Review: Highly Recommended
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 22, 2012
Joe Cafe is unlike any other book I've ever read.  Other reviews have classified it as a crime thriller, suspense novel, or psychological thriller, but it's both all and none of those things.  It is a dark, complex, thought-provoking look at the complexities of human nature and the perceptions and social inequities that often-times contort it, paired with a crime-oriented plot.Joe Cafe draws the reader in from word one.  The style is simple and straight-forward, with evocative descriptions and creative turns of phrase.  The characters are richly-drawn and complex, the sort that you want to know more about.  The plot takes a backseat in this book, not because of neglect on the author's part, but because the characters and the emotions they bring out in the reader are highly compelling.I felt the ending was a bit abrupt, but it suits the story and its reflection on society and human nature.  I believe I only found it jarring because it is so different from what I'm used to reading or seeing in movies.All in all, a wonderfully-woven noir tale that kept me flipping pages long after I should have put the Kindle down and gone to bed.  I'm looking forward to reading more from JD Mader.