Conspiracy Theory: A Gregor Demarkian Novel
- ISBN13: 9780312990008
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
Cavanaugh Street is a mostly quiet Armenian neighborhood in downtown Philadelphia where nearly everyone knows everyone else and certainly knows their business. But that quiet is destroyed when the Armenian Orthodox church is destroyed by a bomb and its cleric, Father Tibor Kasparian, is hospitalized as a result. What would normally be a front-page event, however, is overshadowed by another event across town-when Philadelphia Main Line society is shocked by the murde… More >>
Conspiracy Theory: A Gregor Demarkian Novel
Posted: Monday, November 23rd, 2009 @ 12:26 am
Categories: Conspiracy Theories.
Tags: Conspiracy, Demarkian, Gregor, Novel, Theory.
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November 23rd, 2009 at 12:44 am
This is an exceptionally smooth, finely written ride thru an Armenian neighborhood in Philly, balanced by some strange goings on in some super posh suburbs. All the characters are finely done, from the retired FBI crime consultant to the snobby MainLiners, newspaper columnist, various law enforcement officers, and a few very weird, and very realistic brainwashed conspiracy believers. The mystery and procedural work is all top notch, the solution good, and the descriptions of the Phila area near perfect! Once you start, you’re sure to finish!
Rating: 5 / 5
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:34 am
The “conspiracy” aspect was interesting but I found that the characters were ALL very BLAND. The “plot” – as such – was kind of transparent – and the “bad” guy was one of two from the beginning. Guess I’ve read way too many mystery novels!!!
Rating: 2 / 5
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:22 am
Long before a 19th novel, Conan Doyle was ready to kill Sherlock Holmes. Agatha Christie wearied of Hercule Poirot. _Somebody Else’s Music_ suggested Haddam was ready to move on to different series characters; her other series ran only to a few good mysteries.
Haddam has a good plot, based on contemporary social and economic problems. The story line is strong, and appropriately unnerving. Unfortunately, the characters drift. Father Tibor swears mildly, but too often. Bennis is almost invisible, other characters are completely off stage. Gregor and John Henry Newman Jackman can’t carry the action alone, and the reader misses the rich mixture of well-developed characters. The names could be changed easily, and the book presented as a non-series thriller.
It’s a good mystery, but not up to her outstanding standards. On the other hand, I do look forward to her next venture. She’s a fine writer, and it should be exciting to meet her new characters.
Rating: 3 / 5
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:25 am
I liked Conspiracy Theory because of the mixture of good characters and ideas. Tibor and Gregor have a real discussion of conspiracy groups instead of a narrator exposition. There were seemingly disparate elements that might or might not be connected. And, of course, there was Cavanaugh Street and its people. I was entertained while I thought and learned.
Rating: 5 / 5
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:21 am
Conspiracy Theory sees Gregor Demarkian tied up in two different problems: the inexplicable bombing of the church down the block (and the injury to his friend Father Tibor) and the contract-style murder of a financial figure at a heavily secured society event.
Haddam uses the story to illustrate the various conspiracy theories roaming the Web: reptilian humans running the world, Masonic orders taking control of the world four or five hundred years ago, CIA mind control, and more. The investigation tracks people involved in these theories and the creation of counter-conspiracies to resist the “evil forces.”
Haddam’s writing is always a pleasure and her puzzles are usually quite good. Unfortunately the solution of this case involves a mastermind whose abilities to plan a caper and manipulate individuals is on a par with the various theories presented as examples. Haddam has Gregor Demarkian injured in the final standoff, perhaps to create jeopardy to compensate for the plot problem. I just don’t find it satisfying, although the story is made of far better stuff than Murder Superior.
Rating: 3 / 5