David's Reviews > The Golem of Hollywood

The Golem of Hollywood by Jonathan Kellerman
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M 50x66
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it was ok
bookshelves: completed
Read 2 times. Last read October 15, 2024 to October 19, 2024.

Despite my low rating of this novel, I have to admit that this is a rich and deep novel. It is full of Jewish myth and culture. I cannot help but admire its depth and richness.

However, it is a rather sad tale, with many unresolved issues at the end, which appears to be a setup for future titles in this series.

While the detective work is interesting, the detective himself doesn't inspire the reader much. A raging alcoholic, something of a loser, he is recruited by a "special" division, but it is difficult to determine WHO that special unit really is.

There is a murder mystery. It is a supernatural mystery, involving a Jewish creature of myth. The author then takes a swipe at rewriting Biblical history and the story of Cain and Abel. In his version the murder takes place when Abel discovers Cain raping a sister. He plays fast and loose, creating what appears to be his own mythology, and to me that mars the story in a manner that cannot be corrected. This mythology is the major flaw of the novel for me personally.

Yes, there is a golem... And the detective is getting double-dealt at every turn from his own people. Are they protecting the golem who is out for justice, or are they trying to capture the goblin? Are they protecting the detective or using him? What secrets are the detective's father hiding from him?

It is a competently written novel, but the mytholigical cut scenes don't add depth, but rather they slow the novel's pacing to a snail's pace.

This is one I won't be passing on through the usual channels. It just doesn't measure up.
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Reading Progress

October 15, 2024 – Started Reading
October 15, 2024 – Started Reading
October 19, 2024 – Shelved
October 19, 2024 – Shelved as: completed
October 19, 2024 – Finished Reading
October 19, 2024 – Finished Reading

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