the readers if one isn't paying close attention.
Once the reader is into the plot however, one will discover that "Death on Demand" has a gritty and carefully woven storyline.
Characters
On a whole, I felt that "Death on Demand" had a few too many characters - it made for a challenge to keep track of who is who. However, I really liked Tito Ihaka's characterization and his uncouth approach to law enforcement. I believe Ihaka added an aspect of dark humour to the novel - his no nonsense, blunt personality provides the readers with a few chuckles on occasion throughout the novel. Ultimately, the real appeal with Ihaka is that he is determined to seek the truth - albeit in an unconventional manner.
Setting
The New Zealand setting in this book played a huge factor in the decision to read this novel. As with my previous New Zealand read Just this once - I was intrigued with the Kiwi culture, and language depicted in this novel. I do not know much about NZ, but Paul Thomas seemed to paint a reasonable, and accurate picture of the Auckland suburbs; it definitely was a great backdrop for this gritty mystery.
Bottom line This was a difficult review to write - I felt like in the midst of all the happenings, part of the plot was lost on me. I believe I will have to add this to my to-reread list to pick up what I missed. That being said, I am certain that "Death on Demand" was a good book despite the complicated plot threads at work - somehow it all worked in the end.
Even though I am rating this a three - I would recommend fans of the mystery genre check out this book.
My Rating 3 out of 5 - Death on Demand
Paul Thomas
Bitter Lemon, Oct 8 2013, $14.95
ISBN 9781908524171
Six years ago, friends Adrian, Christopher, Fraser and Jonathan go on vacation together as they have done every year for fifteen years regardless of family and work needs. This time they go to Waiheke Island where they discuss solving their personal problems by hiring a hit man.
Three months later, a car kills Joyce while she jogged in St. Heliers, Auckland. Not long after that a mugger slices the throat of Roger in Ponsonrby, Auckland. Nine months ago, Evelyn is murdered in Auckland. As more deaths occur to include an undercover cop, Detective Sergeant Tito Ihaka investigates what appears to be a serial killer for hire; at the same time Auckland Central PD wants to exile the Maori police officer allegedly for his unruly behavior and appearance.
The latest Ihaka New Zealand police procedural (see Guerilla Season) is a fantastic investigative tale. The taut leisurely-paced storyline is filled with twists as the always in trouble with the brass protagonist works the case and deals with racism from his peers and superiors in his brusque manner.
Harriet Klausner - Paul Thomas is an excellent writer, and David Tredinnick is an excellent actor. Together, this audiobook version of "Death on Demand" is an unbeatable combination. The book, as others have pointed out, has an intriguing plot, with a huge cast of characters. Listening to the story slowly unravel, I found I sometimes had to pause the MP3 CD, and rack my brains to remember who someone, who had not appeared for a while, actually was. Tredinnick acts out all the parts with consummate drama, changing his voice for every individual. His Belfast accent is not quite authentic, but his Kiwi and Cockney ones are spot on.
