Review: Good starter novel but needs to get it right. The Mind Man by P. D. Richmond
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 12 8, 2012
Several of the other reviewers have given the plot review so I will focus on the novel as a whole.The story itself is mainly good and well told. There are places where characters and scenes are introduced that add nothing to the plot and distract from the overall story. But as a first novel I tend to overlook these plot problems as the author is developing his craft and as with anything else, it takes time and practice. Most of the characters rang true with enough depth to be believable and interesting. The setting appeared well researched and were described well and gave a good sense of the locale. Other than the odd distraction I mentioned earlier the plot moved forward at a good pace showing good planning on the author's part. The dialog, for the most part, was realistic. Overall I liked the story, the characters and the plot and would recommend this book as a first novel from an author that shows budding talent.However, one of the first things I tell others about writing novels where they have characters from countries not native to the author is to be sure to have a native of that country beta read the novel to check the vernacular. I wish I had been able to speak with P D Richmond before the novel was published. In a story that starts strong and shows author talent the novel begins to fall flat as soon as the American scenes and characters are introduced. A very unfortunate turn of events as the author had presented a strong beginning and the makings of a very good tale up to that point."Write what you know" is something all authors hear frequently, and this novel is a case where the author should not have ignored that advise. Having lived in Australia for five years I like to support Australian authors whenever possible. But they need to get it right, just as an American who writes about Australia needs to get it right. The vernacular problems with the American characters are distracting to American readers. Something the Australian reader might not notice.I would like to give this novel more stars but it is just not possible for a novel I read with a pen in hand, noting all the errors.Karen Bryant Doering,Parents' Little Black BookMistBlueEeyore@gmail.com