Red Handed by Matt Kindt
4/5 stars
First Second, 2013
264 pages
Adult Mystery Graphic Novel
Scheduled to release May 7
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As part of my quest for broadening my reading horizons, I have become more open to reading graphic novels after an unfortunate period where I looked down on them (I know-I was a horrid snob!) I have since learned my lesson and am always on the lookout for ones that look intriguing such as Red Handed, which looked like a cool mystery, a favorite genre of mine.
I'm glad I read this as I found it absolutely gripping if completely confusing at first. The subtitle "The Fine Art of Strange Crimes" is certainly appropriate. See, it begins as what seems to be a collection of only loosely related short stories before you start to see how everything is tied together. For example, it's all set in the same city with one detective at the core. I really don't want to spoil anything so I'm going to stop there other than to say that it was very interesting and if you put all the pieces together, you still won't want the solution to be what it is.
Unfortunately as is so often the case for me with graphic novels in e-format, sometimes the fonts used were difficult to read. Now I don't think it's just because my eyes but the way it was designed in general. Thus I missed a few sections of text although I think I still got the basic gist. If this is of interest, I highly recommend getting a hard copy for the best reading experience.
I'm not much of an art connoisseur so I don't feel very confident commenting on it. I thought the drawings were very realistic and grounded, fitting with the story well and never detracting. As shown on the cover, the colors are fairly muted (no neon here!)
This was a good fast (adult because of a few of the drawings) read that managed to pack a considerable punch at the end despite its brevity. If you like mysteries, I think you'd enjoy this.
i'm not a fan of graphic novels myself though i did pick up manga a few times just to see what the big deal was. michelle was not impressed lol. i too should broaden my reading horizons. i'm thinking of picking up relish by lucy knisley when it comes out--it's a foodie memoir in graphic novel form so that should be a fun read.
ReplyDeleteRelish sounds amazing-that might be another one I'll check out.
DeleteI don't think I have ever read a graphic novel. I am glad that you enjoyed this, and Yay for trying to broaden your reading horizon. I need to do this too. :D
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
You should definitely check out a graphic novel-maybe this one!
DeleteI've never been one for the graphic novels, but glad you are expanding your horizons and liked it for the most part
ReplyDeleteI've really been impressed by some of the graphic novels I've read and I hope to continue to expand my horizons.
DeleteI've been reading a few graphic novels lately too! I was the same way, I didn't think they'd be for me, but I'm really enjoying the way the illustrations tell the story more than the words. I would think reading them on an e-reader would definitely make things more difficult though!
ReplyDeleteI bet reading them in print is so much better-I need to learn my lesson.
DeleteI wouldn't say I'm a snob about graphic novels -- I really wish I could draw -- but somehow my brain has trouble processing them. I try to read them, and it just doesn't gel for me. Maybe with practice?
ReplyDeleteYou can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics
That's how my brain feels about plays! I find graphic novels a little easier but do struggle with formatting in e-format.
Delete