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Computer Book Store > Computer books beginning with W
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A Window in Copacabana: An Inspector Espinosa Mystery (Inspector Espinosa Mysteries) |
Author: Luiz Alfredo Garcia-Roza
Published: 2006-01-24 |
List price: $15.00
Our price: $10.20
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As of: December 03rd, 2008 09:00:57 PM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 A police crime story, Brazilian style
"A Window in Copacabana" is unlike any other police crime story; Inspector Espinosa is unlike other chiefs of precincts. The story is set in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
How this novel differs from others is its shocking absence of description. I have often heard readers say that they didn't complete certain books because of too much description or others say they skip it. On the other hand, I love description because it takes me into another place or another time. Without it, this novel could have been set in my city, except for the beach and the neighborhood names--Copacabana being the notable one. When Espinosa walks down the streets, I can picture certain streets in my city that have ethnic flair. This lack of description is certainly not a deleterious factor, but it is an odd one.
Written by "distinguished academic" Luiz Alfredo Garcia-Roza, the novel indeed reflects the academic mind in its studied logic and understated contemplative thinking demonstrated by Espinosa. In fact, the critic from Amazon likened Garcia-Roza's style to Hitchcock in the use of that subtle yet maddening building of suspense. The danger just oozes out from the pages, yet we never see it. The story ends with the guilty person evading punishment--for now. For we know Insp. Espinosa is on the case.
The story revolves around the murder, execution-style, of three ordinary, unobtrusive police officers, followed by the murder of two of their three mistresses. The third eludes murder by hiding and seeking Espinosa's help. (Perhaps the acquisition of mistresses with no one, not even the wives, blinking is a characteristic of Brazilian culture. This does not seem to be common in my city!)
Then the title character adds a new element to the investigation: she saw one of the mistresses being thrown out of her tenth floor apartment, which is just across the way from her tenth floor apartment. She also adds an element to Espinosa's life--she seduces him. Again, it is presented so matter of fact. To my surprise, all three women in the story kiss him fully on the mouth as if this is a normal greeting. The women include his longstanding lover with neither interested in marriage, Serena, the title character who witnesses this key murder from her window in the Copacabana neighborhood, and the last mistress, who tries to elude the assassin.
When I finished the book, I wasn't sure whether or not I would recommend it, but after writing this review, I see just how interesting the novel is and how it does reflect another culture and a police chief's way of solving a crime. It also shows, apparently, a different attitude toward capture of a criminal, especially one who killed police officers: all in due time. For those who find description an impediment to the forward progress of a crime story, this book was written for you.
Note: The book jacket shown above differs from mine, which depicts inside the window of the title and looking across the beach to that hill. The picture on my copy is much more subtle and effective.
 A Window in Copacabana: An Inspector Espinosa Mystery (Inspector Espinoza Mysteries)
As usual, shipping and delivery condition were excellent. I absolutely love the characters and how real they are presented, as human beings. I think the writing helps one learn about the country and the people living there...along with the culture. A good light-hearted read (though, it's not a book that my mother might tolerate as some of the scenes and implications are a tad too read for her 91 years).
 Good, but not great
Strong points: interesting and unusual setting in Rio, good pace and atmospherics. Weak points: main character is a flawed, ornery man 'with a history', similar to many detective novel protagonists, but ultimately not as likeable or sympathetic as I prefer in this genre.
Murder is afoot and Rio's Top Cop is on the Job
Three murders, very much alike. Three policemen dead, shot at close range. Who is the killer? Why is he targeting cops? This is for Inspector Espinosa of Rio de Janiero's 12th precinct to find out. Is it personal, someone the policemen had been involved with, arrested? Is it revenge against the police in general? Or is it about drugs or dirty cops?
It doesn't take long for Espinosa to figure out he's not going to quickly solve this difficult case. The killer leaves no clues. Then a woman involved with one of the murdered officers is found dead. Was she killed by the same man? And to make matters worse, charming Serena, the wife of a government official all of a sudden is obsessed with Inspector Espinosa and his case. Why?
Mr. Garcia-Rosa has penned a mystery that will grab you from the get go and keep you till the end. Suspense is the order of the day here and this writer sure knows his stock and trade. The story will keep you guessing right to the twist in the tale, the surprise ending. I loved this story and I know you will too.
Murder is not the only Rio Crime
Inspector Espinosa takes on another investigation. His fellow cops are being murdered and there seems to be no obvious explanation nor connection. But hang in there, Espinosa is a tough and cleaver detective and figures it all out in the end, but with plenty of surprises along the way. Again, this series of stories by Garcia-Roza is an entertaining offering and readers will not be disappointed. It is enough like classic cop fiction to be familiar; but it also is strange enough to introduce the reader to Brazilian culture and climate. Enjoy!
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