2008-04-03 Mildly diverting

After reading Dark Matter and True Evil (both of which I enjoyed, but have yet to review on this site) I dove into Turning Angel with relish, urged on by the overwhelmingly positive reader and critic reviews.

Perhaps it was a case of `overdosing' on the same author, having read a number of Iles novels in quick succession, but my initial and ultimate response to `Turning Angel' was tepid. The characters were, for the most part, 2 dimensional. Not `cardboard cut-out' to the extent of say, the protagonists of a Dan Brown novel, but lacking the extra padding that entices sympathy and kinship from the reader. It was this central flaw that kept me at a distance while reading. Rather then travelling with the characters on their journey, I remained a passive 3rd party. The `accused' Dr Drew Elliott, was for the most part peripheral to the story. The narrator, Penn Cage, offered few insights beyond furthering the plot. The only character I found worthy of further exploration was Kate Townsend, deceased from the outset of the novel.

The plot followed the typical fantastical thriller format, and was moderately engaging. It is, however, a book I could pick up again in a few years, begin to read and wonder as to its vague familiarity. Alas, like most novels of its genre, Turning Angel is not memorable. I will not turn back to it time and time again, nor recommend it wholeheartedly. I won't present it as a gift, or attach it to my list of all time must reads.

There is no doubt in my mind that Iles is a gifted writer. He has a wonderful command of the English language, and he obviously researches his subjects thoroughly. For a mildly diverting, commuter read, Turning Angel ticks all the boxes. For a truly exceptional read, look elsewhere.