Straight to the Head

Set in Vancouver in 1983, this crime novel is trying very hard to evoke the time and place, with tons of specific locations that locals will likely nod knowingly at and enjoy. The period music references are rife throughout, making sure that the Blondie, Bowie, Roxy Music, and such are the soundtrac......more

I really enjoyed this book, particularly because of the Vancouver setting in pre Expo-86 that painted a vivid picture of the city as it was then. Always a delight when you can recognise exactly the scene the author is taking you through from both their description and memory. It was certainly incredi......more

It's a fun story and I enjoyed that. However the author obviously did a lot of research on Vancouver's history for the book and seems he was determined to force it all into his writing. This is at times irritating, and sometimes it's interesting, but it is frequently gratuitous, and it takes a lot a......more

Lots of Vancouver and BC references, which I liked. Story takes place in 1983, pre Expo-86 although the prep is well underway. There was considerable effort to situate the book in the culture of the era, particularly with frequent references to particular songs and bands of that time and year being......more

I loved that the novel was set in Vancouver. I loved all the references to streets and places around town. It painted a vivid image of 1983. There was a lot of time setting up the mystery and it was a compelling and easy read. I didn't like the last 100 pages. I skimmed the pages at that point. Too......more