Review: Caution:  May Be Habit Forming
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 20, 2014
Full disclosure - I have read all four installments of The Black Room and will be leaving similar reviews for all parts.  I began reading this after falling in love with his novel, "The Stone Man."First, the good, the great, the perfect:  Writing doesn't get any better than this.  Developed characters, twists and turns, originality; I could go on all day.  Luke Smitherd has the ability to develop a sense of so much more going on in the background, without the feeling that you're missing out on anything that isn't written.  Such a sense of depth; it feels like life (just a "bit" more exciting!)  I am officially a fan; I will be purchasing everything he has written; yes, I am a Smithereen.Now, the ugly, and I know you're reading this, Mr. Smitherd, so take note!  I hate, hate, hate the installment concept.  I understand your economic/suspense-building motivation, but it seems like a cheap parlor (parlour to you, sir) trick, and you're better than that.  Hopefully you've built up enough of a fan base that you don't need to resort to these measures again (I know, I know, like Stephen King doesn't have a fan base).  Well, guess what, you're better than him.  I can't threaten not to purchase your work if you go all series on us again; that would be a blatant lie.  I'm hooked.  Thanks for the great read.