Nightlife: A Novel

I have high expectations for certain writers, and Mr. Perry is one of them. This was certainly not one of his finest achievements. It took quite some time to understand the time sequences were not right. Time (a lot of time) would pass with no explanation, sometimes even between paragraphs. While everyone knows time had to pass in these types of stories, the manner in which he wrote about it threw the rhythm off for me. And sloppy? One of the victims went from an implied young woman to one in her 60's and later back to being young again. And what is a "fourteen wheeler?" Those are just a couple of examples that made me cringe. There was also a throw away line about why the antagonist chose San Fransisco. Something about it being the next city after Portland she heard about. I honestly thought for a moment is missed that the antagonist was a foreigner.So what, you might ask. Well here is how I look at Mr. Perry. His most famous protagonist, Jane Whitefield is a perfectionist - she has to be seeing as she helps people establish completely new lives, so I expect Mr. Perry to take the same consideration in all his writings. Attention to the smallest details is one of the things I have enjoyed about his books. I thought I was reading a final draft at times, and because it was from a good author, I would expect his final draft to be tighter than most others' published works.I gave it three stars because it was still an ok read, but perhaps it really should have had only 2 1/2.

Hard to put down. A female detective and a female serial killer. It gets personal.What I liked best about this compelling novel was Perry’s gradual explanation of what made a beautiful woman a psychopathic killer. The flashbacks to her childhood, teenage, and young adult years are extremely well written. I felt torn between empathy and anger. You come away knowing that some people should not have children or be allowed to keep them. The killer’s mother is unforgettable and totally believable.In the same way, you learn about the experiences that shaped the detective’s psyche and lifestyle. Not as compelling as the killer, but quite interesting. I recommend anything by Thomas Perry.

I've read 5 or 6 of Thomas Perry's novels and have liked all of them. Generally well paced, well written and believable. The earlier ones were just hysterically funny. The more recent ones not intended to be gut-busters.This one had me ignoring calls and emails from friends and colleagues in order to finish. I found it compelling. He does 3rd person omniscient extremely well, and it added a lot to the story. A genuine page turner.Highly recommended.

Thomas Perry’s books are roller coasters. You climb on, fasten your seat belt, and enjoy the ride . Nightlife is one of those rides. You’ll find yourself rooting for the good guys and the villains equally, depending on the point of view of the storyteller at the moment. Read or listen, you will enjoy it.

I've read all of Thomas Perry & learnt that his earlier stories are not to my taste & why I passed over 'em way back when cuz you've gotta enjoy his outdated topical sense of humor to get thru 'em until... he got to The Butcher's Boy 5 stars  The Butcher's Boy & then 5 star Jane Whitefield tales starting at Vanishing Act  Vanishing Act  , both of which are powerful, informative & fascinating starts to series. This is one of his stand-alone & a gripping read ;-0

Thomas Perry is one of the best writers out there, and he's been out there a long time. I love his Jane Whitefield series, and his non-series books, including Dead Aim, Metzger's Dog, and Death Benefits. I could go on, but to Nightlife. I enjoyed this, no doubt about it, and it kept me turning the pages, but it didn't quite have me in its grip the way the three above did and others of his. Perry is so good that I have to say it might have been me, my mood or distractions. I can't blame the characters or the story, all of which were very good, and it was a treat to have a woman as the protagonist. I would be willing to try it again after some time passes. Meanwhile, there are others that promise greatness I haven't read, though the list is getting dangerously shorter, and a new Jane Whitefield. Perry is always engrossing, even enthralling, so don't pass up any of them no matter what I or anyone else says.

If you have not read any Thomas Perry, I envy the joy you are about to experience.I have not read a single Perry book that has not been enjoyable, from the early Metzger's Dog and The Butcher's Boy to The Nightlife and the Insider.The Jane Whitefield books are a particularly captivating series, but you can't go wrong with any of his works.

the book was in great condition better than described.Contents so so.

A gifted writer who makes every page mean something as the suspense builds. Have binged on many of his books over the past two months. Looking forward to more!

Where is the story? Halfway through gave up reading.