Hmm..... I guess

there is as much difference between the written word and the spoken word, as there is between reading a book and watching the Hollywood version......

In waiting for a review to clear Amazon, so I could post the link, I was curious as to the reviews of others. I noticed that sometimes the 1 and 2 stars review are not shown, and I was curious whether that was always the case, so I checked The Boatman review section and I was honestly taken aback by some of the comments.....

Grammar and spelling were high on the disentchanted list. Can't attest to that, since I didn't see the printed version, but I'm definitely curious now! :-)

Even though it is made very clear within the first chapter, that the collaboration between the dectective and the dog are NOT the detectives choice, as a matter of fact, having ANY kind of partner is not his choice, as well as the fact that the detective has no real training in working with workingdogs... the point is made that "there's no chemistry".....    Well, if you're forced to work with someone you don't want to work or know how to deal with, it takes a bit to get to the "happy to be here" stage,  don't you think? The further the story develops though, the more appreciation, understanding and respect grows for the canine, so ... no, not seeing that (unless you don't finish the book ... yeah, maybe?) 

The dog breed.... well, that's a kettle all on its own :-)  One reviewer ripped the writer because "there are 2 colors Malinois"  I got to thinking (what else is new? ROFL) and went searching. It didn't take me long to find a breed confirmation site that started out with the title: " 8 Belgian Malinois colors....." and closes with: "Solid black Belgian Malinois are quite rare.   In fact, if the dog is purebred, chances are he is, in fact, black sable Mal. These pups appear to have a black coat, but actually have a slightly lighter undercoat with black tips, making them appear black. "    Elsewhere in this article, it is mentioned that "working dogs" are not like breeding dogs and don't necessarily have to adhere to breedstandard,  and are not always purebred, giving way to different colors..... just like some purebred dogs are not "breeding material" aka they don't make the standard, and are sold as pets.... If that "defective" dog has traits that would make it a good working dog.... it still won't make the breedstandard, but it IS a Malinois....

The size of the dog, as well as search practices is mentioned in a couple of reviews.... The fact that Billy is a big dog, is within the same review deemed true and untrue, which, to be honest, baffled me. The fact that what looks like a big monster to one person, looks like a "regular" size to another should be logical to most people? 

But look at it this way.... You did something you shouldn't have, and a 60 pound furry bullet with teeth is coming for you.... It's gonna look HUGE!!!    Also, I've seen working dogs in action, and believe me, once they're "on the job" I swear they grow by several inches before your eyes. Not sure how, but you can see them shift into a different mindset. It's AWESOME!!! :-)   Malinois are smart, seem to anticipate what's expected, are focused so I don't think the ripping of the writer because de detective tells Billy to search a trail without giving her the scent is justified. And let's face it..... You just killed and dismembered someone.... you really think there's no smell of blood and adreneline in the air to follow?

 So, stepping off that soapbox now.... but one more thought?  If you rip someone for not doing the research, make sure you do yours!! :-) 

 https://breedatlas.net/belgian-malinois-colors/

https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/missing/findthem/docs/Types%20of%20Search%20Dogs.pdf

 For your enjoyment....

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orAGU04T0rc&pp=ygUgYmVsZ2lhbiBtYWxpbm9pcyBqdW1waW5nIGFiaWxpdHk%3D

 

The Good Son by Dustin Stevens - Narrated by Scott R Smith

My second read by this author and it didn't disappoint. I have the 3rd one lined up, but no time to read it yet.  Also an audio-book with a different narrator and even though I didn't enjoy him as much as Mr. Constant I was ok with his reading. Practicing by re"reading" the Boatman helpt, because I could concentrate a little more, and actually didn't hit any records in rewinding to pick up where my brain left off :-)  I did, however, walk away with a serious case of "WTF am I thinking, he KILLS people!" because I felt SO sorry for the guy...... Read the book all the way to the end, and see if you feel any different :-)

The story is great, the writing entertaining and the characters are well rounded, letting little things slip throughout the book so you can get to know them.

The book is part of a series and has the same main characters, it also refers to the previous book but in a way that you don't need to have read the previous story, to "get" the reference.

As enjoyable to "read" as the first one.

They Call Me Raven by BB Montgomery

WOW! This story is different from what I've been reading lately, but I'm not sure how. I know it hit me different..... I read other books by this author and wasn't overly fistpumping, even if I really liked the books, but with this one   I can honestly say, I'll read more from this series as they come out.

I read some of the review, after I left mine, and was amazed at one that said they would have preferred "less story telling" ..... I know I'm going to sound "judgy" but isn't that why we read? To get a story? I agree that sometimes there is so much details that you lose track of the story, but this one wasn't that. The storyteller takes you on a trip, and describes what you see...... endless snow, branches bending down under the weight, stark blue sky drizzled with clouds, the comfort of having companionship, the reasons for wanting to be alone and why it changes throughout the story........ I like that kind of stuff. Otherwise you might as well say... Woman alone with dog, stranger shows up, it snowed, they got together, end of story. That a good approach for a 40 page "book" but if you want to actually sit down and do some reading, you kind of need the details. :-)

 

I got this as an ARC and should be leaving more than just the review on Amazon, but for the life of me, I cannot find where I "got" it, and Amazon won't even let me review (because I didn't buy it in their store, maybe?) So I hope it doesn't come back to bite-me-in-the-backside :-)  on any of the reviewers ratings...... But on the other hand, I enjoy reading and reviewing most books I pick up, whether I have a crappy rating or goldstars:-)