Review: Interesting but not a keeper
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 3, 2011
In the past I have thoroughly enjoyed Nicole Kimberling's Bellingham Mysteries series, so I was extremely excited to see she had a new book out. While the premise of The Red Thread of Forever Love is original, creative and humorous; unfortunately the protagonists Daisuke Tachibana and Hank Caldwell failed to resonate with this reader.Pros: The best part of the novel, hands down, is the character of "Fingers," Daisuke's alter ego. This manifestation from Daisuke's inner desires comes in the form of a spirit called a yokai, who follows Hank around as he is researching folklore legends in Japan. "Fingers" wants in Hank's pants something fierce and some of the best dialog is "Fingers" trying to seduce/grope/molest poor Hank in public places. In my opinion, "Fingers" totally stole the show in this novel.Cons: While I found "Fingers" charming, I did not feel like I really understood Hank, nor did his character seem truly attracted to Daisuke, the love interest. While a lot of time was spent exploring the folklore legends of Japan, Ms. Kimberling didn't delve deeply enough into the two main characters personal lives as I might have wished. Whereas I did feel I had a better understanding of Daisuke's motivations, Hank perplexed me and perhaps that is why I cannot give the book more than three divas.Despite the fact that I cannot whole heartedly recommend The Red Thread of Forever Love, unless you desperately love reading about quirky Japanese spirits, I would continue to recommend Ms. Kimberling as an author whose novels are worth buying. Three stars.Dark Divas Reviews