"Detour" by Max Allan Collins is an exhilarating crime novel that transports readers to the captivating world of the 1940s. The story revolves around Dr. James Vanning, an ordinary man who finds himself trapped in a treacherous web of deception and peril. When Vanning unwittingly becomes the target of a group of criminals while at a bar, mistaken for someone else, he must elude their clutches and untangle the truth, all while avoiding capture.
Collins masterfully weaves a gripping narrative filled with suspense and unexpected twists, ensuring that readers are consistently on the edge of their seats. The pacing of the story is superb, maintaining a relentless tension that holds the attention from start to finish. The author's meticulous attention to detail in capturing the essence and ambiance of the 1940s contributes to an immersive reading experience, where readers feel fully immersed in the world of the characters.
The protagonist, Dr. James Vanning, is a captivating character who elicits empathy from the audience. A regular individual thrust into extraordinary circumstances, Vanning's vulnerabilities and resourcefulness make him a relatable and likable figure to support throughout the story. As he navigates through a perilous journey fraught with danger and moral quandaries, Vanning's growth and struggles add depth to his character, making readers genuinely invested in his ultimate fate.
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In addition to Vanning, the supporting characters in "Detour" play pivotal roles in intensifying the intrigue. From the enigmatic femme fatale to the ruthless criminals, each character brings their own motivations, flaws, and complexities, further entangling the plot. Collins successfully traverses the gray areas of morality, blurring the lines of right and wrong, which adds an additional layer of complexity and depth to the narrative.
In conclusion, "Detour" is an enthralling and skillfully crafted crime novel that will mesmerize readers until the very end. With its richly atmospheric setting, palpable suspense, and memorable characters, Max Allan Collins has created a captivating page-turner that will greatly satisfy fans of the genre.
What are readers saying?
Reader opinions on Max Allan Collins' book "Detour" are varied and divided. Some readers praised the book for its gripping storyline and fast-paced narrative, finding the plot exciting and filled with twists and turns that kept them engaged throughout. These readers appreciated the clarity of the writing style and how it effectively conveyed the emotions of the characters, ultimately making it an enjoyable and thrilling read.
However, other readers had a different perspective, feeling that the characters in "Detour" lacked depth and development. They struggled to connect with the protagonist and found the supporting characters to be underdeveloped. These readers were particularly disappointed with the predictable and unsatisfying ending, as they felt the story's potential was not fully realized.
Another point of contention among readers was the book's pacing. While some found it to be fast-paced and exciting, others thought it dragged on at certain parts and desired a faster rhythm. Their opinions on the overall pacing of the story varied, with some enjoying the suspenseful moments while others wished for a quicker pace.
The book's setting and atmosphere received praise from some readers, who appreciated how the author effectively transported them to the era in which the story unfolded. These readers found the descriptions to be vivid and immersive, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their reading experience.
Overall, reader opinions on Max Allan Collins' "Detour" were diverse. While some found it to be a thrilling and engaging read with a well-executed plot, others were disappointed by the underdeveloped characters and predictable ending. Additionally, the book's pacing and setting received mixed reviews. It is evident that readers' enjoyment of this particular novel may vary depending on their preferences for character development, pacing, and storytelling style.
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